EXTRA HELP AND HANDOUTS

Theory and Filming Help

Combining Classes

Written by Angela Louis
Be flexible and mix around some of the ACTS. You will notice that they don’t always line up in terms of filming and theory weeks, so you may need to shuffle things slightly. This is something that Narelle and I will be paying particular attention to this year, so that we can hopefully line them up in the future.

Warm Ups can be run simultaneously. Generally students are paired up to run warm ups, so you might even consider partnering up the second year students with the first year students.

Filming can also be done collectively. Students can work as extras for the other class. This is super beneficial I teaching students about how to work as an extra, paying particular attention to enhancing the scene and not detracting from it. It also teaches students to work collaboratively.

Theory can be done in small groups with you circulating around the room. Be careful that students don’t go off the task here. Obviously the first year and second year students will be reading different handouts, but you can get the students to report back some of their notes at the end of the session.

Avoid allowing students to go off and work on their own as they an easily become side-tracked and waste time. I know it’s inevitable sometimes but be sure to set clear expectations an most importantly time frames. Let students know that they will be reporting what they have done back to the lass. This makes them accountable for the work they are doing as they have to achieve a set outcome in the time you give them.

Be organised and plan ahead. Yes, I t can be challenging running a combined class. The key is to e organised and make sure you have read through the ACTS and looked at ways of combining the two classes BEFORE entering the classroom. I actually believed it can be highly beneficial for the students as it gives the First Year students an insight into the industry by learning from the Second Year students. It also helps to consolidate the second year understanding.

Be mindful of the space that you are working in. I know it can be difficult when you are working in a small/complicated space, but safety has to be paramount. You can’t leave students unsupervised. Try and set yourself up so you can easily liaise between the two groups. Make sure that there are no hazards where students can injure themselves. This also prevents students from “getting up to mischief”.

Find balance. You want to nurture and gently introduce the first year students without ‘dumbing down’ the course for the second year students. The second year students still need to be challenged and learning new things.

Ask questions! If you’re not sure of anything. Talk to Merilyn or myself, as we are more than happy to help you and it’s much easier working things out together.

Combining Classes Advice Document

Please find the Combining Classes Advice attached below:

This document has been removed from Scribd.

Film Critique Notes

Before:

  • Know lines perfectly
  • Be satisfied with how you look
  • Check hair, makeup and clothes
  • Check personal props
  • Check blocking
  • Know where set pieces are
  • Be warmed up
  • Knowledge of character backstory
  • Knowledge of scene backstory
  • Know direction and hit your mark
  • Know you camera shots
  • 1 or 2 takes only

During:

  • Framed
  • Recording
  • Action
  • Only 1 or 2 takes
  • Use the energy of the moment
  • Visualise where you are
  • Stand securely
  • Relax before the take
  • Posture
  • Don’t look at the camera (unless DTB shot)
  • Know where the camera is and type of shot
  • Energy given no matter the part
  • Pausing
  • If a line is forgotten say ‘line please’ with no fuss
  • Don’t let others throw you with lines
  • Don’t be distracted
  • Concentrate and have focus
  • Acknowledge all characters in the scene
  • Motivation
  • Does your character need an activity?
  • What is the emotional content?
  • ​Does the acting require tactility?

After:
Check all before’s and during’s
Record feelings in response to filming
Think of changes
Get feedback
Practice again
Don’t give up

Check For:

  • Knowledge of lines
  • Energy does not mean fast
  • Interpretation of character
  • Look at vision without sound and sound without vision
  • Clothing, hair and makeup
  • Neckline, jewellery
  • Movement, gestures and standing
  • Facial expressions
  • Natural believability

Speech:

  • Voice is too nasal
  • Voice is too high
  • Swallowing between phrases or words
  • Speech is clear/flexible
  • Th, F, V sounds are clear
  • Phrasing
  • Colloquialisms
  • SomethinK
  • Exclamatory sounds
  • Expression points in the script
  • Saliva
  • Tongue twisters
  • ​Accurate accents

Grooming:

  • Hair out of face
  • Earrings not to take away focus
  • Neckline
  • Colour of costume
  • No stripes or strobes
  • Check the mirror

Movement:

  • Don’t sway
  • Can use arms except in extreme close up
  • Physicality for the part you are playing

Dynamics of Acting:

  • Not enough build up
  • Gestures are wooden instead of natural and instinctive
  • Internalisation and how the character feels in the scene
  • Subtext and how to show this
  • Tell the truth
  • Understated acting
  • Line panic causing racing in speech
  • Airspace awareness
  • Awareness of camera and shot
  • Depth and complexity
  • Awareness of sounds and surroundings
  • Not listening
  • Sustaining focus and concentration
  • Body language
  • Taking direction
  • Change of emotions
  • Experimenting with camera angles
  • Never mime
  • Keep age range and be plausible
  • Bring your personality to the lines
  • Stay in character
  • Movements not taking over
  • Staying on your mark
  • Consistency in work
  • Relax and have fund

Pigeon Monologue Assessment Marking Guide

Please find the Pigeon Monologue Assessment Marking Guide attached below:

4 by on Scribd

Helpful Handouts

How to Breakdown a Script

Please find the How To Breakdown A Script Handout attached below:

This document has been removed from Scribd.

Filming Critiques

Please find the Filming Critiques attached below:

3 by on Scribd

Headshot Tips

Please find the Headshot Tips attached below:

This document has been removed from Scribd.

Diet Tips

Please find the Diet Tips​ attached below:

This document has been removed from Scribd.

ACDA Snapshot 2018

Please find the ACDA Snapshot 2018 attached below: