Ask Judith: Submission #3

Submission Number: 3
Submission ID: 87
Submission UUID: 8fb3c294-ef36-458b-8d60-0fbe63787058
Submission URI: /web/ask-judith

Created: Thu, 06/17/2021 - 06:50 AM
Completed: Thu, 06/17/2021 - 06:50 AM
Changed: Tue, 12/26/2023 - 12:58 PM

Remote IP address: 66.212.210.82
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Webform: Ask Judith
Submitted to: Ask Judith
Name: Robert
Email (optional): memorare.members@gmail.com
Question:
Dear Judith,

Thanks so much for your teaching and your availability here! Could you please offer any advice on how a director could help an actor overcome ingrained mannerisms like raising a shoulder after every phrase or flashing telegraphic smiles?

Robert

Reply:
Hello Robert! Thank you for your question. I am wondering -- does this person do this in real life or only while "acting"? Because if they don't do it in real life, it seems to me you could take them aside (out of earshot of everyone else!) and mention it to them in a kindly way. Like saying that you've noticed certain behaviors that they don't do in real life. Then you could ask them whether the shoulder movements and smiles are a choice for the character, or whether perhaps they get nervous when the camera is rolling? If it's nervousness, then you can assure them that you are very happy you've cast them and you want them to be as much life their real self when the camera is rolling as they are when the camera is off. If, on the other hand, they also have these mannerisms in real life, then I suggest you not mention anything to the actor. Sending all my best wishes, Judith

Approved: Yes

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