How To Direct Actors - Jason Satterlund

In this Film Courage video interview, writer/director Jason Satterlund on how to direct actors.
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[@lauraflemofficial]

Oh man. As an actor, I’ve got to say this guy sounds like an absolute dream to work with. Feel like every director needs to watch this 👏🏼

[@TOF2485]

I am currently in film school and everything he is saying is true. The only thing about film school is that you don't learn this all at once. You are taught bits and pieces each semester. Just so the school can squeeze as much money out.

[@James_Bowie]

"An actor's performace is a reflection of the director." This has some truth as long as the actor has a clue about acting.

[@DARKLYLIT]

This guy is awesome.....unfortunately, he is a RARITY in film and even theatre, but awesome all the same. I love how excited he is in describing what he's learned. THAT is why we do this people. If he doesn't already, he should absolutely teach classes for directors WITH good actors present. Thank you! :)

[@ShiningLightPictures]

I’ve learned that holding a rehearsal with the full cast is important to iron out the kinks in the story as their perspective can reveals flaws in the script. I allow actors to rewrite their lines to better suit their way of speaking. I also ask them during the script reading to see if there was anything left unsaid by their characters that is not on the page. And when I allow the actors to rehearse scenes I don’t tell them what to do. I simply allow them to work out their own blocking so that it is natural for them. In a sense, I don’t direct them but instead guide them by setting the stage for them to participate and work out their own issues, which allows them to become invested in the project. When an actor feels it is a collaboration vs being hired to act, it makes a world of a difference in their level of commitment and performance.

[@ShowCat1]

As a director I feel enriched by this man's insights. So glad to learn from him.

[@pitpride1220]

This is gold. I'm now unafraid to direct film. It's the technical part of filmmaking that frightens me. But I know that I communicate well with actors. I enjoy it. This gave me insight and confidence.

[@exxmormon]

As an actor, one thing I find helpful, when I'm doing a vulnerable scene, is imagine. I'm talking to someone I would normally be vulnerable with.

[@filmcourage]

Was this helpful? What other tips do you have?

[@sursmith37]

I can see how his career is blowing up now. He obviously is experienced and passionate. A great combo.

[@caspermilquetoast411]

This is a great guy.

[@godstomper]

Having experimented doing two short films , finding actors that actually can act is a rigorously challenging event. Whats harder is directing them to do something. The chemistry between certain actors and directors will always differ.

[@mintspears6714]

Anyone that gets emotional seeing another bloom into their potential is a truly special person, not just in this industry but in life.

[@eddyjuillerat835]

Totally agreed and many good advices here.

[@seoulting28]

10:28

[@ashmcgee5963]

This was a great articulation of the director's mechanical instinct vs creative one. It will be helpful to think about this when it comes to switching between the production and the talent.

[@NIKONGUY1960]

I think this is some of the best advice I've ever heard. This guy is so real. What a gem.

[@ajtaylor8750]

REALLY enjoyed this episode. When it comes to directing actors, it's always great when you can establish a relationship on set with them where there's a great amount of trust between you, the director, and the actor. Trust that they will deliver the character that you wrote, but also guide them through the process in a way that helps them. That balance of freedom and guidance is what I look to when working with actors.

[@RSEFX]

Very clear, and honest. Good points. I imagine the best directors are those who are capable of deep, strong emotional connections with and to life and people (and animals) from the very get-go. They don't struggle to find emotional empathy or sympathy, and are comfortable in the "moment". But, on a movie set, it is hard to keep those deeper feelings on the ready, at the tip of the heart, without caving in to the demands of the complex technology that surrounds you, and the logistics of bringing order to the constant state of the unique and weird chaos that is life on a sound stage.. It's a balancing act.

[@hrsantiago]

This is a beautiful perspective on directing.