How to Master the Art of Cheating for the Camera
One of the great paradoxes of screen acting is that creating a believable performance often means breaking the rules of real-life interaction. Enter the art of “cheating for the camera”—a technique that involves subtly adjusting your position, angle, or gaze to suit the lens. While it might feel unnatural at first, learning to cheat effectively is a cornerstone of exceptional screen acting.
What Does Cheating for the Camera Mean?
Cheating for the camera isn’t about deception; it’s about adaptation. As Patrick Tucker explains in Secrets of Screen Acting, actors often need to “cheat” their movements and positions to ensure their performance reads correctly on screen. For example, instead of facing another actor directly in a conversation, you might angle your body slightly outward so the camera captures both your expressions. The goal is to maintain the illusion of reality while enhancing the audience’s experience.
The Importance of Camera Awareness
The camera is not just a passive observer; it’s your most important audience. As Tucker points out, the camera only sees what’s inside the frame. If your facial expressions or movements are out of shot, they might as well not exist. This is why understanding the frame is critical. For instance, holding a prop closer to your face may feel awkward in real life but ensures both the object and your emotions are visible in a tight shot.
Cheating Positions for Conversations
In real life, people make eye contact by facing each other directly. On screen, however, this often blocks the camera’s view of your face. Cheating involves angling your body slightly toward the lens, allowing the audience to see both your performance and your co-star’s reaction. Tucker explains that this technique helps maintain the emotional connection between characters while ensuring the audience stays engaged.
A classic example is the “talking to the back of the head” scenario. Actors often position themselves unnaturally close or at odd angles to allow the camera to capture both faces simultaneously. Though it might feel strange on set, it looks perfectly natural on screen.
Adjusting Distances
Cheating also applies to physical distances. On screen, what appears intimate and emotionally charged might actually involve actors standing much closer than they would in real life. Tucker describes how romantic scenes often require performers to lean in or position themselves at “camera-friendly” angles to maximise the intensity of the moment.
The same principle applies to group scenes. If actors stand at natural distances, the frame might look empty or disconnected. Cheating by moving closer together creates a sense of cohesion and allows the camera to capture everyone in a single shot without compromising the storytelling.
Props and Gestures
Props are another area where cheating comes into play. Imagine holding a cup of tea. In real life, you’d keep it at a comfortable height near your waist. On screen, though, the cup would be invisible in many shot sizes. Tucker advises holding props closer to your face, ensuring the audience can see both the object and your expressions. This adjustment might feel unnatural, but it enhances the storytelling by making every element in the frame purposeful.
Similarly, hand gestures need to be adjusted for the frame. A sweeping motion might extend beyond the camera’s view in a medium shot, rendering it ineffective. By keeping gestures within the frame’s boundaries, you can ensure they contribute to your performance.
Mastering the Cheat
Cheating effectively requires practice and a deep understanding of the camera’s role in storytelling. It’s about striking a balance between staying true to the character and serving the technical needs of the production. As Tucker emphasises, great screen actors cheat so seamlessly that the audience never notices.
Ready to unlock the secrets of screen acting? Join our Acting for Camera: Secrets of Screen Acting course in Glasgow starting 22nd February. Learn how to cheat for the camera, master framing techniques, and deliver unforgettable performances on screen. Limited spaces available—enrol now to secure your spot. Learn more.
