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notes on filming sketch & improv
ok, so now we’re all great improvisers with unlimited technological resources & talent. here are my tips on acting, directing, filming & being on set… a guide for independent artists by someone who’s done a ton of these things, me!
*don’t LOL during filming. comedy is meant to be played straight and laughed at by the audience only upon viewing. if something is funny, that’s great, but stay in character & use your acting skills to see the funnyman as very real, and see him from the POV of your character, not your real self… for instance, how would a doctor act if a patient was vomiting purple blood, he would react strongly, remain calm, be professional & work to help. he would certainly not laugh.
*be aware of the camera. take in the space the camera is seeing. use the full range of space, but stay in the world the camera has set up. play to the camera. (for instance if you’re filming in a tree near a parking lot, don’t follow a character who runs in to the parking lot when the sketch is about the woods or a tree, and don’t be that character)
*when filming, find the best frames, as if each is a photograph, consider background images, lines, color & lighting. be available to improvise, but have at least one basic idea in mind that you know will work.
*keep suspension of disbelief up. really live in the world.
*don’t be distracted and jump around, even if a bird swoops in or cute kid comes by, don’t leave the moment, unless it fits the world, story, etc.
*if inspired, find a way to pursuade others to join your idea by simply starting it when the time is right. don’t over talk it, just do it. show don’t tell. ‘oh no, the sky is falling!”… instead of “do you guys think it would be cool if we did something where the sky was falling?”
*support in character when others initiate, if you don’t understand, wait until you do to join in.
*give & take. listen to others & be patient. express yourself fully and creatively when it’s your turn & in support of others.
*don’t be in every scene every time, share the stage or screen.
*be aware of your appearance & performance at all times.
*if you can, change up characters, you are an entertainer.
*keep the audience’s perspective in mind. if a joke or gag doesn’t work for you, it probably won’t work for them. if something feels repetitive or boring or uncomfortable on set to you, it will for them too.
*direct others by giving them a gift. ie, tell them they’re being chased by a dragon (or better yet, show) and see how they react. don’t just show them a facial expression and say do that.
*wear your character. if you know you’re playing a character, dress as that. do your hair, makeup and think of a back story. practice the voice & movements and bring something to your part. also be willing to go with the flow when things change.
*don’t break character.
*be aware of your entire physical body & it’s placement at all times. really let the audience see you and understand your intents. share your voice.
*becoming a great actor is dropping the ‘act’ and just BEING something new. fully embody the ‘new you’ and enjoy it. no one will judge you based on your new character’s ideas, thoughts or opinions, so within this you can play freely. serve the new character & the project, suspend your own agendas for another time & place, but be willing to lend ideas when a new idea is needed.
*film yourself to see if what you THINK you’re doing matches what you’re REALLY doing. watch your work (raw footage, not the pretty edits) and make changes to improve every time.
*dance to your own beat, even if a track isn’t playing.
*keep lines pretty much separate. don’t talk over someone else.
*don’t drop character the moment you end a line or song. see how long you can stay in it… even if it feels ridiculous. the camera is loving it. you’re giving more material & transition time to work with.
ps. if these rules seem familiar it’s because the rules of improv apply to everything!!!
these tips are meant to be helpful & time saving. i have discovered these tips after years of acting & teaching & participating in & filming & editing sketch comedy. it is SO hard to edit between these mistakes, so let’s just not make them! practice makes perfect.
