3 Quick Issues to Consider When Using Non-Actors in Your Film – Indie Filmmaking Tips
Using non-actors in your film can bring authenticity and raw emotion to the screen, but it also comes with unique challenges. If you’re an indie filmmaker, it’s important to be aware of the potential hurdles when working with people who have little to no acting experience. Here are a few key issues to consider.
1. The Pressure of the Camera and Crew
For non-actors, being in front of the camera for the first time can feel intimidating. The presence of a large crew, lights, and equipment might overwhelm them. As a filmmaker, it’s essential to create a relaxed environment to help ease the tension. Consider limiting the number of crew members present during their scenes and reducing intimidatingly large camera and equipment set-ups.
2. Delivering Lines and Hitting Marks
Non-actors may struggle with the technical aspects of filmmaking, like hitting specific marks on the floor or delivering lines naturally while moving. Expecting them to seamlessly juggle both performance and technical precision may be unrealistic. Instead, try to simplify the setup, allowing them to focus on their performance without the added pressure of technical demands, this includes having them stood or sat still.
3. Number of Takes
While seasoned actors can deliver consistent performances across multiple takes, non-actors often perform best in much fewer takes when their enthusiasm is at its peak. Pushing them for too many takes can lead to a drop in energy or create inconsistent results. It’s important to balance the need for multiple takes with the reality of working with someone who isn’t trained to maintain the same level of performance over time.
Final Thoughts: Working with non-actors can be both rewarding and challenging. By understanding the potential difficulties and being flexible in your approach, you can help non-actors deliver genuine performances while maintaining the flow of your production.
Do I Need a Professional-Grade Cinema Camera to Make a Film?
Like most dedicated filmmakers, I shared similar equipment concerns when I set out to create my first feature-length film. This topic is a common point of discussion among fellow creators. Dive deeper into equipment considerations by downloading my free, concise 4-page PDF guide, available here.
Steve Conway Films 