nothing risked, nothing gained

Making The Scene

Thursday, July 27, 2010.

Great class. I commend you all on taking risks and following through on impulses in your scene work toady.

Jake, once we got under the skin of "Lee" and explored what made him tick the scene took on a whole new dynamic and raised the stakes for you in relation to your brother and what you wanted from him.

David you never once backed away from Jake even when it was in your best interest to do so. You were willing to put it all on the line. From that moment on the scene flew.

Let's be careful when the energy is running as high as it was in this scene not to fall into the trap of keeping it one note. There's always more going on.

Which brings us to Anthony and the single camera work on the scene "Program". Without dismissing the the anger you were feeling towards "Jim" there was still room for sympathy, disbelief, and even empathy underscored by the anger which brought us to a deeper understanding of the character you were playing. When working with Shikha trust that what is going with you is what is going with you instead of making excuses that drop you out of the scene. Own what's happening. When you did the inner conflict came alive and it made sense that you would feel disoriented and confused.

Shikha, when you allow yourself to take a risk or follow through on an impulse fully it opens you up to a whole new level where you leave yourself vulnerable to what may happen next. That's exactly where you want to be always! That's where the magic happens. Congratulations on your film. I going to miss you in class.

Laurent, I think we had breakthrough today. You are a completely different actor when drop your inhibitions and deal with the circumstances you are faced with. Instead of playing a pathetic person we got to see a complex human being on the low side of life who doesn't always make the most rational decisions when it comes to what he needs. Risk it all! You got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lets continue to keep the work strong, passionate & risky!

Paolo.