{"id":142008,"date":"2020-11-16T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=142008"},"modified":"2020-11-13T12:41:30","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T18:41:30","slug":"understand-actors-and-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/understand-actors-and-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Acting Techniques: Understand Your Actors and Their Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-let-s-break-down-the-most-popular-acting-techniques-provide-notable-examples-and-see-how-your-talent-s-process-can-improve-your-film\"><span id=\"lets-break-down-the-most-popular-acting-techniques-provide-notable-examples-and-see-how-your-talents-process-can-improve-your-film\">Let\u2019s break down the most popular acting techniques, provide notable examples, and see how your talent&#8217;s process can improve your film.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like any art form, acting is a craft that has many schools of thought. These teachings can be called techniques or processes. The process is the manner in which the actor approaches the scene and best portrays their character and emotions. Techniques can vary depending on where the actor studied and who their teachers were, and actors often chose their techniques based on what makes the most sense to the actor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019ll see below, many acting styles are closely related with a few key differences. Actors can focus on one specific type of acting process, but may rely on specific facets of other, related processes as well. Similarly, in the early 20th Century, prominent actors would learn one technique, then later build upon that technique and make a style of their own. Let\u2019s dive into a few of the most popular and prominent styles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-classical-acting\"><span id=\"classical-acting\">Classical Acting<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"503\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg\" alt=\"Classical Acting\" class=\"wp-image-142476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=359,239 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=560,373 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Stage-Acting-1.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Stage performances are a form of classical acting. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/actors-actresses-red-white-black-suits-1386848918\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Kozlik<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Classical acting originated long before the age of cinema and derives from acting for an audience on stage. This is not the oldest form of acting, but it is something of a precursor to modern acting techniques. The classical process relies on an actor&#8217;s ability to use their full range of motion, body, voice, surroundings, and thoughts in their performance. Utilizing all of the tools available to an actor allows them to tell a truthful story and give a believable performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stanislavski-technique\"><span id=\"stanislavski-technique\">Stanislavski Technique&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iB1fPZX5Zgk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This acting technique, created by Konstantin Stanislavski, set the foundation on which more modern techniques build upon. It focuses on \u201cexperiencing the role\u201d rather than simply playing it, and requires actors to think of themselves doing the actions within the script. The technique asks the actors to really feel what they\u2019re portraying and put themselves into the character. An actor should think about the actions of their character in-depth, rather than simply what&#8217;s on the page or in a work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process tells actors to answer key questions to understand how to portray their character:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Who am I? \u2014 The characteristics that make up the character: background, age, etc.<\/li><li>Where am I? \u2014 This isn\u2019t just limited to the physical scene or setting, but the character\u2019s position within the narrative.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When is it? \u2014 Figuring out the time of day, month, year, point in time, and how that affects how the character would be portrayed.&nbsp;<\/li><li>What do I want? \u2014 The goal(s) of this character within the entire narrative or even within a specific scene.<\/li><li>Why do I want it? \u2014 The motivation that leads the character to the above goal.&nbsp;<\/li><li>How will I get it? \u2014 How the character sets out to achieve the goal(s) and how that shifts along with the narrative.<\/li><li>What do I need to overcome? \u2014 What stands in their way?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Popular Stanislavski Technique Actors:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000008\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Marlon Brando<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000054\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Marilyn Monroe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0012245\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Stella Adler<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-method-acting\"><span id=\"method-acting\">Method Acting<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Method Acting is built upon the groundwork of the Stanislavski method. The main difference is the actors are encouraged to link their own emotional experiences and memories to the characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Method Acting has a reputation for being a headline-grabbing acting technique. Every time you hear of an actor staying in character, even off-set, it&#8217;s usually coupled with the actor practicing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-filmmakers-harness-method-actor-power\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Method Acting<\/a>. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000375\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Robert Downey Jr.<\/a>\u2019s over-the-top portrayal of a method actor in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0942385\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><em>Tropic Thunder<\/em><\/a> as a hilarious example. In reality, this isn&#8217;t part of the technique, simply a liberty some actors choose to take. (As a funny Easter egg, Robert Downey Jr. literally stays in character throughout the <em>Tropic Thunder<\/em> DVD commentary.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O19HyqsGBjM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Popular Method Actors:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000134\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Robert De Niro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000358\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Daniel Day-Lewis<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000288\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Christian Bale<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-meisner-technique\"><span id=\"meisner-technique\">Meisner Technique<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Meisner method is yet another off-shoot from the Stanislavski method. Meisner requires the actors to \u201clive truthfully under imaginary circumstances\u201d and relies on the impulses a character might make given the scene. Rather than focusing on well-thought-out actions or planned reactions, the actor tries to get out of their own head and react to their environment in the moment, as if it&#8217;s really happening. The act of spontaneity and instincts allows for realistic human expression. Often, the actor does this through repetition, where the actor finds subtext in the script by repeating the lines of their character in multiple ways. No longer are the literal words being said holding the meaning\u2014it&#8217;s how they&#8217;re delivered.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tVBMiwxDUKI?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, Meisner felt that actors have a symbiotic relationship. Each actor in a scene builds upon one another, and the way they interact creates not only realism but more inspiration for how to play the scene. Rather than focusing solely on an actor\u2019s self, they should also consider their relationship and interactions with those they share the scene with.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Popular Meisner Actors:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000473\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Diane Keaton<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0881631\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Karl Urban<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000129\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Tom Cruise<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0005377\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Sam Rockwell<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-aesthetics\"><span id=\"practical-aesthetics\">Practical Aesthetics<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000513\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">William H. Macy<\/a> and playwright <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0000519\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">David Mamet<\/a>, the Practical Aesthetics method is another off-shoot from the Meisner and Stanislavski technique. Are you noticing a trend yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where the method differs is the abandonment of personal memories impacting the performance of an actor\u2019s character. The thought is since the actor already knows how the real memory ends, it hinders the actions of the character, due to the memory already having a resolution. Personal experiences would require the actor to internalize a \u201cdouble fiction.\u201d One for the fictional character and one for the personal memory that has already been resolved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Practical Aesthetics method asks four questions to break down a scene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The &#8220;Literal&#8221; \u2014 What is literally taking place in a scene<\/li><li>The &#8220;Want&#8221; \u2014 What does the character want to do or say in a given scene. This is their overall goal.\u00a0<\/li><li>The &#8220;Essential Action&#8221; \u2014 The most essential want of the character. Basically boiling down the \u201cwant\u201d to an essential drive or human desire.\u00a0<\/li><li>The \u201cAs If\u201d \u2014 Relating the questions above to the actor\u2019s life, in a metaphorical sense, and not based on real experience or memory. If the <em>essential action<\/em> is \u201cRevenge for my family,\u201d the <em>as if<\/em> could be \u201cAs if the school bully beat up my younger brother. I need to find a way to get back at the bully and stand up for my brother.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Popular Practical Aesthetic actors:<\/strong> William H. Macy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0004695\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Jessica Alba<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0126284\/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Rose Byrne<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l0wywLha_n4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-putting-this-knowledge-to-use\"><span id=\"putting-this-knowledge-to-use\">Putting this Knowledge to Use<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have a quick overview of some popular acting styles, it&#8217;s important to work with your talent to get the best performance possible. Like everything else in the filmmaking process, directing and acting is a cooperative relationship built on trust and communication. Communicate with your actors what you\u2019re trying to achieve and how they\u2019re going to get there. Then trust their talents and the path they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your actors how they\u2019re going to approach a character, a specific scene, or the overall narrative. An actor may not come right out and say, \u201cI\u2019m using the Practical Aesthetics school of thought,\u201d but their responses may give you a lead on how they\u2019ll come into their character.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg\" alt=\"Film Set\" class=\"wp-image-142498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=277,156 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=359,203 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=543,306 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=560,316 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Film-Set.jpg?resize=150,85 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Take the proper time to discuss the characters with the actors. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/film-set-director-cinematographer-actors-working-541603006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Studio 72<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As an example, if an actor mentions their relationship to another character and how that will impact their choices, they may be utilizing the Meisner method. Take this information and build on it. Bring the other actor(s) into the conversation and discuss the scene together. Play to your actors&#8217; strengths and their processes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow your actors to explore the characters, even if you have a specific direction you want them to take. An actor will put a lot of time and preparation into a role. Having a fresh take on an action or set of dialogue might breathe some fresh air into your scene. Allow them to improvise, if needed. With the teachings from Meisner, improvisation is key to giving a believable performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an actor lists their preparation in line with Practical Aesthetics, walk through their answers with them. Ask questions, give your input, and build upon the character together. Arriving at the same conclusion about the background of a character and their motivation is important. You want to find out how the actor is approaching the scene and give them all the tools they\u2019ll need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-learn-more\"><span id=\"where-to-learn-more\">Where to Learn More<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a few steps in the talent&#8217;s shoes. Each acting style also has exercises built into their teachings. As a director, it&#8217;d be highly beneficial to learn some and apply them to your process with each actor. Taking it one step further, consider taking an acting class (or two) yourself. You may not be destined for the stage or being in front of the camera, but this would give you insight into the actor&#8217;s point of view and better knowledge on how you can help them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"504\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg\" alt=\"Acting Coach\" class=\"wp-image-142507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=359,240 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=560,374 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Acting-Coach.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>Recognize and understand your actors&#8217; methods. Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/chisinau-republic-moldova-april-30-2018-1097610281\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">jonnyslav<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a director, you\u2019ll work with actors that incorporate a range of acting styles, techniques, and some that may blend multiple techniques into their performances. The list of methods and their differences above is by no means definitive, but it&#8217;s a great crash course into some popular methods. There\u2019s no right or wrong acting technique, so understanding some of the popular methods will serve you well as a director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Cover image via\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/behind-scene-actor-front-camera-on-638227996\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">guruXOX<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Uncover even more secrets to working with actors (or without) here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-to-make-film-on-zoom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Tips and Tricks for Making a Film with Zoom Technology<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/directing-editing-comedy-short\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Find the Funny: Tips for Directing and Editing a Comedy Short<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-filmmakers-harness-method-actor-power\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How Filmmakers Can Harness the Power of Method Actors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/5-filmmaking-tips-directing-acting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">5 Filmmaking Tips for Acting and Directing (At the Same Time)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/directing-challenges-communicating-with-actors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Directing Challenges: How to Communicate Effectively with Actors<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s break down the most popular acting techniques, provide notable examples, and see how your talent&#8217;s process can improve your film.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":169,"featured_media":142468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4519,3843],"tags":[3144,6096,2245,6338,6339],"class_list":["post-class-post-142008","post-class-post","post-class-type-post","post-class-status-publish","post-class-format-standard","post-class-has-post-thumbnail","post-class-hentry","post-class-category-cinematography-2","post-class-category-filmmaking-2","post-class-tag-acting","post-class-tag-actor","post-class-tag-actors","post-class-tag-method-acting","post-class-tag-method-actors"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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can improve your film.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/understand-actors-and-methods\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Beat: A Blog by PremiumBeat\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/premiumbeat\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-11-16T12:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-11-13T18:41:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2020\/11\/13083421\/Actor-Cover.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"584\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Anthony Najera\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Premiumbeat\" \/>\n<meta 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