Major Project: Directing Actors Research

One of the most important and key areas of being an effective director is working with actors. According to director Elia Kazan;

The director must know how to stimulate, even inspire an actor. Needless to say, he must also know how to make an actor seem NOT to act. How to put him or her at their ease, bring them to a state of relaxation where their creative faculties are released. 

Ultimately the actor is the one that will perform the roles. Being a writer/director, the actor to you is the living embodiment of the character you have created and together you both actor and director help to bring this character to life.

Therefore it is important that the relationship between actor and director is one that is collaborative, communicated and positive in order to get the best possible portrayal of the character for the screen. In order to do that it is important to research in detail the tips, tricks and methods of working with actors.

Directors as Audience

In theater the actors play for an audience. In films the actor plays for the director. It is important to recognize this as the director is reflective of the audience within film-making. It is the director's vision that is trying to be achieved so actors will require validation and feedback in order to continue or improve their performance, the relationship between the two is built on communication.

When dealing with communication it is important to recognize the way director's should approach actors. Through research, below are a few tips for beginner directors on working with actors a few dos and don'ts that can make for a more effective shoot and production.
  • Give actors notes away from cast and crew. By being private it is less likely to embarrass them as they may be sensitive about their work. It also makes for a less stressful atmosphere for all involved.
  • Give one note at a time. Avoid overloading actors with notes so they focus on one area at a time to avoid confusion.
  • Read them in. Remind actors of the previous scene and what each character has done and is walking into.
  • Remind actors to ignore the crew. It helps avoid the temptation to play to an imaginary audience. The director is the audience.
  • Avoid orders, more so on collaboration. In stead of "Do this", try "What would happen if?" or "How would your character feel?".
  • Don't ask for something 'smaller' or less acting. This can be viewed as criticism.
  • Never say "Just be yourself". It confuses actors.  
  • Provide subtext. "Shut the door with finality rather than regret".
  • If an actor does something very well, make it clear to not only the actor but everyone. Be prudent with praise. Avoid 'Praise Inflation'.
  • Novice directors may sometimes unintentionally be intimidating as they do not want to lose face as having things under control. However, actors can indeed sometimes help and being open and honest makes for a more positive working environment.
  • No matter how big or small their roll, make all actors feel important. Each role is integral to the entire film, no matter how large or small.
  • Try not to make each take perfect. Films are a series of moments.
  • Shoot a scene as many times as you feel necessary. If it isn't working change that camera angle, location, shoot reactions, change the blocking, take a break or even (if you can) come back to it later.
  • Some actors need a few takes to warm up. Others hit it first time. Try to gauge actors to get their best performance in the same take.
  • If an actor is acting 'too much'. Give them an activity that makes sense in the scene. Such as, trying to open a jar that won't open.
  • Always shoot the rehearsal. Sometimes the first is best as it is fresh and spontaneous.
  • Good casting makes the work half done.
  • Do not over rehearse.
  • Do not over direct. 
Professional's advice for working with Actors

 Spielberg


  • Allow actors to take on the character and allow them, with collaboration from the director, to make the character flourish. This allows the actor to almost become the character, meaning they no longer act as another person but instead become that person and respond to things as the character. This allows improvisation and collaboration to improve on set and between director and actor.
  • Depending on the story the level of freedom with character development can vary.
  • Casting is key to not only finding the actor but the right character.
David Cronenberg

  • "Get good actors and let them be good".
  • Most of the work done with the actors is done before they get on set. Rehearsals, script checks, character understanding and development. Character descriptions to the finest of details.
  • Allow the actors to immerse themselves in the character and then essentially follow them.
  • Allow the actors to help you (as a director). Time pressures and budgetary constraints can sometimes make the director stressed. When the actor recomends something it is not a slant on your directing ability but an opportunity for the actor to provide interesting options. If the director is open and honest and the actor feels safe and free to make mistakes then, as a collaborator, an actor can be a directors best friend.
  • Absorb the pressure and allow the actors to flourish by being honest, open minded and collaborative.
Christopher Nolan

  • Being honest and open with actors allows the relationship and collaboration to run smoother. Lying or trying to manipulate actors can be offensive or derogatory for them so it is important to treat them as a person rather than a prop.
  • Ultimately all actors/people are different so it's important to gauge that.

Morgan Freeman

  • "A good Director is a good casting agent"
  • Allow the actor to take on the role and act. Many directors, if casting is done correctly, could simply tell the actor where to stand.
The points from these established directors and actors allows for me to remember ultimately that when working with actors it is key to keep open minded and always remember that it is a collaborative effort. The actors will act and it is the directors job to give them everything possible to allow them reflect and flourish within their characters.

What's Next?
  • Casting Auditions
  • Script Rehearsals
  • Character exercises with cast
  • Blocking and Composition Research
  • Actor & Director exercises
  • Genre Research
References

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