If you’re an actor coming from stage to TV/film—this might be tough one for you to wrap your mind around but…
𝔻𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕣𝕖𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖.
Once on set, you will likely do one read-through of the scene, and one “rehearsal for marks” – where any physical movement in the scene is recorded and your blocking is marked colored tape on the floor. You will then be released while your stand-in (second team) gets called in to work with the camera crew.
Use this time to rehearse on your own or with your scene partner if they are willing (they may not be). You can either head back to your trailer and work on your lines or you can stay on set and watch the camera rehearsals. If this is your first job, it can really help to watch your stand-in go through the blocking and watch how the rest of the crew is working.
When it’s your time to shine, remember that your job is to replicate what you did in the audition room (that is how you got the job in the first place!) Make sure you know how to pronounce every word and name ahead of time.
Most importantly—your ADs are your bffs. Don’t be afraid to ask (smart) questions. It’s always better to ask a question than to learn the hard way. Do your best to figure it out on your own, and if you can’t, 𝙖𝙨𝙠!
#themoreyouknow #thecastingdirectorscut #mondaymythdebunker #actorslife
Related reading: What Is a Chemistry Read? How Chemistry Tests Work, Do Casting Offices Only Bring In People They Know? and What Is a General Meeting in Casting? What to Expect.
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