first time viewing myself on film,(scared) - Actors Forum is the Community to Talk, Learn and Study Acting.

take5-extra-no-more · 07-16-2007, 10:10 PM

I have some extra/featured extra work type stuff before. Recently I have auditioned for a few things as leads. An alian, i didn't get, (feature- too much compition?),a fitness trainer for fitness vids, I recieved, ( goodshape and actually am one), a pizzaman for an internet comedy short, I was casted and just started shooting, and a 48 hour film festival lead role. Im freaked out. I havn't seen footage of the event. I was picked out of fourty on the audition, Obviuosly I did well on that, however, I don't know how I did for the shoot in whole. I havn't seen footage, and it's premiering in a local Seattle theatre in a couple of days. It's my first time viewing myself on film/HD whatever, let alone on a big screen with people watching.

Any advice? Do/Dont's on grading and accepting my performing ability

Billy1970 · 07-17-2007, 03:21 PM

Congrats on the work!

As far as seeing yourself for the first time, most people I know tend to get nervous or self conscious when it comes to things like that. My guess is that you will have a similar response to seeing yourself as you did when you first heard yourself recorded.

It just sounds a little funny.

The thing is, we spend most of our lives looking at ourselves from the front angle only, like in a mirror. When you start seeing yourself from all the different angles, it CAN look a little odd at first, but you'll get used to it.

In regards to the performance, try not to dwell on it, whether good or bad. If you don't like what you see, just remember that it's not a reflection on you and no matter how good it is, there is always room for improvement. Just know that you will improve with time and experience.

If you like it though, you're tickled pink. Revel in it and take that confidence into your next audition!

SWK78 · 07-22-2007, 10:01 PM

All I can say is, nice at getting film work!

But as far as your worries, I say don't worry. I used to hate hearing my voice how others heard it [going along with what Billy said up there] and well now I can hear that higher pitch when I speak. Anyhoo, what I'm saying also is that I absolutely enjoy watching the playbacks of the plays that I've done. It's nice to see yourself the way others do. [Plus it tells me how much I should lower my voice pitch when I speak if I want to hear myself the way that I hear myself. LOL.] But, yeah all it is, is that you need to be confident. Confidence will push you so far in the oh so troubling biz that we're in here. If you doubt yourself for one second, another will take your spot. But look at it this way. The casting directors chose you for the roles you filled. They saw something in you. The director apparently worked with you well, and no doubt got the best possible performance out of you at your stage of acting talent. So like Billy says, know that there is room for improvement.

Never stop believing in yourself. If someone tells you you can't do something, that's more reason to just prove them wrong!