I hear a recurring issue among actors in this community about how their work is impacted with or without great direction on set or even in an audition.
A lot of actors are saying when they get NO direction, they feel they’re not able to deliver their best performance.
Sometimes they get WRONG direction in a casting session which they feel causes their instrument to shut down. Then they’re unable to open up and embody their character fully.
I also hear actors complain about BAD directors who have poor communication or people skills. On some sets, actors feel overwhelmed by being bombarded with direction from other people on set like the DP or even their scene partner!
Some actors panic when their directors are too FREE and uninhibited because they feel lost.
This mismatch of energy causes many actors to feel like they’re missing out the ideal rapport and collaboration they feel is necessary to do their job effectively. As passionate artists they’d like to experience an intimacy and connection with people on set.
When you watch my video below, I want us to discuss how we can shift the responsibility and perspective so you don’t think it’s a director’s job to direct you, even if it’s their job title. If your energy doesn’t match the director’s, I don’t want you to think it’s because of them that you weren’t able to be 100% present with your character. When you do that, you’re giving them your POWER. You remain powerless whenever you give someone the solution to your problem. Take the power back so you don’t have to wait on them.
Realistically, most of the time you won’t work with a director that matches your energy and “speaks your language” perfectly. These constructive differences actually make a team stronger.
So what should you do?
To avoid falling into the victim-mode with the actor-director relationship, make sure you’re extremely BENDY. You want to be totally flexible to the point where even in extreme circumstances and nothing goes your way, you can go with whatever comes at you. You want your instrument to be completely OPEN and FREE so it can make something out of anything that comes at you.
You want to make sure you’re paying attention to your CHARACTER’S NEEDS, not your own. When you put your character’s needs above your own, there’s no ego involved. When your ego comes in, you get hurt or offended. Make sure what your character wants comes first. You’re there to DEFEND the character and the director is there to ensure the character’s story adds to the overall vision of the story. These two POVs are aligned and work together.
Watch my training now to hear all my thoughts on this topic.
I’m sharing a FREE training "STOP Trying to be a GOOD Actor So You Have a Chance at Being GREAT" 😎 and to take the conversation a little further, I’d love to hear from you. Post a comment in our private Facebook Group, so we can take the discussion farther.
You’ll also get access to more videos and resources, and connect with more than a THOUSAND like-minded actors across the globe for extra accountability.
If you’re not already a member, be sure to request to join ASAP.
And if you’re interested in our work, click here and write us an email with the word RESET BLOG. We also have a BOGO offer to support actors who need help in the COVID time.
See you there!
Jo Kelly
Creator, The Reset Journey From Resistance to Freedom
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:
1- Join my free Facebook Group, THE INSTINCTIVE ACTORS’ SOCIETY, exclusively for actors who are ready to go from good to great and become undeniable.
REQUEST TO JOIN: facebook.com/groups/instinctiveactorssociety
2- Get on the waitlist for my course, The Reset Journey From Resistance to Freedom, and stop struggling to access your natural, authentic talent in the audition room or on set. You’ll learn how to reset your instrument to be 100% instinctive and free in just 33 days.
GET ON WAITLIST: tobeornottoact.com/waitlist
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