A lot goes on behind the scenes before commercials, TV shows, and movies make it to the air. Here, New York, NY acting teacher Stephanie B. shares a few of the acting industry secrets that you should know as an aspiring actor…
Being on a film, TV, or commercial set for the first time is exciting and wonderful and VERY confusing. And, worse, everyone will assume you know what to do and when to do it. Here are five acting industry tips to help you look and feel like a pro!
1. The AD
There will usually be anywhere from three to six ADs (Assistant Directors) on set, but at least one will be your friend. You will know which AD it is because they will be the one to check in and make sure you are on set. In the flurry of that, GET THEIR NAME and don’t forget it. Why? They are also the only one who can release you from shooting at the end of the day. Trust me, you do not want to be the actor who left when they were still needed. When you think you are done, check with them to be certain.
2. The Microphone
Many times you will wear a body microphone duct-taped to some part of your back or hip. Remember that it is ON or LIVE even when you are not shooting. Do not bad-mouth anyone or talk about how tired you are. And if you need to use the bathroom, find someone to turn it off or better yet remove it momentarily — you do not want those activities recorded, nor do you want to drop the microphone in the toilet!
3. On film, be framed right.
In every shot you are in, you are ‘framed’ by the camera. It is OK to ask where you are framed — maybe it is from the chest up — as it is good to know. Also, if you are in a scene, focus on the other actors’ eyes so you don’t get nervous. An old trick is to focus on their one eye that is closest to the camera to keep your face shot well.
4. Eyeline
If you are being shot as you look or talk to someone off-camera, the camera will be framing you (and only you!), but it will not look good if you are speaking to a 6’2″ person and looking up only to find out they are sitting in this scene. You should ask ‘Where is my eyeline?” which will tell you where your eyes should be looking. It is a professional way to ask, and believe me, they will love you for it.
5. Always be nice
You’d think this would be a given, but most actors are so overwhelmed on their first day on set that this and much else is completely forgotten. Thank the costumer, make-up artist, the AD, the director if you get the chance, as well as any other actors. Trust me, this simple step, in a world of texts, tweets, emails, and so forth is surprisingly welcome to film crews.
So, there you go! With these acting industry tips, I guarantee your first day on the set will be clearer, more professional, and less stressful. Plus, you will be on your way to creating your best actor tool of all: reputation! Now you can really be ready for your close-up!
Stephanie B. teaches acting, audition prep, and accent reduction in New York, NY. As the Founder of Nicu’s Spoon Theater Company, she has taught audition classes, techniques, dialect and accent coaching, and acting classes for 14 years in NYC. Learn more about Stephanie here!
Photo by Atomic Taco
Suzy S.