Directing Actors: DO's and DON'Ts for Success

Want to learn how to direct actors for film? Maybe you're a new film director, or you've been directing for years, but you just feel more comfortable with the camera department? Good news! There are some simple do's and don'ts that you can follow to start improving your skill directing actors!

Film directors have a lot on their plate, but the director to actor relationship is, arguably, the most important. Directing actors takes strong communication and experience, but if you know what to avoid saying to actors and how to do for them, you'll get way better, way faster. In this video, I've pulled from both my personal experience directing over a dozen films, acting in dozens more, and surveying the professional actors I know. Let's talk about directing actors!

00:00 - Directing Actors: What to Do and Not Do
00:54 - What to DO when your actors arrive on set
01:38 - DON'T treat your actors like puppets
02:21 - How to DIRECT an actor and their scene
02:47 - DON'T say this to your actors
03:12 - DO this between takes with your actors
03:47 - DON'T surprise your actors with these things...
04:42 - DO be prepared and organized

Again, directing is tough, especially when you're starting out and have no budget. The importance of properly directing your actors can fall to the back of your mind when you're worrying about camera, lighting, and your shot list. Don't let it! Establish strong relationships with your actors, which will fuel your creative work and films for years to come!

Gear I use to film videos like this:
Sigma 24-70mm DG DN for Sony E Lens: https://amzn.to/3FZ5YZO
Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3At4o1n
Amaran 100d LED Light by Aputure: https://amzn.to/35b6kQs
Aputure Accent B7C Smart LED Bulb: https://amzn.to/3rNhIJZ
RODE VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Mic: https://amzn.to/3Asro0m
Geekoto 77in Camera Tripod: https://amzn.to/3AtUdJM
(These are Amazon affiliate links, so if you click through and purchase anything, you're directly supporting me and Story Ark -- thanks!)