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Directing Actors 101: How to Give Clear and Concise Notes | Director Thomas Barnes

Director Thomas Barnes breaks down the difference between a vague note like "be sadder" and an actionable note an actor can actually use on the next take. Covers note structure and pacing on a busy set.

H8URS · 6 min · Beginner · ACT · Acting · 2020

What you take away

Rewrite your next note as a specific action the actor can do, not an emotion to display.

Watch it

Filed under

Oscar-winning performances

Books on acting

Directing Actors — Judith Weston
Respect for Acting — Uta Hagen
Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus — Marina Caldarone, Maggie Lloyd-Williams
Acting in Film — Michael Caine
Sanford Meisner on Acting — Sanford Meisner, Dennis Longwell
The Power of the Actor — Ivana Chubbuck

More Acting

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Sam Mendes on his Rehearsal Process | National Theatre — National Theatre · 8m · Advanced
BFI Future Film Festival 2022 | How to Direct Actors with Judith Weston — BFI · 48m · Intermediate
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances For Film & TV - Judith Weston [FULL INTERVIEW] — Film Courage · 38m · Intermediate
How to Direct Actors — Directing Advice from the Greats — StudioBinder · 21m · Intermediate
Off Camera with Sam Jones — Featuring Jeff Bridges — theoffcamerashow · 30m · Intermediate
Off Camera with Sam Jones — Featuring Robert Downey Jr. — theoffcamerashow · 30m · Intermediate
What is Method Acting — It's Not What You Think It Is — StudioBinder · 16m · Intermediate
Interview - Kirk Douglas - Paths of Glory (1957) — Criterion Extras · 30m · Intermediate
Directing Actors Masterclass - Pip Edwards — Sydney Actors School · 76m · Advanced

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