How to Fix Bad Acting (6 directing tricks)

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Directing actors is simple with the right bag of tricks. Here are six directing tips to immediately get better acting in your films.
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19 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 155

@StandardStoryCo 3 года назад

Filmmaking advice coming in weekly - Drop a comment if there's anything you want to learn about!

@MrBuketman Год назад

You’ve heard this a thousand time. I have a pilot script that I’ve created, did reads, casting, and the co writer left to do commercials in another state. Time for a rewrite. Comedy drama. Not sure how to get you involved. My inbox is locked out on this account.

@MassiveBoyVentures 8 дней назад

This was great advice as an actor.

@robertr798 Год назад

Something that always helps: Ask the actor if they know what the character wants. A lot of times, the actor might not understand the character’s objective, or what reaction they want from their scene partner.

@JohnNewkirk1 Год назад

If they don't know 1. they haven't done the work before arriving or 2. the writing is not good. It is literally the actors job to prepare and not only know the answers, but know the questions. The work a pro actor does to prepare is simple, but not easy. It's actually work.

@themassivebrainman4798 7 месяцев назад

@@JohnNewkirk1you have it wrong tbh . Scripts aren't supposed to be very descriptive . It's in person when most of the emotions are planned out . The script is just a common ground of what's going on.

@JohnNewkirk1 7 месяцев назад

@@themassivebrainman4798 I respectfully disagree, sir. I know my job as an actor. I always come prepared and, because of that, I am able to easily pivot when it is called for. Preparation is job 1.

@themassivebrainman4798 7 месяцев назад

@@JohnNewkirk1 the rule of thumb is to quite literally on write what you need to get what's on your mind across to the reader.

@JohnNewkirk1 7 месяцев назад

@@themassivebrainman4798 I'm an actor. We are talking about acting. Or at least I am talking about acting. I'm not sure I understand your point. The actor's job is to inhabit the world in which the character is written and react accordingly. It is to "Speak The Truth" of the scene or moment. In service of that goal, it is the actor’s specific job to know the script, the story, the character, what is happening, what they want, how they feel about what they are getting, etc. BEFORE ever stepping foot on set or stage. Acting is work! I am not sure why you insist on belaboring the point. Professional actors know what professional actors do. May I ask, how have you come to your conclusions? I’m genuinely curious. Are you an actor/director? I have come to my conclusions based on evidence. Evidence learned from studying the history of acting by the great teachers of the past. By taking scene study classes. By acting on stage and professionally in film for years. By doing the work of acting. I have also produced and directed, albeit small indie films.

@billg3356 Год назад

I don't know if I'd call this a tip, more like a happy accident I had while making something. I had left the camera running on my actor that I was shooting, but I was giving direction to other actor off camera. When I went through the footage later, I found all these great natural reaction shots that I was able to cut into the scene that improved the scene. This happened multiple times, all by accident.

@Selrisitai Год назад

Do you remember any specific examples? I could watch a video about this, lol!

@billg3356 Год назад

@@Selrisitai no, I'm sorry. It's been several years and I'd have to go hunting for the footage. But since it costs next to nothing these days to shoot digitally, just let your camera run in between takes. You're bound to capture something unexpected.

@MiissAlexandraMakeup Год назад

this is brilliant!

@billg3356 Год назад

@@MiissAlexandraMakeup I'm not sure if it's brilliant, Alex, but it's definitely something you should try. You probably don't want to let your actors know you're doing it though. Just do it and see what happens.

@swerdnagk611 Год назад

Tip 3: Is a great idea for auditions too. I once held auditions in a literal library study room, and the sides were for an angry argument on the street... So, I told the actor that they should try it this time as if they were in a library! It was great because it helped us stay quiet, and I got to see the range of the actor as well.

@nikocvitanic7701 10 месяцев назад

That was so digestible and effective. That was literally an entire directing class in 8 minutes

@evertonpereira14 Год назад

One essential trick I think is important is to try being a actor someday, every director should experiment to be directed and learn more about acting tecnics and styles. When you go directing it makes a real big difference.

@JohnNewkirk1 Год назад

First comment I can put a like on! Yes! Audit an acting class. Take a scene study course. Learn the language that actors speak. It sure as hell isn't "go bigger" or "be sadder"!

@DanielBrasher Год назад

The best directors I’ve worked with work don’t tell you how to do it but why. Keep it simple and just work from the script and identify the character’s objectives.

@james.sirois Год назад

This right here. Absolutely right.

@JohnNewkirk1 Год назад

This is another comment where I say respectfully, no, but I do like where your head is. It's the job of the actor to do the work before setting foot on set. If the writing is great, through doing the hard work before production, the scene will seem intuitive to the actors. If the writing is bad, even Sir Anthony Hopkins can't save it! The director should never tell the actor how to feel and certainly not why. If an actor doesn't know why, either they haven't done the work, or the writing is terrible. My $.02

@trevscribbles Год назад

After you gave your first nugget of advice I was immediately thinking "It would be kinda cool to privately tell each actor their attribute/issue so they unknowingly play against each other naturally". I'm quite chuffed with myself for hopping ahead to step 6 hahaha

@WaterShowsProd Год назад

This is actually a technique that's used in some improv games for actors as well. Motivation is so vital for adding depth to a performance.

@julianwilson9537 Год назад

@@WaterShowsProd yeah I learned this from my drama teacher and incorporated it for this.

@jkswanepoel3453 Год назад

Please don’t stop doing these videos I get a lot out of them thank you

@DeJesusVanegas 2 года назад

Finaly!!! dude you dont see this kind of videos ANYWHER, Ive been waiting for something like this on youtube for 10 years, all filmmaking channels only talk about gear or cinematography stuff

@n3dd 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, I found that the problems I've encountered while filming is that the actors are just too neutral of each others. I can't believe it's as simple as telling them to be the 'opposite' of what they're acting - it's so much more satisfying to be able to illicit their reactions to exactly what you're envisioning rather than getting a mundane performance of the bare minimum.

@whenthepicturesgotbigger Год назад

Another thing that I find works well is having your actors emulate a specific person they know well. Using mannerisms in the script is one thing, but having them recreate the mannerisms of their father, mother, or best friend is something else entirely. Ultimately it tends to lend itself to much more active characters.

@lawrenceclemens8494 Год назад

You forgot to add what great directors have actually told their actors. Kubrick: "I'm waiting to see something interesting." William Wyler: "It's not quite working. Let's try it again." James Cameron: "Somebody call the acting police!" And my favorite from legendary John Huston to Gregory Peck while shooting Moby Dick - Peck said about Huston's direction: "I remember one scene on which all [Huston] said was 'Feel the camera on your face,' which merely confused me. And in an important scene in which I had a long speech beginning 'If there is a God, there must be a malevolent God,' I was told, 'Kid, if you ever deliver the goods this has to be the time.' Is that direction?"

@JohnNewkirk1 Год назад

No. Those are all terrible unless your intention is to shut them down.

@etothemajor Год назад

I watch a lot of filmmaking videos on YT but not enough focus on one of the most important things for a director to do: direct actors! I love this video and the advice you give. I've used some of these tricks myself.

@sydheather 3 года назад

This was all really helpful and got me thinking, especially when it comes to allowing more improv within a scene/story.

@StandardStoryCo 3 года назад

Thanks Syd! It's up to the director and actors to keep an eye out for the little things NOT written in the script that could elevate the scene.

@TRIOStories 9 месяцев назад

This is INCREDIBLY useful, especially the last tip. I feel like adding those levels of context and 'insider knowledge' to each of the characters can really level up a scene. Thanks so much for this vid!

@JJ-zo7jv Год назад

Your channel is a vein of diamonds. I’m starting up a new film and want to really clean up the problems with my previous one and hone in my directing. You explain things eloquently.

@RDRvideoprod Год назад

These tips are gold especially the last part. Giving opposing directions separately to each actors.

@kuhvon 2 года назад

genuinely one of the most helpful filmmaking videos i've seen. thank you! definitely using some of these

@Whyiadda Год назад

Yet another AMAZING video. Can’t wait to try these out. Working with actors for the first time next week 😅

@lillakaputa5935 Год назад

As an actor, I have to say this a *great* video & you’ve listed down some very useful points! Thanks! :P

@donhendricks3190 Год назад

Great food for thought - while I may not use any of your specific suggestions, the INTENTION is spot on and, yes, THAT knowledge will be very useful on any set. Great stuff. Thanks so much.

@EinsteinMyMind 2 года назад

Thank you for creating these videos. They’re helpful, and I appreciate it!

@twelvechimesitsmidnightpod Год назад

Great advice that's super clear and so so appreciate all the specific examples!

@dunstanofgreen 2 года назад

These tips are genuinely great and actionable ❤‍🔥

@i_so_late Год назад

that last bit of separate directions was really great, definitely remembering that

@SOLIDSNAKE. Год назад

One of the best channels out here

@ExitSeraphim125 4 месяца назад

A ton of really useful and usable advice here, thank you!

@Weeqat 3 года назад

I love what you do my dude! 😌 Thanks for the effort this is great

@buckycore Год назад

My god, man. Your videos are inspiring me into wanting to make short films now. Your channel was just some random suggestion based on my Animation channels and searches. But RU-vid...all those magical rabbit holes

@FanoBelmont Год назад

That last tip is amazing. Can't wait to try it out

@eliotkimball1252 Год назад

This is the best youtube account out there. Keep making great content!!

@godsfilmmaker8863 8 месяцев назад

This was straight good stuff all the way through, I learned a lot! Thank you!

@sarahcadol3732 4 месяца назад

As an Actor and Director, this is a very helpful video! Thank you!

@robforte9463 Год назад

Such a clean and no nonsense video. Great tips. Subscribed 👍

@alexlee3227 Год назад

I’m currently binging your videos as I find them super informative, concise and to the point with a good rhythm. There’s a bit of humour too, which just makes them fun to watch. A few months ago I had an “aha, I want to make films!” moment. After buying a few bits of the basic equipment I need, I have already watched countless videos on how I can realise that vision and I have to say that your videos are the most helpful source I’ve come across to date. Thank you, and I hope to see much more of your content in the future!

@StandardStoryCo Год назад

Love that, thanks and good luck!

@standindarkness 2 года назад

Been watching a bunch of your videos lately and realized I was not subbed, always great advice man, ty.

@StandardStoryCo 2 года назад

Thanks for watching ✌️

@legostudios953 Год назад

Thanks for the tips man this is really going to help me in the future

@andreajones-sojola5641 Год назад

Great info! Thank you.

@kingdomcomeproductions8962 Год назад

Great tips, and well presented!

@indiefilmandmusic Год назад

Great tips! Thank you.

@CyrielGuds Год назад

Great video !! Thanks

@randomknowledgeperson2872 9 месяцев назад

absolutely genius! i’m gonna use all of these

@NIKONGUY1960 2 года назад

This was rich. Really practical and helpful.

@studiotwentyone Год назад

Love your content.. Very informative and relevant.. Thank you!

@Bluehmind 2 года назад

Thanks!!! Great content!

@kofiopam5828 Год назад

that last example was wild! my gemini brain loves the idea of giving the two actors the conflicting direction - stir the pot!

@prynner Год назад

Thank you, your comments make a lot of sense! Well expressed!

@essencecartoon 2 года назад

Great video! I’ve subscribed now. Great work!

@actorsheart3142 2 года назад

Loved the last point ...Awesome

@borysotawa-kanaprywatny1512 Год назад

Wow! Thanks. I’ll try it ❤

@onajeofficialmusic Год назад

Excellent, thanks.

@justaperson3641 Год назад

Thank you for the tips brother

@entertainme202 Год назад

Video was very informative.

@TheAntoineDivine Год назад

This was very helpful

@southlondon86 2 года назад

Thanks sir, great advice 👍

@closeoutentertainment 2 года назад

Great tips!

@madnessbydesign1415 Год назад

I find "ACT HARDER!" yields great results... :)

@Zaleskee Год назад

Brilliant!!

@dornravlin Год назад

Thank you for your videos I learned a lot

@magic.marmot 10 месяцев назад

Stellar advice. I like giving direction as "it's like you just found your mother's secret box under the bed" kind of prompts, but I've mainly been doing ADR and voice stuff.

@Tkd_on1 Год назад

These are tips my acting teacher would give me👏🏾

@juju10683 Год назад

your channel is amazing

@NebuchandnezzarCD 11 месяцев назад

Sick video of platitudes my man

@ayodimejioyewole8263 Месяц назад

excellent!!

@sharvananenden6487 Год назад

damn that was great advice. awesome video!

@retlwiz Год назад

This is great, but I think before tips on actor notes should be being able to recognise when a scene isn’t working. I think a lot of directors just can’t see it. Here needs to be some analysis of what makes a good scene and the elements that bake up good acting, as well as the reverse!

@Kevlexicon 2 года назад

one note about working w actors: if they do something physical, it's a good idea for them to be able to repeat it same way everytime. or else continuity nightmare. if theyre smoking or eating, it shud look consistent across diff angles and takes. also go watch michael caine's acting in film on youtube for tips on workin w actors/understanding film acting specifically i ran into this problem shooting music vids. ppl wouldnt plan their gestures or have an idea of where to be spatially, so u can guide them there. probs not a problem w more experienced actors tho. some time spent in preprod/planning is always a good idea. communication and making it work early is di wae

@fabergefolliesdancentumble3023 7 месяцев назад

Very very practical

@tysonbala Год назад

Love u man

@filmmaker5457 2 года назад

I like the last one. Hahaha!!! Txs for sharing

@ArtOfLiz 2 года назад

These are all great tips! Thank you so much. Why don't you have more views? :(

@structurescience Год назад

Excellent.

@MikeSmith-pz5vl Год назад

You're a genius.

@17samalex 2 года назад

Fantastic I do that with my actors

@KeithBridges13 2 года назад

Awesome!

@RichardWrightFirth Год назад

Interesting what you’re talking about with active verbs is actually about externalizing and playing an objective. How do I affect the other person, what am I doing or saying to them to accomplish what I need, NOT making it about expressing a vague emotional state inside yourself. The former being good acting, the later what most people think is acting. Emoting bad, Doing good.

@user-pu7ph4wd5v Год назад

Thanks

@connorsvoes6035 Год назад

I love no.6

@yearight1205 Год назад

I thought I had a cool name, Kent Lamm is a bad ass name. Sounds like an action hero. Thanks for making this video.

@aliensoup2420 Год назад

One problem I've noticed with inexperienced actors, is that they often rush their lines. They are simply trying to get the lines out, and if they are excited, they will run words together and it all comes out as mush. It's not good enough that they simply memorize the words - they must understand the meaning behind the words and internalize them along with the emotions they define. Ask the actor to describe the scene and paraphrase their lines. Make them rehearse the scene with action and physical emotion but no dialog, or use nonsense words instead of their lines so they are thinking about the emotions not the words. They need to become so confident and relaxed with their emotions that the words are secondary and come out naturally.

@dimiodufote4010 Год назад

This is useful when making songs

@flamingocupproductions5329 2 года назад

the job of the actor is to make sure the other actors are out shinning them. This is how all actors should approach the scene. then everyone is focused on how each decision they make is made to have the other person do better then them.

@JohnNewkirk1 Год назад

I have to disagree, although I like where your head and heart is. The job of the actor, distilled is to know your lines, hit your marks and SPEAK THE TRUTH of the scene. It is simple, but not easy. A lot of work needs to be done before ever being on set. Again, I do understand your point, but it doesn't really fit. If the writing is great, and the director cast great actors, it's a beautiful thing to behold.

@filmbyron3107 2 года назад

This is better advice for working with actors than I got from MasterClass

@ShamellAntone Год назад

Good vid...

@chilibonze Год назад

Tip 1 GIVE THEM SOMETHING ACTIVE TO DO. Actors will thank you for this. Actors secretly want permission to do this sooooooo bad. Many intrinsically know this, but are afraid to do it on their own. They seek permission. Once you direct them in their action and have them really focus on the action and not the words...the performance will benefit. Now as a director you will have to watch the action for continuity issues...make sure the cup is in the same hand etc. so that when you edit it will match.

@FortKnoxMovies Год назад

Something I do from time to time is compare then to Animals is a great way to get an interesting performance. For example “You’re a lion stalking it’s prey.” “You’re puppy that’s about to go for a walk.” “You’re a house cat knocking things off the counter to make x character angry.” They create specific images and we assign a lot of personality traits to different animals. Plus it leaves a lot open to interpretation for the actor to play with.

@Easyfilm84 Год назад

Thanks Holden! Shouldn’t you be on the Roci right now?

@jefflep1 Год назад

Holy shit, I’m 1:28 in and this shit is gold!

@Veypurr1 Год назад

I like #1 and number #6

@shewhodoesntexist1825 2 года назад

Man : your wife is dead Borat: high five!

@blsureshbabu5159 2 года назад

Super

@dameanvil 2 месяца назад

- [00:28] 🎭 Give the actor something active/physical to do: Providing actors with active tasks enhances naturalness and dynamism in scenes. - [01:44] 🗣 Use specific language when giving direction: Specific prompts, even if not accurate to the scene, aid in achieving desired performances, particularly in comedy. - [03:07] 🏞 Run the scene as if in a different setting: Changing the setting for actors can yield varied and interesting performances, suitable for both drama and comedy. - [03:58] 🔼 Introduce or increase stakes for the character: Elevating stakes alters actors' approaches, enhancing drama or comedy in scenes. - [04:38] 💥 Use active verbs: Employing active verbs in direction fosters clearer, stronger, and more visceral performances from actors. - [07:17] 🔄 Give opposing direction to each actor in private: Providing conflicting direction amplifies conflict between characters, leading to more intense and spontaneous performances.

@warriorclassmedia Год назад

Where are you from?? I see the RVA t shirt

@cameronpaisley9183 8 месяцев назад

My first professional booking, I was already pretty anxious doing an emotional getting-broken-up-with scene, and the director just keep giving the same super specific and helpful direction of "gimme something different.. ok aaand gimme something different" 🙄

@anthonypape-calabrese1128 Год назад

Telling an actor what emotion you want them to express is like a crewed shortcut, if you're in a rush and authenticity doesn't matter. Ideally, if you're crafting the performance of a scene with talent, try focusing on telling your actor what they WANT, especially in the form of a specific effect they should try to elicit from their scene partner(s), whether or not it's one that will be achieved in the end. For example; Make her guilty enough to apologize to you. Make her ask you for YOUR number. Make him feel safe and profess his love to you before he goes. Make him want to stay. Make them burst into applause praising you! This way as actors we can focus our attention truly on our scene partners, reacting off their response to our tactics in attempting our goals. This instead of getting self conscious thinking about how to make our face appear sad, or loving, or prideful... Naturally we don't have to try to show emotions. it's just a byproduct of our actions and attention to others.

@lonleyfeelings3346 4 месяца назад

00:01 Active engagement improves acting performance 01:07 Directing tricks for engaging acting 02:13 Use directing tricks to evoke genuine reactions from actors. 03:16 Direct actors by changing the setting and stakes 04:17 Use active verbs for clear direction 05:26 Clear and specific direction helps actors perform better. 06:26 Directing tricks to improve acting performance 07:31 Directing with specific, targeted instructions

@beaudanner Год назад

Damn smart. This is a director I'd really like working with. You know what. That compliment was flat. Read my saying that as if I were flying an f-15 into a dog fight

@pitpride1220 8 месяцев назад

Good actors respond to those first directions because they've been acting long enough to understand bad direction. "Be sadder" is not how an actor speaks. It is a poor direction. Actors that don't respond to those directions are not bad actors. I find taking acting classes help. Directing a play first helps. It also helps to be empathetic. Actors will literally break themselves open for you if you've spent the time being vulnerable with them. Trust is HUGE. Actors have to do embarrassing things on film that they would never do in real life. They need empathy and vulnerability from you to trust you. You can get the take not going these things. You can get it. But the experience will not be the best for either of you.