Hello fellow Stage 32 actors!
As I mentioned in my last post, I am getting ready for the 48-hr film festival - all production work is done within 48 hours with no prior script https://www.48hourfilm.com/en/lisboa-pt and to be screened at Sao Jorge Cinema in Lisbon on October 2!
So, how do you start and finish a festival film in 2 days?
Well, thanks to the director, Hussene Keshavjee, who is a high-caliber, international filmmaker, finishing short films (up to 22 mins) within 6-8 hours of shoot time and a day of editing.
So how can we, as actors, prepare for such an intense production? That too, with no script?
As in auditions, one of the secrets is daily actors' training (including voice and fitness), improv acting, and being ready to use props for the improv. My modeling experience also helped me to change hair, makeup, and costumes really quickly on the set - I am prepared for it.
What about dialogue?
As an actor and writer, I am used to working with scripts (and I am not even humorous like a stand-up comedian) but I realize improv techniques are also significant. In fact, as a storyteller, I can draw on my life experience, present moment, and bring the truth of the moment using imagination. Even an A-list star (can't name yet) has used improv to get into a scripted character while working with actor Ken Holmes whom I interviewed earlier this year.
Here are a couple of useful links on improv acting:
https://methodactingforme.com/improve-improvisation-in-drama/
https://monologueblogger.com/5-improvisational-acting-techniques-that-wi...
Since improvisation is quite important, my question to you is: do you use improv techniques? How often? Do you participate in improv activities in your city?
Share!
I can't wait to share my acting for the 48 hr film festival project - wish me luck and check www.instagram.com/samitanandyofficial for behind-the-scenes shots this weekend!!
Samita
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Wow, this is a fantastic post - thank you for sharing so many resources, Dr Samita Nandy! I love the 48 Hour Film Project - it's such a great event to flex your skills as a creative!
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Kudos to you for working this way. I dislike Improv intensely when directed to use it. I find that it stops you creating a role and forces you to be you, which doesn't help the character or the situation.
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Congratulations, Samita! Improv terrifies me. You're braver than I, hahaha.
Thank you all for your congratulatory notes and reflections - it is a challenging and rewarding process at times. Yes, developing a character and creating a role that needs a voice is our ultimate intention as storytellers. Thankfully, the film festival offered a topic, character, and a prop to start with and we created a story and shot the film in less than12 hours - looking forward to the theatrical release in Lisbon on October 2!
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I. LOVE. IMPROV. I used to be terrified of it, but once I understood it, it grew on me. 15 years later it is one of my favorite forms of storytelling. And while it's great for Friday night shows in a theater with a drunk crowd, I feel it is ESSENTIAL for every actor to develop, even for their dramatic work on a TV/Film set. Because even if you are not asked to improvise new dialogue on set, you MUST MUST MUST have the ability to quickly adapt to new challenges. Improv teaches you to be receptive to the unexpected, and to lean into your own creativity to find new paths forward.
And since you will NEVER act under ideal circumstances on set - there will always be unforeseen challenges - you will struggle if you aren't able to adapt quickly (and with a positive attitude).
And to your point, Steve, I think that if you have trained in improv for a couple years, then being asked to use it in the moment won't stop you from creating a role. You will simply have new thoughts AS the character that propel you in new directions. My 2 cents...
Wow, Matthew your specific take on improv carries a lot of learning value - thank you for sharing!!