Phoebe Waller-Bridge
As we all know many writers and actors are doing both roles, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Reese Witherspoons and so on. They can't get work so they make their own, writing roles for themselves and their friends etc. It seems like we have hit a time where acting and writing seems to be your way into the industry. I'd greatly appreciate some advice...
Do any of write and act? Is this how you broke into the industry?
Would you recommend acting in your own work?
Do you have any acting tips for beginners?
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Hi Ellie. I do write and act, but it isn't how I got started acting.
So far, I haven't yet acted in my own written work. My writing isn't quite good enough yet--but I'm workin' on it! Plus, the idea of it sometimes sends me running for bed covers.
Anyway, I do know mentors and coaches who recommend acting in your own work--particularly when you don't have any acting clips or acting demos yet. Something is better than nothing after all!
Again, I have no acting tips, but I can tell you what I did. I started acting the same way I started voiceover: I took a class and see whether it's for me and went from there. Everyone's path is different though so please remember to do you!
Again--good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks Joe!
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Ellie Kitchener I think creative people have many different outlets and filmmaking allows a lot of different artistic expressions. If you are drawn to creating compelling characters as an actor, it makes sense you would be drawn to crafting creating interesting characters on the page. Their all linked in many ways. For myself, I co-created, wrote, directed, and acted in my comedy series "Doucheaholics" (www.doucheaholics.com if you want to check it). It's a real organic way to craft something and it also allows you to protect the character you created on the page, on set, and in post. I find it incredibly fulfilling. Good luck to you. I definitely encourage you to go for it. Write one page, film it, and edit it yourself. Do it again the following weekend. Do it again the whole month and then watch all of them back to back. It will make you better as an actor, writer and filmmaker for sure.
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In reverse, I think acting helps you a lot in the writing process as you understand how an actor/actress approaches the script. They will look into each line of dialogue. So better they have a purpos in the script.
I wouldn´t recommend acting in your own work tho - especially if you´re directing as well. Let somebody else play the role, they will bring something fresh and new to the part. :-)
For acting tips, I can recommened this interview we shot with the actress, who played the protagonist in my lates short film "film d´auteur": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRKMzQFbqfo
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Thanks Tobias and Sean! It's great help!
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To me, acting is all about embracing the emotions and the inner person that you are trying to bring out through that character. So really get to know the character. Pretend you are going on dates with them or in a therapy session. Who are they? Why do they behave they way they do? What makes them tick? Research traits and find people online or in person to see and feel into them, depending on the characters background.
Also, feel your own emotions. Watch yourself if you can, when an emotion strikes and do the same for movies. See the facial expressions. Feel into what you or they feel. Really embrace those emotions. As an actor, if you can make people feel you are really upset or joyful or angry, you have hit your target at full speed.
All this can help within the writing aspects as well. Becoming the character even when writing. As writing is really just acting out the character with words.
Just some thoughts.
I thank you for all you are and the help you give within all you do.
God Bless.
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I agree with Tobias. BTW, in anything I write there is always a role for me. I just can't help it and it helps me to really dig into the story.
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Ellie, I advise all my actors in my Acting Workshop the same as I do Filmmakers: BE More Proactive! You should absolutely write something for yourself. THEN, you pair up with an experienced producer and director, who can bring some recognizable faces and other things to the table for you to have a REAL FESTIVAL PROJECT that gets seen and makes some waves. If your goal is to be an actor, don't worry so much about directing. AND< you can write a great part for yourself that isn't always the lead - second lead, major supporting - if you can get an experienced and recognizable actor to play the larger part. If you ask HOW? Again, experienced producers and directors have connections. For those who say it can't be done? Well, a student who is still with me to this day, acted opposite one of the stars of Matlock and LOST in a short I adapted from her sister's short story. I wrote a whole BLOG about it. I think it was called A Hollywood Story you can't Make Up. If you check my recent BLOG - I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends - About two weeks ago, maybe? - you will see some of my other BLOGS listed underneath it, including the one I referenced. Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!!! :)
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I strongly tell actors to write roles for themselves and their friends and FILM them.
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Hi Ellie- I write all my scripts and I play at least one character. Would you like to read my different scripts and act different female characters on my zoom reads. Thank you very much. Also- Do you have scripts where I can play any characters Sincerely- Ed Skirtich
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Hi Ellie, I would just say to be confident and to trust your instincts with the industry and with your acting choices! Good luck, Anna Gold
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Hi Ellie- Would you like to voice act the part of Kate and Audrey Hepburn in a PCTV 21 show I will do- a new version I wrote and I act in too- I read the part of Howard Hughes in "The Aviator" on community TV in Pittsburgh, PA January 25th 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Thanks- Ed Skirtich