Why Action/ReAction can save a performance

Many actors wonder why they need to go to the trouble of orchestrating their performances as the Action/ReAction technique demands. They have been taught to be 'in the moment' and feel that what they are feeling, if authentic, should be sufficient.

Unfortunately, film imposes certain technological problems with this. Note that Wendy is in one moment in the two-shot and yet another moment in her close-up. The two takes don't match when you try to edit them together. I can't tell you how many actors have complained that their scene was cut from a movie on which they had worked. I just assume it has to do with their takes not matching thus making the scene difficult or impossible to edit.

With a well choreographed performance that is consistent from take to take, the actor becomes an editor's dream--just one of the benefits of Action/ReAction.

Incorporating resolution into Action/ReAction

The best way to describe the Action/ReAction technique that I created is 'orchestrated'. In doing the work on a scene, an actor must chart the phrasing of the dialogue, designate the interstitial reactions that can have a duration of a split second or several beats and author the unspoken thoughts that come as reactions to what another character says or does. In all the ways, it is like a composer orchestrating a symphony.

The technique calls for an exacting precision for two reasons; it is designed to produce performances that are the same and equally compelling on each of the takes (master, medium, 2-shot, close-up, etc.) that will be used to cut together a scene so as to match and, secondly, to achieve the most important goal of any performance--to put the audience in the moment.

In speaking with a fellow writer, I mentioned that a story must have a universal truth at its core without which it becomes a story of plot. In the same manner, I think it is important for a character to have his or her own universal truth that is discovered during the course of a play or film. Usually this would occur at the resolution of the story (assuming that the character is resolved, which is not always the case--witness Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia). As Peter O'Toole's character in The Stuntman said, "It's not what he's eating, but what's eating him that makes it... sort of interesting."

In the accompanying clip, I asked Wendy to find a moment in a monologue I had written for her at which point her epiphany would occur. After she decided on the place, I asked what interstitial was being performed there. Low volume anger was the answer. I then asked her to choose an emotion contradictory to the anger (or irritation) she had chosen and perform it after the interstitial anger and prolong it--four whole notes rather than a sixteenth, for example--in order to underscore the moment of realization the character was experiencing.

This was the first time Wendy has performed this exercise and I think she did a very good job of it.

Rachael monologue segment

This clip is from an Action/ReAction lesson I did with Rachael on Skype. It amazes me how we can use this technology to interact between Australia and America as effortlessly as though we were in the same room. For this exercise, I had asked Rachael to apply what she has learned to date about Action/ReAction to a monologue she had previously performed and taped in order to see how the performance had changed.

Here, we are working on interstitial reactions. Interstitial simply means something placed between two other things--in this case, a reaction placed between her dialogue phrases.

Rachael is combining two interstitial reactions back-to-back to reveal something of the internal conflict of the character and her complex make-up. Her sudden and involuntary laugh shows us who she used to be before she was stricken with her illness. Just as suddenly, she is stopped by the realization that she will never again be that carefree person and that her future will only worsen as time goes by. It is a moment of raw truth for the character.

While interstitial reactions are meant to look as though they are related to the inner workings of the character's emotions and inner thoughts, their primary function is something completely different and has more to do with building an audience among the constituent groups in the audience. In other words, building the market--growing the audience--for her brand.

Rachael's monologue

This is a monologue that I wrote for Rachael to incorporate her brand facets. She uses interstitials and the reveal of a universal truth for the character from the Action/ReAction technique to orchestrate the performance. This video was recorded from a computer screen during a Skype lesson.

An Action/ReAction lesson on Skype

This is a Skype lesson with Rachael in progress. In this clip, Rachael is composing a sequence of two emotional responses to dialogue spoken to her by me. She decides how much time and importance to give to the two emotions. This is part of a Skype lesson as we are in opposite hemispheres.

Wendy performing her 'audition set'

Wendy is performing the 'audition set' portion of my Action/ReAction technique.

Personal Branding

When one assesses the need for an application of brand management strategies, it requires the existence of a brand and a contemplation of its characteristics. What does the brand stand for? What are its signature 'deliverables'? Most importantly, what can it offer to the marketplace or an audience that cannot be acquired elsewhere and which imbues the brand with exclusivity?

It is incumbent upon a brand to author and issue its own definition.

Every one of us has been branded to some degree by friends, associates and even people with only a passing acquaintance of us. It is incumbent upon a brand to author and issue its own definition. Otherwise, it may suffer from a seventieth percentile perception of it. At the seventieth percentile one sees a canvas and spilled paint; at the ninetieth one sees a Jackson Pollack rendering of a seasonal upstate New York. Both perceptions are accurate as far as they go. Through which filter do you want your brand perceived?

The strategic management of a personal brand can accomplish many things. The most notable is that it places control of its future in the hands of the brand. Since the goal of personal branding is to maximize the yield from an individual's signature skills it is important that one not leave too much of the branding process to chance.

Yesterday, I conducted a seminar/workshop in which actors had to present their brand in the context of a cold reading in which they had only one line of dialogue. It was fascinating because every actor had the same line to read but each performance was unique and each actor presented the 'sharp end of the stick' of their brand making for an forgettable reading.

An exercise in Action/ReAction

Wendy doing well with an exercise I gave her.

Branding & The Question-Asker Chronicles

I have been involved with branding since the early eighties when I founded my film and TV repertory company. Patterning it after the old Hollywood studio system as I did, the process was to brand the talent and then produce material--movies and television shows--to monetize the brand by selling the products we produced in addition to marketing the talent to others in the industry who would to want to use them as well.

Recently, I've been working with my friend Tom Gurnee with his brand and promotion, which has been easy for me to do inasmuch as his brand is easily defined; he is best at playing characters who are quietly menacing, driven and determined. The articulation of his brand is as easy to understand as is the brand slogan "The ultimate driving machine". What is more, when you have Tom in front of you, that definition is what is looking you in the face.

As part of our work, I wrote a monologue for Tom to play with and use whenever he would be asked to do something that could show his skills. I dictated it to him in about three minutes and thought no more of it until Tom suggested we tape it. I had forgotten what I had written, so he kindly sent me a copy of it. Reading it anew, it occurred to me that we should do more than tape it. I felt we should promote the character and idea as the starting concept for a series--whether a series of short, interstitial programs or longer more conventional half-hour or hour long programs didn't matter. I saw the character and the dynamic of his involvement with the unseen recipient of his "question" to be both enigmatic and foreboding. Thoughts of the old Twilight Zone and Dexter came to mind.

We'll see where this goes.

Action/ReAction: Before & After

When I begin an acting lesson for the first time with an actor, I write a few lines of dialogue and ask them to use the technique with which they are most comfortable. I tell them to pretend they are auditioning for Steven Spielberg and take all the time they need. When they are ready for Mr. Spielberg, we tape it. Then, I give them about 10-15 minutes of instruction in my Action/ReAction technique and tape the same dialogue again and compare the two versions. The two takes seen here were taped 15 minutes apart and show the immediate difference in the performance. Within six weeks of private sessions, the actor is transformed into a seasoned performer.

Because of time and distance considerations, most of my private sessions are conducted via Skype and FaceTime, but in-person sessions can also be arranged. If you know someone who might be interested, please forward the link to this blog post to them.

Stephen Mitchell to give free seminars to actors...

Stephen Mitchell will be giving free seminars to actors, writers and directors about the formation of a new film and television repertory company. Members accepted into the group will receive training, management, PR and branding assistance in addition to taking part in the films and the tv shows produced by the group.

From 1980 - 2001, Stephen ran a movie-making company in Hollywood consisting of over 125 actors, writers and directors. The actors, writers and directors of this group were used in his 12 feature films and over 1000 televised one-act plays. In 1985, he launched his cable TV series (Interview). The series, lauded by critics, attracted a cult following that included Oscar, Emmy, Peabody and Grammy winners. It attracted buyers for Stephen's ideas and a first-look deal for him with TriStar Pictures. Marlon Brando, Adrian Lyne and Bob Rafelson were among the fans of the show. Please see: http://sminterviewseries.blogspot.com/ for more information. (Interview), along with others, was a series produced by Stephen for the actors in his group who found that their careers were suddenly in gear and the films and shows produced by the group were attracting attention from mainstream Hollywood and critics alike.

Stephen created one of the first web-based soap operas called Confessions. It is a good example of the type of show Stephen wants to produce with the group that will be forming. See the Confessions trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdxMH6n-fBM

Stephen's concept of independent filmmaking and television production means that one can participate in a company making professional products for a worldwide marketplace. The activity depends upon the effective branding and skills of dedicated group members.

Some recent comments about Stephen's approach:

"Stephen has the ability to succinctly help you define your brand and offers from his expertise, the most efficient, practical steps to take in show business." Marguerite B.

"Inspirational, informative and thought provoking. I feel like it gives me an advantage -- already more prepared, better understanding and confident." J.R

"An 'out of the box' insight of the industry from the inside!" Renée C

"This seminar is deep!" Amy X

"It's like coming home and rediscovering the you you left behind." Toni C

Branding for actors, writers & directors (excerpts)

Stephen Mitchell speaking during an informal seminar on branding for actors, writers and directors.

New reactions to Stephen Mitchell's branding seminar

Some quotes from participants about Stephen Mitchell's Branding for Actors, Writers & Directors seminar at the Academy of Performing Arts in San Diego yesterday:

"This seminar is deep!" Amy Xaysanapaualin

"It's like coming home and rediscovering the you you left behind." Toni Cafaro

"Your brand won't limit you. Your brand can take you anywhere." Nyalief Gathouth

"You think you know, but you have no idea. What you think is right is wrong." Helen Shelden

"The little bit of branding and consultation I've received from you is priceless!" Marguerite Baca

Career advancement as psychological warfare

The U.S. Department of Defense defines psychological warfare (PSYWAR) as: "The planned use of propaganda and other psychological actions having the primary purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of hostile foreign groups in such a way as to support the achievement of national objectives."

Career advancement is psychological warfare, in my view. The 'hostile foreign groups' may consist of directors or casting directors who might opt to hire or contract with other actors. They may be producers opting to buy someone else's screenplay or a publisher opting for someone else's novel. They may be movie-goers or TV audiences opting to watch films and shows other than the ones we are selling. In any event, we want to attract potential employers or audiences who will engage with us rather than someone else.

Psychological warfare can be waged in any number of ways. It is a conceptual activity with an infinite number of possibilities. One simply must know what one wants--give me the part in the film, buy my screenplay or novel--and from whom one wants it. Once these factors are established, the work can begin. A well conducted media campaign creates new networks--not of peers, but of qualified, motivated buyers for what you have to offer.

What are you selling and whom do you want to buy it?

The visual and emotional brand of an actor

Here, in the French version of my series (Interview), one can get a sense of the actress Hélène Cardona's brand even without speaking the language. It is visually evident and in the way she speaks the dialogue giving a sense of deeper truths than she is telling us. Her silences and reactions confirm our instincts that she is holding back much more than she is revealing making her a fascinating character.

Seminar results

I gave a branding seminar over the weekend for actors, writers and directors at the Academy of Performing Arts in San Diego. It was a preview of a six-week branding curriculum designed to facilitate entry into the entertainment business and progress in one's career. The following are comments from some of the participants:

“I would say that there is not an actor or actress alive that shouldn’t take Mr. Mitchell’s knowledge to heart. He obviously cares for people to understand this.” Sarah Marie Mayne

“Stephen has the ability to succinctly help you define your brand and offers from his expertise the most efficient, practical steps to take in show business.” Marguerite Baca

“Your secret weapon. Discover and uncover the you.” Wendy Wang

“Inspirational, informative and thought provoking. I feel like it gives me an advantage—already more prepared, better understanding and confident.” J.R. Reynolds

“Way worth it, man!” Patricia Lytle

“An ‘out of the box’ insight of the industry from the inside!” Renée Carroll

The branding of a filmmaker: Kathi Carey

Kathi Carey has been a friend and associate of long standing. She joined the repertory company for film & TV as an actress but quickly moved to include writing, producing and directing among her skills. She became an integral part of the group and took on the task of branding, developing and managing other members of the group. She began her own filmmaking career with us and she continues to this day making quality films that bear her personal stamp.

Her two most recent films--Reflections of a Life and Worth--have garnered praise and awards on the festival circuit. As one analyzes these films, it is obvious that Kathi not only possesses talent as a complete filmmaker--acting, writing, producing and directing in a manner that makes it all look easy--it is also evident that she has created a well-defined brand that has pleased her viewers and critics alike.

Here is the trailer for her recent film Worth: http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi2250835737/

Find out more about Kathi's film Worth at: http://www.worththemovie.com/

The branding of an actress: Victoria Foyt

There were a number of purposes attached to the (Interview) series that I created. One, of course, was to market stories to A-list Hollywood producers and directors. The obvious correlation was that these same producers and directors would be watching my actor on the screen for twenty-eight minutes--the show would serve as a prime showcase for the actor's brand to the people who had the power to make a big difference in the actor's career. For that reason, I made certain that an actor was fully defined--branded--by the time we taped out first (Interview) episode together and that the brand was well presented in both the story and the performance.

Kim Rollins (Interview) features Victoria Foyt. The programs we did together brought her attention from the likes of Henry Jaglom (Can She Bake a Cherry Pie?, Last Summer in the Hamptons, Déjà Vu) , Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces, Stay Hungry, the Postman Always Rings Twice) and Ron Shelton (Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Hollywood Homicide). Victoria went on to star or work in no less than five of Henry Jaglom's movies as an actress receiving co-writing credit in them as well. On Baby Fever, she received co-directing credit. This is what I mean when I say that every performance by an actor should create a demand for that actor in the lead role for his or her next performance.

Victoria's brand is well defined in the Kim Rollins (Interview) segment. She is unarguably a beautiful woman which is the most obvious aspect of her brand. However, Hollywood is known for its beautiful women who fail. I found that the most compelling aspects of Victoria's brand reside in the conflict between her soft vulnerability and the seeming ease with which she can, as an actress, display a character without empathy for others. I thought such a dichotomy would be interesting to viewers who would feel compelled to want more from her. The response to the show made it obvious that the audience did, indeed, want more from Victoria.

This is the essence of branding--putting the brand facets in front of the public in such a way as to create a demand for the product.

Stephen Mitchell interviews Kevin Courtright

Kevin Courtright was part of my repertory company for film and television for fifteen years. Here is an excerpt from an interview I did with him about his recent book 'Back to Schoolin': What Led Zeppelin Taught Me About Music', a scholarly appreciation of the group Led Zeppelin and music in general.