Tips and Tricks for Directing Actors

Get Kathi's FREE starter pak for indie filmmakers here: https://readysetcinema.com/

TIMECODE BELOW:

New and mid-level indie filmmakers! If you're navigating how to direct actors effectively, this video is packed with practical, experience-driven tips from award-winning indie filmmaker Kathi Carey. With a background as both an actor and director, Kathi breaks down her personal philosophy and real-world techniques for working with performers at all levels — from friends in no-budget shorts to seasoned pros in festival-featured films. Learn how to create trust on set, communicate clearly without micromanaging, and get compelling performances no matter your budget. Whether you're prepping your first web series or stepping into more ambitious productions, this is your ultimate guide to directing actors with confidence and clarity.

00:10 -- Kathi starts by defining the 3 levels of projects you are likely to work on
02:04 -- She gives an example of actors at the Level 2 type of project, one of her films, Mr. Hopewell's Remedy, where the actors were just coming off of and going to bigger jobs
02:50 -- She gives a quote from John Huston about casting
03:10 -- Kathi is asked: how could you possibly perform if you don't rehearse?
03:35 -- She describes how rehearsals happen on the set
04:15 -- Kathi talks about micro-managing the actors' process and the difference between her directing style and other directors
05:00 -- Kathi's experience with working with professional actors -- she gives an example of working with an actor who was #4 on the Callsheet of Dumb and Dumber To
05:45 -- Kathi is asked (by an actor) how to approach a Table Read
07:00 -- Kathi recounts her experience as an actress and how that informs her directing style (and some of the crazy direction she's gotten over the years)
09:22 -- Kathi gives you advice of what NOT to do as a director (when directing actors)
10:39 -- Kathi's one piece of advice regarding who the actor looks to first when "cut" is called
11:05 -- Kathi's philosophy regarding Video Village
11:47 -- Kathi answers a question regarding prima donnas on the set
12:23 -- Why Kathi watches the monitor, even though she's on the set
13:30 -- Kathi answers the question regarding rehearsal
15:45 -- Kathi gives an extra special tip for working with less-experienced actors (this is one of her BEST tips)
18:10 -- Kathi answers the question: can you direct a bad actor into a worthwhile performance?


----------------------------------------------------------------------
LINKS:
Work with Kathi and get her FREE Starter Pak: https://readysetcinema.com/
Learn more from Kathi here: https://ready-set-cinema.teachable.com/
Support Kathi's creative journey and buy her a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kathicarey/
More YouTube videos like this:    • Filmify It  

#DirectingActors #IndieFilmTips #FilmmakingForBeginners #ActorDirection #OnSetLeadership #femalefilmmaking #filmdirector #moviedirector