Acting for the Camera

 

Whilst the director is responsible for everything that takes place behind the camera, s/he remains dependant on the actor’s ability to be entirely credible once the camera is rolling. This can present certain problems for the actor. It takes time to go through all the technical requirements needed to shoot a scene: lighting installation, decisions on how sound will be captured, setting up camera angles, etc. During this period the actor is left to one side, unnecessary (maybe even in the way) until the team is ready to shoot.   When the actor arrives on set everything is ready and time is usually short.   The professional actor is then expected to enter into character, rehearse once or twice and then “take”.  Being able to achieve this requires technique, concentration and the mystery of talent. 

Technique

In an ideal situation, the actor can create the character through script analysis and discussions with the director. The character then has to be presented and performed in a way so that the camera can capture the inherent truth of the actor’s work, concordant with the director’s vision.  An actor must have the techniques that enable him or her to create and maintain the character. These techniques depend partly on being able to deliver the lines written and control movement, and partly on being able to adapt to a director’s instructions.

Concentration

It takes practice to develop the concentration needed to block out all the elements present that are not in the character’s field of vision (the camera itself, the boom operator, the lighting stands etc. etc.).

Talent

Talent is inherent.  It can be augmented by developing the imagination. But of itself, talent is either present or not.