The Acting Guru!

Film Equipment

2009-02-14T15:26:00.003-05:00

Hey guys,

Sorry about the long delay, but here is the first of several posts about equipment. This one is about film equipment. This will include cameras, microphones, and some tips for homemade steady cams, and tracks.

Let's start off with camera's. The camera i happen to have is a JVC Everio Hard Disk Drive camera, and it has 16:9 capability, but it can also film in 4:3. This comes in handy, when you need to make something easily and quickly into 16:9. This camera also has 4 video quality settings, and even on the best quality setting, you can get 7 hours of film, and on the lowest setting, you can an absurd 36 hours! That would be a day and a half of filming. Now the battery when fully charged gives you about 3 hours, but its very easy to charge. Now this is just the camera i have. There are plenty more options out there. If you are looking for a great camera for a good price, than the camera i have is absolutely the best one. Its in the 300-500 dollar price range. If you are looking to spend less, there are many options from the Samsungs to the Panasonics, all for under 200. The aipteks may look cool, but i would stay away from them especially if you want to make short films. If you are willing to spend more money, and possibly go over 1000 dollars, the best option there is, is basically any high end Canon. Their best camera is a minidv camera that is actually a couple grand. But if you are still looking at good cameras, the top 3 camera companies would definitely be 1. High End Canons, 2. Panasonics, 3. JVC, with Sony a close fourth, than samsung rounding out the top 5. I would stay away from any other cameras.

Now microphones are an option but they always help. Microphones come in all different styles and shapes and qualities. If you are looking for one to just use to record things onto your computer then the Blue Snowball USB Microphone is a great option for a money conscious buyer. Otherwise go for almost any other midrange option. If you are willing to spend over 1000 or close to 1000 than go for a Royer or Neuman microphone. They are the most expensive, but they are the best quality. Now for recording with a camera, try to get whats called a shotgun microphone. If you just need to record a voice over, or music, use a condenser microphone.

You may have seen in some behind the scenes footage of tv shows/movies, that they use a funky looking camera holder/tripod. Well most likely it was whats called a steady cam. A steady cam is a tripod that uses weights to balance out the camera, and it makes the camera still, that way when you run with it, or move the camera quickly, the film will still be steady. The weight normally can come from normal gym free weights, or even a lead block. The most important part besides the weight, is the movable handle. The handle plus the weights equals a steady shot. If you need any help or more advice on a steady cam, comment down below with your e-mail and I'll give you more advanced tips!

If you need to make tracks for a moving shot. First create some sort of trolly, if you have a camera tripod with wheels, than you can use that. If not, make a small platform with 2x4's and a 3/4 inch piece of plywood, and drill some holes where the tripod legs would be, then put the tripod in the wholes. The wholes are to keep the tripod from moving anywhere. Then if you need a track, I would use small pieces of angle iron and outline your track on the ground. Use one piece of it for one side, than use another piece a wheel's width away from it. There is your track!

Stay tuned for Software Tips next week!

Coming Soon

2008-11-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon will be a post about film equipment, lighting equipment, and different software. These articles will go indepth about different equipment, and what's best for a beginner or a professional.

The Complete Filmmaking Process

2008-11-04T12:19:00.006-05:00

Ok, so i'm back after a break. This post is about preparing to create a film. Creating a film is not an easy task by any mean, and there are many things that can contribute to creating a film. First off, you are going to need to come up with a plot/idea that you can then write a script about. This can be anything you want as your imagination is limitless. Once you have an idea/plot, go ahead and create your script. If you need help either creating a plot/idea or writing a script consult my older posts on those two topics. So you now have a script. Now what you should do, is create something that is called a storyboard. A storyboard is something that shows what your vision for each scene will look like. Normally you would pick a few shots per scene, and draw them. Using the angles/lighting/color that you would want it to look like. After you have created a storyboard most directors/filmmakers will create costume designs and scenic designs for every character/scene. Sometimes the director will hire another person to do this because it is his/her specialty. These will help in the creation of the set/scene and the costumes. Another thing that the director will do is create a master prop list for the film. Than they themselves or someone else will go scavanging for props, or they will make them out of materials or junk. This is probably the most fun job because you literally get to play with toys. After this the director will then either hold auditions or choose actors to portray the characters he invisioned.

Everything before this was the pre-production process. The audition process is the most challenging because you not always can take everyone who you liked and it might altogether be impossible to find that spot on actor who can portray the character exactly to what you invisioned. With this process you normally have to stretch and skew your perception of a character to fit the actor.

So you have a script, you have the costumes, you have a set, and you got the actors. Now you need to make sure you have the proper camera and equipment to shoot this film. Just so i can go more in depth on equipment, i am going to skip over that for now. And I will definitely post an in depth review of a lot of different types of equipment and what is and is not necessary. So lets just say that you have a camera, and every other type of equipment that you will need. So now its time to shoot your film. Shooting your film is the easiest and hardest thing to do at the same time. Its the easiest because it only involves pressing a button on your camera, and moving it around occasionally. But it's the hardest thing to do because you have to get the right angle, and you have to make sure the lighting looks the way you want it to, and you have to make sure that there is no background noise, etc. This is the reason it is the easiest and the hardest thing at the same time.

So you now have shot your film, and your ready to edit the film. If you are planning on releasing this film to either your school or another group, but you want to release a trailer, I will put out an article on how to create a trailer. But otherwise just go ahead and start editing your film. There is something called continuity. Continuity in the film world relates to how smooth your film is. Also if you have one shot where the actor is wearing a bright green shirt, and in the next shot he is wearing a blue shirt, and the shots are one right after another, and it is supposed to be in the same scene, that isn't good because you can't change the color of your shirt in a split second. So make sure everything is the same. Don't be OCD about it, but make sure all of the obvious things aren't obvious. Chances are that the average audience won't look hard enough to detect the small little details. After you have the rough cut done of the film, now its time to add your special effects, music, titles, etc. These are all things that go in the final process of editing. Once this is done, if this is possible for you, you want to try and use a DVD menu creating program and create a DVD menu. I use iDVD which came with my iMac. This program works fine, as it does have pre programmed themes, but it also allows you to customize pretty much everything about the theme. In the few times that I have used iDVD, the reaction was amazing. I will talk more about these type of programs in my software post.

Now you have your film shot, edited, and burned to a DVD. Now all that's left is popping the popcorn and getting out the drinks, and now its time to sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Headshot/Resume

2008-08-28T17:13:00.007-04:00

An actor's headshot/resume, is their most important possession. That is what casting directors look at when they are casting. They look to see how much experience you have, and if your look is the right one for the role. Agents also will look at that, along with polaroids they take of you, to see if your look is marketable. A head shot is something that captures your look, without making you look uncomfortable. Actors headshots can be many different styles/looks. Some actors choose to do a color headshot from the chest up, some actors that want to do some modeling will take one of more of their body in color. Most actors though, will use a black and white, chest up photo. This is the most common.

The most important with your headshot and resume, is to not lie. Lying is the worst thing anyone can do on a headshot/resume. If a director catches you lying on a resume, you will get blackmailed, and in the theatre world, blackmailing is the worst thing that can happen. The director will send your headshot/resume to every director he knows, with a note saying he is a liar, don't cast him. Now, you are screwed. So the biggest advice i have is don't lie. With your headshot, make sure its not completely photoshopped. Everyone wants to make themselves look better. Small touchups are ok. But don't change the color of your hair in photoshop. And also, with changing your hair color, if you do change it, you will have to get a new headshot. Your headshot has to be up to date. So every time you change your look, you will need a new headshot. Or if you have facial hair, you will want to take two shots. One with the facial hair, one without. See which one looks better. You should also have a couple outfits with you when you go to get the picture taken.

On your resume, you are going to want to list as much information about your experience as you can. On the top is your name. Than underneath you put your union affiliation (if applicable, otherwise leave blank). Than underneath, put your measurments and contact information. NEVER NEVER NEVER put your own information. If you have a manager or an agent, put their telephone number. If you have a management company/agency and they give you an e-mail, put that down. If you have neither, create a yahoo/g-mail/hotmail account and make it solely for your acting. For the telephone number, there are answering services where you can call, and they will give you a number that people can call to leave you voicemalls. You can find them in the phonebook. Then after you've listed that, you want to put the shows/films you've been in. Start with theatre, than go to film, than tv, than commercials. You want to list the show, the director, and the part. You can put the year, but that isn't as important as the other three things. Same thing with the other 3 categories. After that, you want to put your training. What classes you've taken, the teacher, where you've taken them. Any information you have. Put it down. Once you have that down, the next category is your special skills. If you can play baseball, football, any instrument, if you can juggle. Whatever it may be, you never know what directors could impose of you to do on stage or on film. So its always a good idea to list as much as you can under that category. This category is the only one where you should just do a basic list. List everything and just separate it with a comma. No need to put each one on a separate line.

Your headshot/resume as an actor should be 8x10. But some actors will do a 4x6. Most of the time models will use a 4x6. Either one is fine. Directors won't criticize you for the size of your resume as long as it is one of those two, or close to it. Dont waste time making sure it is exact. As i stated earlier, your headshot resume is your most valuable possesion, and you should always carry a couple around with you. So go out there and get your headshot taken!

The Audition Process

2008-08-28T16:50:00.002-04:00

Auditioning in theatre is probably the most nerve racking part of the entire process. Theatre and film auditions require a lot of a person, and although you may not make it that time, it at least puts your face, and your name, out there so if your perfect for another role, they could always contact you. In the few professional auditions i have been to/heard about, the thing that causes people to not get picked/liked is their conduct and/or look. Some people think it would be better to show the casting director that they are quirky and funny. Most people who do that take it too far. Yes, its a good thing to be quirky and funny, but you have to make sure you are professional and respectful. Those are the key aspects of a casting director remembering you. If you aren't professional and respectful, they won't even consider you, even if you are one of the most talented kids. The other thing i said before is the look. One girl i know went to an audition for Hairspray on Broadway. The first time she went to an audition she looked like her normal self, but a little bit nicer. When she got there, she looked around, and she was one of the only people that looked normal. All of the others were in period/character clothing, and basic makeup. So she auditioned, they said thank you, and that was it. The next time she auditioned, she got into period/character clothing, and got a call back. You never want to over do it, with period/character clothing, but you want to at least look the part. Same thing with makeup. You never want to look like a freak. You want to look natural. So the most important things about auditioning, are looking natural and being professional.

How to Block a Show/Film

2008-08-27T16:13:00.002-04:00

Blocking is one of the hardest things a director has to do when it comes to theatre or film. Directors have to block the scene as the writer originally portrayed. As a director, what i like to do is create a visual of it in my head, than block it on stage/set and see if it works. If it turns out the way that i like it, than we keep it. If not, i will always ask the actors for their ideas, because they are the ones performing it, and it needs to be comfortable for them. Sometimes when performing a well known show, you can't change much of the blocking because it is so well known. But otherwise create a model of the stage,/set this isn't necessary but it helps. Once you have either a model of the stage/set or layout, draw a diagram of where you want the actors to move. Use a marker as the actor, and move it around and see if it looks good. That is just one way. Other directors like to watch other performances and copy from it. The only way that you would find me copying someone is if i can't think of any ideas. But as a director you should always have an idea as to what you want the scene/shot to look like.

Performing an EPIC Monologue

2008-08-27T16:05:00.003-04:00

When auditioning/performing with a monologue, you never want to spill all of your feelings at once. The smartest thing to do, is take people on a journey. For instance, in this monlogue:

Come and live with us--in the villa. You can set your swans swimming in the brook ... we can talk of old times ... you can open all that is locked up in me--as you did in our days of creation. I beg of you, Irene--give me this one chance to live my life over again. Help me undo my greatest mistake. When you left, Irene ... when you disappeared ... I cannot express to you ... I was filled with such regret. I became painfully aware of all that I had left unsaid ... all the moments I had allowed to pass ... without ... without grasping them ... without ... I had come to think of you as something sacred, you see ... something holy ... a gift from God ... a creature of innocence not to be touched save in adoring thoughts. A superstition took hold of me that if I touched you ... if I desired you with my senses ... my soul would be desecrated, and I would not be able to finish my work. I was a fool! An idealistic young fool! I should have taken you in my arms right then and there--on the floor of my studio, I should have taken you! With the clay still on my fingers! It would only have added to the beauty of the child--to the depth and complexity of her meaning--of her mystery. [Pause.] I can't lose you again, Irene--I don't think I could survive it.

Where you see the word pause at the end, is where you would change. Throughout the entire thing, you would get more and more emotional, than at the end (where pause is) you would calm down, and say that line powerfully. Otherwise, you run out of emotion and it gets boring before it ends. This way, you make the listener want to continue listening because you haven't reached the climax yet. The climax at this would be right before the pause at the end. Than the downfall would be the last line. But you always want to find a place like that. If there is no climax in the middle of the text, than have it be at the end. So that way you leave them hanging with emotion. If you need help with an audition monologue, just leave a comment. P.S. I Do not own that monologue, it came from Monologuearchive.com. From a play called When We Dead Awaken by Henrik Ibsen.

Having an objective/obstacle

2008-08-27T16:01:00.002-04:00

In every show, with every character there is always an objective for everyone, but at the same time there is always an obstacle they have to either overcome, or subdue to. An objective is what your character wants. If i was a coffee addict in my scene, my objective would be to go get some coffee. An easy obstacle in that scene could be that there is no milk left. Now most people would think, well than you won't have coffee today, but that contradicts my character. So there are a couple options to think about. I could go buy some milk or i could drink it black (which means without milk). These are ways to get around an obstacle. There is always multiple options, just think of them all. Objectives and obstacles, just like secrets, can affect the way you move around on stage.

Endowing Objects

2008-08-27T15:57:00.002-04:00

When auditioning for a play/film/musical, whatever it may be, you will sometimes have to use an object that isn't what you want to use. This is mostly used for film auditions, because in film auditions they will actually film you. And its better to have something in your hand, than to mime it. Miming is sometimes good, but most actors will forget they have something, and than a second later it just disappears. When you endow an object, you are turning into another object in your mind, but not in real life. So lets say i have a pen. But the scene/monologue calls for a water bottle. What you have to think of, is what are the characteristics of a water bottle? Size? Weight? Texture? all of these different things. Than close your eyes and just imagine you have a water bottle in your hand instead of a pen. Try it, tell me what you think. A good example, is that in Romeo and Juliet, there is a part where Romeo gives Juliet a flower. To the actor himself, the flower is just a plain simple flower, but to Romeo, that flower is a representation of his love towards Juliet. This is where endowing an object can come in handy.

Having a secret

2008-08-27T15:54:00.003-04:00

When you are on stage, you should always be thinking. But the problem with most amateur actors, is they think about what the next line is going to be. This is the worst thing you can do. As an actor on stage/film whatever it may be, you should be thinking as your character the entire time. A good way of doing this, is to think of a secret. Think of something no one else knows, but its something that can affect the situation, and affect the way you move, and act during the scene. So lets say, i was improvising a scene, and the secret i was given that my brother was in a car accident and i have no clue whether or not he survived. I wouldn't go around the scene being all cheerful and peppy. I would kinda be paranoid/nervous/sad. And right away just from that, people can immediately tell, something happened with a loved one/family. Having secrets can easily help you think and move like your character. If you need help figuring out a secret for a specific scene just leave a comment.

How to come up with Plot Ideas

2008-07-06T17:04:00.003-04:00

So you've read the article on how to write a script. But now your thinking, how do i get to the point of writing a script when i can barely come up with a plot. Well it actually is something really easy. Creating a plot for theatre/film is just like creating a plot for a book. So what you would do, is come up with a one sentence plot. Something simple, that gives you a base to work off of. Now from that, i would create the characters. this way, i can have a really good base to work off of when i create the final plot. So after i've done that, i will think of different directions i can take the plot. There are always multiple choices and the two most obvious ones are happy ending/sad ending. Time and time again, i will watch a short film where the plot wasn't worked out enough, and the story line leaves you hanging in a bad spot. If you are going to leave the audience hanging, you want to make sure that it is a good spot to leave. Now since some of you might still need help, here's what i'm going to do. I am going to give you a one liner, and in the comments post a plot that you think would be good for the one liner, and i am going to tell you what's good and whats bad. Here is your one liner:

A Child is lost in the city without anyone or anything to help them.

So post your full plot beneath the article and ill get back to you on advice.

10 Easy Steps to becoming a Successful Actor

2008-07-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

1. Understand the Industry
Before you enter it, become an expert on the acting and entertainment industry. Read
twenty books on the business of acting, talk to dozens of actors and meet with as many
people in the industry as possible (directors, producers, agents, editors, grips, stage managers, etc.). Pick their brains. Take notes. Send thank you cards. Interview a working actor with a career you’d like to one day have. Ask them to share
their roadmap with you. Study it. With this knowledge you'll have fewer surprises and disappointments down the road.

2. Manage Your Expectations
Remember that your chances of becoming a star are extremely small. You may be able to
make a living after years of training and hard work, but 99.99% of all actors are unknown
and unburdened with paparazzi and plenitude. If your goal is to win an Oscar, you will
most likely find disappointment.

However, if your goal is simply to act, fascinating audiences with your ability to bring
characters to life, working among a community of fellow artists, then there is little to stop
you. All you need is a bit of talent, and a huge helping of persistence, flexibility, and hard
work.

3. Get Training
Study at a university with a good drama program. In addition to acting, take courses in
literature, psychology, history and philosophy. A broad liberal arts background will
provide you with more tools and a broader palette from which to paint your portraits.

Never stop training. Take a few classes every year to address your weaknesses
(auditioning, camera work, stage combat) or to improve skills that will increase your
stamina, awareness, or psychological well-being (yoga, aikido, dance are all good bets).

4. Get Awesome Headshots
Headshots are your primary means of getting
work – don’t rush or skimp on them. That doesn’t
mean you have to spend a fortune; it’s more
important to find a photographer who can bring
out your best qualities.

Great headshot photographers will take time to
get to know you, identify your type, and give you
lots of options. Job-winning headshots are
bursting with personality.

5. Get Practice
Don’t wait for the perfect role or the big gig: get
out and act. The most successful actors I know are continuously searching for and
working on various projects.

In addition to improving your abilities, working consistently keeps you on directors’ and
agents’ radar and increases the number of people you’ll meet. And work leads to more
work.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take on projects that aren’t perfectly interesting or which don’t
pay well (or at all). Especially in the beginning of your career, you’re better off acting
than not. Remember that you can learn something from every acting experience, no
matter how dismal.

6. Network
As in all industries, personal connections play an important role in progress. Agents and
directors work with those actors that they know, like, and trust. So make sure people
know you, and earn their respect. You can accomplish this by always being professional
and positive. Many people don’t like the idea of “networking” because it feels impersonal and false.
Think of it as building a community of people who can support you in your aspirations.
And you support them in return. The more advocates you have out there, they more work
you’ll be offered.

7. Be Positive
People like to be around those with a positive outlook. So
don’t be grumpy, especially on set or backstage. Don’t
bring personal problems to your job. Not only will the
project be more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone
involved, but you’ll almost certainly do better work.

And nothing helps get recommendations down the road
than being remembered as a person who was a joy to work
with.

8. Never Stop Learning
Great actors are insatiably curious. They are full of
wonder at the world and the people who inhabit it. They
ask questions, they listen, they read, they watch plays and
films and great television. And even more important, they
watch themselves.

In all these activities, they take notes and reflect, constantly honing their craft.

9. Know Your Type
It’s natural to want to try new characters and normal to fear being typecast. However,
especially in the beginning of your career, it is important to know your type. It will
determine the feel of your headshot and the roles you initially aim for.

It’s best to get advice from an experienced actor or casting agent as to what your type
could be. I’ve heard of actors who asked strangers on the street: “What job do you think I
do?” That can give you an objective idea of what your look is (heartthrob, funny guy,
young dad).

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t break free from your type, just that you
understand your place in the market. You should also realize that while most stars are
quite attractive, there are actually many more acting jobs for average or even quirky
looking people.

10. Know Success When You Have It
If you work for five years at becoming an actor, one day you may wake up to find that
you’re consistently acting. A student film here, a “downtown” play there. A commercial
every now and then (you were called in at the last moment because someone remembered
you from that student film), and maybe a one-woman show at your corner club.

You’re doing work that you love, you’re doing what you do best, and you’re part of a
community. You’re a successful actor.

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like a failure because you don’t make millions or aren’t
in constant demand for big city tours. Appreciate the fact that you are doing what you
love. Very few people can claim that.

Getting into Character

2008-06-29T23:39:00.003-04:00

Hey guys, second tip here. This one is most important for anyone who wants to be involved mainly in theatre, although this comes into play in movies too. Getting into character is the process of leaving your normal life, and taking on the life of the character you were designated to play. Now it doesn't matter if you are an ensemble member or a lead, everyone has to get into character. Some of the best methods of this, is read the given circumstances for your character. For those of you who don't know what that means, is that read the description for your character again. This helps you get the basic idea of the character. Now if you are still in the rehearsal process, than a good thing to do, is right a biography on your character. Create anything and everything it doesn't tell you. For instance, if the given circumstances only state:

Name
Age
Occupation
1 Trait

Than what you should do, is create a biography listing that, but go into more detail. Explain why they chose the job they have, what was their education, where did they grow up, what was their childhood like. All of these things are great for not only developing character, but for getting into character when you read that before a performance. Another method, is to try relaxing. Taking deep breathes in, and trying to empty your mind almost always works because you don't than have to worry about your normal life, and after reading a couple things about your character, it will become easily obtainable.

Writing a Script

2008-06-26T02:18:00.005-04:00

Hey guys! First tip here and this one is on writing a script. Now most people never could imagine that they can write a script. But that isn't true. Script writing is actually very easy. Now every time I get an idea for a show/movie script the first thing I do is write it down. That way i dont forget the idea. So after I've written down the idea, I will try and expand on the idea. I will think of characters and than for each character I'll write as much information about them as I can. Now after this is done, I'll write a final plot that will include as much details as I can fit in. Now sometimes I will dive right in to writing the script part of it, but most other times I will write out a scene list. This helps especially since you might need help starting your script. I write out the scene, the characters in the scene and than a short description for the scene. Once I've done that, I'll start on the script. Now how I write scripts might not work for everyone, but the best way, in my opinion, is that I imagine every scene in my head and I put in my own dialogue and then write it down. But for most people is they would just improvise with maybe one other person or themselves. Than after that write it down. Once I've done all of that, I will create a title and put everything in the correct format, which is shown below:

Character Name:

Dialogue

So once you've got all of that, print out a copy, and find a local director and give it to them. In the off chance you are lucky, they might put it on. But before you do that, make sure to spend the money and get it copyrighted because if a director finds a good script he/she is going to want to take credit for it. So spend the money and get it copyrighted, than give it to your theatre teachers at your school, or give it to any local director. If it is a film script, try yourself to turn it into a masterpiece. Now if it is really good, which for most first time scripts its not great, you can send it to a production company (whichever one of your choice, film/theatre) and see if they will perform/film it. Next week will be tips on directing! Stay tuned!

Tips every couple days!

2008-06-26T01:19:00.002-04:00

Every couple days i will be giving tips on anything and everything related to theatre. Now hopefully i will get some questions from the people to help me decide what tips i should put up but otherwise i am just going to put up some tips on what i feel needs to be explained.