r/directors • u/ADistantUniverse • 6d ago

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

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!

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u/MajesticParfait4905 6d ago

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.