Television Production, 15th Edition

CHAPTER 19

Directing Talent

“Many directors expect actors to be like Apple computers: plug-and-play, performing perfectly right out of the box. Writers work for months on a script; directors take weeks to create their vision. Actors are often cast only a few days before the shoot and have little—if any—time to prepare. Actors need time to catch up to everyone else on the crew. They are not machines; they are fallible humans desperate to do their best. Actors must feel safe and supported on their creative journey.”

John Badham, Director

The talent you choose can make or break a production. The face and the body language of a person communicate faster to an audience than any other method. Showing a close-up shot of the face quickly communicates ...