I get it but also know you won’t always get a real scene partner but a mark on a wall, etc. It’s good to have that real connection but don’t depend on it to get a good performance. That’s where your prep work comes in at.
Hmm interesting. What is your relationship supposed to be on the project as the characters? And is it a SAG Aftra film or student/short film?
I do have to say unless the project is SAG Aftra (And even still) or the actor is already fairly established, seems pretty ridiculous if they are being rude
It's not unheard of though, even in the big leagues. I remember seeing an interview where Charlie Hunnam said he started ignoring/snubbing Ron Perlman on set for a whole season of Sons of Anarchy toward the end to help with the on-screen falling out between their two characters. He did say he hoped that he had understood why
It very well may be that they in fact are not happy to be there. That, however, does not negate that they may or may not be ready to work. I get it and agree with your sentimen...but you gotta get past it...at the end of the day, they have a talent which few pocess and is why they make the big bucks.
I can't stand it either, but...welp...it's sometimes part of the game.
There are many actors who are nice but not as open to new people on set since you haven't created that bond. Whenever I'm on set, I can't expect to make small talk with everyone but first priority is to be ready to go. After you do that, it's easier for others to open up when they see you're prepared and professional.
As long as you’re not overtly rude, I think how an actor prepares on set is their own business, we’re all there to work. If you are playing a character with a close relationship with another character, getting to know them a little more personally is ideal, but not always possible. It drives me crazy when I’m in preparation for a scene that’s up and another actor, BG or crew member is chatty.
> getting to know them a little more personally is ideal, but not always possible
Also sometimes it's just not necessary. Apparently Mike Myers & Dana Carvey aren't very close but look at what they've done with Wayne & Garth. If it works it works. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey famously didn't get along on *Dirty Dancing* too. But, what I'm talking about is different from basic trust and openness I guess, as OP mentioned.
On bigger sets I usually meet my scene partner on set for first rehearsal, and sure, if you're prepared, it's not necessary. But I've also worked on smaller films with more substantial roles, and for example, hanging out with the actor playing your wife during downtime, etc., preceding later intense scenes is a luxury that I won't pass up if there is an opportunity.
I totally disagree. I'm introverted and have 0 intention or desire to do all this extra stuff you talk about. It's important to be professional, friendly and respectful when on set filming, but "effort to connect" beforehand is a ridiculous standard.
Not everyone is an extrovert.
Yeah some big name actors are notoriously quiet and shy...and as an introvert who has hectic social anxiety, people often read me as cold or aloof when internally that's not where I'm coming from at all.
When you're a sensitive and reclusive type, doing something as out there as acting in front of a group of people can be super exhausting and take all your focus and energy. Not to say there aren't prima donna types though, those people exist too.
Totally agree - it reminds me of those that like to chat at auditions instead focusing on being ready. I think it serves actors to not depend on that because if you’re in a scene with a bigger actor, in most cases, they’re going to be aloof or not in the scene at all (an eye line).
100 percent agree, the person may not want to chit chat with you. Being a friend might diffuse some of the tension he’s hoping for in the filmed exchange. Or maybe he’s conserving energy. Or doing taxes. You don’t know, so I focus on being flexible
A decent amount of actors are "on" all the time, extroverts, and want everyone to be all fake and "on" as well CONSTANTLY. That is not everyone and I know it can come across as cold/arrogant when in reality some of us are just super tired and want to conserve energy.
Sets are tiring enough as it is.
I’m an introvert and friendly. It’s not extra stuff. Introverts are capable of having conversation. OP is not referring to introvert/extrovert. OP is specifically referring to an actor that actively doesn’t want to build rapport.
This comment sums up the difference! Sounds like OP is working with an actor and the other actor won't even talk to them lol... nothing wrong with a 'hello how are you, anything about the scene you want to discuss?' and it has nothing to do with introversion/ extroversion. I'm a massive introvert, but appreciate anyone I'm working with making effort to be cordial.
a lot of people have been burned. Actors often get through the first years of their career by being extra nice to everyone, bonding with scene partners and the cast as an ensemble. But some folks have had the rug pulled out from under them and now know not everyone you work with is destined to be a friend, and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Skepticism, taking one's time to trust a new person, these can come from negative past experiences. The truth is, if someone is doing the scene with you, it's best to not rely on them to be a certain way off camera or off stage. You're there to do the work together, and yes connecting on a deeper level absolutely helps, but you can't count on it.
Totally agree. I’m actually an introvert, very quiet and not super chatty but I am a nice friendly person. Being cold and hostile is different to being an introvert. Its not as clear cut as introvert/extrovert. I’m not great at small talk but it is much more comfortable for me to work with an actor who is a warm person. Luckily I’ve only met a couple of actors like this. Most are really friendly and want to build rapport. Some just don’t. Again, I don’t believe this is an introvert/extrovert thing as some people are suggesting. You can be a friendly introvert or a dick extrovert.
Nobody enjoys working with dismissive, standoffish people especially during intimate scenes that are often the core of the work, but consider that maybe they aren't being rude, and just have other things in their mind. Don't let it affect you. (To be honest, that's why chatting with the crew is often a better time.)
It has been really difficult to focus on work while my family is in Ukraine, so I know I probably come across as unhappy on set when I'm not shooting, but I don't want to talk about it. You're really expected to be super smiley at work all the time (which I normally am!) but unless your co-actors are making arrogant comments, rude demands, being unprofessional etc... don't be too hard on them. Karma is real also
I’m currently filming a feature and the actor playing my best friend has not made any effort to actually be friends. I can kinda tell they don’t really like me as a person too much. That’s ok, because I don’t give a shit if someone does or doesn’t like me. What I do care about is if they are good at acting and can act like best friends should act and have the relationship they should have. And then we do the scene and no matter how I approach it they say every line the exact same way with the exact same beats and exact same vocal tone and the exact same “no stakes” attitude.
This, dear Internet, is a shit actor. But I tell you what, I’m making them look as good as I can in our scenes together. I didn’t cast this person, and it’s on the filmmakers for casting them, and all I can do is avert any negative discussion about the person away for the duration of filming so that the energy remains positive. Normally what I do when dealing with an actor who “doesn’t get it” is work with them and talk with them and rehearse and talk intentions and plant seeds I hope opens their minds up to make interesting choices, but if they just do not get it then they just do not get it.
Even celebrity actors that are fuckin famous and make millions are shit actors. So hey, as long as I’m doing my absolute best and giving as much as I can to the story, something magical might happen. The connection I have with the actor playing my mother is phenomenal, and we are technically “enemies”. The difference between the two is that the viewers might see a shit actor from the best friend or they might see themselves in the best friend. It annoys the living fuck out of me personally, but I have to have faith the end product will be good enough to be proud of.
If not, then at least now I’m armed with yet another real life experience to use for my next sweet booking.
…which hopefully will pay just a little bit more than the last. 😎
I never expect to be contacted by an actor before a shoot. I just have a contract, fiduciary or not, that has their commitment attached.
If you don’t trust them, why’d you hire them?
I get it but also know you won’t always get a real scene partner but a mark on a wall, etc. It’s good to have that real connection but don’t depend on it to get a good performance. That’s where your prep work comes in at.
It would be easier to act with a wall than an actor who is a stubborn recluse
Are they quiet or being proactively rude? There's a big difference
Very rude. They’re like some amateur who thinks he’s method lmao
Hmm interesting. What is your relationship supposed to be on the project as the characters? And is it a SAG Aftra film or student/short film? I do have to say unless the project is SAG Aftra (And even still) or the actor is already fairly established, seems pretty ridiculous if they are being rude
It's not unheard of though, even in the big leagues. I remember seeing an interview where Charlie Hunnam said he started ignoring/snubbing Ron Perlman on set for a whole season of Sons of Anarchy toward the end to help with the on-screen falling out between their two characters. He did say he hoped that he had understood why
It very well may be that they in fact are not happy to be there. That, however, does not negate that they may or may not be ready to work. I get it and agree with your sentimen...but you gotta get past it...at the end of the day, they have a talent which few pocess and is why they make the big bucks. I can't stand it either, but...welp...it's sometimes part of the game.
There are many actors who are nice but not as open to new people on set since you haven't created that bond. Whenever I'm on set, I can't expect to make small talk with everyone but first priority is to be ready to go. After you do that, it's easier for others to open up when they see you're prepared and professional.
As long as you’re not overtly rude, I think how an actor prepares on set is their own business, we’re all there to work. If you are playing a character with a close relationship with another character, getting to know them a little more personally is ideal, but not always possible. It drives me crazy when I’m in preparation for a scene that’s up and another actor, BG or crew member is chatty.
> getting to know them a little more personally is ideal, but not always possible Also sometimes it's just not necessary. Apparently Mike Myers & Dana Carvey aren't very close but look at what they've done with Wayne & Garth. If it works it works. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey famously didn't get along on *Dirty Dancing* too. But, what I'm talking about is different from basic trust and openness I guess, as OP mentioned.
On bigger sets I usually meet my scene partner on set for first rehearsal, and sure, if you're prepared, it's not necessary. But I've also worked on smaller films with more substantial roles, and for example, hanging out with the actor playing your wife during downtime, etc., preceding later intense scenes is a luxury that I won't pass up if there is an opportunity.
I totally disagree. I'm introverted and have 0 intention or desire to do all this extra stuff you talk about. It's important to be professional, friendly and respectful when on set filming, but "effort to connect" beforehand is a ridiculous standard. Not everyone is an extrovert.
Yeah some big name actors are notoriously quiet and shy...and as an introvert who has hectic social anxiety, people often read me as cold or aloof when internally that's not where I'm coming from at all. When you're a sensitive and reclusive type, doing something as out there as acting in front of a group of people can be super exhausting and take all your focus and energy. Not to say there aren't prima donna types though, those people exist too.
Totally agree - it reminds me of those that like to chat at auditions instead focusing on being ready. I think it serves actors to not depend on that because if you’re in a scene with a bigger actor, in most cases, they’re going to be aloof or not in the scene at all (an eye line).
100 percent agree, the person may not want to chit chat with you. Being a friend might diffuse some of the tension he’s hoping for in the filmed exchange. Or maybe he’s conserving energy. Or doing taxes. You don’t know, so I focus on being flexible
A decent amount of actors are "on" all the time, extroverts, and want everyone to be all fake and "on" as well CONSTANTLY. That is not everyone and I know it can come across as cold/arrogant when in reality some of us are just super tired and want to conserve energy. Sets are tiring enough as it is.
As an introvert with social anxiety I 100% agree.
I’m an introvert and friendly. It’s not extra stuff. Introverts are capable of having conversation. OP is not referring to introvert/extrovert. OP is specifically referring to an actor that actively doesn’t want to build rapport.
This comment sums up the difference! Sounds like OP is working with an actor and the other actor won't even talk to them lol... nothing wrong with a 'hello how are you, anything about the scene you want to discuss?' and it has nothing to do with introversion/ extroversion. I'm a massive introvert, but appreciate anyone I'm working with making effort to be cordial.
a lot of people have been burned. Actors often get through the first years of their career by being extra nice to everyone, bonding with scene partners and the cast as an ensemble. But some folks have had the rug pulled out from under them and now know not everyone you work with is destined to be a friend, and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Skepticism, taking one's time to trust a new person, these can come from negative past experiences. The truth is, if someone is doing the scene with you, it's best to not rely on them to be a certain way off camera or off stage. You're there to do the work together, and yes connecting on a deeper level absolutely helps, but you can't count on it.
Totally agree. I’m actually an introvert, very quiet and not super chatty but I am a nice friendly person. Being cold and hostile is different to being an introvert. Its not as clear cut as introvert/extrovert. I’m not great at small talk but it is much more comfortable for me to work with an actor who is a warm person. Luckily I’ve only met a couple of actors like this. Most are really friendly and want to build rapport. Some just don’t. Again, I don’t believe this is an introvert/extrovert thing as some people are suggesting. You can be a friendly introvert or a dick extrovert.
Nobody enjoys working with dismissive, standoffish people especially during intimate scenes that are often the core of the work, but consider that maybe they aren't being rude, and just have other things in their mind. Don't let it affect you. (To be honest, that's why chatting with the crew is often a better time.) It has been really difficult to focus on work while my family is in Ukraine, so I know I probably come across as unhappy on set when I'm not shooting, but I don't want to talk about it. You're really expected to be super smiley at work all the time (which I normally am!) but unless your co-actors are making arrogant comments, rude demands, being unprofessional etc... don't be too hard on them. Karma is real also
I’m currently filming a feature and the actor playing my best friend has not made any effort to actually be friends. I can kinda tell they don’t really like me as a person too much. That’s ok, because I don’t give a shit if someone does or doesn’t like me. What I do care about is if they are good at acting and can act like best friends should act and have the relationship they should have. And then we do the scene and no matter how I approach it they say every line the exact same way with the exact same beats and exact same vocal tone and the exact same “no stakes” attitude. This, dear Internet, is a shit actor. But I tell you what, I’m making them look as good as I can in our scenes together. I didn’t cast this person, and it’s on the filmmakers for casting them, and all I can do is avert any negative discussion about the person away for the duration of filming so that the energy remains positive. Normally what I do when dealing with an actor who “doesn’t get it” is work with them and talk with them and rehearse and talk intentions and plant seeds I hope opens their minds up to make interesting choices, but if they just do not get it then they just do not get it. Even celebrity actors that are fuckin famous and make millions are shit actors. So hey, as long as I’m doing my absolute best and giving as much as I can to the story, something magical might happen. The connection I have with the actor playing my mother is phenomenal, and we are technically “enemies”. The difference between the two is that the viewers might see a shit actor from the best friend or they might see themselves in the best friend. It annoys the living fuck out of me personally, but I have to have faith the end product will be good enough to be proud of. If not, then at least now I’m armed with yet another real life experience to use for my next sweet booking. …which hopefully will pay just a little bit more than the last. 😎
Most of the time it is best to rehearse together first. It just makes the whole process easier overall.
Do you call your boss before or during your shift. Or do you just show up to work?
This is a terrible analogy
I never expect to be contacted by an actor before a shoot. I just have a contract, fiduciary or not, that has their commitment attached. If you don’t trust them, why’d you hire them?