How do television Directors collaborate with Actors on set to create their best work and what strategies might they use to support performances that best serve the story? DGA members in search of answers to these questions and more received valuable information when the Director Development Initiative (DDI) hosted the live lab, Working with Actors.

Held in the Guild’s New York boardroom on April 28, the lab featured experienced episodic television Directors Brooke Kennedy and Tony Goldwyn, who shared techniques on how to adapt to an Actor’s method of reaching their goals, and what can inspire the best performances.

During the session Kennedy and Goldwyn guided members through the phases of working with actors on an episodic television program, including casting, rehearsal, and shooting.

Goldwyn shared a story of how he and an Actor were unsuccessful in getting a showrunner to change some tricky dialogue in the script, and how he succeeded in getting the Actor to give a convincing performance.

Kennedy revealed that she looks at rehearsal as the discovery process where she can observe the Actors and look for ways to enhance their performances or troubleshoot areas before shooting begins.

They also discussed how giving notes to Actors is a balancing act of being able to bring out their best performances while not inhibiting their creative process.

DGA Members can watch the full video from
Director Development Initiative events by clicking here.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

About the Director Development Initiative:

The Director Development Initiative is designed to provide current information on the Director’s craft in order to further the Guild’s goal to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry. The DDI Lab series is an ongoing initiative that hosts regular workshops virtually and in person.

• Click here for more information about the DGA’s diversity efforts.