Acting : Determining Intent In Acting and Directing by Mario Leone

Mario Leone

Determining Intent In Acting and Directing

It is good to determine intent as a Director and as an Actor.

How do we determine Intent?

By asking questions to ourselves:

What does the character want, or what goal are they trying to achieve in the scene?

Define each scene by what the character wants:

Is it physical or tangible?

is it information?

Is it emotional?

The Secondary Gain intent - When a person is trying to make others "think" that their own motives are different from what they say they are.

Could be expressing ulterior motives for example.

What does the character want other people to think they want?

Maurice Vaughan

Great post, Mario Leone! I can use this for screenwriting too. Thanks.

Ryu Reeves

very important to ask those questions!

Nick Waters

I think this applies to all aspects of filmmaking, like Maurice Vaughan says for his writing. Great stuff here, thanks for sharing!

Sam Sokolow

Agreed - even editors need to consider this when making choices and buildings performances in post. Really thoughtful and terrific share. Thanks, Mario Leone!

Lillee Jean

Agreed here!

Ashley Renee Smith

Great questions to help your creative process, Mario Leone!

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