Fuck-Up #32

“Acting Happens When You Have Lines”

Why acting is reacting, even when the camera isn’t on

 

“Acting is paying attention.”2

—Robert Redford

 

The Fuck-Up…

Some actors may complain they’re not getting enough lines. The misconception here is that talking is when you show you can act.

How to Do It Right…

Amateur actors often make the mistake of waiting for their lines to start acting. More experienced actors, especially those who have spent any time in an editing room, know that acting does not happen only while speaking. In fact, reacting during other actors’ lines or action can prove the best way for ambitious actors to get themselves more screen time.

The editor is always looking for effective editing points to help a scene—in other ...

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