Whenever people gather together to create something, conflicts are guaranteed to happen. It doesn’t matter whether you are painting a house, shooting a film, or recording a commercial. Everyone dreads conflict, yet the clashing of creative ideas is inevitable because everyone has a different perspective – so why is it that we are still left with our mouths hanging open every time someone storms out of the room?
The issue for the actor isn’t so much that this stuff happens, but more how we deal with it. How do we keep from losing our creative center when things blow up around us?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve freaked out because I was working with a hard-nosed director or a crazed actor who’s lost their tempers.
If you’re sensitive like me, this stuff doesn’t just roll off your back, and maybe it shouldn’t. A big part of being an actor is being affected by those around us, and it takes a lot of strength and courage to maintain your sense of self when feeling like you are being attacked.
The best way to keep your ship upright in the storm is to understand what’s going on in the room.
Here are two actual examples of tense moments for me as a voice actor:
Director: OK Nancy Let’s see what you do with this. Remember that you pronounce [word] this way: [pronounces word]
*I perform the first take.*
Director [slightly miffed]: Eh, Nancy you pronounced the word wrong.
Me [not believing, yet being compliant]: Oh, really? OK I’ll watch it.
*I perform second take*
Director [more than slightly miffed]: You pronounced the word wrong again.
Me [I knew I hadn’t. I feel a knot forming in my stomach]: Oh wow. I’m sorry about that.
*I perform the third take.*
Director [now angry]: You screwed up the word again. You know what? I’m just expecting you to mess it up now!
We recorded this line numerous more times, and the director moved on from that line to the rest of the script, but I got the distinct feeling that they were disappointed in me, and my creative energy was deflated.
Lessons and observations from this session:
1) The person directing wasn’t an actual director and had no experience getting the best out of actors – they were a writer from the agency trying to prove themselves as a director. Understanding this would have helped me be less tense.
2) I was certain I pronounced the word right, because I had rehearsed it tirelessly before the session, yet didn’t fight with the director about it. That was the right thing to do.
3) I didn’t show it on the outside, but inside, I allowed my confidence to be shaken.
4) It’s important to have rock solid confidence in yourself as an actor no matter what anyone says or does.
5) When everyone else loses their cool, maintain yours.
The second example of a nightmare voice-over session is one that had a happy ending. This was a big client, and I really wanted to make them happy.
Director: Nancy, we want this to be a very natural read. We don’t want you to sound like an announcer.
*I perform first take*
Director: There’s too much emotion there. Pull it down.
Me [I don’t agree at all. The performance feels flat]: Oh, sure no problem.
*I perform the second take*
Director: Pull it down more.
Me [I chuckle out loud. I’m thinking any flatter and I will be a zombie]: Absolutely!
After twenty takes, I was dying inside, thinking I may not be able to give them what they want. Then it occurred to me that I was working with a director from a country where emotions are not shown much in public. I was able to incorporate that understanding into my creative process.
By the thirty-first take they got exactly what they wanted and the spot is still being used after many years.
Lessons learned from this session:
1) Try not to go into a session thinking this client is going to make or break your career. Remember that other opportunities will always present themselves.
2) Attempt to understand the director, their personality and where they are from. Do research if possible on the director and the agency prior to your session.
3) Understand that it can take many takes to reach exactly what the director has in mind.
4) It feels really good when you’ve worked hard in a session and everyone is ecstatic with the result.
Remember that what goes on during the creative process isn’t personal, and is not as important as the end result.
Arguing with the director never gets you anywhere except out the door.
If barbs seem to be hurling your way, brave the storm with your creative confidence intact and you will have a career that keeps getting better and better.
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