Top 7 Tips - Impressing The Director

Top 7 Tips - Impressing The Director

1) SET YOUR EGO ASIDE - 

     It's human nature to get defensive. The first thing to remember when taking a note is that it is not personal. Your job is to set aside your personal feelings and try to do what is best for the project overall.

2) LISTEN -

      Though it may seem obvious, a great many actors skip this step. It's easy to let your mind race ahead to questions, comments, or even arguments and neglect to truly absorb the note being given.

3) TRANSLATE - 

      Not every director speak the same artistic language. Take into account what you know of the directors artistic communication styles, ask questions when you really need to and always move in the direction of actionable tactics.

4) SKIP THE JUSTIFYING - 

      As though as it, is no one wants to hear why you made the choice you made. Unless you are confused about the note being given or see an immediate problem with it, Just take the note gracefully and move on.

5) THE LAST NOTE WINS - 

      Directors change their minds. They contradict themselves. If all else fails, remember the most recent note wins, even if the director is contradicting their previous sentiments.

6) KEEP THINGS POSITIVE - 

      No one likes an actor who sulks over notes. Remember that is your job, it's a professional environment and while you don't have to agree with the note, You do have to respect it. Just say Thank You and write it down.

7) AVOID OVER NOTHING -

     Notes are far more often tweaks then they are sweeping changes. They are meant to layer on to previous work, not negate it. Learn to keep what was working previously, gently extract what wasn't and season it all with the note.