Chapter 19

Your talent can make or break a production▪ Face▪ Body Language▪ Motivation

Can affect the outcome of the production

Definition of “Talent”▪ Those appearing in front of

the camera Professional performers

▪ Those comfortable in front of the camera

Inexperienced▪ Those who are new to the

program

Pros like prepared formats▪ Learning lines & moves▪ Cue cards & teleprompters▪ Notes or printed scripts

Seasoned pros▪ Can duplicate rehearsal during

taping▪ Can improvise & stay calm▪ If things go wrong

People give life to a scene▪ Empty sidewalk vs crowds of people▪ Empty bridge vs people crossing

Two of directors greatest challenges▪ Selecting the right talent▪ Helping them understand what you want

To make production successful

Subject experts▪ May not be the best on camera

presenters Talent reading teleprompters

▪ May seem more authentic/convincing

Street interviews▪ Camera may move to get best

view▪ Like a bystander who is watching

Three types of talent Professional talent

▪ Expensive ▪ Better final project▪ More efficient

Univ./College Theater Students▪ Low cost/free▪ Have some training▪ May require more retakes

Three types of talent Amateur Talent▪ Relative/Friend▪ No experience▪ Inefficient

Important things▪ Put them at ease▪ Give clear instructions▪ Avoid distractions▪ Place items on prearranged

mark▪ Be aware of time limits

Inexperienced Talent How to handle them▪ Make them feel welcomed▪ Do it there way --> then edit

results▪ Let them reminisce▪ Interview them at their place

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The Host▪ Familiar with the production routine▪ Can help with inexperienced talent▪ Explaining the production process

▪ Moves the program along smoothly▪ Can help with props/objects

Off Camera Host▪ Are not seen by viewers▪ Offer announcing/commentary▪ May not even be near the event

What are some examples of off camera hosts?

Guests are ▪ Not relaxed▪ Nervous▪ Loud & obnoxious

What are possible remedies to deal with this?

If show is live…not much can be done

If know during rehearsal▪ Possible cut or replacement of talent

If show is taped▪ Bad parts can be edited out

What should talent wear▪ Appropriateness is key▪ Low contrast clothes▪ Blue is universal (medium

blue)▪ Watch the details▪ Minimal jewelry (unless your

Mr. T)▪ Regular (street) make up is

enough