In a recent article from Backstage actor, Philip Hernandez delves into the difference between acting on stage and on camera.
According to Hernandez, "The big difference between acting onstage and on camera has to do with distance. On camera, most of the time your scene partner isn’t more than a few feet away from you so you just talk with them like no one’s watching.
On stage, your physical choices have to communicate your intent to an audience that’s sitting 30, 40, 50 feet away or more. On camera, that’ll look like you’re trying to be understood in a busy bar at happy hour. It’s gonna be too big."
How does an actor make the transition from stage to screen? Here are a few pointers.
Act like you are having a private conversation with the camera like you are having a one on one with another person.
Also, the actor needs to "burn hot but be cool." Hernandez explains, "Your need has to burn hot inside you but you've gotta be cool outside because people rarely try to show you their feelings, instead, they try to hide them."
Hernandez encourages film actors transitioning to the stage "to find more physical ways to express their choices" rather than relying more on your voice. The key is knowing the appropriate frame size you are in. Read more about the transition from stage to screen on Backstage!
