How to Direct Actors

So I was saying before, I found myself having some trouble on communicating with my actor. I did some research and I found this article: The Dos & Don'ts on Directing Actors

Communication is key

When do your actors need to be ready for their next scene? What is their motivation? When's lunch? What do you want them to change about their performance? These things and so much more you need to communicate clearly and often to your actors so they know what's expected of them. This I found to be very helpful. My communication with Gianni has improved

Everything matters

If your actors bring up an issue with the script or ask you about a detail of their character's backstory, don't just shrug it off as something meaningless. If they're bringing it up it matters, and just because you haven't given it much thought don't mean that it doesn't. Let your actors know that you haven't really thought about it, but that it's something you guys can take a look at at a convenient time. My actor hasn't really questioned my choices that much. He just kind of does what I tell him. However, my mom on the other hand, she questioned everything I did. To the point where I was starting to get really frustrated because she questioned every single thing. I am not saying I don't accept help or criticism, but sometimes you have to let the amateur filmmaker figure it out for herself. 

Line readings

Don't tell your actors how to give their dialog. There are some who don't mind when a director gives them a line reading, but seriously -- you hired your actors for a reason and they're there to do a job, so let them do it. We did some practice line readings before shooting. A the same time, I acted out his part to show him in what way I wanted him to talk. 

Know what you want

The director who bumbles around and doesn't really know what they want isn't the director that inspires confidence in their actors. Know what you want -- even if what you want doesn't work. Kevin Smith says that directing is just about being able to answer questions:

All you have to do is be able to answer questions; that's what the job is -- You're always kind of open to suggestions, so really the direction job solely comes down to your ability to answer questions at a moment's notice and turn the ship on a dime if you have to. I feel like this is very difficult for me. I don't seem to figure everything out until the end. Sometimes I don't have a reason for everything. However, I realize that it is indeed important to have a reason for everything, even if the reason is simply for the aesthetic. This makes me more mindful of my process. 

Keep your direction clear and concise

Don't give your actors a 10-minute monologue about their backstory, which then turns into a speech about what their motivation is, which then veers off into a discussion about energy conservation and blah blah blah. You're literally giving directions, so make them simple to follow, or else your actor is going to just get lost. I think it was easier for me to direct Gianni this way as he doesn't question much, which I appreciate. For my mom on the other hand, she kept making me tell her the entire story and the reasons behind anything. I'm not going to lie, she did give me some good tips and opinions. But theres a limit. 

Encourage your actors

Be a good human. That's a great lesson to learn as not only a member of the human race, but as a director as well. A leader of a team, whether it be at an office, a retail store, or a film set, needs to be encouraging to their people. A "Good job," or a "That was great," or a "You got it," will not only help show them that they're on the right track, but will also help remind them that they're an important member of your creative team. I really tried hard to show gratitude and admiration towards the actors. I believe I did a pretty fair job in doing so. I don't know how much one should reward them, but I truly admire the talent and work of actors... It is a very hard thing to do. Also I think I wanted to show gratitude towards Gianni's acting because he is trying to make that his career. So why not boost up their confidence and admire their work.