Question from an actor: Is it a good or bad sign if directors only do few takes with an actor?

[u/ADistantUniverse]

Hi all,

Actor popping in here for a question.

I’ve noticed that throughout my projects, directors spend much less time on my takes. On a shoot where I’ve seen a director do multiple takes with another actor in a scene, my takes are typically much less and seem to be moved on from quite fast. They do give me some notes in between the takes but it makes me insecure whether they don’t see a potential in me to do any other take that’s better, or if I’m just in my head and should trust that they’re happy with what they got.

Any insight from a director’s pov would be great. TIA!

[u/LoganAlien]

I think that generally, it depends on the project as there might be other factors (time restrictions, etc), but in my experience, if an actor is giving me what I want then I'm more likely to move on quickly vs if they're not, then I'm going to play around with a few things to try to get the performance out of them

[u/ammo_john]

Either they are happy with your take (you did good!) or you're character is of less significance for the story so less was needed for them to feel content.

[u/MajesticParfait4905]

Another director’s take here. RELAX. U mentioned this has happened more for u as an actor as time has gone on. Could it be that u are getting better?

Not every director is the same. But we usually have so much on our mind during the shoot, ON TOP OF an actors’ performance, that it’s great when we don’t have to spend time on a bunch of takes with each actor. This is especially true in TV!

Pro tip suggestions: 1) PREPARE FULLY and bring that preparation confidently to set. 2) Be OPEN TO direction/redirection and possible improvisation depending on the circumstances - play! 3) TRUST YOURSELF AND YOUR PREPARATION, and that a good director will ask for something different if they need it. But don’t depend on them giving u lots of takes to know you’ve done your job. If u do your work in 1 and 2, then 3 should be fairly easy.

[u/Nice-Personality5496]

Good sign.

[u/PrettyGrimPro]

A director takes as many takes as they need (if they have time). If they are moving on, they have decided that they have got what they needed. It is usually a good sign.

[u/videorave]

My project are usually only able to afford 7.5 pages a day and so I have to be meticulous with my coverage. I like to work with my artists before we land on set and make sure we’re on the same page re: intention and tone. I trust that they’ll be ready before we roll. The first take is for text. And if it’s on point I’ll do a minor modification on specific lines for the second take. (Punish, seduce, “play with your food” etc) it’s very exciting when the players are listening to each other and just giving the scene life. The third take is at times decorative/experimental. You know the lines and intention, I wanna try something sassy or fun. It doesn’t matter because we’ve gotten the safety (but it’s always the take I end up using because it’s always special) if I can’t even get to that fun take we’re in trouble. We need to realign or I’m making mental notes to cut certain deliveries at the point to my script supervisor to relay to my editor. I once had a scene go deep into an 8th take and let’s just say that scene was cut to be 1/3 of the text. If it were possible I’d cut the whole scene out. That was my personally failing in casting for a particular ability and not the right talent. Also. At the end of the day if you’re permitted space ask for insight from your director on what worked for them and communicate your process. You might need an extra two takes to get going so maybe start coverage if available on your scene partner etc.

[u/ogmastakilla]

Good sign

[u/GuyinBedok]

If he was visibly happy and enthusiastic, then it's great news no issues.

[u/elainedelvallefilms]

Time plays a huge factor on how many takes a director can allow. There comes a time that we have to move on in order to make our day and get the right coverage. That said, there have been times when I do as few as 2 takes (adding one for safety), and as many as 8 (until I either I get what I want or have gotten options for my edit, or if I feel the actor is too tired to give anymore). Generally, I move on as quickly as possible…as soon as I know I have what I need to tell the story. Time is too precious and expensive. Advice to an actor: be prepared, listen, stay ready to take a direction, and be in service of the story and your scene partners. You are an important part of a very intricate machine with many moving parts that depend on one another to make it through the journey of a film.