You’ve Got To Know Your Shit

Action shouts the director, but only two weeks ago you were in the casting director’s office. You’ve only had the script for a week and so far you haven’t seen ten minutes of rehearsal. That’s how it happens. BANG, and you’re on set, doing your job and you don’t get someone to hold your hand through the process of making the film. It’s expected of you. Lots of things are expected of you. That you can turn up on time, every time you are asked. That you can learn your lines. That you can get through the day without running into a lighting stand or camera and that you can prepare yourself for the job that you do.

In theatre, the director will hold your hand all the way to opening night. But on camera, they simply do not have time. Rehearsal is a luxury and luxuries are for the Producers, not you.

You’ve got to get your shit together right from the start. From drama school, or acting class, or college or whatever. You cannot rely on anyone else, they’re all too busy, too scared of fucking up and too concerned for their own tails.

You’ve got to be ready. You’ve got to prepared, homework done, ready to work, with a workable acting practice that does not rely on someone else.

So.. are you? Are you ready to work tomorrow? The call is coming.. you’ve got to be ready and you’ve got to know your shit.