How To Direct Actors: Working With Non Actors

[@rossmiller4823]

These videos are gold...I'm learning so much. thanks

[@D4Darious]

Ross Miller You're more than welcome =) Thank you for watching!

[@melaniemell6901]

+Ross Miller Join Us! facebook.com/letsbefilmmakers/

[@JustinWoo]

Sidenote: non-actors don't care if you give them line readings, and may actually want them, but actual actors may want to slap the shit out of you for it.

[@D4Darious]

Justin Woo LoL very true. thanks for commenting Justin.

[@womack900]

I know this is a 10 year old comment, but this is pretty spot-on. As a trained actor who does community theatre on occasion, it's common for a lot of the community theatre directors to give the actors line readings because many of them aren't as experienced. I usually have a prior relationship with the directors I work with, so they know not to give me line readings, but the ones who don't know me I generally have to tell them that line readings don't work for me.

[@davidmcclelland8090]

A good director can make magic with the right inexperienced actor. Tarsem Singh actually changed the script around because the mistakes of the cute little girl (who you'll fall in love with if you watch the movie) he cast in the movie The Fall and it worked out AMAZING. He also made magic of what came out to be the one and only take of a scene because the little girl was too frightened to do it again.

[@vilmavega2689]

“Try as much as you can to set up situations where they are REACTING...” I’m an actor!! this helps put things in perspective and connect to the material quickly.

[@TheQueffelec4]

This video really helped. We just started shooting for my short film, and all of my cast are non actors. This is going to help get then to atleast be semi good. Thanks Darious!

[@michaelmoyer7929]

Great advice. I definitely see where you're coming from as far as the mindset of non-actors, while shooting a short film at school once I had a couple of people caster that got pretty impatient pretty quick. This video was helpful, I'll keep it in mind in the future.

[@katehorn24channel]

This is fantastic. And, it's interesting that what you're talking about is in many ways pushing the non-actor to do method acting, which can produce much more authentic acting than an actor just imagining the situation and putting him/herself in the characterization head-space using other methods. Good video!

[@D4Darious]

Thank you Kate. I'm glad you found it useful =)

[@ptbproductions4134]

Your awesome, Thanks dude, thumbs up for vid, I'm directing my 5th short tomorrow in Atlantic City.

[@HunterDane650]

I've just stumbled upon your channel after approving your comment on the discussion section of my channel, and I have to say, you have just gave the best advice in all your videos, particularly this one. I've just subscribed to you now, as I will continue to support your channel and hopes of your career.

[@D4Darious]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad you found the content useful Overclock! And thank you for subscribing.

[@truefilm1556]

Great video as always! A lot of it seems obvious, but it's always great having it laid out and confirmed. I only remember "directing" from my old Super8mm days way back in the day (I was like age 18 and didn't know squat). I do have decades of experience with singers and voice actors in a recording studio as a pro composer/producer for albums, short films and TV commercials. Thanks for reading this long-ish post! A lot of things are in common with film directing (I'm pretty sure): people are exposing themselves and non-professionals usually have great difficulties with that, being embarrassed - never really opening up. Apply too much pressure and they'll freeze or even break down. Motivating is the key. Just sharing my experience: I usually run into two road blocks (might be the exact same with filming, will get into that in the near future since I will be using 16mm: for the time being: MOS only for ADR - silent cameras for on-set sync sound are very expensive). Nr 1: when the person is too shy (but does otherwise great in the comfortable environment such as a small club or stage) you need to go very easy (but and neither apply too much pressure nor wear them out. And yep: always have a plan B (different phrasing, melody line, lyrics, etc.). Road block Nr. 2: some seasoned pros with lots of stamina and experience to work long hours (or very good looking people) have huge egos (if you can choose: choose talented people who are easy to work with and down to earth). You say very collected and cool: "O.K. please do one more take!" (because the last one sucked or it doesn't quite fit into context) - the reply is often and arrogant: "Why? Wasn't I good?". In my experience: just stay cool and say: "Just one more so I have material to chose from. Also: Rule Nr. one (for me): NEVER let any spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend being present (for very obvious reasons!). I'm sure a lot of this applies to film directing as well. Thanks for reading. Thanks for another great video!

[@D4Darious]

+truefilm Yet again thanks for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts mr. truefilm. Always welcome Bruh!

[@aryanjaiswal1508]

"Great actor is one who brings more about him self ,who feels character within,the character is one of your versions."

[@davidbellesen4303]

I teach high school video and work with first time actors and this advice is right on point!

[@skiller280476]

Wow again very helpful. You nailed it again. For the tv series I am directing, I am working mainly with non professional actors and it would have helped a lot to have seen this before. It s ok I ll watch it again and apply it for season 2

[@D4Darious]

skiller280476 Thanks for commenting again Skiller. Been seeing your name pop up a lot recently.

[@casperes0912]

... I so wish I'd seen this before I directed my last exam production. I mean, I passed, but it could've been soooo much better. In retrospect, I was way too stringent with the script.

[@Criticlysm]

Fantastic. I share a lot of the same views when directing non-actors and crews and casts in general.

[@D4Darious]

Thank you Matthew and thanks for commenting.

[@judichristopher4604]

OMG Darious... it has been awhile since I have seen your videos... (Where have I been?) LOL Great to see this video.. as usual You are fantastic and brilliant.

[@cpg-cubeprogaming1233]

Bingo. I actually work this way for school projects. Luckily with German class, I always work with a specific group. They do quite well.

[@D4Darious]

Nice! you've got it in the bag Cub =)

[@peterchin7796]

thanks for the useful tips, bro! usually for non-actors, I would make sure that I spend time and talk to them about their roles, so they have clear idea of what they need to do. And also lots of patience, as they need time to get the "feeling" right 😃😃

[@MrEscritor9]

Hey D! U ARE AWESOME! You should get a PhD, so you can teach full time! It is so great to people like you to instruct us creative people! Keep up the good work!!!

[@D4Darious]

+MrEscritor9 Thank you Mr. Escritor9. I appreciate the support ;)

[@nitanspam3918]

ɷ I Havee Watchedd Thissss Movieeee Leakedd Versionnnn Heree : - t.co/SjZpZXw5gt

[@painter2k]

You. Are. The. Man. I totally applied this method today while trying to instruct non actors for haunted house positions. I eventually had to show them what to do so that they would be free to express themselves. Wanted to see your video about it, and I am glad I was on the right track. I also added motivational ideas so that they would be able to try to improvise, but I am worried that I may have given them too much information. Or tried to over directed them a bit.

[@D4Darious]

painter2k Nice! Eventually you find your own way of working with your actors and it sounds like you were already on your way to figuring it out for yourself lol. You didn't even need to see this video =) I'm glad you enjoyed it though and thank you for sharing your story Painter!

[@penguinYT1]

Excellent episode. Good stuff to remember.

[@D4Darious]

Thanks for commenting Penguin!

[@carlo_oppermann]

Keep those videos coming! As obvious and basic most of the topics honestly seem at first glance, I love the fact that you take the time to go through it. I always pick stuff up and try to watch related videos of yours before I get on a specific set.

[@mydiyjungle6075]

Ive acted with huge names and non actors and one thing that makes me wish i wasnt there is how the directors and PA's treat performers / actors... i have seen directors forget or simply not care about what the actors has to go through internally to give the project all it deserves ... i always make sure im working with a one collective mind set of we are all here for the project i am not there for the big names im working with or the directors ego etc. in short it helps actors and non actors if the boss is a human

[@Victor-in1bs]

BLESS YOU! This is one great leap for a team without many experienced actors.

[@Flippergob]

Darious, whenever I search for any filmmaking tips, your content always comes up first...why? Coz is damn great stuff! Really grateful for your insight. Keep it up!

[@violaomarcio]

Sir ... I do not usually comment, but your tips are so good that I need to say thank you. You're a very good teacher! Greetings from Brazil

[@schwarbeastwood]

MR. DARIOUS BRIT I LOVE YOUR WORK SO MUCH AND I AM A GREAT FAN OF YOURS THERE IN MY COUNTRY SIERRA LOENE HOPE TO SEE MORE VIDEOS OF YOUR TEACHINGS.

[@studiompodcastnetwork5119]

Hey Darious, I've been scouring the net and have yet to really find a video or page that answers this one question. "How to care for actors on set?". To emphasize, what are some things that the production team/ director can do to ensure the actors are in a good mood and are in a comfortable atmosphere where they can perform? (provide small snacks and light drinks? shade and fans for outdoor shooting? etc...)

[@D4Darious]

The best thing to do for your actors is just check on them often and make sure they're feeling okay after raw performances. You don't want to pamper them too much with all the special treatment because at the end of the day, acting isn't about all the perks. It's about the performance. Just treat them how you would wanna be treated and you'll be okay :)

[@matthewbrendanclark2309]

I love you man. These videos are super helpful. Love your spirit toward things.

[@abennyjfilm]

Can you please do more Directing Actors videos like these?

[@tylerhathaway9525]

Hey Darious, any words on how best to keep the non-actor in good spirits during long set-ups and delays? Do you think that the most you can do is just to explain that this is how the film set world is?

[@D4Darious]

Explaining the set world to them is your best move especially seeing as you're gonna be so busy directing your movie that you won't be able to do much else lol. You could let them relax and play on their smartphone or make some important calls if that'll help keep them from going crazy waiting. That would be up to your discretion though.

[@Invadingpenguins]

Thank you! This will help a LOT!

[@D4Darious]

Anytime Penguin. I didn't see your comment till just now.

[@JonJonesLPM]

Excellent advice. Very well presented. Nicely done.

[@D4Darious]

Thank you for commenting Jon. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@vincentcampos6925]

Awesome man

[@D4Darious]

Vincent Campos Thank you Vince =)

[@swaezychanel9889]

Good pointers you point some unexpected steps to grow in t his industry. You should put some points up for like comedy sketches, vlogs, and music/dance videos as well !👍

[@StephiBauduhin]

Great advise, thanks!

[@D4Darious]

You're welcome.Thank YOU for watching Stephanie :)

[@michaelredd4642]

Great advice, I'll be directing 6 first time actors on my next short film

[@larsthomasdenstad9082]

Your videos are really great, so happy I stumbled across your channel. Thanks for your hard work.

[@BLAKHARTFILM]

Some great advice, thank you.

[@MajorBumblebee]

These vids are really helpful bro, keep it up!

[@D4Darious]

Thank you Bumblebee :)

[@benallotti3064]

Another great vid! I actually did some of the things that were suggested in your latest video. However, I had a few first timers that were quite a challenge when it came to this. My question for you is if a non-actor isn't really living up to the role, do you do more additional rewrites or alterations or do you recast?

[@D4Darious]

If you can recast you should as long as it doesn't hurt the production to bad. If recasting isn't an option than you may have to tweak parts of your script to accommodate the limited range of your actor. Sometimes rewriting for actors isn't such a bad thing and happy accidents can come out of it.

[@benallotti3064]

Thanks Darious!

[@halloweenfriday]

Hey man, this video is great! I'm studying filmmaking, and your videos are very helpful!

[@aidandaherhehe]

Thank you so much! I watched this video to see how to act around newbies. Thank you SOOO much! I know how to make a short film with your videos, Thanks alot! Peace!

[@counthopkins9380]

Good advice, thank you! Now I can work this project with non-union talent, and get a better product.

[@michaelmattice4986]

Thanks so much! You really packed A LOT of tips into a 5min video! Continued success:)

[@TheHamedkibria]

Great ! I meet more than 39 Theater Actors & Actress last two months. No one have interested to rehearsal for film . They want to work only in shooting time of my short film. I just thought how dare to come in front of camera without practicing. This time i took couple of non actors. Hope for the best

[@AnthonyNatoli]

Good advice. I feel like if I can master directing non actors, if I get lucky enough to have actors who know what they're doing my life will be easier.

[@calenmoore4529]

Nice work Darius, as usual. Very Informative.

[@gudeandi]

Great! Starting a small project and have to work with no actors! Thank you!

[@D4Darious]

You're welcome Andreas!

[@ZsStudio]

nice advice and well explained!

[@D4Darious]

Thanks Zs! =)

[@davidmcclelland8090]

0:54 for example you could cast Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan because that was basically her anyway, and then never ask her to be on a set again.

[@arnoldking2658]

This is awesome... Great job sir

[@MarlanWarren]

Well said! Crystal clear! Thank you!

[@ChinsomanFilms1]

Man, I have too much experience with this, heheheh. Great video once again!

[@D4Darious]

LoL glad you could relate =).

[@drivethrufilmzz]

Dude thanks a lot for these vids, they really help a shitload and keep the drive going for us. You're the shit \m/

[@GeeQueee]

thanks bro

[@DreamhouseVideography]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@D4Darious]

Thank you for watching.

[@andilemthembu9757]

dude you the man... i like your videos

[@malikizohmk]

great work bro

[@davegordon9553]

Great advice

[@mrsmiley9772]

Great help!

[@TheVirtuallyAddicted]

Great tips. I look for certain looks as well that way I don't have to have them spend hours in a make up chair.

[@D4Darious]

Having the right look definitely saves you alot of heartache down the road.

[@NicholasSilva1380]

awesome advice man

[@SuperWhiteLightning8]

Great video man!

[@D4Darious]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Ryan =)

[@TheFoxtrotfenris]

Thx D.

[@nerdknowledge2056]

This video was really helpful.

[@jakejakerston6128]

thanks darious

[@D4Darious]

You're welcome Jake. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lucasstrunc7669]

geez man you are good! Have you ever gotten a dislike.

[@D4Darious]

I get them all the time. Thank you Puffa.

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

Thanks mate

[@Sunnyellow]

Cheers man! Your vids are the best!! :)

[@AvitalShtap]

Super helped!!!!

Thanks, that's super useful.

[@D4Darious]

You're welcome =) Glad you found it useful.

[@teematt9087]

Thumbs up! Thank you

[@evaanjos]

man i'd love to have you as a uni teacher, yeah that's it

[@PauloNideck]

great video!

[@studiolphotography88]

Good Stuff dude

[@winterlauzon5707]

Holy crap. So good- THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@kareennactments]

Really really good info man. I am a film production student and am getting ready to start an episodic production. May I ask what state do you reside in?

[@lucielovelagle9966]

This was really helpful :)

[@teamtales1997]

thanks bro very informative,you got a sub!!

[@DevotedMediaGroup]

you are awesome man

[@dinosaurfilms7425]

Actor's directors. Wish I could do it as easily as you guys.

[@D4Darious]

Everybody needs practice at it. It took some practice for me to get comfortable with it.

[@showdownbeats]

great info

[@dreambeliever3652]

cool man..thx

[@ryanbarker5217]

good advice. so, in other words, cast a nymphomaniac for a nymphomaniac? it's going to be weird fitting those in to every script, but, hey, i'm a creative guy, i'll figure it out! thanks!

[@ineffable3848]

Great channel! Do you have some work i might look at? Interested to see what you have done!

[@NINETYFIVE_TC]

How do you direct and improve actors who are so - so in acting? I know of a friend who always wanted to act but i believe he could brush up even more. His clarity isn't that great and sometimes i feel his acting is unreal at certain scenes and I want to give him a chance to kinda redeem himself because he gets criticized a lot. Any suggestions? Or maybe can i encourage him to take up some acting classes?

[@shortcinematicstories]

which filmmaking books would you like to recommend please do a video on it !

[@dimarcophotog1464]

thank you :) helped a lot

[@vanishy0urself]

1:13-1:15 cellphone appears behind you and there's a slight change to that thing in the bottom right corner of your computer screen. :) Sorry, just noticed and couldn't not report.

[@melaniemell6901]

+vanishy0urself LOL

[@haroldlathon6800]

Who needs film school when we have you?

[@thelightofthejedi9811]

can you do a video on how to screen actors during auditions... this is for my first short film

[@lekeyaparrish192]

I been putting together a short film . I don't really have much to work with. I have a small amount of actors . Most of them are children. I have a big problem with one of them who suppose to be one of the main characters . He often feel that I am pushing him to hard when rehearsing , when I try to show him how to do it he gives up and say "I cant do it like you". I don't know what to do please help. I will take any advice.

[@D4Darious]

What you may have to do is give up the idea of how you see him playing the character and start thinking of ways to enhance what HE IS GIVING YOU. for example if you wrote a talkative outgoing character, but the only actor you have to work with is naturaly shy and can't pull off a confident chatter box, then you'd rewrite the part to fit what your actor is giving you. This happens way more often then you'd think lol. You're not alone in this. Sometimes doing this makes your film even better then what you had before. I hope this helps.

[@lekeyaparrish192]

Thank you . That was great advice and I am going to rewrite the his parts because his character is talkative but he is not that talkative.

[@legendaryone696]

I actually just bought the product in the add, lol.

[@mayapur1979]

Haribol... Thank You very much.

[@mrderrickmcguinty]

you should be Vittorio De Sica with all this knowlede. when ar u gonna make your Bicycle Thieves?

[@D4Darious]

I appreciate the support Derrick :)

[@schwarbeastwood]

AS AN ACTOR YOU HAVE TO IMAGINE YOUR SUCCESS AS A FILM ACTOR.

[@HicksIncStudios]

dude your stuff is so helpful I'm making a very lobudget film. I'm only 12 and I'm working with naibor kids. this helps so much! i use a canon 5d mark iii and my film is coming out in 2 weeks its called knighting the movie. its an action super hero film. its coming out on this channel hicks inc. check it out. thanks

[@D4Darious]

HICKS INC. Good luck HICKS. Take your time. Don't rush it =)

[@HicksIncStudios]

thanks!

[@Laurena146]

HICKS INC. Hicks, your movies are so well- especially for someone so young! You're really good!

[@HicksIncStudios]

thank you so much

[@HicksIncStudios]

Seaside thank you!

[@SideLight]

I got a really realistic crying shot for a film im doing because the actor i used tears up when he yawns

[@donklue]

so real how come you dircecting big motion pictures .