SPONSORED
Then, try to use the space but do it carefully
to not disrupt any placement of props. Sit in the
chairs, open and close the doors, consider doing a
casual walk-thru of a few scenes to see if there’s
anything you tend to bump that might cause dis-
tractions or retakes.It’s okay to make mistakes
Speaking of retakes, if you’re working on a record-
ed project that will be edited in post-production,
there are a few things to know. First, it’s okay to
make mistakes because you can do a retake. Sec-
ond, if the retakes aren’t working well, you can do
a different scene and come back to it later. Filming
is rarely done sequentially. Third, even if the first
take was perfect, there will be retakes anyway. Re-
takes allow for better options in the cutting room.
Don’t allow the number of retakes to shake your
confidence.
For live streams, it’s a little different since there are
no retakes. The key in live streams is to embrace your
own human errors and just go with it. Laugh at your-
self and correct misspeaks quickly. Again, remember
that you’re just talking to other people. They don’t
expect you to be perfect and being a little imperfect
adds a layer of authenticity to the video. It helps the
audience feel connected to you.Take a few tips from the coaches
In addition to practicing scripts and creating on-set
friendships, there are some tips that acting coaches
might recommend to help you stay cool, calm and
collected. If you’re not practicing yoga or inten-
tional relaxation, go online to find a few that work
for you. There are several ways to relax your facial
muscles, calming breathing techniques and mantras
to reframe your stressors when you’re feeling tense
or nervous. Incorporate some of these to reduce
your performance anxieties.
Also, being well hydrated is more important than
you might think. At least 24 hours prior to filming,
focus on your hydration. Drink plenty of water, get
some extra electrolytes and avoid alcohol. Being
hydrated will make you feel more healthy, which ishelpful in itself, but it will also give your appear-
ance a boost for more supple skin and brightness
to your eyes. Knowing that your skin looks great
might just be the confidence lift you need when
you arrive for the shoot.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to use your
hands and personal mannerisms a little when you
talk. This is particularly true if that’s something
you normally do because forcing yourself to be
still will appear rigid. Let the director guide you
about how much casual movement will work for
their video, of course, but this small freedom can
allow you to feel more like yourself.Don’t forget to breathe
Whatever your personal hurdles are with ner-
vousness about being filmed, you’re definitely not
alone. Performing in front of a camera can faze even
seasoned pros. Take the “do’s and don’t’s” you’ve
learned here and use it to put your best foot forward
each time you arrive to a shoot.
Before the shoot, practice your scripts to get
familiar with the content and expectations. Don’t
be afraid to get out of your comfort zone when
you practice. Don’t practice so much that it be-
comes insincere or robotic. Open discussions with
the director when you find small ways to be more
comfortable. Create a friendly connection with as
many on-set colleagues as possible.
On set days,be prepared. Drink lots of water
and get some sleep so that you arrive fresh. Dress
for the shoot so that you’ll feel comfortable in
your clothes. Take time to get to know your set
and the spaces you’ll be moving around within.
Talk to the camera like you’re talking to your au-
dience. Don’t worry about being perfect because
no one is and that’s okay. Laugh at yourself and
move on quickly when there’s a mistake.
Most importantly, allow a bit of your own self
shine through. After all, they selected you for a
reason, right? Confidence comes with experience, so
keep practicing and learn from your mistakes. Don’t
forget to breathe and enjoy the experience.
Learn more at: fujifilm-x.comHow to be comfortable in front of a camera
Sponsored by Fujifilm