4 Pillars

4 PILLARS OF SCREEN ACTING

What is actually necessary to be great at in order to contribute more as a modern day screen actor?

One: Surrender 

You are the most valuable currency you have in this industry 

NOT who you think you should be

We want you, the real you, warts and all

The work is moving away from those who can “act well”

And moving toward those who are technically able to give themselves permission to be where they actually are

So, practice giving up

Practice giving yourself permission to be where you actually are

It ain’t good, bad, right or wrong

Two: Serve

If the team is spending $300k over the next 3 hours to get this one scene completed

It will be bloody helpful if you have a strong understanding of why 

Cut to the chase

What is the point of this scene?

What is the function of your character in this scene / story?

If you are clear about why the team is going to all the effort to film this next scene

Then you will be clear about where to invest your time and energy 

And thus, give where and when required

Rather then investing precious resources into unnecessary places

Producers and directors love generous actors

So be more generous 

Be clear about what’s worth caring about

And serve

Three: Connect

Homo sapiens, as a single entity, are weak and feeble creatures

They rose up the food chain because of one crucial factor

Connection

Our ability to connect, allowed us to work together

Increasing our ability to provide, protect & procreate 

It is deeply embedded in our DNA

But as actors

Often times we are being asked to contribute a strong relationship in a matter of seconds

I remember rocking up for my first day on Home & Away and having to shoot the romance scene first thing

For the story to work, Ruby & Steve had to give in to their weeks-long desire 

I literally said “hello” to the actress with an awkward laugh

And someone yelled “action”…

Don’t ask me how the scene went

So the important question becomes:

How does one pretend to have a meaningful relationship when we have only met our fellow actor for 30 seconds?

Find your way

What works for you?

What helps you create a “real” relationship in the least amount of time possible?

Try different acting techniques 

Experiment 

Find something that works (and is sustainable!)

And Connect 

Four: Focus 

Everyone on set has a job

They expect you to do yours

At some point on set or in the casting room

There will be signals to indicate a take is about to happen

Do what you need to do

To get where you need to get

So you can give what you need to give

Focus on the one thing that is going to help carry you best into the conversation that’s about to happen

Again

Experiment  

Try different acting schools of thought

It might be something which provides you with some chaos

Or you might need a little order

Find what works best for you 

But when all the smiles, laughter and talking disappear 

And there is silence in the room

And everyone is holding their breath and looking at you because they’re waiting for you to do your job…

Do. Your. Job

Breathe

Focus 

Then jump in baby :) 

Hope this helps

X 

Sheasby 

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