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.