Directing for Actors: Working with Directors and Cinematographers
Expert-defined terms from the Executive Certificate in Acting for Film and Television course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Action #
** A command given by the director to begin filming a scene.
* Concept #
Action is the point where the cameras start rolling and the actors begin performing. It's the opposite of "cut," which signals the end of a take.
* Practical application #
When the director calls "action," the actors must be fully prepared to begin their performance. It's important to stay focused and in character until the director calls "cut."
**Blocking #
** The movements and positioning of actors during a scene.
* Concept #
Blocking refers to the physical movements of actors within a scene, including their entrances and exits, as well as their positioning in relation to one another and the camera.
* Practical application #
During rehearsals, the director will work with the actors to block out their movements for each scene. This process helps to ensure that the actors are in the right place at the right time, and that their movements support the story being told.
**Casting #
** The process of selecting actors for a film or television production.
* Concept #
Casting is the process of selecting the right actors to bring a script to life. This process often involves holding auditions, where actors perform selected scenes or monologues for the director and casting director.
* Practical application #
Actors who are interested in being cast in a production must first submit a headshot and resume to the casting director. If selected, they will be invited to audition for the role.
** Cinematographer #
** The person responsible for the visual style and quality of the film.
* Concept #
The cinematographer is the person who works closely with the director to create the visual language of the film. They are responsible for choosing the camera angles, lighting, and color palette, among other things.
* Practical application #
During filming, the cinematographer works closely with the director to ensure that the visuals support the story being told. They may suggest camera movements or lighting changes to enhance a particular moment or emotion.
**Close #
up:** A shot that focuses tightly on a subject, often an actor's face.
* Concept #
A close-up is a type of shot that frames a subject tightly within the frame. In film and television, close-ups are often used to convey emotion or to draw the viewer's attention to a particular detail.
* Practical application #
During a scene, the director may call for a close-up to capture an actor's reaction or to highlight a particular prop or detail. Actors must be prepared to perform for the camera in close-up, as their facial expressions and body language will be magnified on screen.
**Continuity #
** The consistency of details and actions in a film or television production.
* Concept #
Continuity refers to the consistency of details and actions in a film or television production. This includes things like the positioning of props, the clothing and hairstyles of actors, and the overall look and feel of the production.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director and crew must pay close attention to continuity to ensure that the final product is seamless and cohesive. Actors can help with this by paying attention to their props and costumes, and by repeating their actions and movements consistently from take to take.
**Cover set #
** A secondary location used to film additional angles or coverage of a scene.
* Concept #
A cover set is a secondary location used to film additional angles or coverage of a scene. This can include close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, or alternate camera angles.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director may choose to film a scene from multiple angles or coverage to give themselves more options in the editing room. Actors must be prepared to perform the same scene multiple times, often in different locations, to provide the necessary coverage.
**Cross #
cutting:** The technique of editing between two or more simultaneous actions.
* Concept #
Cross-cutting is the technique of editing between two or more simultaneous actions, creating the impression that they are happening at the same time. This can be used to build tension, create suspense, or reveal information about the story.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director may use cross-cutting to create a sense of urgency or to build anticipation. Actors must be aware of the other actions taking place in the scene, and must time their performances accordingly.
**Cut #
** A command given by the director to stop filming.
* Concept #
Cut is the opposite of "action," and signals the end of a take. It's used to stop the cameras from rolling, and to allow the director and crew to make adjustments or reset for the next take.
* Practical application #
When the director calls "cut," actors should stop performing and return to their starting positions. It's important to remain in character and stay focused, as the director may choose to do another take.
**Director #
** The person responsible for overseeing the creative vision of a film or television production.
* Concept #
The director is the person who works closely with the actors, crew, and writers to bring the script to life. They are responsible for making creative decisions, such as camera angles, lighting, and staging.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director works closely with the actors to ensure that their performances support the story being told. They may give direction or feedback to help the actors better understand their characters or motivations.
**Director's notes #
** Feedback or direction given by the director to the actors.
* Concept #
Director's notes are feedback or direction given by the director to the actors. This can include suggestions for how to deliver a line, or feedback on the actor's performance.
* Practical application #
Actors should be open to receiving director's notes, as they can help to improve their performance and better serve the story. It's important to remain professional and receptive, even if the notes are challenging or difficult to implement.
**Dolly shot #
** A shot that involves moving the camera closer or further away from the subject.
* Concept #
A dolly shot is a shot that involves moving the camera closer or further away from the subject. This can be done using a camera dolly, which is a wheeled platform that the camera is mounted on.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director may choose to use a dolly shot to create a sense of movement or to emphasize a particular detail. Actors must be prepared to perform for the camera as it moves, and may need to adjust their movements or positioning accordingly.
**Editing #
** The process of selecting and arranging footage to create a cohesive narrative.
* Concept #
Editing is the process of selecting and arranging footage to create a cohesive narrative. This involves cutting together different takes, adding sound effects or music, and making creative decisions about the pacing and rhythm of the film.
* Practical application #
During editing, the director and editor work together to create a rough cut of the film. Actors can provide feedback on their performances, but ultimately the final decision rests with the director and editor.
**Establishing shot #
** A wide shot used to establish the location or setting of a scene.
* Concept #
An establishing shot is a wide shot used to establish the location or setting of a scene. This can include shots of buildings, landscapes, or cityscapes, and is often used to provide context for the viewer.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director may use an establishing shot to provide context for the scene. Actors must be aware of the setting and how it relates to their character and motivations.
**Eyeline #
** The direction in which an actor is looking.
* Concept #
Eyeline refers to the direction in which an actor is looking. This can include looking directly at the camera, or looking off-screen in the direction of another actor or prop.
* Practical application #
During filming, the director may give the actor specific eyelines to follow, or may allow them to choose their own. Actors must be aware of their eyelines and how they relate to the other elements in the scene.
**Film grammar #
** The visual language used in film and television.
* Concept #
Film grammar is the visual language used in film and television. This