Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit of practical study provides an introduction to acting for the recorded media. This exercise continues to focus on the demands of realism, exploring the development of the Method school of acting through practitioners such as Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Sandford Meisner and film director Elia Kazan. Students will be required to develop the specificity, control, scale and energy appropriate for acting for the camera whilst maintaining all the elements of spontaneity and truth that you have worked to establish thus far in your acting.

The unit begins with the analysis of screen acting techniques, and with the delivery of skills development sessions focusing on the requirements of recorded media.

Students will develop a filmed scene or scenes which may be taken and adapted from an existing screenplay; or may be material written especially for the exercise.

During and at the conclusion of the exercise you will have the opportunity to view your work and, in your Log Book, to evaluate your performance.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit

• The screenplay 
• Film scene study and analysis 
• The technical requirements of acting for camera (identifying and recognising shots and their implications for actors) 
• Studio/Location etiquette 
• Vocal requirements of working for camera 
• Evaluation

Method of Delivery
Studio practice, seminars, group tutorials, work related practice, screenings and group critique.

Aims

A1 To extend your acting skills in psychologically realistic acting.
A2 To introduce you to the medium of working for the camera
A3 To establish the essential tools necessary for acting for the camera
A4 To develop an awareness of the film/television studio or location environment and the demands that this places on the actor.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate in practice and evaluation, developing skills in acting with due regard to the imaginative, physical and vocal needs of screen acting
LO2 Demonstrate in practice and evaluation, an understanding of the requirements of acting for the camera.
LO3 Utilise some of the basic skills and techniques acting for camera requires.
LO4 Demonstrate an awareness of studio/location etiquette and professional behaviour.

Reference Material

Key
Barr, T. (1997). Acting for the camera. New York: Harper Perennial.
Churcher, M. (2003). Acting for film: truth 24 times a second. London: Virgin.

Recommended
Adler, S. (2001). The art of acting. New York: Applause Theatre Book Publishers.
Bernard, I. (1998). Film and television acting: from stage to screen. Oxford: Focal Press.
Caine, M. (1993). Acting in film. New York: Applause Theatre Book Publishers.
Carlson, S. (2006). Hitting Your mark: making a life and a living as a film actor. Studio City, CA.: Michael Wiese.
Goldman, W. (1996). Adventures in the screen trade. London: Abacus.
Meisner, S. (1987). Sanford Meisner on acting. New York: Vintage.
Strasberg, L. (1988). A dream of passion, the development of the method. New York: New American Library.
Thompson, K. and Bordwell, D. (1994). Film history: an introduction. London: McGraw Hill.

Films (indicative)
Benedek, L. (1953). The Wild One [DVD]. USA: Columbia.
Coppola, F. (1972). The Godfather [DVD]. USA: Paramount Pictures.
Coppola, F. (1974). The Godfather Part II [DVD]. USA: Paramount Pictures.
Coppola, F. (1990). The Godfather Part III [DVD]. USA: Paramount Pictures.
Kazan E. (1951). A Streetcar Named Desire. [DVD]. USA: Warner Bros.
Kazan E. (1954). East of Eden. [DVD]. USA: Warner Bros.
Kazan E. (1954). On the Waterfront [DVD]. USA: Columbia.