“Just bring it down for film.”
Have you ever heard an acting teacher say that old chestnut? A simple enough sentiment, but the process of translating theatrical technique over to film is far more involved than that line makes it seem. It’s not something that will magically happen; it’s up to you to learn and adapt.
At Screen Actors System, I teach bring-it-down every week, to everyone from beginners to Academy Award-winners, and I can tell you that actors have always struggled to “bring it down.” But the great ones have eventually found a way.
It can take decades to organically figure out the cinematic process, but I believe in accelerated learning. Here are six ways to turbocharge the journey.
1. Never push for emotion. However you achieve a powerful emotion, beware of forcing it out while the camera rolls. If the editor uses that over-emotive footage, you’ll look ridiculous. Instead, play the feeling as an obstacle. Contain it, but make sure it’s deeply felt or it will disappear on film. You want to play an emotion so viewers notice the power, detail, and nuance in your performance, not just a single solitary emotion that screams “I’m sad!” or
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