This is my first post in this forum, so I apologize in advance if I have posted under the wrong heading or any such error as that.
I am in pre-production for an experimental indie film (drama/comedy). I am both directing and playing a small role in the feature. I have directed several short films and one feature-length film before so I am no stranger to the craft, but this is the first film that I have ever attempted on my own...that is, without any sponsor or organization backing me financially. All of my expenses come out of my own pocket, so I am trying to pinch pennies where I can.
I am quite used to working with professional actors and actresses that I have "borrowed" from theatre companies nearby me. However, for this film, due to budget and a necessary relocation I recently made, I have auditioned and casted people in my area who have very little experience with serious acting. I have seen evidence of acting talent within them, and I know they are very committed to the filmmaking process and I believe they are up to the challenge and will perform magnificently. All the same, three or four of them are a little bit nervous about the scripted love scenes.
As I am used to working with professional acting talent, I have never had to push anybody too far out of their comfort zone in order to shoot a love scene before. The scenes in this film are essential plot devices and cannot be cut without scaling back the story. The scenes themselves don't really feature anything more than "making out" (passionate kissing, potential tongue kissing, tight embraces, etc.) so it should, by no means, be a jarring leap into the jaws of death for any acting talent in particular. They have all committed to this knowing that the aforementioned scenes were necessary elements, but that doesn't seem to make them feel any less awkward about the days we will be filming them.
That said, any thoughts on how far I can push my first-time, somewhat-inexperienced acting talent before I cross the line and become overbearing or intimidating? Would it be wrong of me to encourage them to practice the kissing scenes with their co-stars before coming to set? Any advice on what I can say or do to make this experience easier for them? Should I schedule these scenes to be knocked out first, so as to clear the awkwardness out of the way as quickly as possible?
I'm sure everything will turn out just fine in the end, but between here and there, I want the film to be the best it can possibly be, and I want to keep my cast interested and excited about this project. Since this seems to be a bit of a mental roadblock for a few of them, I want to be sure to handle it in the best way that I can as a director.
So, any ideas?
I am in pre-production for an experimental indie film (drama/comedy). I am both directing and playing a small role in the feature. I have directed several short films and one feature-length film before so I am no stranger to the craft, but this is the first film that I have ever attempted on my own...that is, without any sponsor or organization backing me financially. All of my expenses come out of my own pocket, so I am trying to pinch pennies where I can.
I am quite used to working with professional actors and actresses that I have "borrowed" from theatre companies nearby me. However, for this film, due to budget and a necessary relocation I recently made, I have auditioned and casted people in my area who have very little experience with serious acting. I have seen evidence of acting talent within them, and I know they are very committed to the filmmaking process and I believe they are up to the challenge and will perform magnificently. All the same, three or four of them are a little bit nervous about the scripted love scenes.
As I am used to working with professional acting talent, I have never had to push anybody too far out of their comfort zone in order to shoot a love scene before. The scenes in this film are essential plot devices and cannot be cut without scaling back the story. The scenes themselves don't really feature anything more than "making out" (passionate kissing, potential tongue kissing, tight embraces, etc.) so it should, by no means, be a jarring leap into the jaws of death for any acting talent in particular. They have all committed to this knowing that the aforementioned scenes were necessary elements, but that doesn't seem to make them feel any less awkward about the days we will be filming them.
That said, any thoughts on how far I can push my first-time, somewhat-inexperienced acting talent before I cross the line and become overbearing or intimidating? Would it be wrong of me to encourage them to practice the kissing scenes with their co-stars before coming to set? Any advice on what I can say or do to make this experience easier for them? Should I schedule these scenes to be knocked out first, so as to clear the awkwardness out of the way as quickly as possible?
I'm sure everything will turn out just fine in the end, but between here and there, I want the film to be the best it can possibly be, and I want to keep my cast interested and excited about this project. Since this seems to be a bit of a mental roadblock for a few of them, I want to be sure to handle it in the best way that I can as a director.
So, any ideas?
In my experiences thus far, it's best to just give a disclaimer before the actress auditions. It's always awkward to have to mention something like that, but things go a lot smoother if she's made aware up front. Something like, "Now before you start, I just want to let you know that the character you're auditioning for is scripted as having a topless sex scene that is rather essential to the plot of the film. It will be tastefully filmed, and if you're casted we will be sure not to expose any more than is necessary to the audience. Are you going to be comfortable with that?" Because getting comfortable with uncomfortable romance scenes is one of the first things actors and actresses learn when receiving professional training, most actresses respond really well to these sorts of requests. Any who don't will simply walk out the door to avoid wasting your time. If an actress is to be (as you put it) great, she must be willing to make herself comfortable with roles like these. As far as authenticity goes, however, I think that's something that will come naturally with multiple takes and repeated constructive input from you as the director.