The Secret Code of Filming Acting Classifications of Actors Stage versus Screen Acting The American Star System Styles Casting Theory of organic form: form and content are mutually dependent in any art form.

Classification of Actors Extras –No speaking, no talent, lend atmosphere to scene Diners in the background of a restaurant scene Nonprofessional performers –Amateur performers who seem particularly authentic for a certain scene Sports figures who guest star as themselves

Trained professionals –Trained in stage and/or screen performance and can, ideally, play multiple and different roles People that you see in film, theatre, or TV but might not know their names Stars –Famous person whose name draws audiences to the show People that you’ve seen before and would like to see again, and whose names you know

Stage vs. Screen StageScreen Actor-dominatedDirector-dominated Requirements: Flexible, trained voice Limber, graceful, and physically fit Age and appearance are less important Emotions can build “naturally” Requirements: Less training Less physically fit Age and appearance are very important Emotions must be instantaneously conveyed Preserves real timeDoes not preserve real time

The Star System Backbone of the film industry Decided by the public, by popularity –Have fans, little privacy, danger of stalkers Make more money than other actors –Get perks, wardrobe, makeup, privacy on set, assistants, percentage of profits Can be “personality” stars or “actor” stars –Personality: Tend to play one type of character –Actor: Capable of playing more than one type

Styles of Acting Styles vary cross-culturally and cross- historically –Traditional/Realistic Highly trained in voice, physical, etc. –“Method” acting Constantin Stanislavsky You must live/feel the part to play it genuinely –Improvisation

Casting Typecasting –Finding an actor to fit a stereotype Tom Cruise as a person with a problem with authority Casting against conventions and expectations –Finding an actor to go against a stereotype Bill Pullman as an authority figure

Acting Analysis What kind of actor is playing the part? What kind of part is it? What are the characteristics of the actor’s performance? How is voice used? Body? What are the characteristics they are emphasizing in their character? How are they using their “instrument” to convey that? How might another actor playing the role change it?