Oh man. As an actor, I’ve got to say this guy sounds like an absolute dream to work with. Feel like every director needs to watch this 👏🏼

@derrickedmond6461

Жыл бұрын

He is!!!

@jbraly

Жыл бұрын

Directing my FIRST film next month and I am soaking up every word. My biggest fear is telling a trained actor how to act when I myself can't act.

"An actor's performace is a reflection of the director." This has some truth as long as the actor has a clue about acting.

@josephvanwyk2088

2 жыл бұрын

What he said is a 100% true, my guy. Actors are like flowers, if you don't water them, care for them, allow them to bath in sunlight, it will show. No one really has a clue about acting. [Adopting a state of mind in a given circumstance] is the closest you find to define "acting" - and that is not so easy whomever you are. A-listers can be directed badly as well (or rather they start directing themselves, when the lose all confidence in the director).

I am currently in film school and everything he is saying is true. The only thing about film school is that you don't learn this all at once. You are taught bits and pieces each semester. Just so the school can squeeze as much money out.

@leonab545

3 жыл бұрын

True. One of my friend’s is a professor, loved my students (besides the few that don’t actually want to put in the work or even show up and then complain about why they didn’t get an A, their parent is some important so and so, lol) - and two of the biggest criticisms he receives from colleagues during reviews is 1) he’s too positive, focuses on what works vs what’s wrong; 2) he shares/gives away too much in one semester! So they want professors to hold back and not be too generous, to save some material for the next semester, otherwise what’s the point of selling another class. Mediocrity is prevalent because profit trumps actual education in “higher education.”

@singhmaster4

3 жыл бұрын

I have learned the same through much research. I'm glad that I went to a film school for an orientation but never attended. I even challenged the recruiter and asked that a person can learn more by making a bunch of movies and reading up on filmmaking skills. So why attend film school since the film degree is pretty much worthless and does not guarantee a job. Her answer was "you are right, but here you will get connections in the industry that you might not in real life." I highly doubt that. Spend $500 on each short film with free actors or get low budget actors $75 a day. Make 10 movies and build your resume. You will get better at filmmaking by watching KZread tutorial videos. Next start networking. It's who you know, not what you know in hollywood. Give it a few years and you will be way far ahead of film students.

@isuriadireja91

2 жыл бұрын

the best learning experience is BEING ON A REAL SET...and experience an actual REAL shooting session. and film schools ought to be able to make that happened for their students.

@bestkilimanjarohike

2 жыл бұрын

Hellow how are you

@jbraly

Жыл бұрын

You just described every University business model friend. It's a scam.

I can see how his career is blowing up now. He obviously is experienced and passionate. A great combo.

This is a great guy. I hope he becomes one of the greats of Hollywood history. I think he deserves it.

As a director I feel enriched by this man's insights. So glad to learn from him.

@disisfunny88

2 ай бұрын

What films did u direct

Anyone that gets emotional seeing another bloom into their potential is a truly special person, not just in this industry but in life.

Having experimented doing two short films , finding actors that actually can act is a rigorously challenging event. Whats harder is directing them to do something. The chemistry between certain actors and directors will always differ. Youll have one actor who is willing to work with your ideas and another one who is causing you headaches.

10:28 Judith Weston - "Directing Actors". Essential reading for any aspiring director.

@fiveangelsmedia5991

4 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/YpyCz7yendGZo8Y.html I also thought about that book while listening

@danielpadrotargarona8374

4 жыл бұрын

any other suggestions?

I’ve learned that holding a rehearsal with the full cast is important to iron out the kinks in the story as their perspective can reveals flaws in the script. I allow actors to rewrite their lines to better suit their way of speaking. I also ask them during the script reading to see if there was anything left unsaid by their characters that is not on the page. And when I allow the actors to rehearse scenes I don’t tell them what to do. I simply allow them to work out their own blocking so that it is natural for them. In a sense, I don’t direct them but instead guide them by setting the stage for them to participate and work out their own issues, which allows them to become invested in the project. When an actor feels it is a collaboration vs being hired to act, it makes a world of a difference in their level of commitment and performance.

@victorl.653

3 жыл бұрын

Funny, this was my first approach in stage directing. I would always start with table readings so the actors would understand their characters and their motivations. Then I would let them do what they want so the blocking was natural. The problem I found with this, in my experience, is that the blocking lacked creativity as the actors would often repeat the same movements in almost every scene, and I found out they would feel very insecure, while some of them would've think that I didn't know what I was doing. It surely sparked some great blocking but the downside felt a bit too big for me. So now I do some key blockings first and let the actors fill it in, while making some adjustments. It worked better in my experience.

@luismonterrubio3678

2 жыл бұрын

It is a good technique, very good also to work with actors and non-actors. Other times the script has the phrases written so that the phonetics have a kind of melody or to help build the personality of the character, and all the dialogues of all the characters have the same style that characterizes the script. I think that in this type of script it is better to respect what has been written.

@alinagrigorjeva9942

2 жыл бұрын

That’s amazing. I’m only a student but I’m directing and that’s what I thought of doing too, but the conventional way is to almost guide them step by step, would love to learn from people like you how to make the actors feel free and confident to collaborate with me rather than wait for me to guide their every step.

@CaitlinBurt

2 жыл бұрын

When an actor feels most like an artist who has value to add they really come alive

This guy is awesome.....unfortunately, he is a RARITY in film and even theatre, but awesome all the same. I love how excited he is in describing what he's learned. THAT is why we do this people. If he doesn't already, he should absolutely teach classes for directors WITH good actors present. Thank you! :)

Totally agreed and many good advices here. First time directing is horrible when you don't have the skill for it. A bad directing experience hurts you in a deep personal level. It can hurt your confidence and it stays weeks, month, sometime years after. I didn't finish my first short (partially) because of that. And then you learn, and it's way more difficult than tech stuff. That's why you see many amateur or very low budget films really nice looking but with poor characters badly played. A film is a dream in our head. So we need to communicate that dream to others in the human feelings and soul level. Not technical. It took me 2-3 short films to really understand and integrate that notion. Jason got it right when he say that it's human skills and technical craft at the same time, but the human skills preceeds the tech one. Tech is there to manifest a vision. The vision (with heart and soul) comes first. Thanks Jason for your genuine and insightful talk.

Was this helpful? What other tips do you have?

@DARKLYLIT

4 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised he didn't mention this but, inevitably, directors need to BE OPEN TO CHANGE and INPUT from others. Actors aren't trained seals. They are COLLABORATORS in any project and because every human is, in fact unique, they all bring different ideas and "takes" to the table. I don't know how many times I've worked on projects where directors or even actors have said "I never thought of it that way". That's the problem: we THINK too much. Try something. Tell the truth. If it's not working or not appropriate for the scene, try something else. Yes, you have a script and a rough idea of the action/plot, but that's why actors are there: To Flesh it out and give it life. "Good", truthful acting is not about control, it's about behaving truthfully under given imaginary circumstances.

@djanitatiana

4 жыл бұрын

Director here. Great discussion by Jason. I would add: • The actor/director dynamic can naturally mimic a parental relationship which is complex - dont be tempted to patronise an actor (even if invited by them) but do remain the parental figure in the sense of protective, dependable, trustworthy, honest and wise. Aspire to these qualities in your work and don't beat yourself up when you fail. You're often asking your actor to access their child even they are by no means a child. Provide them the dependability and support that makes that difficult process safer. • Even if you're an introvert like me you must recognise emotional intelligence as a quality you must develop if you don't already have it. Actors are not a type or monolith but as diverse in personality, motivation, process and temperament as humans are in general so you should make it your business to meet and understand as many different performers as you can. Learn as much as you can about their process and listen carefully to what cues they may give you in terms of what they require to advance their performance. They may not necessarily be able to articulate it too, some actors solidify a character merely by describing it to you, some derive great inspiration just getting into costume and on set, some like to think it to death and some jus want "faster, slower, louder softer". Really. Your job is to listen very carefully to what your being told. • Kubrick is infamous for saying to actors "I have no idea what I want". Of course it wasn't true but it epitomises the axiom 'don't get in the actor's way'. You have to recognise that every time you institute an idea or thought in an actor's head it may well have cost you a good idea from them. Sometimes you just want to do it your way but be well aware of the power of good collaboration, especially from someone who is living your character at the moment. • Be resilient and patient although you're in chaos and you have no time. Pressure test your working relationship ahead of the shoot if possible.

@IMNfilms

3 жыл бұрын

I'm very much impressed with Satterlund's emotional response to recalling these sensitive moments with actors. Is there a more useful method of eliciting real emotion from actors than sharing it with them as it happens? Well done.

This is gold. I'm now unafraid to direct film. It's the technical part of filmmaking that frightens me. But I know that I communicate well with actors. I enjoy it. This gave me insight and confidence.

@dragonstone6594

3 жыл бұрын

You're literally the opposite of me!. The technical part is the easiest for me and the communication the hardest. lol

@godnotavailable2094

2 жыл бұрын

I'm the same way. I can tell the actors to give more emotion, pick the right dress for the scene, pick the exact abandoned church I want for the set, move furniture around, etc. but I don't know how the hell to work a camera or chop up footage.

This was a great articulation of the director's mechanical instinct vs creative one. It will be helpful to think about this when it comes to switching between the production and the talent.

@alexispapageorgiou72

4 жыл бұрын

That's why division of labour is paramount in filmmaking. Director should be able to concentrate on what matters the most and in order to do that, surely everything that can be pre-cooked must be pre-cooked. Can't start shooting with a million other little things in your mind. Frame and what is going on in it, especially actors, is the Magna Carta.

As an actor, one thing I find helpful, when I'm doing a vulnerable scene, is imagine. I'm talking to someone I would normally be vulnerable with.

@lightningbolt4451

4 жыл бұрын

wouldnt that change the performance completely,and alter your relationship towards your scene partner,being out of context to both characters and their relationship?

@rossbrannigan3273

3 жыл бұрын

@@lightningbolt4451 I think the magic "As IF' comes into play here. Actors are used to imaginary circumstances. Furthermore, reminding themselves of something in between takes is not the same as thinking of that other, real person while you are performing. It still leaves a residue as you begin a scene.

@sillycookyomamaimprovposit4367

Жыл бұрын

Thnks. 4 info 🙃😁

@sillycookyomamaimprovposit4367

Жыл бұрын

I ll keep that in mind 😌 😉😍

I think this is some of the best advice I've ever heard. This guy is so real. What a gem.

REALLY enjoyed this episode. When it comes to directing actors, it's always great when you can establish a relationship on set with them where there's a great amount of trust between you, the director, and the actor. Trust that they will deliver the character that you wrote, but also guide them through the process in a way that helps them. That balance of freedom and guidance is what I look to when working with actors.

This is a beautiful perspective on directing.

Very clear, and honest. Good points. I imagine the best directors are those who are capable of deep, strong emotional connections with and to life and people (and animals) from the very get-go. They don't struggle to find emotional empathy or sympathy, and are comfortable in the "moment". But, on a movie set, it is hard to keep those deeper feelings on the ready, at the tip of the heart, without caving in to the demands of the complex technology that surrounds you, and the logistics of bringing order to the constant state of the unique and weird chaos that is life on a sound stage.. It's a balancing act.

Jason really knows his stuff, will use his advice for my feature that I am currently directing.

16:09 - I LOVE this advice, to tell an actor to save some of the energy on wider shots until they get into the close-ups... I've used that for years or to just have an honest conversation about coverage, when we're going to ramp-up to the critical angles and when they can relax. I think sometimes directors forget that actors are human and it's not easy to just get super emotional for 30 takes. I was doing a film with this incredibly difficult scene where the lead actor and I talked about it ahead of time, similar to his story in here. It was a scene were this father can't get his life together but guilts the daughter for having her own life... and finally she can go out and see the guy she likes one last time before he leaves for college. But, he's having a terrible night and pulls a knife... wants to stab himself and the daughter has to stop him, which ruins her night... and he collapsed to the floor defeated, knowing he's always in her way. I told him to work-up to the main emotional climax of that scene and asked him how many takes he can go 100%. He said two, maybe three. With the coverage, it was able to get there and he ramped it up perfectly... completely went all in for that scene, screaming, crying, soft... huge range. But, only because we planned it out around his being human first. Not easy to get there for actors, it's not mechanical.

This is good stuff. Way past "turn it up a notch."

This interviewer is just amazing, she is an astute listener. It's refreshing

I act the scene out for them. This works especially well for difficult and heavy emotional scenes as I can cry on command. (I'm told it's quite something to see a man of my advanced years in floods of tears as a teenage girl!)

This is awesome! Jason was the best actor - director experience I've ever had.

I love these interviews to learn new things and then confirm other things I already know, but are now reenforced.

His passion is palatable. I was legit transfixed with his stories. I love seeing people this into their job discussing their job

I love the intensity of this conversation. Especially how he was so emotional when it came to him giving direction to his actors. I’m a writer Director. When I see someone speak my words far better than I wrote them, it’s an astonishing event.

This was such a helpful and amazing interview. I'm so grateful for the way this director opened up and the vulnerability to what he shared! Some of these techniques and frankly emotional intelligence is truly masterful. Thank you.

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lexi, we love this one as well. Planning to use this one along with others for a new compilation on directing actors. That's our next big project.

I wish all directors were as human as he is

Finding actors that are really committed is the key to success in any film.

Wow, just after watching half of this, I love this guy!

As an actor, I counted myself fortunate that most of the directors I've worked with have been pretty good, but after listening to Jason talk about filmmaking and the relationship between directors and their actors...I would pay to work with him. Holy crap, he had me in tears several times because I just never experienced that level of openness from any of my directors save one. It was an emotionally heavy scene that I had been worried about for a while but from the beginning, she said I was going to be great because she knew I had it in me. She didn't give me space to doubt myself for all the support she brought to set. And she ended up being right. It's been my favorite project because it was the one I grew the most doing. And when she retired from directing I was truly saddened because I knew, sadly, that our creative relationship was rare. Glad there is Jason Satterlund to be sharing this advice and encouragement to other directors/filmmakers.

I've watched this a handful of times. He has such great, practical advice. Thanks for the upload

Treat stars like Actors and treat Actors like stars.

@trosemore

4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@pavma7

3 жыл бұрын

Exacly

This is golden advice! Thx Film Courage for another great video!

Very helpful! Hearing how Jason works with his actors is very interesting. Something I got out of it is "emotional maturity" and the fact that I need to study more on human emotions and learning to recognize how to work differently depending on the actor

I love directing actors, the challenge is thrilling. This interview is really encouraging! thank you.

This was great. I especially enjoyed seeing how much Jason cares about what he's doing and teh people he's doing it with. Thanks!

Very helpful. Thank you Film Courage!

Yesss!! Thank you Film Courage😁

Very helpful, thank you! The joy of surprise with your actors, Amen to that!

Thank you sir for sharing your knowledge with us and thanks to FILM COURAGE

Absolutely fantastic interview. Great advice!

Excellent video. Thank you!!

this guy is lovely. and brilliant! thank you!

I absolutely love this video, and come back to it time and time again. As an actor, it reminds me what I love about acting; and it's encouraging to hear someone validate that opening up and being naked is the job, that it's hard, and that you shouldn't feel alone on set. So inspiring - thank you!

Great advice! So awesome! Thank you for posting

I just ordered the book. Thank you guys.

This KZread channel is the best thing I've come across in ages🙏💯

that was really really interesting and fun to watch always on point i love it

I just discovered your channel. I love it. I am an actress and not really interested in directing or writing but I am interested to see and understand how they think and how they act in order to understand them better. So thank you for the wonderful videos!

By far the best insight I’ve ever seen on directing people.. this is great. His passion is so tangible I love it.

Jason Satterlund is amazing, getting ready to shoot my first - this info is gold! Thank you guys for the channel

Loved this!

Brilliantly put!

Great interview. Very useful insights.

A beautiful passionate director.x

Awesome video, thanks. Understanding actors and acting is key

THANK YOU for this awesome, insightful interview. I went to film school and the whole time I was there, they NEVER touched on directing actors. They just said the best way to learn how to direct was to try acting, and I felt so lost with it for a long time. But after hearing what Jason had to say, I feel empowered, like I can direct Oscar-worthy performances now. I can't wait to get out on set and take Jason's advice.

I plan on coming to La this year. And hope/look forward to working with people like this guy. Seems like Genuine down to earth guy

Incredibly valuable stuff here. Criminally underrated channel.

@filmcourage

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter! We think this is one of our best segments on directing actors. Jason gave us a tremendous interview.

I like it when Directors give result direction. It becomes very clear to me what kind of emotion they want. Then, it's up to me to figure out a way to get there- 'to be more angry'. When they say 'this is the last time you will see them' kind of direction, that could mean different emotions/choices for different actors. I do really appreciate how much he cares about working with the actors.

These insights by Film Courage are absolutely priceless! My tips, keep making content, thats it! Thank you SO MUCH!

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

We appreciate your kind words and support! Jason really gave us a fantastic interview. We respect the way he has made a living with filmmaking. He had a lot of great insights throughout this interview (We're about to publish another video on Film Courage 2 tonight where he tells us a mindset shift that totally transformed his filmmaking career.

damn, this is REALLY on point. i'm a trained actor (by that i mean an established drama school, which means precisely ZERO in the bigger picture) but am now on the other side of the camera and facing the prospect of talent i adore but that is ultimately terrified / resistant to dialogue. i truly appreciate jason's emotional honesty here. i've performed in *too many* productions where the director not only actively removed any connection with certain members of the cast but who liked to have a whipping post.

This is a really beautiful video.

I always made sure that I connected with my actors. Describing my goals and what I'm trying to convey in that scene or momenet that important. Watching the monitor and slowing seeing actors transform their expression without struggling or hesitantation told me that the direction I provided worked. No matter what just make sure you connect with your actors and respect them. After all they are putting some of their deepest emotions out there for your film.

This was helpful, thank you for this

Wow!! I love this! I would love to work with him! Thanks for sharing 🩵🩵

I like this guy's demeanor.

Yooooh 🎉🎉🎉this was extremely helpful and powerful I really didn't know that a director needs to connect that wayy🎉🎉😊😊😊🔥

Wonderful insight.

Amazing tips. Thanks a lot.

This is very valuable information! Thank you.

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure. Thanks for watching!

You're so right about performance reflects the director.

I totally enjoyed this video and it was very helpful; I agree with a lot Satterlund says and right now I'm a film major in college, and what I've learned about directing (which is the field I really want work in) is ask them questions, give them scenarios to get them into the scene, and get that performance from them. At least that's what I do, and for the most part it works for what I've made thus far anyway.

That was very informative.

love this dude

Excellent tips

Perfect video

Much Love for these content

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

Doing our best, thanks Mithun!

Thanks a lot !

Respect to his suggestions

That was excellent.

This is the best content. Thank you so much for sharing.

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aaron, nice to see you finding value here.

A very useful video!

That was really cool! Thanks Jason!

@filmcourage

4 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed our interview with Jason. Look forward to sharing more.

Director must be able to communicate. In essence he/she is a therapist, psychologist, mind reader.. and yes, an actor too.

This is probably one of the hardest things to do in a film. I've studied and know almost every aspect of the technical stuff and even though it has taken me years to learn that. That was the easy part for me because, the technical knowledge is a linear path. But the emotional part of film and art is very organic. Also being vulnerable is hard of me, especially as a man. But this is one of the the best advices I've heard. Thanks! One other great advice that I know that stays with me and I would like to share is from a Chris Orwig book, called Visual Poetry. He writes "If you want to take better photographs, become a better person." It applies here as well I think.

That was awesome!

I needed to hear this

This was so good. Of late, I have been thinking so much about - how to direct actors and when I saw the headline, I jumped right on it. And so this helped a lot. He is a gem.

@filmcourage

3 ай бұрын

Perfect! Here's another video we just published last week you might find helpful - kzread.info/dash/bejne/p5Ns2NdmcryXncY.html

@skiatauli

3 ай бұрын

Thank you. Will check this out too.@@filmcourage

Hey I know this guy, he used to live in my city of Portland Oregon. Met him a few times, great guy!

Really good. Working with new actors I had been coached to "have the actor do the line 4 times, putting the emphasis on a different word each time" but I like the emotion thing better -- 'do it angry, do it as a question, do it sadly', etc. Thanks for that.

@rossbrannigan3273

3 жыл бұрын

Neither is a good approach. You don't want a mechanical result (approach 1) and nor do you want an emotional/attitudinal wash (approach 2). As actors we play objectives. Emotions are a byproduct not an aim. Do read Judith Weston's books - they're full of great advice.

I am only 3 min into this & I’ve learned so much by hearing so very little already.

thankyou 💜💜💜

Damn. Mind blowing!

Wow! Amazing information! Thank you!

@filmcourage

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I love this guy !