Tip # 2: Research

By Anant Mathur (June 18, 2010)
 

When we watch films, the most noticeable thing about them is the performance. A great performance can make you believe that the people you’re watching are real. On the other hand, a bad one could ruin the entire experience. It makes you wonder how these people were even hired for the parts.

The first thing actors and writers need to do when they start a film is research. Research doesn’t mean that you come up with a look for your character. A believable character is someone who the audience grows attached to. But a character is only believable if you get the nuances right.

If you’re going to play Hitler you need to learn how the man behaved, what he believed, basically you’re trying to be him. You don’t become Adolph Hitler by putting on a Hitler costume a lot of research has to go into the part so you can be believable. Similarly, if you’re playing a police officer, don’t just wear the uniform; learn the behaviors, attitudes and responsibilities of an officer. Police officers go through rigorous training to be the men they are, a writer and actor should know all these details to help them create a convincing character on screen. Speak to police officers; find out what makes them tick before you start writing or acting. Most Bollywood filmmakers forget this, and only concentrate on the look of the characters.
 

It’s extremely important for actors and writers to know the script inside out. Read and re-read should be the mantra. Sometime writers start a story at a certain point and by the time they reach the end, what they said at the beginning doesn’t connect with the ending - it makes one wonder if these guys ever read what they write. It’s almost as if they write the story but are too lazy to go over it again to make sure there are no loose ends. A film script should go through at least 2 or 3 rewrites before you arrive at the final version.

An actor should understand the character and how he/she has evolved throughout the story. Make notes. Write a bio for the character based on the script. Treat the character as if he/she is a real person. This will give you the ability to perform the role with confidence.

© Anant Mathur. All Rights Reserved.