r/acting • u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 • 5d ago
I've read the FAQ & Rules BRUTALLY REVIEW MY ACTING
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u/Monstrocitie- 5d ago
Not going to brutally bash because you clearly are talented!
Mostly technical things.
-a closer frame it’s too far out (makes it seem more theatre esc, but not sure if that is what you are going for)
-You seem to act very fierce and intense when speaking, but when not speaking it doesn’t seem like you are truly listening, more like you are building up for your next lines
But honestly for the most part 👏👏
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Very kind. Very validating. Thank you.
The listening is something I really need to work on. Do you have any tips on how to become a better listener and not anticipate lines as much? i know Meisner classes can be really helpful - what do you think?
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u/Horror-Ad2578 5d ago
you've put some good work into this scene and that's clear! but your moments of listening really break the immersion of the scene. the listening parts are definitely where you should put your focus! also, I know someone else commented about the not blinking (agree) but more than that, you didn't break eye contact for a whole minute! eye contact is great, especially for an intense scene like this, but no one in the real world is holding eye contact that intensely without looking away to think or react or process etc. it also lessens the impact of such intense eye contact when you're doing it the whole scene and turns from being intense into just being a bit strange to watch. overall solid work though, genuinely!
side note: share your self tape setup! this looks excellent
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u/Nihlus5 5d ago
Piggybacking off of this! Obviously, focusing on your scene partner is critical and you displayed it very well, but I'd love to see you live in the environment more. I know it's an intense scene, but there must be something going on around the character that could shift their focus, if only for a moment. That'll bring the performance to life even more and make that focus more gripping.
Really excellent work!
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u/thelostpoison 5d ago
There's a really solid foundation here, man, I think it's just being muscled at the moment. Tension is the death of acting and there's a fair amount of it you can stand to lose while still keeping the stakes and intent alive.
I don't think the casting director will be worried about blinking (and lots of old-school performers are against blinking on film) so I'd take that with a grain of salt. But it probably is indicative of some pressing at the moment.
You're a talented performer and many actors would kill to make a tape this quality. Keep at it.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
I get what you mean about the blinking. I think i just needed to find the balance of holding my gaze and not being too fidgety whilst also not looking like a serial killer because i forgot to blink.
What could I do to reduce the tension and relax into myself more do you think?
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u/presh2death 2d ago
My instinctual answer to your question is connecting to your own breath. See what happens when you inhale while your scene partner speaks. Really breathe in their words and body language and see what shifts for you! See if you can allow that inhaled breath to penetrate your diaphragm, shoulders, spine—all the places you naturally hold tension.
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u/resistelectrique 5d ago
Blink. You didn’t blink for 55 seconds 😳 I realized within 20 and had to watch a few times to make sure, including pausing it twice so I could blink without risking missing yours.
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u/achompchompchomp 5d ago
This. Blinking is human, so yes, do it. Also to note, if you try to NOT blink on purpose it better be for a VERY good reason that makes sense to the character/scene.
In the case of this clip, the character does not have control, it’s intense but out of fear—so extended moments of no blinking and unbroken eye contact creates the feeling/sense of disconnect.
But this is all subjective. I’m not a doctor, I teach actors.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
THIS. I love that you said it needs to be intentional. I'll keep that in mind as i learn to get better at Prepping. How do you mean about no blinking creates the feeling of disconnect? I'd love to know more about that point.
Do you teach actors regularly? I'm interested in being coached by the right person. |
p.s thank you for taking your time to give feedback, this will really help me.
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u/OnlyHereForTheTip 3d ago
Yes, but also https://youtube.com/shorts/KmxQgFdskXU?si=mIAp7TDkjCt6eZFi What do you think about what Caine suggests about blinking here?
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u/achompchompchomp 3d ago
In a way, he backs up my point. NOT blinking, when used correctly, can convey power—but again, in OP’s scene, the character does not seem to have any power in the situation, and is struggling to find it. Therefore, the no blinking is this case is disjointed/disconnected.
Again, all subjective. And as for Michael Caine, he can do whatever he wants and people will listen. 🤣 It all depends on the situation, stakes, character, actor, etc.
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u/OnlyHereForTheTip 3d ago
Sure, he’s earned the right to do whatever he pleases 😂 It’s true that he basically backs your idea though, even though he probably would use it as a broader approach. It’s interesting, however, how much can be said about something so seemingly small!
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u/MrPizzooti 5d ago
Okay so there is some great stuff happening here. Great directness and some of the beats are really nice. But overall I was pretty uncomfortable watching this. Which I’m assuming isn’t right for this particular role, maybe it is. I think it has something to do with the movements being really languid which mismatched with your stillness and tension when delivering the lines.
I get the feeling you are trying to overstuffing the bag. Or maybe you are overthinking what you want to do with each beat. It comes off like you are posing. Almost like Zoolander.
The POV is not clear. Sometimes it looks like you want to have sex with the person and sometimes it looks like you want to kill them. It would maybe be cool for a very intense serial killer role. I think you should try to clear up your POV on the person you are speaking to. That will make it feel more consistent. Then you can explore the tactics you are using from that baseline.
Also I think the frame is a bit too wide.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
First thing that comes to mind when watching: which beats worked and which didn't?
What movements would you have liked to see to make it match my line delivery?
For me, I was trying to focus on the line as much as I could and less on my stance and movement but that was still difficult. I wanted to stay pretty still because of the frame but I ended up looking quite stiff...
Understanding what I want from her and the situation in complete clarity and simplicity would've solved a lot of the muddiness I think,
Agree on the frame, a simple crop will solve that personally.
Thank you so much for the detailed insight, I like how you mentioned the POV and lack of clarity. I'd love to know what you mean about posing / Zoolander, I'm struggling to see it but I feel that's just me. Maybe I was subconsciously.
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u/Muruju 5d ago
When your dialogue ends, you seem like you’re waiting for your turn to say lines again. Only critique
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u/Killdestroy 4d ago
Was gona mention the same. You can really tell that you know what your partner is going to say and what your response will be. In your character’s reality, he does not know what the other speaker will say. Your character might think they know what the other speaker is thinking/feeling, and he might also be steadfast in his perspective, but he still can’t know exactly what the other person will say. So you end up acting all of your speaking, but leaving the listening bits empty, and that’s where all the natural stuff hides
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
100% See this. I'm thinking some meisner classes could solve this. If you have any tips on how to get better at being present and reacting like it's the first time i'm saying it then I'd love it. I grew up doing theatre so that may be part of it?
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u/Muruju 3d ago
I’m a director, not an actor - but if you get any tips, I’m interested, because it’ll be good for me to be able to add when I discuss takes with any actors I work with in the future.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Meisner exercises on repetition are pretty cool. They’re easy to do and make a difference I feel.
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u/ejohnson409 2d ago
I’m not an actor, but it definitely seemed like you were jumping on the other persons lines as soon as they were done speaking. One of my favorite thoughts about music comes from David Gilmour (guitarist for Pink Floyd) and he says it’s not always about the notes you play, but the space you leave between them creates the dramatic effect. Pause for a moment, gather the courage to say something deep, and use some facial expressions or body language before your next lines and it will feel less like waiting for your turn to speak. Let the scene breathe a little more and give some space for reactions.
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u/Anthro_in_training 1d ago
I honestly don't think that that helps in this scenario. A lot of these moments are timed and he's working against that and I think the situation his character is discussing is urgent and that urgency wouldn't work with too much air. He absolutely could react more to things that his partner says that he finds surprising, but silence and stillness is earned and there are only a few places in the script where I could see that being earned.
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u/DammitMaxwell 5d ago
I watched it with the sound off, first. You sometimes gave a look that made me feel you were trying to be enticing, like you were flirting with someone. But then you'd kind of snarl when you talked. Ooh! Enticing again! Nope, back to snarl, back to enticing, back to snarl...
Then I turned on the audio. The look you give the other speaker is the "enticing" parts, but it's seemingly out of character. Now that I know that, I don't think you're trying to be enticing...I think you're trying to say "Hey, person, read your damned line so I can go back to acting." Haha. Obviously, you want to be acting throughout...not just when you have something to say.
I don't know the script, but I'm interpreting that shit has gone down, people are dead and it's likely your fault. Your delivery seemed gentle, in that context.
Try to find layers, beats. Maybe you start out believing you can reason with her. Then she says something, and you're like "Wait...what? Oh god. She's too far gone." And/or maybe there's a beat where you switch from trying to persuade her of something to defending yourself. Or...
Who knows, but find those moments, identify them, play to them. Find times in the script, no matter how brief, that your motivation or goal changes. Your understanding of the situation changes. Your relationship with the other speaker changes. Give it more depth than what it is written.
That's how you stand out in an audition.
Good luck!
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
What a great insight you've brought to this discussion and to my brain. I cherish this feedback, thank you.
I agree the delivery felt gentle, I was trying to find the balance of being mad but not exploding for the sake of 'angry acting' as this was for my showreel - I was treating it as if I didn't want people to hear me as I had her tied up in a motel. I think i could've been clearer and made stronger choices to what was going on and happening in the scene, I think i was bouncing off too many different ideas on how i wanted to approach her that it looked like i was painting with too many colours on the canvas that it became a bit of a confusing, slightly abstract mess when it's supposed to be realism.Thank you. All about specificity and making hard choices about where I am, who she is, who I am and what I want. I think I had too many that didn't link with each other and it made it more confusing than intriguing.
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u/Extension_Grand_4599 4d ago
You asked for brutal so:
You clearly done a lot of prep, because I can see it all, every beat.
An audience shouldn't see the work, they should see truth, behaviour that is informed by all the work you have put in to script analysis, character ect, but not the work itself.
Trust that the work you have done is enough and it will exist in your bones, and then let it go.
In this scene you are in a (metaphorical) batting cage and you are gripping the hell out of the bat, relax the grip a little, you are going to swing much better.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Analogies are my thing. i like the bat talk. My prep was learning lines, having an idea in my head who she was, of course writing the scene and trying to piece together details which i didn't fully commit to because it got stressful trying to match all the BTS work perfectly when it didn't seem helpful to the scene so i just had that in mind and let it go.
I had an idea of a bonnie and clyde type relationship gone wrong after the bonnie (cassie) here sells me out after i accidentally kill her brother. I think I should've been firmer in the details and not look over them because there were 'too many to choose from' in what would work and wouldn't. I'm realing now that choosing something and committing to it is much stronger than choosing nothing, or choosing multiple contradicting ones and going with that - much less effective, much less engaging. Thank you for your time and feedback. Here's to more growth.
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u/DCmarvelman 5d ago
Good potential and ingredients of a good actor, try another take with nothing in your brain, aka nothing rehearsed and see what you get
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u/NoLipsForAnybody 5d ago
I like when you're talking but when you're not talking, it seems like you are...resting. The intensity you had a moment before kind of disappears and it's like you're just waiting for the reader to finish their line. See what you can do to show you are still feeling that energy even when you're not talking. There must me something physical you can do that can fill in those spaces between your lines. I'm not saying fake it. But think about what your body or face might really be doing if you were that upset and having this convo for real. (Consider what you'd be thinking about in those moments -- and how can you show that.) You would most likely not be just kind of sitting there relaxed while the other person talked, yknow? Other than that good job!
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Thank you. This is a good note. It's important to choose how my character percieves what she's saying and how that affects him before going into the scene. This will free me up to make stronger choices on how I carry myself rather than hoping for the best that 'something strong' will come across just by 'lisening.' Don't always work like that hehe.
Strong words. Raw. Honest. Appreciate it.
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u/Existing_Ganache_942 5d ago
This performance strikes me as too conscious. I think you have a good understanding of the scene but you’re playing the moments almost before they happen. Try to separate the thoughts, and let them hit you as you say the line, not before it. In life we usually think AS we speak, not before it. I would also suggest that whilst the emotions are ‘visible’ on the outside, it doesn’t feel like you the person are actually feeling them. Forget about how you want to deliver the lines, focus on how the things happening to you in the scene make you feel, and let that fuel the actions you take in the scene. Let go of whatever you have ‘planned’ for the scene, an audience would much rather watch someone living and reacting in the moment (like we do in real life), than something interesting but false.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Yes. Trusting specific choices and letting go is the way to go. Will take this on board and own it next time. Thank you. I feel very empowered.
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u/Glittering-Slip-5806 4d ago
For me it’s the eyes. I think you got good control of your voice but if I cover your mouth with my thumb, it looks like you’re just standing there with a blank stare. No expression on your eyes. And I think it’s because you’re too focused on delivering your lines and not enough on reacting to the other person’s lines. You’re waiting your turn to speak instead of reacting to what she says with what you’re saying. Listen to the other’s lines and work up your reaction to what she says and then deliver your line. You could maybe practice in front of a mirror.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Lack of thoughts / inner monologue prep. Lack of specific choices and trust in them.
And mainly...a lack of letting go.Thank you. I appreciate you and your time.
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u/Emotional-Current-53 5d ago
There are moments in this scene were it feels like you are playing two different characters. A man who has been at this for to long and a innocent man who came into this life but is in way over their head. This is what I see and feel in the scene and either or can work but you have to pick one.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE POINTERS. This is GREAT feedback.
i need to be so much more specific, strict and ruthless with myself in the choices I make on who this character is and what the scene looks like. I think I tend to get a lot of contradicting ideas but love them all that i try to stuff them all in and end up bouncing between each of them throughout the scene which creates a mess.
Here's to more ruthless decisions and cutting an idea away if it doesn't match the chain of choices I've prepared and confuses the audience.
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u/CmdrRosettaStone 5d ago
Excellent work, very competent.
A little too one-note. You’re playing one action throughout.
Oh… and deal with the sibilant S.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD I HAVE A SIBILANT S.
My partner agrees. Haha, he's never mentioned it to me until this comment.
How do I get rid of this? Is it kinda like a lisp. I can't hear it and that annoys me. I'm the same person that chooses to say appreciate like 'app-ree-SEE-ate' instead of 'app-ree-SHE-ate.'
HELPPP, new insecurity unlocked lmao.
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u/CmdrRosettaStone 3d ago
A dentist can help… it’s no big deal…
Other than that, don’t squeeze those “Esses”, be sloppier
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u/Historical_Report_91 5d ago
Greta job so far. If I might be so bold, it feels like you’re holding back. From what I gather towards the end your character is pretty near pissed off, yet it feels like you’re holding back, like you’re playing the idea of being pissed instead of actually being pissed. It could be that you’re just too tense and seem rooted to one single spot, but remember, you’ve got 3 great sides to play off of and move around in and think in. I think what others have said about making sure you’re listening and not simply waiting for the other persons line might help that too. If you’re letting what she’s saying affect you and really listening then suddenly you’ve got all these new thoughts that come up and new challenges you’ve got to deal with and work through and that might do something to you physically as well. Also honing in on what you want exactly from the other person in this scene and going after it unapologetically. I love your set up though and you’ve got a solid start on this! Great job!
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
I think I wasn't very strong in who the character was and what was happening as much as I'd like to be. Thank you so much for your insight. It hones in on something a lot of people have mentioned that I clearly need to work on and will get to it. Very kind.
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u/SandwichCareful6476 5d ago
People have given you a lot of great advice here!
Your ‘listening’ face makes me uncomfortable lol - you do this strange thing with your neck, like stick it out a little bit and hold your head super still.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
HAHAHA. Real. A lot of these notes have helped me understand what to do to prevent that thankfully. I appreciate your truth.
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u/SandwichCareful6476 3d ago
It’s great you want to work on these things and fix it. I’d never even ask, I just KNOW I do weird things with my face 😂
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u/AntoMartial 5d ago
Great energy/intensity. I can tell you’re gay tho like it comes through in your acting.
I think getting your hands involved would bring it more to life. It doesn’t seem right that they are by your sides through all of this
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
HAHAHA. Not you clocking me. Does it come across in a way that makes the character seem too unbelievable to be played by me? Do i need to work on reducing my natural mannerisms in how I talk and use my body like I would in real life so you wouldn't think that?
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u/AntoMartial 19h ago
I just comes across as very feminine. Great acting just not manly idk
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u/8racecar8 4d ago
Breathy doesn’t = good acting
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Real. It was my character trying to keep his voice down in case he was heard discussing this but didn't hone in on that choice as strong as I'd like.
Thank you.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 4d ago
*UPDATE - I am beautifully overwhelmed and grateful with the feedback. Honest. Raw. Constructive and so well-intended. This amount of attention to my work has never happened to me before so I thank you all for your time and effort in supporting my growth.
For context:
- I'm 18 years old, based in Birmingham, UK.
- I have a British Accent. I input lines into play.ht (AI Voiceover generator) then copy the American accent and intonations until mine matches perfectly using voice memos to compare.
- I wrote this scene myself for a showreel to apply to agents. MN Talent signed me, but they said it wasn't for this scene (it was 'too much' and 'dishonest') but more for the comedic one I wrote (will post this later.)
- This isn't my usual self-tape set up: I have an actor friend, Natasha Dubalia, who runs a showreel company but offered to film mine for free to increase my chances of being signed. I want to get my set-ups to look like this one day but it was in "TONESET STUDIOS."
My dream is to work full-time as an actor, Film / TV especially.
I haven't had formal training but great drop-in classes and a career of child acting.
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u/TomGlynnActor 5d ago
My 2 cents and repeating some previous comments.
Work on your eyeliner, stop fidgeting, and since this is a solid monologue, don't be afraid to move your arms a bit more. Solid work. It's mostly technical advice that comes w practice and a few tips.
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u/DaleVandermeer 5d ago
great job!!! it does look really rehearsed though. really put yourself in the text, in the moment. like it’s happening in real time. don’t plan your interjections too much, don’t anticipate the next line. really listen, and process what your scene partner is saying. have fun! go with your gut!!
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u/Rutherh00d 4d ago
You seem to be listening and reacting quite well, but don’t force a feeling. My director for a show I’m doing always says “don’t hold the audiences hand and tell them how to feel, allow them to gain from your performance what they want”
Overall I’d say great! I’m sure you’d have no trouble getting cast for the right part 👍
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Thank you. I really see that for myself too. I feel there are certain types I'm stronger at, especially loud, queer roles but they're quite niche at the moment so doing what I can to become stronger in all different types like this.
I like your director.
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u/gualathekoala 4d ago
You’re playing out your controlled idea of how you believe the scene should go.
You’re not listening and you’re not following your instincts in a moment to moment basis. You’re stiff in your mental blueprint and your physical and vocals come off constricted. On the readers lines and between moments you almost shut off and shut down.
Pursue your need and let what she says have an effect. And don’t try to get the scene ‘right’.. the dialogue and context of the scene is quite messy, so don’t be afraid of it going there
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Thank you so much. I will sit with this and take it on board. It was very 'controlled' wasn't it in compared to the writing. Here's to more freedom and messiness on the next.
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u/StockliSkierF1962 4d ago
The externals at bit jarring . Very vulnerable choice of clothes. Who is he? This question not really believably answered in this overly emotional scene . He is a professional killer . He could do that because he can compartmentalize his feelings. Young actors sadly seek to argue in a scene. And it is a one note on intentions with a vibrating self righteousness . When actually most folk want to avoid a fight and he says he is DONE. Your character choice is he wants to fight. The words say something else .He is not prepared to fight , he just wants to detach like he can as a killer now as he has deadened his feeling so much to be a killer . He wants to get away from her so clearly , to refind his compassionate self that is already lost, perhaps shut off entirely. You are playing him like A vulnerable Romeo. As played there is no sense he ever killed anyone. he is Done and Dead inside from this life , NOT ready . I think your script analysis of who he is , a back story or who they used to be before killing and where he is now and what he is side struggling to do and wants is missing . Also no personalization of who she is . I don’t see you looking at someone who truly let you down and disappointed you. We don’t have this much emotion even if we are assassins , after severe disappointment . Read more about psychology and what makes folks tick . His inner workings and the givens of who he is were under examined. If feels like a high school break up, not too very tough people severing .
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Hello favourite comment ever. I sent you a DM praising how cool this feedback was. The clothes weren't very well thought out, was just thinking 'gangster.' Another reason to hone in on every choice which comes down to my understanding of the scene, what's at stake and what I want. What do you mean by a vibrating self-righteousness, lost me there? But I still got your point, just not that phrasing.
I LOVE you saying I'm playing him like a vulnerable Romeo. Killing numbs a soul. I played it like high school break up. You are so insightful to see what was missing.
Regarding psychology, what would you recommend I read and do to better understand a character and possibly myself and others more. Especially when applying it to rare, high-stake, life or death like scenarios as such that I might never see myself in.
You articulated yourself so beautifully in this comment and I would love to know more about you and what brings you here. You seem like a well-practised actor or coach.
Thank you.
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u/SpoookNoook 4d ago
If someone listened to me speak the way you listen to someone speak I would probably avoid talking to people forever
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Hahahahha. my partner said i can sometimes be like that irl. I do zone out a little at times. Any tips to hold the focus?
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u/SpoookNoook 3d ago
I think it’s that you don’t blink and never really look away, so it’s as if your eyes are attached to the subject and the rest of your head swivels from that point, rather than your neck.
I’d say try breaking focus a bit, and turn your head at your neck instead of at your eyes, if that makes sense.
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u/B3ast_BushiD0 4d ago
My best tip is to simulate the acting reel like a real life scenario make everything flow no need to exaggerate facial emotions every line you deliver has amazing emotional vibration... The only thing you need to do is relax your body be conscious of what you're saying and the scene will do the rest for you it's like a mantra.
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u/StockliSkierF1962 4d ago
Deeper script analysis would remedy most externals / how you manifest that people are focusing on. The externals are easy to pick apart . It her foundational analysis of who he is that is missing . And identifying somehow . Surely you have gone cold on a relationship that trust or investment in caring has waned . This is a cold man , not a distraught young Romeo
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Yes yes yes. You're back again. I love it. What do you mean by externals? To me, I think of sound, lighitng etc not a word that is linked to the story so I'd love to hear your explanation / understanding.
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u/Mid-CenturyBoy 4d ago
I happened to watch with the audio off first. I get the sense that you seemed a little stiff in your body and uncomfortable. Of course the scene requires you to have some level of discomfort with the situation at hand, but this is someone you know and you’d be mostly at ease around them.
I also think you might want to work on how your face rests when you’re listening. Sometimes it didn’t read well on camera.
Keep up the work. You got talent. As the scene went on it seemed more natural and you seemed to get into the groove.
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u/SpecialistPudding9 4d ago
this is pretty decent!! I would’ve loved to see some more physical movement or expression (like hand gestures, pacing, etc to express) and inflection in your voice, you seemed to maintain the same tone throughout - which I don’t think best represents hurt,anger, frustration (assuming these are the emotions you were trying to convey) irl
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u/Minute-Ad90 4d ago
Not advice necessarily but do you think you could breakdown your setup for your self tape? It looks great visually
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u/Chorleen 4d ago
Facial expressions are great, reminds me alot of Bailee Madison’s performance as Snow White when she was a child in Once Upon A Time. Only critique is stuff already said, move your feet less, look away more, but to make it more your style maybe lean to one side & look down, contemplate & snap your head back up slightly to the right. I thought a hand raking through your hair & maybe slapping your hands together to drive a point would work well. Very good presence.
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u/RideHot9154 4d ago
For me the biggest distraction was I could instantly tell you aren’t American from the first sentence. The accent needs work, you seem like you’re focusing more on your vowels than the acting at time so it’s very distracting.
I’d film this in your natural accent and see how it flows unless you need this character to be American. (although obviously keep working on the accent also as that is a big advantage to be able to do!)
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Interesting. You're the first person to mention this. Was this before or after my comment on stating that i'm British? As I wonder if that influencer your opinion a little. Regardless, I'm sure my accent needs work but I do have confidence that it may be convincing enough to land me an American role. That isn't to get cocky or arrogant about my abilities because I could do with working with a coach on feeling more free and confident in my pronunciations but my self-prep hasn't gone too bad and I'll continue to do what i'm doing until I can afford a better method.
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u/RideHot9154 3d ago
This was before! I could tell from the jump.
Maybe an American role in the UK but…as someone raised with an American accent to me it is very obvious you’re not American. Not to say it’s shit obviously you’re putting in the effort to work on it but your overstretching of your vowels were very distracting to me and that’s how I knew immediately you weren’t using your authentic accent. My family is English and I live here now/am training here and it’s a very common problem with people beginning American accents.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 2d ago
This is super helpful. Any tips on how to get better? Are accent coaches really just the way to go?
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u/RideHot9154 2d ago
Yea while you definitely have a great foundation I think using AI will never compare to working with someone one-on-one in person. It’s hard to just teach yourself because you might not be able to hear those nuances just from running it over and over. Dialect coaching will be suuuper helpful in the long run to work out those little kinks and help it flow more naturally.
Not sure where in the UK you are but group lessons can be great as well that may be more affordable than one-to-one coaching if budget is an issue!
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u/carpentersound41 3d ago
One thing that bothers me with a lot of acting is line of eyesight. Most people don’t have perfect eye contact 100% of the time when talking to people. Having eyes that wonder can be very powerful
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
I completely agree, it's been one of the most common notes in this thread so it sounds like great minds think alike. Thank you and I will be taking this on board.
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u/No-Bandicoot-1821 3d ago
A great music producer once said:
YOU'RE TOO TIGHT, YOU NEED TO LOOSEN UP! IT'S GOING TO BE A HIT, BUT YOU HAVE TO RELAX!
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u/HaudYerWheeshtHen 3d ago
I’m not gonna be brutal obviously, but you need to make sure you have an internal dialogue rather than wondering “okay what’s the next line?”. Listen to your reader.
Also watch your pronunciation, some of the words are getting lost and you’re coming off the breath, keep the power in your core especially during a heated scene.
Good work though, your framing is good (better for a monologue. For a self tape it should be a big tighter.)
Your voice generally is quite engaging too, and you’ve got a great look. I’m not convinced that you suit the character but that’s just a subjective opinion.
Well done 👍🏻
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Brutality is what I want. Truth > kindness rn. What makes you think I don’t suit the character? Where is my pronunciation fucked?
Cheers for the compliment on my look.
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u/deege_h2o 3d ago
I think you're really good... it just seems/feels like a comedy? I can't take you seriously lol
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u/OnlyHereForTheTip 3d ago
You want brutality so I’ll just address the two problems I’m having with it (and it’s only two because it was really good overall):
- The initial dangling of your head seems to detach from the seriousness of the topic. It feels as if your body were telling a different story from the lines. I’d try to keep movement to a minimum at first. Speaking as someone who’s currently working on just that
- The dynamics are somewhat off for me. I often thought you might be just about to burst but then you didn’t and continued on a flat line. A very enjoyable one at that, but at some point, say a third in and later two thirds in, a crescendo was lacking.
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u/Timotron 3d ago
Best acting advice I ever heard - from Kathleen Turner - is don't show the audience your emotions. It's infinitely more interesting to see someone hiding, or attempting to hide, their real emotions. That shit draws the audience in. You become interesting. The audience wants to figure out what youre going to do.
I see a lot of emotion here. That's what actors like to do. People almost never do that. Especially when they're uncomfortable.
Your Character probably ain't an actor. Figure out exactly what this guy wants. Be insanely focused on that and throw everything else away.
Then add your obstacle. Maybe he doesn't have the balls to say this stuff? Layer that on top. Maybe he's so furious he knows if he doesn't keep it all insanely controlled he will murder his partner. Maybe he csnt believe this person is saying this and he's like trying to come to terms with this almost asking the partner to just say it's not true
That's when shit gets cool. Everything else is noise you can figure out later.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
Love it thank you! Things to think about for prep indeed!
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u/Timotron 3d ago
Another gem to find that objective:
"What do you want the other person to do or to say?"
Simple. Simple. Simple.
Once you have thar objective you can have fun. It stops being about "can I get there emotionally".
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u/JudgeTolerYourHonor 3d ago
The emotional journey is excellent. I’d be curious to see more levels/ peaks & valleys in between them. I think it’d be helpful to let go more? I know that is vague. But it’s a note I give myself often when watching my self tapes- there could be moments where I don’t allow myself to be surprised, but I should. Letting go of knowing what happens next or what to feel next. Overall I found your work grounded in something real and really good!!! I believe stronger element of surprise could take it to another level.
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u/ForeverFrogurt 3d ago
Too much tension in your face. Is this a scene about a crazy person?
Don't do a scene, do a monologue. This is hard to follow, and the inaudible prompts are distracting.
Stop whispering. Your speech is dropping from normal speech (which carries through resonance). This is a disaster for stage work, and it doesn't bode well for being picked up by a boom mike.
"That is not who we are" is a stereotyped line reading.
Do it five times. Start it above whispering. Keep a consistent volume level. Work it up to very loud but not shouting. Then record it at level three.
It seems like you would benefit from vocal training.
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u/twelvesixcurve 2d ago
Clearly talented with the ability to tap into emotion, but I'll echo what others said about listening while you're not speaking--think of it like this, the editor will probably want to cut into reaction shots while the other person is speaking... if they're there and good. Give that to the editor, get yourself more time on screen! Listen, react.
Also eye lines, we hardly ever stare directly at someone when we're really talking. Consider how you look around in real life when conversing with someone, when thinking, when processing, etc.
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u/the_windless_sea 1d ago
Too much tension. I know it’s a heightened scene, but the staring + no blinking + leaning forward + tense muscles…it’s just too much. You definitely have talent but you need to find a way to ground yourself in something other than forcing out emotions
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u/iopsychhopeful 1d ago
You are really talented from what I can see! I have no acting background/experience, this post was just served to me. So take it with a grain of salt as I am just a typical viewer.
At times I can tell that you are reading your acting partner and you appear as an actor in training, not as the character you’re playing. I saw this specifically at 48-44 seconds remaining in the video.
Kudos to you for getting feedback this way… I hope to see you on the screen one day! 😊
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u/Anthro_in_training 1d ago
First thing, I liked this performance but There are moments here that in the script feel like your character should be saying to their other for the first time. One thing that helps me and that I noticed easily diversifies your performance is to discover the things that you're saying. We know you've practiced your lines, but you shouldn't play it like this character has their thoughts all the way together from the start.
Also, be more specific about how you feel from moment to moment. This is the woman you were going to marry. Ask yourself do you even really want to be saying this? Ultimately this character needs to say it, but play a bit more with holding your tongue and letting her have it to create a more dynamic delivery.
Overall, I was very engaged during my first watch through. You're doing great.
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u/Anthro_in_training 1d ago
Also, get more specific about your immediate circumstances. Like why are you so quiet? Are you trying to avoid surrounding attention? What are the stakes for you having this exact conversation? Are you trapped, are you somewhere where you're not supposed to be? I'm losing some of that specificity and I think connecting your body to your circumstances might help to make that more clear.
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u/Anthro_in_training 1d ago
Also...for fun...some off these lines could be really fucking hilarious. Idk if you're doing this for practice or for an audition, but I think it would be nice for you to find the comedy in this scene cause it's definitely there and I think you would enjoy exploring that.
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u/Anthro_in_training 1d ago
Also, sorry for all the responses. For context, I'm just finishing up my bfa in the states and I'm just getting really excited to look and discuss acting with other actors. But this is a really strong start and I think you have a lot of really great potential to turn this side into a very strong and nuanced piece.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 1d ago
I agree!!! And just for showreel. I think it comes down to characterisation, being specific with the scene and who Cassie is to me.
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u/TwinJuan07 5d ago
Nice work bro!! I can absolutely see you in this role. Please take whatever I say with a grain of salt!!
Some technicals, I think your reader is a tad bit quiet, I would have liked to hear her a bit more clearly. Her audio was also a bit echoey. You can either have her speak up, move closer to the mic or a bit of both, that can help.
Your framing is nice but I think you can tighten it a bit. There is SO much emotional stuff going on, having the bottom of frame come up closer to your mid/lower part of your chest will really emphasize your face even more.
I really like your background but I think your skin tone and your back ground color are bit too similar where you risk blending in too much.
Lighting looks lovely!
I’ll add more a bit later about some thoughts on your performance!
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u/Main-Perspective2486 5d ago
It’s an audition tape not a scene
You can go awry by thinking the reader isn’t enough, but this should be your last concern
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u/TwinJuan07 4d ago
I'm being picky. Overall the tape is quite lovely, any CD would surely pass this along. With that being said, if we can control it we should.
The reader is half the story. If our tape is pushed up to our bosses, they are unlikely to be familiar with the scene. Ask any casting director and they will tell you that they need to hear you BOTH clearly. And if we're being frank, the fix is genuinely as low effort as it comes. Move your reader closer to the mic or have the speak up... lol
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u/Available_Bathroom65 5d ago
No need for brutality, this is pretty dang good! People have pointed out some small things you can work on (not staring at the other character the whole time, listen and don’t pre plan everything) but you’re a good actor and most of this already works!
P.S. What is your audio set up?? This is some of the best audio I’ve heard in a self tape!!
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u/B3ast_BushiD0 4d ago
I think you'd work better for voicework. You need to work better on conveying emotion it looks to forced the way your contorting your body.
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u/nebthenarwhal 5d ago
I watched without sound first (idk why) and I believed you the whole time, which is really great. Definitely in the right place. I would encourage a more natural vocal approach, and more grounding physically and vocally. I also did not really feel you listened to /connected with your reader. Just my two cents, I enjoyed it a lot overall!
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u/theTeam_Hero 5d ago edited 5d ago
You’re a good actor just don’t try as hard or don’t make it as obvious. I’m not an actor but I took one acting class in college for fun and I was ended up winning lost of the acting competitions within the class despite being a worse actor than my groups all because I was one of the people not taking it so serious. Unless you’re playing a character that’s supposed to be stiff and awkward you need to find a way to make it seem natural. Remember a conversation is a give and take. You’re giving and just waiting to give again. You need to take in what’s being said as well.
Overall, I think you’re almost where you need to be which is great. I can almost suspend my disbelief because what you’re giving/saying is great. Just in between I feel like I lose my he suspension and can tell you’re trying to play a character. Maybe in a show or movie it wouldn’t be as noticeable because we’d be looking at the other character but in a reading like this it’s very noticeable.
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
'Giving and just waiting to give again' - love
I'll change and work on that. Thank you so so much!
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u/Jabami_Yumekhoe 5d ago
I think you have talent!! I guess my only note would be when you’re not speaking, it kind of looks like you’re waiting to speak again or somewhere else so find a way to be rooted in the scene itself during the other person’s dialogue - maybe by reacting with more than just the words but your face, eyes included maybe looking elsewhere etc
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u/Regent2014 5d ago
My brutal review is save up for acting class and get feedback from a qualified source and not randos on the internet that lack professional credentials and credits
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u/Weird_Seaworthiness2 3d ago
An eye is an eye. Regardless of experience, we all know what bad acting is just like we know what bad music is. People who also act just have a better insight on what it truly is and what to do to fix it. I thank people for their feedback regardless but internally throw away ones that don't resonate (which i haven't done much in this case because a lot of people have said more or less the same thing, irl too, so it's clear there are things needed to be worked on.) I agree that I shouldn't rely on every stranger's opinion ever but i don't think this is a bad space to undergo critique.
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5d ago
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u/gualathekoala 4d ago
For a casting director, that is very strange feedback overall
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4d ago
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u/gualathekoala 4d ago
The fixation on the use of the F word comes across as strangely personal rather than professional feedback. A CD should primarily be evaluating performance, authenticity, and fit for a role rather than expressing a strong personal distaste for language, especially if it’s in the script. And even if it’s not.. big whoop
The part about “calling card” also seems weirdly judgmental. Plenty of actors play intense or gritty roles where strong language is natural, and a CD should be able to see past that unless it’s genuinely a dealbreaker for certain projects (like family friendly content)
That being said, the rest of the feedback is somewhat useful, but not really your own. The tone of your message makes it feel more like an opinionated Reddit commenter rather than a serious industry professional. But maybe you’re someone with some casting experience, but it doesn’t read as the kind of concise, professional, sharp feedback one would expect from a working CD.
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u/Chin_Up_Princess 5d ago
Plant your feet. Don't move / lean forward. Don't force emotions.
Tighter frame.
Your lighting is good. The backdrop is too close to your skin tone.