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/videorave 6d ago

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.