Oh for crying out loud (pun intended). Only a hack director is going to be so unfamiliar with the script of his own film that he is going to be surprised about scenes requiring emotional outburts or crying when the day comes to shoot them on the set. As such, the director has a responsibility to thoroughly audition the actors for the part to make sure they can deliver what is required when the time comes.keagan wrote:I agree. As an independant director you have to do what it takes to get your film made. If you are passionate about your project, you'll attract people who are also passionate, and passion can be translated into a willingness to sacrifice.mattias wrote:roger, you're way off. if you think you can go the extra mile through abusive techniques you owe it to yourself and your film to go for it. otherwise you're a bad director. actors think so too. they don't like directors who don't have the guts to cross boundries. it's part of the job for both.
So, when I read comments like:
"...if you think you can go the extra mile..."
"...you owe it to yourself and your film..."
"...it's part of the job..."
"...you have to do what it takes to get your film made..."
"...passion can be translated into a willingness to sacrifice..."
I find it more than amusing that such "sacrifice" doesn't seem to include a thorough auditioning process to cast the appropriate actor.
If you are the director, then you are the point-man for interviewing and auditioning the actors for your project. This is even more true for indie films. If you know you need an actor that can perform a backflip and land on his feet, surely you are going to ask any potential candidate for the part to perform a backflip during the audition. And, if you do not do that and just cast the person based on looks and not ability, then no amount of browbeating or abuse is going to make that person be able to do an effective backflip on the set when needed. Crying is no different.
This thread was started because someone wanted to know about different crying techniques for actors. Well, here's the deal: Crying is the most basic parlor trick that most experienced actors know. Crying is easier to perform on demand than a backflip, in fact. I have worked with hundreds of actors for both film and stage and the idea that a director would have to be abusive to get an emotional result from a competent actor is offensive to any real actor that I know. I'm not saying that some actors don't get off being slapped around and, if that is the technique that they require, well more power to 'em but I would never hire such a person. Abuse on the set is no substitution for being a competent, prepared director that auditions and screens potential actors before casting them, especially if you as the director know going into a project that certain capabilities are required from the hired talent.
Roger
