Talking Heads

Making the Scene

Thursday, October 21, 2010.

Class was thoroughly enjoyable today.

It is amazing to see what wants to happen when we discover that there's a whole world to be explored below our necks. That we possess an entire body that pulsates and breathes and feels and is full of contradictions and endless expression dying to be realized. Whether we are exploring the scene for the very first time or working it for the camera we cannot afford to disregard what needs to be expressed with our bodies especially when the opportunity presents itself. And if we aspire to work in film and television this is a journey we cannot afford to forgo. Close-ups and tight shots make up only a fraction of what we see on the screen. Most of the time we see most of the person we are looking at and when that person is fully living her experience with her whole body it opens her open to the creative possibilities inherent in what she needs to express. This was especially true with Katie today. When she allowed the tidal wave of emotions to find expression throughout her body the character came to life and her creative juices were flowing and she took us and herself on this wild and entertaining ride, and it was sad and heartfelt and hilarious. The same with Anne when she fully committed to the snorkeling story to calm her mother down. What her risk taking in possibly looking foolish did was open her up to this world of expression that really defined the relationship between her and her mother in a funny and endearing way.

Though I use Katie and Anne as examples EVERYONE did great work today and there were risks being taken everywhere. I encourage you to continue exploring this wonderful life that exists below our necks and to keep pushing forward and taking risks. Don't hold anything back!

Paolo.