The Young Director’s Forum was a panel held at the Gutstein Gallery answering young directors questions to help create or improve the actor-director relationship on a film project.
The panel consisted of producer Bob Borden and actors – Rob Mayes, Leah Pipes and A.J. Trauth.
Together the actors have over 220 credits and have worked with over 200 directors.
A piece of advice the young actors gave the students was to be in the right place at the right time; that is a key to becoming successful.
One of the first questions asked was what actors look for in a director, and it seems that each of them had a slightly different response. However, they all seem to agree that directors should be respectful, organized and fun-loving. They all appreciate a director who takes the time to go over the script and share their vision with the players, thus focusing the actor’s performance.
Some prefer a lot of direction from the director, but Mayes stated that he prefers “open space to live in.” Because every actor and every performance is unique, it is incredibly important for the director to get to know them personally, analyzing them personally and professionally.
It was pointed out that both actors and directors have the same amount invested in a film – everyone’s reputation is at stake. Equalized collaboration becomes an important factor during projects, so that creativity is able to flow and the performances are successful.
Overall, positive relationships and effective communication were lauded as being the best foundations of successful film projects. Attendees looking to begin their careers in filmmaking received a chance to hear feedback before they even step onto the scene; a valuable asset to any person aspiring to get into just about any field. Young directors open ears and equally open minds will take them far, if they are certain to always be in the right place at the right time.
