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Tips for Acting on Camera

Actors are responsible for becoming another character by learning lines, changing their appearance and incorporating character traits. Actors need to be creative, have the ability to follow direction and be able to affect an audience. While the process is similar whether an actor is working on stage or in front of a camera, there are many technical skills an actor needs to develop to be successful in all types of acting.
  1. Continuity

    • One of the most important tips for an actor working on camera is continuity. Continuity refers to the consistency of characteristics throughout a scene. A scene is often shot from multiple angles, which requires actors to make similar movements shot after shot. This means that actors need to make similar gestures and movements within a scene to help an editor make seamless cuts. Having continuity skills allows actors to ensure that their best work makes the final cut. A script supervisor works with actors to ensure they have the correct props and help remind them of what they have done in a previous shot.

    Shots

    • In Michael Caine's book, "Acting in Film," he talks about the importance of understanding the different types of camera shots an actor encounters. The three main types of shots are establishing, medium and close-up. Actors have to understand which shot is being used in the scene and have the ability to hit their mark. Hitting their mark allows directors to create the proper frame for every shot. In chapter five of Caine's book, he talks about how actors have to change the intensity of their eyes in order to get their point across to an audience.

    Voice

    • Once of the biggest problems that actors have when transitioning from working on stage to acting on camera is their voice. Stage actors are trained to project their voices in order for the last row in the house to hear them. On camera, a microphone is located directly above them or attached to them. According to Youngstown State University, it's important for actors to talk softer while maintaining the intensity and energy that the scene requires.

Screen Acting

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