Working with Actors

Escape To Tomorrow (working title)

I don't often film with other folks. Frequently the characters in my films are me in another form. Sometimes they are avatars of friends who plop their virtual selves down on a pose ball or a piece of furniture that I can control and go on with their day.

I have had experience directing with real folks though and the ideas are the same -- and coming in useful on a current project. So I thought I would share a few tips should you decide to do some filming with others.

As a director (most likely working without a production crew) it is your job to have everything ready for the actors. They are supposed to be the "talent" and while you as director ARE running the show, you certainly can't do it without the folks in front of the camera.  So ---

* Know what shots you want
* Set up the shots and decide on the camera angles before your actors arrive
* Get your lighting set
* Make sure all props are ready to go
* Know what your actors were wearing in previous contiguous scenes if that is relevant -- that continuity thing.
* Depending on your capturing software, you will not be able to type to your actors, so either voice chat, Skype or a group call might be needed. OR make sure your directions are clear before you turn off your interface.

The more you have done BEFORE folks arrive, the faster the shoot will go and the happier you all will be.