We reckon the art of onscreen acting is often overlooked. And let’s be honest, the quality of onscreen talent can often make or break a film. So we thought we’d offer a little more on actors and acting.

Today is the first of our acting Q&As and on Saturday we begin our series of onscreen tips from Josephine Larsen, whose Advanced Acting Workouts will focus on On Camera and Casting skills on (June 30, July 7 and July 14)

Part of building a skill base and a community is the accessibility to experience. If you want to join in, contact info@dandcfilm.co.uk

We spoke to Lynette Reade about her acting career.

Q How long have you been acting?

A Since 1969

Q What have you been in?

A Various Rep companies, Some film and TV. Notably Roman Polanski’s Macbeth

Q What kind of skills are involved?

A Mainly straight acting but have done musicals that include singing and dancing.

Q What’s the difference between stage and screen acting?

A With the screen you have to act with your eyes and let your thoughts be read on the face. With the stage you have to be heard at the back of the auditorium. If you acted for TV as you would for the stage then you would be grossly overacting.

Q How do you approach a role?

A Instinctively. The clues are all in the script.

Q Communication is key, with the director, camera and other actors. How difficult is that to achieve and are there any tips or techniques that can be used to achieve it?

A Focus and concentration at all times. Watch all the scenes even those you are not in.

Q We hear a lot about ‘craft’, what is it?

A Being aware that just because you are thinking as you think the character would be thinking, does not necessarily mean your audience will see your thoughts. With the screen it’s often a case of less is more. I always think that when people are taken off the streets for naturalistic type of documentary films they never seem natural. Only an Actor I believe is able to appear natural with his years of experience of knowing what will work in front of the camera. Be aware of the camera and where it is at all times and be able to alter your performance if required. If there is a mark on the floor for you make sure you hit it. There is no excuse not get the technical stuff right.

With the stage you have to give it more, don’t speak through laughs, be able to improvise when thing go wrong, don’t upstage people etc.

Q What makes a good shoot?

A Everyone gets it right at the same time, Actors, Camers and Sound.

Q Can you tell when you’ve nailed a scene?

A Usually

Q How do you maintain focus during the filming?

A Sit quietly and stay in character between takes. Concentration at all times.

Q How important is on-going training and development, or if you’ve got it, have you got it?

A One never stops learning from others. On-going training is most useful during long periods of being out of work. It stops one from becoming rusty and feels as if you are actually working and is good for the morale. It is also a form of networking.

Q Especially on low budget films, the director turns to family and friends to fill the roles, but it could be a great way to gain experience and exposure for actors. What’s your take on this?

A The more work the better even if it is low paid. When Equity brought in the minimum wage years ago it actually cut down on the amount of work available to actors.

• To find out more about the acting classes visit the Act Southwest website.

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Has this information been useful?

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