On set, you might face contradicting directions from different departments. A director may give you clear guidance, but then the DP (Director of Photography) may tell you something different. Makeup artists might have a vision that doesn’t align with the character as you understand it. This can create confusion and stress. Additionally, whether you’re new on set or have been there for a while, you may face up a mix of egos, conflicts, and gossip. It can feel really overwhelming.
Therefore, staying focused on your character’s needs on set is crucial although it can be challenging. You might find yourself hoping everything will be okay, but the different energies and directions can affect your work. This can lead to frustration, gossiping, taking sides, or feeling unfulfilled after the shoot. Trying to be strong and ignore the distractions often doesn’t work, because it doesn’t address the root issue.
When you watch my training you will discover that the core problem is not the external chaos but the fact that you are not rooted into your own experience. When you’re not fully present in your body and character, external energies can easily pull your attention away. You might be seeking validation, safety, and belonging from others, rather than being anchored in yourself.
To truly inhabit your character and stay focused, you need to be fully present in your own body and energy. When you are, the chaos around you becomes less threatening.
Many of us were raised to seek external approval and follow external authorities. This conditioning can carry into our professional lives, making us susceptible to outside influences on set. The key is to undo this conditioning and reconnect with your true self. This involves shedding the masks and coping mechanisms that you developed to navigate external expectations.
As an actor, you need to be fully alive and authentic in your work. This requires investing in yourself and your instrument. By doing so, you can show up on set fully devoted to your character’s needs, rather than being distracted by the external chaos.
Watch my training below to hear all my thoughts on this topic.
After you watch the training, I'd love for you to join in the conversation happening in our private Facebook Group THE INSTINCTIVE ACTORS' SOCIETY. You can get answers for your specific situation directly from me and connect with THOUSANDS of like-minded actors across the globe, so we can move things forward faster together.
If you're not already a member, be sure to request to join ASAP here.
See you there!
Jo Kelly
Creator, The Reset Journey From Resistance to Freedom
P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you:
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