For the daily needs of actors trying to make it big!!!
So I finally gave in and spent 15 dollars to go see AVATAR this weekend.The visual effects of the movie are in no doubt in a league of their own and so will not be the focus of what I am going to discuss. To the thousands of graphic artists involved from sketching and concept, to animation 3-D or lighting… BRAVO!.
Now, what I really wanted to review is the “substance or lack-there-of” of this multi-million dollar investment.
Here is an article I thought you all might be interested in. Its amazing how many questions we get asking about how to cry! Although its a taboo subject among actors (many feel if they ask their fellow actors or teachers they will be frowned upon as talentless) most actors have the same doubts and difficulties crying at the beginning of their career. Its not easy to reach intense emotional states truthfully, even harder at an audition, so here are a few ideas on how to focus on being honest and eventually letting yourself get carried away enough to allow tears to flow…
At the end of the day, a character is fully created when it is no longer seen as a character, but a person. But how do we make this change? Where do we get the necessary information and tools to make this possible?
A)from our own experience.
B)from observation.
C)from research.
D)from our imagination.
This is the last of a four week series in which we will look at all these tools: today we look at imagination.
At the end of the day, a character is fully created when it is no longer seen as a character, but a person. But how do we make this change? Where do we get the necessary information and tools to make this possible?
A)from our own experience.
B)from observation.
C)from research.
D)from our imagination.
This is the [...]
Like every week we post a monologue for you to enjoy. This week it’s from Kellie Powells’ play: Collaboration. It is a contemporary female role.
Kim confesses to her friend (and sometimes-lover) Shanehat she has been in love with him for several years.
At the end of the day, a character is fully created when it is no longer seen as a character, but a person. But how do we make this change? Where do we get the necessary information and tools to make this possible?
A)from our own experience.
B)from observation.
C)from research.
D)from our imagination.
This is the beginning of a four week series in which we will look at all these in due time but today we focus on the first tool: our own experience.
Here is a great article from The Acting Room that talks about how much its going to cost you monthly to live in LA. Now some things are pretty accurate, but others are either too high or too low compared to most of my experiences and those of known acquaintances. But, if you scroll down and read the comments you will get a great scope.
Here are the new shows coming on NBC. I cant stress enough the need of actors to watch EVERY SHOW THEY CAN!. Not only is a wise actor a better actor, but think about it this way: if you watch atleast the pilots and a couple of other episodes you will get the acting style down and if you ever audition for these particular shows you know what to give. Its not the same thing to read for “Gres Anatomy” or “Lost” tan it is to read for “Two and a Half men” where acting is concerned. Its important to know your shows.
The art of acting has 3 requisites:
a) The genius to transform oneself.
b) The talent to showcase such transformation
c) The inspiration to do both things in the conditions of time and space given.
If you haven’t heard of it, it goes something like this: A young actress moves to Hollywood to start her acting career. She takes some classes, gets an agent and books a role on a TV show. Then she books another small part and another and another. Maybe a dry spell here or there, but first year out of the gate and she ends up booking a good dozen or so roles…
Here is a list of things that will get you a good head start on your fellow auditioners;
1. LINES - learn them. If you do not you will have no chance ofbeing picked, it shows you are lazy and incompetant. Learn your lines and the lines of the people playing with you too, so when they forget you can then remind them – and sometimes the agent asks you to stand in and read the lines with the rest of the ‘contestants’ – if this happens guess who has a better chance of getting the part.
Its a given you are likely to almost always get a role that matches your “type”…or is it? Here is a list of actors who really went above and beyond to turn into their character. Some of these actors were also rewarded with acclamation and wonderful critics (even awards) because of the amount of hard work put into the transformation. Hours of make-up, 60 pound wardrobes, un-healthy dieting or weight gain…
Great article of “Petermans Eye” on character actors and their amazing contribution and sometimes belittled rewards… for the full article… Click Here.
His book has been a success due largely to his familiar tone and approachability. Here is a snippet of an interview:
So for all of you new actors starting out who dont exactly know what it means when people say “I’m a method actor!” ModernTimes has a little page on the basics. Even so, I strongly reccommend you familiarize yourself with all of the techniquies and schools available to the modern actor (Stella Adler, Meisner, Stanislavski…etc) and then figure out what teachings are most in tune with your personal beliefs and will easily tap into your creativity… For the full article….Click Here
The Acting Room has a great post on how to substitute to achieve real emotions. I personally believe this is useful to start with, but once you have connected, you need to feel the characters emotions as your own, not substitute them. Make his emotions yours, not the other way around…
The job of a lead actor in a feature film is…
To deliver a physical and emotional interpretation of a screenwriter’s work, in line with a director’s vision, while maintaining long-term physical and emotional continuity.
Feature film acting is the most difficult because of four things:
One of the best things you can do to learn of what goes on behind the scenes of a movie if you arent able to get a job there (yet!) is watch the millions of “making of viedeos”. Some are extremely helpful and others just give you an insight into the personalities and behaviour of professional actors which is also greatly helpful. ..
Like every week we post a book review on a subject related to acting, health, personal growth or anything related to the showbiz industry. This time it’s the vocal lesson book “Voice and the Actor” by Cicely Berry.
The author lets us know she bases her work on “the conviction that while all is present [...]