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Directing – Set Politics and Working with the Talent

 

by Kevin Woods

So, the script is ready, the locations secured, the budget is finalized, and the crew is in place. Looks like you are ready to shoot your movie. But whether this is your first time helming a movie, or if you are an experienced director, one thing is certain: you have to be able to communicate your vision to the actors and actresses on your production to help ensure a successful shoot.

It Begins with Casting

This begins at casting. As the director, it is your responsibility to work with your casting director to put together a top notch cast. Professionalism and courtesy is a must when deciding who will fill a particular role. When auditioning potential actors for a part, be sure to watch for certain characteristics which could help or hinder the production. Overly broad body movements, which is usually a sign of stage experience, can be corrected easily with a few words. Annunciation is important, as is the ability to remember lines.

Listen carefully to each performer, watching for nervous or bad habits such as overexpression of emotions, mumbling, inability to make eye contact, and nervous twitching.

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