‘Consider Sandra’s lecture “Directing Actors” and describe at least a couple of points that you took away from it (even if you’re not the director).’

As the director of my group’s project, Sandra’s lecture was particularly useful to me, largely as she directly answered a number of significant questions I had with regard to preparing for and running a shoot in order to best accomodate the film’s actors. Sandra stressed the importance of rehearsing actors prior to shoot day and specifically detailed the manner in which this should be undertaken with an action based script. As our film contained minimal dialogue, I had not considered rehearsal a priority prior to the lecture, upon Sandra’s suggestion that movement should be discussed, mapped out and practiced, the film’s cinematographer and I went on to meet with actors in the area we planned to shoot the film, detailing the route that would be taken in the film’s running sequences and the physical dynamic which would exist between the characters. Furthermore, at various points on shoot day, when we were short on time, our group found ourselves considering the method Sandra discussed in which shot lists are modified so that large sections of action may be covered in as few shots as possible. Lastly, I was able to speak with Sandra directly with regard to maintaining continuity in scenes, which had been a concern of mine, while she stressed the process was a challenge, she clarified the notion of ‘crossing the line’ and how important it is that cinematographers and directors be alert to this.