As a feature film director, your relationships with your actors may
be the most delicate ones of your entire production - especially if
you are a first-timer without much prior directing experience. From
teaching workshops in acting and directing, I've noticed that directors
make the same mistakes over and over again. These subtle - and sometimes
not so subtle - behaviors often sabotage their chances of getting
good performances. 10 tips for directors seeking to get the most
out of their actors
1. Be Prepared To Talk To Your Actors.
2. Go Over The Script Line By Line With Your Actors Before Getting
on the Set.
3. Cast People With Whom You Can Communicate.
4. Maintain An Air Of Authority With Your Actors.
5. Don't Take Anything That Happens With Your Actors Personally.
6. Give Your Actors Playable Objectives.
7. If An Actor Has A Problem With Something, Pay Attention And Deal
With It As Soon As Possible.
8. Create More Spontaneous Conflict Between Characters By Giving Actors
Information Privately.
9. Be General With Praise And Specific About Aspects That Need Improvement.
10. When In Doubt, Give Your Actor A Physical Activity.