It is not uncommon for an actor in independent film to have reservations about working with directors. 40 actors respond to the question, “What do you want most from a director?” Most answers are based on a lack of information, trust, creative direction, some or no communication from the director. These responses are an eager protest to directors who need to learn how to communicate with actors in their future productions.
“I love to work with Directors who know what they want, are professional and know how to communicate their needs to their actors“
— Tanya Thompson
“Clear instructions and feedback on if you are doing what they want“
— Carla Stanley
“Communication, I love directors with clear vision. Whenever i get onset i am always close to the directors, i come like a baby ready to be molded, to learn and give a memorable performance“
— Okema Moore
Trust, support, and a director that knows what he wants
— Tyler Derench
“Freedom! As a Method actor you always finding the character. Freedom to do your process and work towards it”
— Daphne Danielle
“A solid foundation. Clarity about their take on the story and how they want to tell it. What they need from me, and then the trust to let me do my work”
— Olivia Baseman
“Openness. I like a director who doesn’t think I’m a robot, but that we are two artists working together to breathe life into a story. When we both know that the other’s motivation is to create something awesome and we just click on set that’s the best feeling”
— Anita Clay
“I love when a director can balance staying true to the story and allowing the actor to make the character their own”
— Callie Jeanine
“Clear Direction. Let me know exactly what you want and I’ll take it from there”
— Peter Vincent Farr Jr.
“A kind, understanding personality that will not overwork cast and crew”
— Jordan Elsass
“Patience and open-mindedness. With both, successful playing can occur and magic is more likely to occur”
— Adam Cole
“I like directors who never give up on their idea. I do enjoy clear directions, but also improvising and going wild; as long as I am the character I’m as flexible as can be”
— Roxanne Sinclair
“Clear direction. It makes our lives as actors so much easier when we’re all on the same page and can deliver what they want”
— Chelsea Wolf
“I love to work with directors who are passionate about their material, who are not afraid to take risks are the type of artists I really love to collaborate with…”
— Steve Benetier
“To allow me the ability to go outside the lines while not losing sight of my character’s true state. I want them to let me show them the vision I see when I become my character”
— Senay Jackson
“What I want most from a Director is pure openness, honesty, and professionalism”
— Trinetta Love
“If there is something specific this character is thinking or feeling, let me know! I can make my choices, but sometimes they won’t match up with what the director wants. If they don’t tell me, we both will have a hard time”
— Amber Dawn Fox
“Collaboration. A director needs to have a communicative relationship with his/her actors, and must be open to the actors’ creative choices and discussing his/her vision with them”
— Hannah Elizabeth Smith
“What I want most from a director is one who not only enjoys what they are doing but also gives me the creative freedom to deliver the character the way I would have built them”
— Niki Cipriano
“I love a director who doesn’t feel the need to micro-manage and allows actors freely act while keeping the vision of the project”
— Casey Dickson
“I prefer a director who has great competency, creativity, understanding, and imagination”
— Diana Dankovtseva
“I think it’s important to work with directors that are really passionate about their project and who really communicate with the actors on what they want out of each character”
— Jessica Velle
“Concise directions, let me know what their expectations are for me”
— Arlene McGruder
“I need a director to be clear on what it is they were looking for and I can deliver it from there”
— Yves Saturne
“Explicit direction. Trust. Freedom to understand exactly the who of whom he hired. I want him to guide me and let me do my thing”
— Penwah
“To be open, honest, true to the project, and also to be allowed to get a scene of his vision”
— Jessica Santana
“To trust me as an Actor with my-creative choices that I bring to the character. Also to allow me the freedom to add or take out things from my character to make it authentic and believable”
— Tisa Key
“Honesty, Trust, Guidance and also the freedom to be creative”
— Merlisa Determined
“I would like the director to be open with my questions and suggestions if they make sense. Usually, good directors will be open to that. I also like to work with directors who have a good understanding of acting and the actor’s process”
— Frances Lozada
“Patience, guidance and an open mind to allow me to flush out the character”
— Wayne Pretlow
“To offer me guidance in what they are seeking, to guide me to bring their vision to play. I like a hands-on approach, not babysitting”
— Adisa Bankole
“I expect a great director to give me great direction and the opportunity to give my opinion and give ideas on the scene we working on”
— Kennedy Moronta
“To be specific in what they need, what they are looking for, and giving me space as an artist to experiment, take the risk, and grow”
— Daniela Sanchez
“Honesty, a clear vision, and freedom to explore”
— LaTonia Phipps
“I want to help the director so I can bring out the character in me just as the writer intended”
— Tykime Davis
“Complete trust. Don’t belittle me. I have the curse of often being the youngest on set or in a play, so I think Directors feel they have to talk down to me. Please respect, and take me seriously as a working professional”
— Keona Welch
“When I am stuck in a scene and I am not making organic choices, to help me arrive at the place I need to arrive at, to make the scene work. I want the director to be prepared knowing the script, the era, all the characters so if I’m lost they can help me find my way”
— Nicole Coleman
“I am a perfectionist so I am always looking for direction on how to make the scene and my character better. How to make anything better. If I can get constructive criticism, I love it”
— Patrice Harris
“I want the director to pull the best out of me”
— Cat Migliaccio
“Communication. Without that, there is no direction. It’s puppetry”
— Colin J. Paradine
What do you think of “40 Actors responses; What do you want most from a Director on set?? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter @oladapobamidele
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