10 Aug How to take a director’s notes
Understanding how to take a director’s notes
What do you do when a director gives you notes? How can you best help yourself to perform the adjustments he wants to see. Understanding a director’s notes will require the following.
If you do a “take” or at an audition and the director or casting director says to you,”I have notes for you or,” Or he says, ” let’s do it again and this time I want you to….” what do you do?
Heart is beating
As an actor, you’re in your emotions, reciting the lines in your head, preparing for your lines. Your heart is beating. Everyone on on set, the other actors, grips, lighting, sound, makeup artists, producers are all waiting around while the director gives you notes. You are nervous. Breathe, empty your head and focus on the director’s notes.
Listen carefully
Let’s say the director gives you notes and you just saw his lips move and really did not get it. This is where you train yourself to stop and listen carefully to the director’s notes. It is crucial that you really listen and hear and understand fully, the director’s notes.
Ask Questions
If you’re the tiniest bit not sure, that is the time to ask your questions. The last thing you want is to have to do it again and again until you get it right.
Say to the director, ” OK so you want me to do ….” and have him repeat to you his notes, his instructions his directions. Make sure you absolutely “get it.”
Run with it
Once you completely understand what the director wants, run with it. Don’t make a small change, make it big, huge strong choice to show you can take direction.