LOW BUDGET FILMMAKING: REHEARSING ACTORS

Whenever you are shooting a low budget film, time is money. And few things eat into your schedule more than working with unprepared actors. This is why rehearsing actors makes a huge difference to your timeline and your bottom line. Just like you plan your locations, your lighting and your sound, you should also make time to read through scenes with your actors.

Think of your actors as collaborators on your film. The more they understand your script, your story and the character that you have created for them the better their performance will be. But also, it is important to keep your actors involved – and this is where the word ‘collaborators’ is the guiding term to keep at the forefront of your mind. You may be running a low budget filmmaking venture with very little time to devote to your actors, but they need communication – not orders – in order to help you make your film a success. Ultimately, rehearsing your actors will make them more involved and your film more true to your vision.

When you plan your shoot for a short film, say 5-minute short film, pick a day before everything kicks off and set that whole day or a few hours aside to do a reading with your actors. Make sure you also fit in time where they can ask questions about their character – again, the more they know they better they will perform. Run through the scenes and make notes for yourself. Also give them feedback. The feedback will help them prepare for the actual shoot – any professional actor will appreciate anything you say, good or bad, since it will help them do a better job in the end.

Some filmmakers like to take things further and add in some role-play, to really get their actors into character. It all depends on how much time you have and how you as a filmmaker work best. For example, pretending your actor is in character, let everyone ask him/her questions – your actor may even reveal things about your character you didn’t know. Whatever you do while rehearsing actors, do not remind them that “this is a low budget filmmaking project with little time to spend on rehearsals” since this could have a devastating effect on their commitment. Instead, show them the respect and professionalism you would any other important collaborator.

Good luck!