Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is essential reading for anyone interested in directing or acting. Judith Weston's brilliance is to recognize that directors, actors, writers, and technicians are involved in a process that is at essence a collaboration. In order for them to have the best shot at creating something true and meaningful, they must share a language and a method of exchange that fosters creative cooperation. Weston rightly sees the director as the central figure in inspiring the energy of a production's harmony. She advises the prospective director on every aspect of a stage or film production, showing how the director can draw the best performances possible from actors.

Review

The focus on creating memorable performances for film and television provides explicit acting advice and examples rather than the usual generalities. From the initial reading of a script to casting and rehearsing techniques and developing or understanding relationships between actors and directors, this is packed with practical considerations. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941188248
• ISBN-13: 978-0941188241
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,458 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Though a bit Touchy-Feely, May 29, 2001

By	Thor Vadir "herrdirektor" (Beverly Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Though I felt that this book was a bit too touchy-feely for my own taste, it did have a lot of valuable insights into the actors mind and how to work with them in a collaborative sense. If you are a director that does not believe in running with the actors own take on a character, then this book would be painful for you to try to read. Nevertheless, if you are looking to have a truly collaborative experience (not all of us are), the advice contained within is very solid.

Weston breaks the process of working with actors down to how to give concise words to help get a performance. She further spends time developing adjustment techniques. I think this book is particularly strong in its discussions on script breakdown, and having multiple approaches to playing a scene. It gives some helpful advice on casting as well, and really challenges a director to cast the best person in a role as opposed to the one that they feel "nailed the part" based on ones preconceived notions.

The biggest weakness in this book is that really favors the actor over the director at times, and leaves me asking (as a director) why would I want to have this relationship. I do not believe, as Weston proports, that a director should always allow the actor to find the voice of his or her character without explicit direction. Nevertheless, it certainly challenged my own technique, and I am a better filmmaker from having read it.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Book on Directing I Have Ever Loved, December 8, 2003

By	"supadupastah" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

Completely unpretentious. Thoroughly knowledgeable and confident. Allows you to discover the concepts yourself, rather than spouting them at you. And yet...also completely able to be referenced.

In other words... the best book on directing I've ever read. The only I will ever recommend. To actors and directors alike.

I hate to call it "hype," but after reading the book feverously (which, for a book on directing, is almost unheard of), it is safe to believe it here. All the endorsements on the back cover from people working "in the industry" no longer ring of marketing salesmanship, but of complete honesty. There are few things in this world I would endorse, given the chance. This is one of them.

I don't want to say it "changes you." But I will say I had more thoughts and ideas OF MY OWN while reading this book that ever before. The reason? It's like any craft: if you sit down to make something, you usually don't really know what to make specifically until you get to know your tools. Then--once you know what you can be done, what things are available to you to use, the ideas of what you can do with these tools start flowing.

I'd like to thank Ms. Weston for introducing me to some of the tools. Actually, I have thanked her. She called me back. I'm still floored by that.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an EXCELLENT book on the subject!, March 23, 1998

By A Customer

Judith does a masterful job of educating on the fine art of communicating effectively and constructively with actors. Many of her insights and recommendations translate very easily into the "real" world, allowing you to not only practice these techniques more frequently, but also hone you communication skills with those around you. A series of "quick fixes" are offered up that are effective ways of getting you to think "outside of the box", and each is elaborated on and folded into more in-depth techniques. All in all, one of the best of MANY books I have read on directing and communicating with actors!