YOur best bet with non-actors is to write the roles so that they are similar to the actors themselves. Most people can be themselves after a little bit of work learning to relax in front of the camera.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

Yes, I have done exactly that. I also have a few guidelines I am going to tell them. A couple of these are:

- Don't touch, look or think of the camera.
- Try and empathise or put yourself in the characters position.
- Ask as if the situation is reality.
- Learn your lines and the meaning of them.
- No American accents.

About the American thing, it's not racism but I always find that people, even British actors suddenly inherit tough-guy, cool-dude American accents when they are acting. It's weird and they don't even sound American so I just ban them altogether.

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

Ah, but what if they are unfortunate enough to be from America? Then what kind of an accent should they use?

And in response to the original post, I find that make-belive monetary reimbursment works like a charm. You run through friends fast, but at least you get the movie shot. Just mention the words "money" and "fame" and people act their little hearts out.

Or a swift kick in the rear if your the violent type. Or threats if your a sadomasochist. I've found threats work nicely.

That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough! I'm going to clown college!

quote:

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Originally posted by swordofdoom

Ah, but what if they are unfortunate enough to be from America? Then what kind of an accent should they use?

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Lol, I would let Americans speak in an American accent. Just non-Americans should never try to impersonate one.

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

quote:

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Just non-Americans should never try to impersonate one.

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Amateurs probably not, but I thought the guy in 'American Psycho' was American until I watched a behind the scenes interview...

I think Hugh Laurie has a very convincing American accent. It's quite a shock when you see him in 'House' on one side and 'Blackadder' on the other.

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

Using deep psychology 'Imagine the guy your talking to is a chav, hate him! Hate him!' I managed to produce this from a non-actor, called John, who plays the Captain. He's actually quite good at acting but needs lots of encouragement and psyching-up.

See what you think and feel free to add your comment or rate it.
?url? http://youtube.com/watch?v=1eNvKrI311Y?/url?

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

Not that I recommend it but Oliver Stone used to manipulate his actors. Lie to them to get them angry before a scene that required anger. Of course if they aren't paid your actors may just take off.

Normally you don't show an actor the dallies but if they are not doing well you might. Tell them they may feel silly acting (if that's the problem) but it'll be worse when they're known as the bad actor in the movie.

If your problem is getting them there, and getting them to learn their lines I have no advice. Actors can be very flaky and I haven't figured out any ways yet beyond money.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

OK, thanks. I don't want to annoy anyone so I think I just have to motivate them with words and tales of the 'fame' they will receive for making this film.

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!