showbizschool: Acting classes

Showing posts with label Acting classes. Show all posts

Great nonverbal (silent no dialog) communication on camera by a great actor

Non Verbal Communication

Conveying your reactions, views, thoughts, emotions and attitudes without dialogs in the front of a camera is called as a superior acting technique of "Non Verbal Communication", a hallmark of great actors.

Should aspiring actors to be a successful learn this technique?

The answer is a BIG yes.

Communicating silently in front of a camera makes up anywhere from 60-70 percent of our communication. An audition requiring only a reaction from you brings it to 100 percent. Since we are in the acting (communication business), it makes sense that all actors master this nonverbal, the language of silence
To be successful in auditions and give a stunning performance in a scene, remember my words �It�s what you�re not saying within the silence that often speaks the loudest�.

A. A slight clamping and lifting of the corner of the lip can send a message of disagreement, contempt or criticism.
B. The rate of blinking can suggest interest, hostility, or distress. Your scent, what you�re wearing, and your posture are all sending messages and are interpreted by casting. It�s this nonverbal information that differentiates the skilled actor from the unskilled or unprepared.

In an acting technique, the nonverbal information we send out through our body, voice, face, and appearance is called �nonverbal behaviors.� Such nonverbal behaviors spring from our attitudes, cultural upbringing, and our reactions to things we consider important in our interest (or in a character�s interest) to communicate either in a positive or negative way.

The following is a quick overview of 7 types of unspoken communication and behaviors that you can use, after analyzing a script and creating a character for your next audition or for actual filming of a scene.

1. Your face

The majority of your silent communication will come from your facial expressions.
A. Some facial expressions are just random muscle movement without meaning and only serve to confuse the viewer. However, facial expressions associated with surprise, fear, happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, and contempt are universally recognized.
B. Practice 9 emotions and if used appropriately, they inform the viewer what you are feeling at any given moment. Some facial reactions are also used for punctuating words or phrases, such as raising your eyebrows to comment on how big something really was.

Use parts of your face like forehead, eyebrows, nostrils, lips, twitching of a facial muscle, clenching of teeth, subtle shaking of the head to communicate yourself well without dialogs

2 Your eyes

Looking, staring, and blinking, is an important nonverbal reaction. When an actor in a scene faces people or things that they like, the rate of blinking increases. On the other hand, when angered, the gaze gets harder and the blink rate will decrease or stop completely. An increase in the blink rate for no apparent reason sends a clear message that you are either not prepared, not connected, or experiencing high anxiety

3. Using your hands

Movements that express some kind of thought or process of thinking are called gestures. Some gestures occur with speech, such as using your fingers when counting out loud or perhaps to emphasize a word or phrase.
Recollect how a politician, a public speaker, trainers or a good TV anchor uses his/ her hands. I would strongly suggest observing foreign TV speakers. Gestures are expressed primarily with your hands, however, can occur in the head, body, or even your face. This may include nodding your head �yes,� a shoulder shrug implying that you �don�t know,� or a wink of the eye suggesting �secret�or "I'm lying"

4. Your body

Unlike facial expressions, body language doesn�t tell viewers what emotion you�re feeling, but rather, how well you�re (a character is) reacting, responding and coping with the emotion he/she has felt after hearing something.
Things that we find frightening or distasteful, we tend to move away from. Heavy swallowing or licking your lips, touching your hair or sprawling out on a couch can be signs of stress, interest, or feelings of superiority.

5. Keeping space (Distance)

The amount of space you or your character needs is influenced by a number of factors including social norms like
Relationship with people or the items in a set: The distance you maintain with a co actor or a thing in a scene would depend on factors like a particular situation,personality characteristics, and level of familiarity. For example, just a slight moving in towards your partner, reader, or the camera can enhance intimacy. A big boss may maintain a formal distance with a subordinate rather than a drunken close friend at a party.
6. Your touch. Communicating through touch is an important nonverbal behavioral cue to think about. Touch can be used by a good actor to communicate a range of information and feelings such as affection, familiarity, sympathy, desire, etc.

7. Your look

The choice of color, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting how you look fall under the category of appearance. Your appearance as a character can also change scene partner or viewer�s reactions, judgments, and conclusions. Think of an appearance of a gangster, policeman, businessman, college girl.
In our real life, how do we judge people? Just think of all the opinions, judgments we quickly make about someone based on his or her appearance.
Remember! The first impression you make in your audition is important and lasting.
As a good actor, it�s how you react to an event or situation�your attitude or behavior under certain circumstances, like when there are no dialogs�makes your performance memorable.

A sure success formula?

When chosen (from the above 7 ones) and prepared correctly into your audition, or into a filming of a scene can bring more depth, colors, and meaning to your actions, reactions, and the words you don�t speak.

Still don�t know how to prepare? Join our coaching

Inspired by own experience and this article

7 Tips to Express on Camera without Dialogs to be a Star

Here is a picture of a scene shot showing how to act for camera

Acting for camera- a fine art

Ignorance may hurt you!

Let me give my own example when I faced the camera for the first time in 1999. It was for an episodic "AAHAT" by Mr. B.P. Singh, the great director, cinematographer and producer of "CID". I had a small role of a scientist. I had to deliver a dialogue and leave. I didn't know nor anybody told me how to take an exit. As usual, they had taken me for granted that I knew all about acting for camera. Well, I left after my dialogue, walked straight and stopped thinking that shot must be over. What followed was a silence. And then shouts! "Aarey, why did you stop?" " You should have taken a left turn out of camera frame!" There were more shouts... "Who recruits these idiots?" "call coordinator John!"
"Kahan se aise logon ko pakad kar latey hain?" yelled assistant director!...

I was kicked out!
Hurt and broken I realized then the importance of learning acting for the camera and took immediate steps to know the art.

Film Vis Theater

The major difference between acting for film and stage is the venue.
A film presents your performance to viewers at closer range. There�s nothing �Deep� about the difference; it�s just like moving from outdoor Theater to a small room.
In film, you are acting in front of a camera, and you need to speak in a normal voice with restrained body movements. And on stage, you are standing on a river bank talking to a group of people standing on the other side across the bank and trying to listen to you and understand your gestures. So you have to speak loudly with a bit of exaggerated gestures.

Acting for Camera

Ask if you don't know a thing...entry, position, blocking. Ask AD or ADP. Your mistake could be terribly embarrassing!
Always keep going until the director shouts "CUT". Continue to be in the character. There may be a retake immediately!
Never stop either movements or dialogues when the camera is rolling
Never look into camera lens directly unless asked to do so
Hitting mark- you may have to walk while delivering your dialogues and reach to a mark (for the camera). Know that mark. Usually it is marked with a colored tape. Unfortunately, you cannot look at it while walking. Quickly rehearse creating intermediate "points" marks such as a table, light, chair to reach to your final point. If there are tiles on the floor, count them before you reach to your mark. The best is to count your steps as you walk normally to reach the mark
Generally ignore the camera lens; "let it find you"
If you cannot see the camera from your eyes (even from the corners of your eyes), your face will be hidden from the camera. Know this before making facial gestures
In a multi camera studio or where there is more than one camera, ask for where to look. Otherwise a red light means that the camera is on. So keep a reaction on your face for that camera
If the shot is of a group or with co-stars, ask if you are in the camera frame. If not, then relax. If in then take care of your expressions and gestures
Manage your acting style within the camera frame as per a particular shot

Long Shot: Large gestures (camera at a distance)
Medium shot: Small gestures (Camera at a short distance, e.g. 10-15 feet)
Medium close up: Normal gestures
Real close up: Restrained gestures of facial expressions

Other important tips nobody will tell you

Vocal intensity and impact can be created by the increasing pace (speed) at which you speak your dialogues rather than volume.
When the camera is moving with you (tracking you) as you walk, talk fast BUT move slowly
There is a tendency to speak loudly when you're speaking with a heavy accent e.g. in a particular dialect (Bhojpuri, South Indian, Tapori..)
When speaking at low levels do not lose energy or reduce the pace
Remember carefully: When you are going to be contained in more than one shot of a scene, which often happen as the same shot is usually taken from different angles or POV (Point of view) or OTS (over the shoulder), remember what you have spoken in the first shot and do not change your dialogues for the 2nd or 3rd shot. Speak exactly the same.
You are acting for an audience of one-the other player/ players will be picked up by the camera
Learn your lines well. While on camera your mind should not dwell on remembering lines. You have to take care of many other important things in a shot such as camera angles, movements, handling props, reacting with your co-stars etc.
React before you speak. For example, open your mouth before saying "A"...of a word "Aaj" of a sentence "Aj main Delhi Ja raha haun". Or intake a breath before you speak
React with your expressions to what is going with a shot. When another actor is talking or moving or picking up something
A camera loves eyes. Move your eyes when in a shot. They can be very effective. Move them up and down when listening to another character

Updated Post Since 2013

Didn't Know Acting for Camera and Was Kicked Out | 20 Tips

Comedy in Bollywood film Grand-Masti

Tell me, who doesn't want to laugh? Especially, even more so in these depressing times! Comedic acting is tough, but if you get it right and then there are plenty of opportunities not only in Indian cinema and in serials but internationally as well for you.

The key factor to do comedy: Learn Improvisation!

What is comedy?

Comedy is a genre of film that uses humor as a driving force. The aim of a comedy film is to provoke laughter from the audience through entertaining stories and characters.

Types

Absurd Comedy

The humor in these films tends to be nonsensical with exaggerated characters and situations. This type of sub genre often uses slapstick tendencies

Action-Comedy

It combines action with humor. Action-Comedy relies on the characters to bring out the humor, while the action scenes tend to be less intense than in the traditional action movie.

Romantic-Comedy

It attempts to catch the viewer�s heart with the combination of love and humor. This sub-genre is light-hearted and usually places the two protagonists (main male and/or female characters) in humorous situation. Romantic-Comedy film revolves around a romantic ideal, such as true love. In the end, the ideal triumphs over the situation or obstacle, thus creating a happy conclusion.

Horror-Comedy

Horror-Comedy combines comedy with traditional horror movie themes and characters. Horror-Comedy films aim to scare the audience, but also provide comical outlets that let the audience laugh at their fear.

Spoof�Comedy

These films impersonate, ridicule, or scoff at serious situations and people. These films rely heavily on satire. For example tomfoolery, to deceive, to play a hoax, to play a trick or to satirize gently

Slapstick-Comedy

Slapstick comedy is a sub-genre of film that incorporates physical comedy into the story. Slapstick uses visual action, such as harmless violence and horseplay (rough, boisterous play), to depict humor. Slapstick film often relies on comedic timing and a controlled psychical performance of a single actor.

In Bollywood films and TV serials there are only few productions based totally on the above mentioned sub-genres. Indian comedy films/serials may incorporate all of the above or some of the above genre in a single film/serial. Therefore, an actor must learn and practice all the above-mentioned types of comedy

How to be a successful comedy actor

1/ What exactly comedy is. What makes us laugh so hard?
Comedy is about suffering. That�s right � pain, sadness, tragedy, and injustices are all the perfect foundations for a funny story. The old saying, �you�ll either laugh or cry,� couldn�t be truer when it comes to comedy. The more a character is in trouble, the funnier it is to watch � hence the term �comedy of errors.� Desperation, unpredictability and deep situational entanglements force actors to solve improbable (and often crazy) situations with exaggerated (and hilarious) solutions.

2/ Stick to the script.

Comedy is all about rhythm, timing, and pace, and it's your job as a comedic actor to identify those things in each and every piece of scripted comedy you perform.
Comedy, when done right, is like a good song. Just as a musician plays the melody as composed, a comedic actor must stick to the script. That means following the words exactly as written. Don't add or drop words or attach handles to the beginnings of sentences, like "Look," "I mean," "Well," and "So." And don't change the punctuation e.g. exclamation signs, question marks, pauses etc!
3/ Improvisation
Learning the technique and excellence in Improvisation is mandatory. Note that auditions for a comedic may character require improvisation.

Mistakes committed

Unscripted movements

One of the biggest mistakes that can kill a comedic scene is unscripted movement (which are NOT in the script. This includes adjusting your clothes, scratching your nose, stretching your neck, waving your arms, tapping your thigh, rolling your eyes, and so on. Unless movement is specified in the script or by the director, you should stay still, as any extra movement will distract from the comedic rhythm.

Overacting

Do your absolute best not to over-act. Don�t try to be funny. Don�t fake it. Don�t get embarrassed. Don�t expect laughs by over-exaggerating your facial expressions. If the script is well written and funny, then the laughs will come � do not force them! One of the worst errors a comedic actor can make is to anticipate laughter.

Not understanding timing

A very important aspect of comedic timing is pausing for the audience to laugh (that is, if they are laughing). Young or novice actors often get nervous and continue with dialog without a pause, forcing the viewers to either stop laughing or left wondering what they just missed in the dialogue. The amount of time that you should pause for laughter comes with practice and experience.

Develop your own funny style

Think about the all of the successful comedians you know like Mahmood, Johny Walker, Johny Lever. Asrani and many others. They all have a distinctive personality, But how do you do this?

Watch these great comedians and ask the following questions to yourself and seek answers

"What makes them funny?"
"What does their voice do while speaking major comedic points?"
"How is their body language?"
"Are they realistically funny, or do they playing the role as a 'character' ?"
After watching actors perform their craft, you can then begin to study your own style and then plan to develop as a comedic actor.

My simple formula to prepare for a comedic character

Just imagine and practice-

If I am an idiot, how will I behave?
If I am a fool, how will I perform a role?
If I am a fool but behave as if I am the most intelligent person on the earth
I grasp things very slowly. People have to explain and repeat things repeatedly. Therefore, my reactions are absurd. I either make a poker face or drop my jaw or just smile or become serious. I am always unconnected
I am always in hurry. Many a times though I do not understand, I react as if I knew in responding or replying
My physical responses are either too slow or abnormally fast
I am always in incongruity which means out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming

Bollywood comedy films to be watched repeatedly for learning comedic acting

Golmaal 3 (2010), Singh is King (2008), Golmaal Return (2008), Dhamaal (2007), Welcome (2007), Kya Kool HaI Hum (2005), No Entry (2005), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Hungama (2003), Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001), Hera Pheri (2000), Chachi 420 (1997), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Gol Maal (1979), Bombay To Goa (1972), **** Padosan (1968)

Join us NOW to get trained: http://topactingcoach.werbly.com

Updated post

Can't Do Comedy? Missing Chances? Learn Easily Here

3 top secrets to learn acting online free

Do you know the cost of being trained as an actor in a good institute in India?
In Mumbai top schools like Barry John Acting Studio and Whistling Woods charge from Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs.9Lakhs
This is a hell of a cost!!
I have learnt over a period a secret to learn acting on camera, with directors and on an actual set free of cost!
This is how you can do it:

Secret No 1

Get the entire training material online visiting free acting site (Like this blog of mine) and practice religiously alone in front of a full size mirror or with your friends. Unfortunately, there are no well known online free courses in India except mine. However, I will strongly recommend this International site for online learning:
http://www.backstage.com/

Secret No 2

When you are a bit more confident, create your resume and a picture portfolio. It is better to create a video, writing few good lines and asking some friend of yours to shoot video with a good camera or on a good mobile. Transfer it to a computer.

Secret No 3

In Mumbai, go to:

ZIMA (ZEE INSTITUTE OF MEDIA AND ARTS, Lokhandwala circle, Andheri West)
DIGITAL ACADEMY (Near Hotel Tunga Paradise, MIDC,. Andheri East)

And do what?

Find out where the classes for students undertaking courses in Direction or Filmmaking are being held.
Wait for students to come out. Meet them (Preferably before the end of their course).
Introduce yourself and give your resume and pictures.
The students of these courses will be making a film to be eligible to get a diploma or certificate. It is mandatory! These future directors usually do not prefer student actors from their institute due to either poor quality or due to some other problem.
They look desperately for aspiring actors outside of their own institute, as they can't pay well.
Hang around their classes and meet them. Tell them about yourself

And You Got a Job, buddy!

When they make films, everybody, i.e. Director, cinematographer, including yon, are "1st timer" so learning is a fun with an additional advantage of decorating your resume with a creditable work!

If you need further help, contact me.
GOOD LUCK!

3 top Secrets Only for You | How to Learn Acting Free Online

Joker points acting schools and coach in India

Here is the list of top acting institutes in India. You can visit their website and get the details. The fee for the courses are high, but these schools seem reliable, as per my knowledge on the date.

However, please note that the situation may change in a school in the context of the present faculty, standard of training etc. Therefore, please check carefully by visiting personally and doing some research.

1. *FTII, Pune Film and Television Institute of India or FTII is located in Pune. The Institute offers 2 year PG Diploma in Acting. Expensive: 2 Lakhs?
http://www.ftiindia.com/

2. *The Barry John Acting studio
The Barry John Acting studio is in Mumbai and offers various courses including the Diploma and Certificate courses in acting. Expensive: 2 Lakhs?
http://www.bjas.in/

3. *National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi
NSD offers a 3 year course which leads to a PG diploma in Dramatic Arts.
http://nsd.gov.in/

4. Anupan Kher�s, Actor Prepares
The institute offers full time and part time course in acting.The institute has branches in Mumbai,Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.
http://www.actorprepares.net/

5. *Subhash Ghai�s, Whistling Woods International
Subhash Ghai is the chairman of Whistling Woods International, Mumbai. The courses include a 2 year course in acting. Expensive: 9 Lakhs?
http://www.whistlingwoods.net/

6. Roshan Taneja Acting Studio
Roshan Taneja Acting Studio in Mumbai offers 6 months course in acting.
http://www.roshantaneja.com/

7. AAFT, Noida
Asian Academy of Film and Television is located in Noida,UP. AAFT offers 3 months and 1 year programs in acting.
http://www.aaft.com/

8. *Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute
Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute in Mumbai offers 3 months course in acting.
http://www.knkactinginstitute.com/

9. Delhi Film Institute
The Delhi Film Institute is located in South Extension, Delhi. The institute offers 2 months acting course in acting.
http://www.delhifilminstitute.com/

9. ZIMA
Zee academy of media arts is located in Mumbai and it offers a 3 month course in acting.
http://zimainstitute.com/

10. Digital Film School, Mumbai
http://www.dafilmschool.com/

11. Kreating Charakters Pvt. Ltd
Established in 2005, they claim to be the best acting training institute in Mumbai.
Website:http://www.kreatingcharakters.in/
Contact Phone: +91 98924 56347
+91 98210 18560

12. Grace Acting Academy
* Weekend courses are economical (Rs. 15,000). The rest is from Rs. 30,000 to Rs.1,50,000
301, 3rd Flr, Trans Avenue, before Ganesh Acharya Hall.
Above VLCC, Behind MTNL Tel Exchange
Mahada, 4 Bungalow, Andheri West, Mumbai -400053
Web site:http://www.graceacting.com/

13.

Top Professional Acting Coach
For adults and kids

Kiran Pande

Acting coach, Audition doctor, Filmmaker, Film Story Writer and Actor

Personalized courses designed for each individual

Ghatkopar East, Mumbai 400089
For details, visit:http://topactingcoach.weebly.com

Email: kiran.aged@gmail.com

Please read the following post before deciding on a school and paying a big money:

Acting School or Acting Coach for Bollywood Entry? Best Choice

Updated post of 2013

Sorry, the comments are closed for this post due to exceeding the number of comments limit

12 Top Acting Schools and a Personal Coach You Can Trust

Remember, a well-written, prepared and practiced monologue makes a casting director remember you.

A monologue (from Greek �???????? from �???? m�nos, "alone, solitary" and ????? l�gos, "speech") is presented by a single Actor (character), most often to express their mental thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience.

Characteristics of a Good audition monologue and its delivery

It should be of less than two minutes. Two minutes is more than enough to show your talent. In fact, remember, the auditors have already made their decision after 30 seconds, maybe even less.
The monologue should have a clear objective. You can't just stand there and talk. You have to imagine of a scene and have talk to someone you've imagined, and not to a lifeless camera or a casting director.
The monologue should have a distinct beginning, middle, and an end.

A beginning: A strong first sentence to capture attention.
A middle: Lots of juicy content.
An end: A strong finish. When your monologue has a structure, the auditors are more likely to remember you.

It must Contain conflict. Drama cannot exist without conflict. Who wants to see a lifeless audition? Boring...

Choosing a Monologue

Actors often get confused choosing a monologue. But it's very simple: Pick one you love, which thrills you. And if it thrills you, it will definitely impress the casting directors!
Also, it's important to choose a few contrasting monologues. Have at least two monologues ready to go at all times:
A contemporary dramatic
A contemporary comedic

Caution!

While performing your monologue-

DO NOT CRY.
DO NOT LAUGH.
DO NOT SHOUT

Here are 2 good monologues, especially written and filmed by us for our students-Zeeshan and Yash Rajput. They got a break in theater and film!

These are contemporary dramatic monologues

Written and directed by acting coach Kiran Pande for his student- Zeeshan

Need Help?

Join my personal acting coaching. Contact:

91 9920991661

Secret of How to Select and Deliver a Monologue | Examples

Goddess Saraswati

Prayer

Start with a prayer for knowledge and art from your religion or simply pray

" God, give me the knowledge and skills to be a great actor".

Repeat this 11 times.

Those who believe

Why actors should pray Goddess Saraswati?

Because Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' (Details below), often begin and end the Vedic lessons.

It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of excellence in art, speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus � the symbol of true knowledge � in the second.

With her other two hands, she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the Veena. She is dressed in white � the symbol of purity � and rides on a white swan � symbolizing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination
.
The learned and especially actors, singers and dancers should attach greater importance to the worship of goddess Saraswati.

So, if you believe, then the best is to worship and pray to Goddess Saraswati, a source of art and knowledge Sit on the floor or on a chair, keep your hands stretched on above your knees, touching your first finger with thumbs and palms up towards you. Try to recollect the illuminating face of the Goddess with your eyes closed. Repeat the following Mantra 11 times:

? ???? ????????? ???

Om Shri Saraswati-ya Namaha
Repeat this Mantra 108 times once a day with any "mala" or at least 11 times

What is Saraswati Vandana?

Saraswati Vandana Shloka by Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar

The goddess Saraswati is the authority on academics and the arts. Everybody from musicians to scientists following Hinduism pray to her for guidance and knowledge. The Saraswati Vandana Mantra is recited by her devotees every morning for good luck. Everyone has a different version for the vandana which just means holy song. So as an acting student or as an actor, you ask for knowledge as a performing artist.

Mantra

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haara-dhavalaa, Yaa shubhra-vastra'avritaa

Yaa veena-vara-danda-manditakara, Yaa shweta padma'asana

Yaa brahma'achyuta shankara prabhritibhir, Devai-sadaa vandita

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadya'apahaa.

Shuklaam Brahmavichaara Saara paramaam Aadhyaam Jagadvyapinim,

Veena Pustaka Dhaarineem Abhayadaam Jaadya'andhakaara'apahaam

Haste Sphaatika Maalikam Vidadhateem Padmasane Sansthitaam

Vande taam Parmeshwareem Bhagavateem Buddhipradaam Shardam.----

Sanskrit / ???????:

?? ???????? ???????? ????, ?? ????? ??????????? |

?? ?????? ????????????, ?? ????????????? ||

?? ?????????????????????????????????: ??? ??????? |

?? ??? ???? ??????? ????? ?????? ????????? ||

??????? ??????????? ??? ????? ?????? ?????????????

???? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??????????????????|

????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ?????????

????? ??? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????||

Hindi / ????? ??????:

?? ???? ???, ??????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ???? ????? ???, ?? ????? ?????? ???? ???? ???|

????? ???, ??????? ???? ?? ??????? ???, ?? ????? ??? ?? ??? ????? ???? ???||

???????, ?????? ?? ???? ??????, ????? ???? ?????? ???? ???|

?? ??? ????? ???????, ?? ???? ???? (??????) ????? ?? ????||

English Translation

She, who is as fair as the Kunda flower, white as the moon, and a garland of Tushar flowers;and who is covered in white clothes

She, whose hands are adorned by the excellent veena, and whose seat is the pure white lotus;

She, who is praised by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh; and prayed to by the Devas

O Mother Goddess, remove my mental dullness!

Updated Post 04-03-2015

Why Actors should Pray Goddess Saraswati for Success

Here is a top film director Priyadarshan from south India

Be professional, don't lose your cool, antiquates or manners, irrespective of what happens to you.
Give 100% attention on what he/she says
Get the meaning of what he/she says.If you don't understand, ask and ask till you are clear. Do not be shy about asking. Let him/her comment "Kya yaar, Etna bhi nahin malum?"
Many a times a director doesn't know, cannot explain or doesn't have time. No matter what happens, GIVE YOUR BEST.
Don't nod all the times and say "yes" "yes"
When the director says "Action", don't wait or worry about your lines or anything else. Just Start... Be in Action! Things will fall in shape
Remember, the MORE YOU THINK, LESS YOU FEEL
While rehearsing, if the director says "change it to this or that way", then do it. Don't feel bad about it, He/she may be looking for some other alternative and doesn't mean that your earlier "action' was bad
Don't start before "Action" and don't stop before "Cut"
When the job is over, thank him/her including AD(Asstt Director), Producer, if present, Cinematographer and others. Must know how to contact them later and make a point to meet or talk to them at least once a month
You are likely to be hired again when you perform even in the absence of a direction or suggestions
Remember, in India, TV episodic or serial directors have no time, especially for non established artists

GOOD LUCK

12 Precautions on How to Work with A Director

Diverse characters for actors to portray

Steps to Play a Difficult Character in Front of a Camera!

1. If I'm the person
Think if you are the character (noble man, crook, lover, teacher etc)

2. Put yourself in a given circumstance
What are the situations in which a character is (Good, bad, in desert, in extreame cold etc)
If I'm in a given circumstance, How will I behave?

3. Visualize
Start imagine being that person

4. Once playing the character, be in it, but remain aloof
This means being in the character, be aware of your existence! It is-important since you will be in front of a camera and crew with so many limitations of movements, voice, gestures, retakes, multiple shots, repetitions, crew and many other spectators etc

5. Relieve tension
Deep breathing and other relaxation exercises (check our post on relaxation)

6. The role must be divided into smaller units with objective of each unit
Or the objective of what a character wants to achieve as a whole and in each unit

7. Accept the character you intend playing truthfully
For example, if you are a bad mother in law, accept it truthfully

8. Make alive your emotional memories for the role
If you have those memories in your life from the past, similar to the character's life. For example, a wedding you attended, death of some dear one, accident, happiest moment etc..

If you don't have, then go to step 1 of "IF" I'm that person and "IF" I'm in that circumstance, then how will I behave and what would I experience?

9. Connect with your co-star
By reacting as if you are listening or seeing for the first time, though you may be knowing coactor's lines or rehearsed with him/her earlier

Updated post of 2013

9 Simple Steps to Building and Playing a Character

Childish | Hurt or deeply regrets| love | Shocked or betrayed

Are you serious being a professional actor?

Can you portray all types of people with different attitudes you see around?

Can you display different types of emotions, instantly?

Remember, Emotions Affect Attitudes and Behaviors of a character in a script

Dialogues in a script creating thoughts

How to plan and prepare!

Develop a strong habit of "observation" and concentration of watching people keenly say on the road, bust stand, garden, shops. Note emotions and attitudes exhibited.
Note down or record on mobile such observation
Maintain a mental data bank by practicing what you have observed
When the need arises to create a character from a script, imagine "IF I AM THAT PERSON" how will I behave?

Below are the various emotions and attitudes. You must understand each and practice.

Emotions

1. Comedy
Which produces laughter, makes people happy and gives pleasure. In emotions which are comical, everything is at a higher level, faster and illogical. A bizarre, unexpected and opposite responses could be funny. You need a presence of mind and great timing to play comedy!
2. Astonishment (Wonderment)
An expressive reaction of wonder, magic, space falling, unusual sighting in the sky and astonishing thoughts. Exhibited by popping eyes, raised eyebrows and open mouth
3. Disgust
Emotions due to seeing something dirty, hearing dirty or smelling dirty.
For example, irritating man, subject, story or some foul thing
4. Fear
Emotions due to some frightful happening, seeing blood, visiting a burial ground in the night, a sudden frightful sound in a silent night or someone approaching to kill you
5. Peace/ tranquility
The character of a priest, Pujari or a saint, visiting a temple or a church, giving sermons.
A man or a woman with a tranquil voice and smooth and deliberate gestures
6. Love
A person with twinkling eyes, lost and not in the "present', talking to a person, but doesn't know what she/he is talking about-with wife, girlfriend or we can call it "a lover's love". The others are for mother, daughter, brother's son and so on. In each the emotions would be different. The basic difference is - one could be called as "love" and the other could be emotions of "affection" or "attachment"- a love which is brotherly, motherly, fatherly or even friendly
7. Sad
Death, broken love, failed in an audition or examination.
Remember that in emotions emerging out of this situation the tempo rhythm goes down. Reactions are slow
8. Brave
Shows enthusiasm, a daring and a positive attitude. The tempo, rhythm accelerates e.g. Army officer, leader, police
9. Anger
A heightened emotion and consequent reaction e.g. If you are cheated, somebody abuses you,
People playing dirty with you. Tempo rhythm increases

Attitudes

Aggressive (pushing type)
Anxious
Arrogant
Shy
Confident
Fed up
Curious
Determined
Disapproving
Jealous
Dejected
Happy
Horrified
Hurt (physically or mentally)
Indifferent
Foolish
Innocent
Interested
Lonely
Meditative
Miserable
Obstinate
Optimistic
Puzzled
Regretful
Relieved
Sheepish
Looking suspenseful
Suspicious
Sympathetic
Indecisive
Ambitious
Irritating
Easy going
Imaginative
Humorous
Affectionate
Defeated
Drunk
Sleepy
Stiff neck
Bored

Good Luck!

Join us! You may contact us if you have any difficulty in learning and practicing these emotions and attitudes. Visit:
http://topactingcoach.weebly.com

9 Emotions and 42 Attitudes | How an Actor should Play

An actor observes "characters" in people

You are already a great actor!

In your day to day life you perform different roles and that too, successfully! For example, when you talk to a child, your tone, language, gestures and feelings are different. But when you have to talk to your father or grandpa or your beloved or to an outsider with whom you have to get some favor or to your boss, your approach is different. You mold yourself accordingly and give a great performance. However, this is natural and there are no camera or sound or lights.

So you see, you are already an outstanding actor!
Then why can't you portray a character given by a casting director or a director? The answer is simple.
In life, you go on acting naturally, subconsciously and as YOU! Whereas when a role is given to you, you find it difficult to transform into that character because you don't know how to get into the skin of that character.
The reason?
You have no data bank in your mind of different types of people with different attributes- for example: you might have seen a postman, a teacher, a beautiful girl, a police officer, a shop owner etc etc. But you don't remember them.
Well, though we shall be discussing various acting techniques in the subsequent posts, I'm giving below a simple and the best way to learn how to portray different characters and bring out different attitudes and emotions.

Rule 1

Always Keep a diary/ notebook and label that book as "Observation"

Rule 2

Keep your mobile with you with voice recording and video enabled below mobile screen
A binocular, if possible

Rule 3

OBSERVE

Observe people in different walks of life, for example on the road, in a train, in a garden, in other public places and in your own house
Observe different kind of people keenly around you and record their types, profile, walk, posture, language, accent, attitudes, emotions. If this is not possible in a public place, just keep in mind and note down the details in your notebook.
Easier is at your home, neighborhood or to go to a garden every day, identify one or two people and record them.

Select Different Types and Odd Types

REMEMBER- Films are the stories of life with different types of character: a thief, a police officer, a mother in law, a lover, a beggar a pundit or a priest, a car driver, a judge and many more...

Rule 4

Practice your noted/ recorded characters every day in front of a mirror till they get imprinted in your memory. This way you can have a rich data of different characters in your memory for an instant recall when a director gives you a role.