Major Project: Working with the Double Exposure Cast
Getting good cast, that a director can work with well is one of the most important and can be one of the most difficult parts of the Pre-Production process. Making a film and working on a creative project requires collaboration, understanding, communication and respect in order to have a positive and successful production.
It is vital that casting and meeting actors is not overlooked, by doing so the film is at risk of failure from the start.
Pre-Production
Meeting each actor and introducing them to one another was incredibly important to me. Given the nature of the film and the exploration of emotions within it, it was paramount that the actors meet and get used to one another.
By giving them the opportunity to interact and socialize away from a film set, allowed them to build up relationships informally, giving them the time to break the ice before filming.
This made the production period much more relaxed and time efficient as we got the meet and greet out of the way and were able to turn up, actors could get into character and we could begin straight away.
Full Production Meeting
During our Full Production meeting we were able to have a table read and discuss any alterations that as Writer/Director and Cast, collaborative effort. We went through the entirety of the script stopping at any point of the script and discussion if there were any parts we felt didn't work or needed alteration.
This was important to me as I wanted the actors feedback and perspective on the script to draw from their experience and creative visions in order to make the script as solid as possible. The opportunity to see their vision and perspectives of the story and the characters allowed me improve the script but also to understand them more as actors and to see their traits, characteristics and personal touches they would bring to their character.
I was very confident at the end of this read that each actor knew their character well, the questions they asked and the alterations made spoke volumes to their commitment to the role. What particularly impressed me was the level of detail they would question about the character. For me this was something I was very keen to answer and could do so quickly given the level of detail I had explored by way of back story for each character. This attention to detail allowed the actors to better understand the characters and add to their performance.
I was able to trust the actors to go away and learnt their lines, following alterations, and then meet them come shoot day and be ready to go. This was a huge relief for me as the time and effort we spent casting payed off with a fantastic cast, all suited to each role.
Care for Actors
We paid for our cast to stay at a hotel close to the location of filming. This meant that we could not only stay later filming and not have to worry about the actors driving tired but also allowed us to ourselves be professional. By taking care of our actors, feeding them, having breaks where we need to and providing accommodation, we showed that we cared about them. This way they were able to feel comfortable and happy as we did not want for them to be travelling tired or overwork them. The care we took with their accommodation and catering added to the professional approach we took to filming, thus enabling them to focus and be more comfortable on set and while acting.
It is vital that casting and meeting actors is not overlooked, by doing so the film is at risk of failure from the start.
Pre-Production
Meeting each actor and introducing them to one another was incredibly important to me. Given the nature of the film and the exploration of emotions within it, it was paramount that the actors meet and get used to one another.
By giving them the opportunity to interact and socialize away from a film set, allowed them to build up relationships informally, giving them the time to break the ice before filming.
This made the production period much more relaxed and time efficient as we got the meet and greet out of the way and were able to turn up, actors could get into character and we could begin straight away.
Full Production Meeting
During our Full Production meeting we were able to have a table read and discuss any alterations that as Writer/Director and Cast, collaborative effort. We went through the entirety of the script stopping at any point of the script and discussion if there were any parts we felt didn't work or needed alteration.
This was important to me as I wanted the actors feedback and perspective on the script to draw from their experience and creative visions in order to make the script as solid as possible. The opportunity to see their vision and perspectives of the story and the characters allowed me improve the script but also to understand them more as actors and to see their traits, characteristics and personal touches they would bring to their character.
I was very confident at the end of this read that each actor knew their character well, the questions they asked and the alterations made spoke volumes to their commitment to the role. What particularly impressed me was the level of detail they would question about the character. For me this was something I was very keen to answer and could do so quickly given the level of detail I had explored by way of back story for each character. This attention to detail allowed the actors to better understand the characters and add to their performance.
I was able to trust the actors to go away and learnt their lines, following alterations, and then meet them come shoot day and be ready to go. This was a huge relief for me as the time and effort we spent casting payed off with a fantastic cast, all suited to each role.
Care for Actors
We paid for our cast to stay at a hotel close to the location of filming. This meant that we could not only stay later filming and not have to worry about the actors driving tired but also allowed us to ourselves be professional. By taking care of our actors, feeding them, having breaks where we need to and providing accommodation, we showed that we cared about them. This way they were able to feel comfortable and happy as we did not want for them to be travelling tired or overwork them. The care we took with their accommodation and catering added to the professional approach we took to filming, thus enabling them to focus and be more comfortable on set and while acting.
During Production
During shooting we were able to come into our own. The preparation beforehand and the time we spent casting really aided us during the production period. The actors gelled and we were able to commence filming from the off.
Blocking
Before each scene whilst Harry and Sam set up camera and sound equipment I would block through the scene. During this time with their all, two of or just one of the actors, depending on the scene, we would walk through the script and I would give the actors their marks. Essentially I would give them the points of contact, standing or emotion and then ask them if they had any questions. I would do this for each scene and we would discuss if certain movements felt unnatural, awkward or if the actors had an alternative method of movement positioning.
I welcomed this as it was something I had stressed to each actor. It was to be completely open and honest. I did not or would ever confess myself as a Director that knows everything. I was honest and open, and am now when I say I am still learning. Therefore I encouraged the actors to say if they felt something could be done in a different way, as long as it aided performance and the film. Naturally, if these things could not be achieved for any reason or I felt they wouldn't work or represent the character correctly, then I would say. But otherwise I was open to the actors interpretations of movements and the characters.
Collaboration & Discussions
This sort of collaboration really helped the film and performance come into their own. The feedback and discussions we were able to have on set allowed us to really work on performance in detail, in that very moment.
In particular was the fight scene in which Dan is killed. To make sure this scene worked we had to block in detail the movement before during and after Dan's death. To get this we essentially tried a range of different ways in which Dan could fall. However, when filming none if them really clicked and we were left to improvise how we was going to have Dan fall. Tommy proposed a way in which he could fall where he would not be hurt. The rest was a chilling on set moment in which all of the set believed Tommy had seriously hurt himself. We were relieved to see that he was totally okay, and his method made for a realistic shot of Dan's death.
This freedom given to the actors allowed them to try something, if it wouldn't have paid off and not worked then we could have always not used it but by giving the actors the opportunity to try things we not only showed them we had faith in their ability but it was a huge bonus to us that they felt that could do this. Showing to us that they indeed felt comfortable to do so.
For me these moments during the production process were some of the highlights as it showed us that our casting efforts paid off and showed us that their commitment to the film was absolutely there.
Filming as a whole with the cast was a fantastic experience. It was a pleasure to work with such professional and talented actors. The questions and discussions we had on set were positive to the film and helped us all make the process much more enjoyable. Being able to give them the finer details of their characters and answer any questions, whilst also Directing them, really helped to bring the characters from the script to life.
Blocking
Before each scene whilst Harry and Sam set up camera and sound equipment I would block through the scene. During this time with their all, two of or just one of the actors, depending on the scene, we would walk through the script and I would give the actors their marks. Essentially I would give them the points of contact, standing or emotion and then ask them if they had any questions. I would do this for each scene and we would discuss if certain movements felt unnatural, awkward or if the actors had an alternative method of movement positioning.
I welcomed this as it was something I had stressed to each actor. It was to be completely open and honest. I did not or would ever confess myself as a Director that knows everything. I was honest and open, and am now when I say I am still learning. Therefore I encouraged the actors to say if they felt something could be done in a different way, as long as it aided performance and the film. Naturally, if these things could not be achieved for any reason or I felt they wouldn't work or represent the character correctly, then I would say. But otherwise I was open to the actors interpretations of movements and the characters.
Collaboration & Discussions
This sort of collaboration really helped the film and performance come into their own. The feedback and discussions we were able to have on set allowed us to really work on performance in detail, in that very moment.
In particular was the fight scene in which Dan is killed. To make sure this scene worked we had to block in detail the movement before during and after Dan's death. To get this we essentially tried a range of different ways in which Dan could fall. However, when filming none if them really clicked and we were left to improvise how we was going to have Dan fall. Tommy proposed a way in which he could fall where he would not be hurt. The rest was a chilling on set moment in which all of the set believed Tommy had seriously hurt himself. We were relieved to see that he was totally okay, and his method made for a realistic shot of Dan's death.
This freedom given to the actors allowed them to try something, if it wouldn't have paid off and not worked then we could have always not used it but by giving the actors the opportunity to try things we not only showed them we had faith in their ability but it was a huge bonus to us that they felt that could do this. Showing to us that they indeed felt comfortable to do so.
For me these moments during the production process were some of the highlights as it showed us that our casting efforts paid off and showed us that their commitment to the film was absolutely there.
Filming as a whole with the cast was a fantastic experience. It was a pleasure to work with such professional and talented actors. The questions and discussions we had on set were positive to the film and helped us all make the process much more enjoyable. Being able to give them the finer details of their characters and answer any questions, whilst also Directing them, really helped to bring the characters from the script to life.
Post Production
Having our editor be able to review footage and create rushes enabled us to make the most of our time at location. It enabled us to re-shoot any scenes that didn't work or get pickup shots were needed. Our actors were more than willing to participate in this and furthermore showed their professional approach by staying late most nights to get pick ups and to take part in re-shooting. This was aided by the fact that we were also paying for food and accommodation.
This was also the case for the separate day in which we had to capture extra audio for Tommy and Rosie and also have them come back for a promotional material PhotoShoot.
Once again we came prepared and organised so that the actors could begin and get the job done, which is exactly what happened. I ran through what we would be doing, told them what we were looking for and the actors delivered exactly as I had described and more.
What I Learned
What I Learned
- Always set yourself time to find the right cast for the film and the characters. Finding good cast can make the production process a lot easier.
- Treating your cast well with things such as accommodation and catering can seriously add to their performance and the atmosphere on set. Though it in no way it means they are obligated too, but it may make actors more willing to stay on set for later shoots if filming runs over.
- As a Writer and Director it pays to go into the finest details with characters. Backstory really pays off for answering questions on character for actors. This is key as it really helps actors to delve into their character, they can better understand their drives, emotions and thinking to bring a performance that will stay true to a Writer/Director's vision. Something I'm very glad I did.
- Being professional at all times, and communicative helps to keep a good relationship. Not just on this production but potentially productions in the future. The opportunity to work with good actors and to give a good impression can pay off down the line if we was to work together in the future. Also actors work together constantly and becoming a professional and effective Director to work with can improve with each performance as the potential for actors to be excited to work with you increases through word of mouth.
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