There are many ways that the director can create a positive environment on set: Be present – This may seem like a no-brainer, but many directors spend so much time working on the shot list, communicating with the crew and cast members, or staring at monitors, that they forget how important it is to be physically present with the actors during rehearsal and shooting. Not only does this experimentation produce something spontaneous, but it produces something authentic which ultimately connects with an audience. Actor’s often experiment and play off of one another which leads us to our next directing tip. How to Direct Actors for Film 9. Utilize other actors for real reactions Offer more guidance to actors who are newer to the process. This might include breaking down the scene in more detail or offering a more specific direction. A rehearsal is a formidable weapon in your directing arsenal. Many directors forgo the rehearsal in favor of getting right to shooting. There are many ways to direct actors and many techniques that can be used. The best technique is the one that works for you and your actors. Here are some tips on directing actors to help you reach your end goal of a performance or scene.

Actors reign supreme. It’s to the extent that casual filmgoers typically view actors as the auteurs. Think how often you hear people refer to a “ Tom Cruise movie” or a “George Clooney film”. Directing actors is a specialized aspect of filmmaking. It’s not merely telling them where to stand and what to do. Working with actors who have different acting styles can be rewarding, but it can also be a challenge. Here are a few tips: Fall in love with your characters. When you judge or categorize a character, you are inviting stereotype and cliché. A director needs to know who is in the film and what their capabilities are. It’s important to know every actor, who they are and what kind of a career they’ve had so far. This will help you direct them better; knowing their strengths and weaknesses.

With non-actors, it’s best to keep them in a comfortable role and again, establish a trusting relationship. “Even for professional actors, sets are intimidating. For non-actors, can you imagine how intimidating that is?” says Weston. Additionally, it’s best to avoid over-complicating the role. “Sometimes people say they want to be in a movie but they don’t know what’s involved. It’s better for non-actors to be in smaller roles without too many lines.” Many moons ago Lee Cohn decided to write a book with a few of our NYU classmates entitled A Practical Handbook for the Actor. Over the years I have either gifted or recommended said book to actors young and old.　Lee’s teachings have always been one of the sharpest and most necessary blades I carry as an actor. Mr. Cohn now gifts us with his solo effort. Read it and watch your talent grow before your eyes! Buy this book! If you can’t afford it, steal it!" Ask them how they view the scene. How they would play with the character. This technique is commonly used with actors that like to dominate. Think of actors like Anthony Hopkins or Morgan Freeman. You hire these actors because they bring a certain gravitas to the role. When you’re trying to get a scene right, you have to set the right tone for everyone involved. If people feel like they’re being pushed around or talked down to, then they won’t enjoy their work and it will show in their performance. This will put a lot of pressure on you because the director is usually the one held responsible for making sure the scene works. Meaningful Character: Writers focus on developing a few well-rounded characters instead of crowding the narrative with many underdeveloped ones. Each character in the story has a distinct purpose, whether it's driving the plot forward, revealing key themes, or contributing to the protagonist's journey.

Streamlining Plot: This involves focusing on essential plot points that drive the story forward. Subplots that don't contribute to the central narrative or theme are often minimized or eliminated.For many actors, it offers them an opportunity to meet the other cast for the first time. Thus it’s a great opportunity for them to build a rapport not only with the other actors but also characters. Don’t assume your actors are mind readers. Illustrate how you want your scenes to unfold because as director, you call the shots. Actors are expecting you to lead the way.

To arrive at these potential choices, an actor will ask questions. This is where a director comes in. Let’s say an actor’s character in a scene omits the truth to their boyfriend about their day at work. The actor may ask the director, “Why would my character lie to their partner?” One of the most important components of great artistic collaboration is trust. And trust is a two-way street. This means that if you wish for your actors to trust you and your vision as a director, you must also trust them as an actor.

VOLUME 13-17: REAL-TIME DIRECTING

Conciseness and Precision: Using the fewest words to convey an idea. This doesn't mean the story is rushed or details are omitted; rather, every element included serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative. Simon flew to Qatar in 2014 to direct 20 episodes of a Scifi adventure series set in the desert. The filming takes place in Qatar, Jordan and India. Some directors like to tell their actors what they think of them and how they should perform certain scenes and lines, while other directors leave it up to the performer to find his or her own way through the scene. Both methods have merit, but it boils down to personal preference. It’s important for a director to work with actors so that everyone is on board with his or her vision. The director should be able to explain what he wants an actor to do in terms that he or she understands.