Ask Judith: Submission #2

Name: Zacil  Canales
Email (optional): zacilcanaless@gmail.com
Question:
Hi Judith! My name is Zacil Canales. I am a Mexican film student and I recently started listening to your audiobook.  I am a huge fan of it. I had previously read the paperback version but as i'm about to direct my first shortfilm  I wanted to refresh my memory and relive the experience. I admire you so much, I haven’t found anything more clarifying than your words.

I would like to ask you if you had any advice for directing a horror film. Fear is a sensation that, in my opinion, is very difficult to act upon. How can I make an actor have that adrenaline rush that fear generates? What verbs or actions can be given? How can I help my actors?

Thank you so much in advance!  I’ll never stop recommending your work, I’m a huge fan✨

Reply:
Hello Zacil,

Thank you for your kind words about the audiobook! It makes me very happy to know that you find it helpful. And thank you for your question.

I think this is a casting issue. I don't think it's the director's job to be able to make an actor have that adrenaline rush. At least not if you are working with trained, experienced actors. Professional actors have their ways of getting to these difficult emotional places. You can ask them if they have concerns about the role or about the scene to be shot and work with them as collaborators.

If you have cast someone who does not have training or experience in acting, that's a different story. So, really, my best recommendation is that you cast experienced actors. If there is an important reason why you want to cast an inexperienced person, make sure there is something special about them, that they have emotional intelligence and maturity, and then try different strategies and work something out together.

I send you all my best wishes,
Judith

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