Film Making

Screen Acting

Becoming a professional film actor is a very selective process. Improvisation allows actors true expressive freedom, since they don't know how the situation is going to turn out. In professional performances, improv is also used to cover up momentary lapses, so the audience isn't startled. The actor's performance is marked by particular performance signs including facial expression, emotional signals, and use of thematic vocabulary.

Classical acting is an umbrella term that integrates the expression of the body, voice, imagination, improvisation and script analysis. Method acting, by comparison, is a range of techniques for training actors to achieve better personification of the characters they play. A major part of training to be a screen actor is memorizing lines and therefore being able to work without a script. Other classes may include mask work, improvisation, and modeling for the camera.

Not all people working as actors in film, television, or theater are professionally trained. For example, Bob Hoskins didn't have any formal training before taking up screen acting. Universities may offer drama programs derived from the system of Constantine Stanislavski, which was popularized in America by Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. Regardless of a school's approach, theater students should study human emotions, character interpretation, singing and modern dance.

Film Studies

If you choose a film studies major, taking film making classes for example, you may concentrate in areas that demand a high level of creative expression and performance skills. Browse listings of film programs. Alternatively, studio camera operators work in a broadcast studio and videotape their material using one or several cameras at a time. Operators normally follow directions that give the order of the shots. They often have time to practice camera movements before shooting begins. If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment's notice and follow the instructions of the director.

While most theatre companies rehearse only one new piece of theatre at a time, and then perform that piece for a set run, repertory companies often rehearse multiple shows at once. Repertory theatre involves a group of accomplished actors, and relies more on the reputation of the group, rather than on an individual star performer. Further, actors who have worked together in several productions can respond to each other's nonverbal cues without relying as much on external direction or adherence to theatrical conventions.

Camera Operation and Film Editing

Camera operators capture a wide range of material for TV shows, motion pictures, music videos, documentaries, or news and sporting events, whereas video and film editors take footage shot by camera operators and organize it into a final product. Many camera operators have one or more assistants working under their supervision. The assistants set up the camera equipment and may be responsible for its storage and care. They also help the operator determine the best shooting angle and make sure that the camera stays in focus. Likewise, editors often have one or more assistants. The assistants support the editor by keeping track of each shot in a database or loading digital video into an editing bay. Assistants also may do some of the editing tasks.

Most film makers prefer using digital cameras because these smaller, more inexpensive instruments give them more flexibility in shooting angles. Digital cameras also have changed the job of camera assistants. Instead of loading film or choosing lenses, they download digital images or choose a type of software program to use with the camera. In addition, drone cameras give operators an opportunity to film in the air, or in places that are hard to reach. Nearly all editing work is done on a computer, and editors often are trained in a specific type of editing software.

Cinematographers may use stationary cameras that shoot whatever passes in front of them, or they may use a camera mounted on a track and move around the action. Some cinematographers sit on cranes to film an action scene; others carry the camera on their shoulder while they move around the action. Further, film makers may specialize in filming cartoons, animation or special effects (CGI). By comparison, videographers film or videotape private ceremonies or special events, such as weddings. They also may work with companies and make corporate documentaries on a variety of topics. Some videographers post their work on video-sharing websites for prospective clients. Many videographers run their own business or do freelance work. They may submit bids, write contracts, and get permission to shoot on locations that may not be open to the public.

Shoot Cinematic Interviews

Tom Cruise - Stuntman

Ricky Gervais | Golden Globes

Pursuit Of Happyness - Will Smith

Movie Producers & Directors

Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. Further, executive producers are called on to make the business and financial decisions for a motion picture, TV show, commercial, or stage production. They must raise the initial funding for the project and hire the director and crew, which may include set and costume designers, film and video editors, a musical director, and a choreographer. Producers set the budget and approve any major changes to the project, ensuring that the production is completed on time, and only slightly over budget.

Directors, on the other hand, are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of the cast and crew. During rehearsals, they work with the actors to help them portray their characters more accurately. For nonfiction video, such as documentaries or live broadcasts, directors choose topics or subjects to film. They investigate the topic and may interview relevant participants or experts on camera. Directors also work with cinematographers and other crew members to ensure that the final product matches the overall vision.

Although directors are in charge of the creative aspects of a show, they ultimately answer to producers. Some directors also share producing duties for their own films. Producers and directors work under a lot of pressure, and many are under constant stress to finish their work on time. Work assignments may be short, ranging from one day to a few months. They may travel with a touring show across the country, while those in film and television may work on set. Large productions may employ several assistant directors in order to help the director with smaller production tasks such as making set changes or notifying the performers when it is their time to go onstage.