Award-winning filmmakers and creative storytellers share independent filmmaking tips….
Photo by Jakob Owens, Filmmaker and Photographer, LA-PHX. Follow @JakobOwens.
Working with Actors
“Probably my most used techniques revolve around working with actors when the actor and script are not connecting. One of the techniques I use is effective for rehearsals in pre- production or for last minute changes while filming. If the line is not coming off in a realistic way, I’ll have the actor paraphrase the line, making it personal to them. The key here is to strip away any acting or preconceived ideas the actor has in their mind. If he can connect with the objective of the character and the idea behind the script, we’ll add the lines back into the performance. If the actor still has trouble connecting with the script and crucial time is slipping away then it is sometimes best to simplify the dialogue or take it out altogether. Have the actor try to get the objective across with as few words, if any, as possible. Usually this is a bit of a struggle if done in the last minute, but it’s better to have an action than ‘acted’ dialogue.”
~Mitch Lusas
“Don’t think in colours, think in textures and hues.”
~Jon Yang
Operating the Camera
“Very often when I operate the camera, I want to make a smooth pan or move with the fluid head. I’ve found that I can do better moves by ‘hugging’ the camera, actually pressing my chest to it so I can feel it and control it more delicately. Sometimes this reminds me of holding a woman in my arms, which is funny way to think of the camera as your dancing partner.”
~Dian Zagorchinov
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