Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances For Film & TV - Judith Weston [FULL INTERVIEW]

[@filmcourage]

As an actor, what has been the best approach to direction you've experienced on a film set, stage, etc.? As a director, what works best with actor, giving them free rein or a direct approach?

[@liquidbraino]

I think as an actor it's important to remember that you are an instrument in the hands of the director, you're a paint brush, the director is the painter, the production is the canvass but it's the actors emotions which adds color to the canvas. The relationship between the actor and director is like the pallet where the proper colors get mixed before being applied to the canvas and the best director understands that this is a relationship and not a dictatorship. Some directors (like Kubrick) would take a more hands off approach but to me that's kind of like the "spray and pray" method of rifle marksmanship. Just cover your eyes, pull the trigger and get as many rounds off as you can then pray that one of them hits the target. Some directors feel like YOU'RE the actor - do your job, they shouldn't have to coach you on how to act but the best director is also an actor; understands how actors work and also has a clear vision of what they want. If you don't have a clear vision as a director it's "spray and pray" and personally I prefer working with a director who knows exactly what they want and will guide me (aka "direct") when I'm going off the rails, just like my acting teacher does in class. In fact any good acting teacher would make a great director.

[@kenwinkler2354]

Judith's book helped me tremendously in film school. I recommend it to everyone working behind the camera.

[@theartofstory9487]

WOW! THIS IS SUCH A TREASURE!!! Judith Weston RADICALLY changed the way I think as an artist and work as a writer and director! She is a generous genius! I am so happy to watch this interview (likely several times). I always tell people I learned about subtext from reading Hemingway, but Weston taught me to UNDERSTAND SUBTEXT and how to use it. Probably the most essential concept to making art - and possibly to approaching the entire human experience. I am over the moon to see this interview! Thank you Karen and Judith! This is a gift! I love this woman and her work!

[@Jollzzz]

The feeling of knowledge being transferred and connecting in a way that fulfills meaning and intention and shapes destiny.... as an actor/creative that's how the wisdom in the first 5 min felt. Truly a blessing. I'm floored. That was great Judith, thank you and thank you film courage!!

[@bouncyybear1860]

One of the best books I've ever read. Thank you for having her on!

[@filmcourage]

Thank you! We enjoy the advice Judith shares in this video series. It was an honor to speak with her!

[@plinkfuture2557]

Judith Weston is a treasure

[@sheilaoneil18]

The purpose of "to take up arms against a sea of troubles..." is surely that Shakespeare was demonstrating in the most wonderful use of language, the futility of fighting in this way, the futility of so many of our puny actions. I don't consider it to be a mixed metaphor. Very useful video. Thanks.

[@AaronDunlapActor]

I really appreciate Judiths thoughts on "approach" I studied with George Morrison and Kathy Hendrickson in the early 2000s. I finished my first Feature Film this year. I am so grateful, to have been taught how to embrace a technique. "Blackest Darkness"

[@Hearmeout33]

Could you explain more on “embrace a technique” please :)

[@kurtdamas5927]

Both of her books are excellent.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Karen Karen Karen This episode was explosive!!!!! Thank you 😂

[@AZLAANmumbai]

This is is super cool

[@felipevece]

God save the Quenn The queen is speaking and we should listen

[@wexwuthor1776]

Film Courage is numero uno. 🎉

[@hampusheh]

She's great!

[@AndrewDChristie]

Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Thank you so much Andrew! Highly recommend Judith's book as well. Incredible stuff.

[@brettlane6908]

Does this advice apply to amateur stage?? I didn’t realise I use ‘result direction’. 🤔

[@Butlinsgvn6]

It absolutely can apply!

[@nikitaaverin]

As a filmmaker, I know exactly if a Director is good or not. I started out as a model in my teens and swiftly got commercial gigs and such. So I got cast in the leading role for this tech demo (it was in the early days of HD) and the Director was actually a Technician. And filmed it on 65mm. He lashed out on us kids because he more or less was counting reels and he more or less wanted his "vision" to sit on take one all the time. So on the second take we just hammed it up as a joke. And he absolutely loved it. Don't think he directed anything since.

[@nikitaaverin]

I got lauded by this Actor in a short film of mine, since I gave him the weirdest direction than he had ever heard. He was originally trained for stage, so he put emphasis on every syllable. I was just like "This line doesn't matter, so just drop it. I wrote the script and I will be the editor, and this line works better if it doesn't matter to your character." I have a very casual way of directing. Soft voice, safe sets etc but a very distinct vision. He was shocked, since he was used to act for the nosebleed seats. And here comes this Director saying that this line didn't matter. He got what I was gunning for and did a great job. In workshops he later moderated, he did do use my words.

[@MikelGCinema]

ts very important to read her book, once you master the rules, you can break them so you don't do, filmed theatre..she even mentioned Altman...he did break the rules...

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Its my dream to produce something noteworthy enough to appear on your show Karen Be blessed😂

[@martinbogado9243]

what is a connector scene?

[@film_magician]

Why is she so worrid about copywright issues when she's using text and lines as educational purposes? She was "lucky" to be able to use the matrix script as a teaching tool? Anyone can use anything to refer to and teach with and analyze, why would it matter if it's a produced screenplay or film? Odd.

[@Butlinsgvn6]

She was talking about including it in her book, not using it in a lesson

[@ceelothatmane9421]

It’s cool to be esoteric every now and then, but the elitism of the creative academia is arbitrarily esoteric for the sake of creating value where there really isn’t any.

[@brianvanvriends]

I find it quite extraordinary that actors speaking of the "craft" of acting seem so determined to cloak their vocation in such terms as - the search for truth, more truthful than reality and such like. When something is very easy to do - and acting is the easiest job I've ever done - but gets lauded as something mysterious or special and then financially rewarded way beyond it's worth, those involved in the industry seem to then want to justify this imbalance by vainglorious exaggeration and semantic psychobabble. I suspect Brando and others realise as they get wiser that acting is something that even a child can do and although when done well, it can be rewarding for people. But it's convincing others that you are something else and that's a liar, whichever way you want to package it. A good liar, but still a liar.

[@corpsefoot758]

There is a massive difference between your ability to perform easy acting, versus all acting being easy.

[@windler763]

what have you performed in? :D

[@lolitamoonprod]

Maybe Shakespeare was a woman…?