Skip to main content

Acting In Front Of The Camera

     It may sound surprising to some people but being in front of the camera can be nerve-racking. In fact, the camera lens can be more distracting than having a live audience watching your performance. So how do you make yourself accustomed to acting in front of the camera?

(Photo by Skycraft Studio, unsplash.com)


  1. Work on your focus and concentration. 

  • Find a quiet place where you can be alone, undisturbed and preferably with a blank wall at a comfortable distance in front of you. Put a marker like a piece of tape or a post-it on the wall.  

  • Sit on a chair or on the floor (whichever is comfortable for you) and keep your back straight. Start by making deep and controlled breaths. You may close your eyes if you need to. Once you feel relaxed, open your eyes and look at the marker. 

  • Continue taking deep breaths and pay attention to the calmness it brings your body. Try not to pay attention to any noise around you. 

  • Do this for a minute every day. On the third day, remove the marker but still keep your focus on the same spot on the wall. Once you are more comfortable doing this exercise, you can lengthen the time to 3 minutes and then 5 minutes. 


  1. Now try acting in front of the camera using the same technique as if the camera’s lens is the marker on the wall. You may use your phone camera for this. Remember that you do not need to look at the camera the whole time. Instead, imagine that the camera lens is your co-actor. For example, if your role is a teenager who is apologizing to his/her parent, you can imagine the lens as your mom or dad. If you still find it challenging to look at the camera, try putting a piece of tape near the camera lens or on the wall behind the camera. 




#actinglessons #acting #actingtips #Beginner'sGuideToActing
#ActorsInThePhilippines
Labels:
Location: Philippines

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a Headshot, a Setcard, and an Acting Reel?

         (Photo by NordWood Themes, unsplash.com)    “What is a setcard?” is a question I see frequently on the comment sections of casting groups and so I thought it is best to talk about the materials we need to start a career in acting. Besides, before you can meet agents or casting directors face-to-face, these materials are what they will ask you to send them so they can decide if they will call you in for an audition. A.     Headshot        A Headshot is a close-up photo printed on 8R-size (8 x 10 inches) photo paper with your name placed on the bottom center or bottom corner and your 1-page resume pasted at the back. Things to consider when creating your own headshot: 1.      Do not overdo your make-up. The very first thing to remember is that your headshot should look like you so use minimal make-up. You will also be advised to update your headshot if there’s an obvious change in your hairstyle like...
Post a Comment
Read more

Acting Journal: How to Keep Track of your Progress

         A year after going full-time in acting, a practice that I find really helpful was keeping a notebook dedicated to my acting work. I call it my acting journal where I list schedules, methods I plan to use during scenes, script analysis etc. And when I update my resume usually around July or August, it's easier for me to list and select works to include in it. (Photo by Marcos Paolo Prado, unsplash.com) So what do I write in my acting journal? Auditions. Once I book an audition, I write down the project name, date, venue, contact information and any specific instructions given. Then I write down things I need to prepare for the role I will be auditioning for such as character goals,  if I need to write a monologue or if I need to breakdown a script that was sent in advance. (More tips on what to do during auditions.) Acting Jobs. When I book a gig, I write down the important dates like rehearsals, workshops, meetings and shooting schedules. I also ta...
Post a Comment
Read more

"I got called in to audition. What do I do?"

  Take note of the time you are asked to come in. If you are scheduled at a specific time, make sure you arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before it. This gives you time to relax and prepare yourself. If the caster mentioned a time range, let's say 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; be in the venue at the earliest possible time for you. For most actors, they prefer to be in the first 10 auditionees since casting can also  be tiresome for the selecting panel. (Photo by Ross Snedon, unsplash.com) Always carry a print of your headshot or set card in case someone asks for it. (Learn to make a setcard and headshot here.) Wear plain colored clothes. You may dress for the role you are auditioning for but do not take this literally. For example, if it is a doctor's role, you may opt to wear a light-colored long-sleeve button-down shirt and slacks. Bring a tumbler or bottled water, a pen, make-up for a quick touch-up, breath spray/mint candy.  Relax by doing a quick breathing exercise. Inh...
Post a Comment
Read more