Acting in film and television is distinct from advertisements and theater. However, film and television actors come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and none of them took the same path to success.
For instance, some actors begin their careers as models, such as Brooke Shields; others begin as stand-up comedians, such as Kevin Hart; and still others begin as musicians, such as Will Smith. Then there are classically trained performers, such as Patrick Stewart, who have studied Shakespeare.
While it’s difficult to predict if you’ll make it as a film or television actor, there are certain things you can do to prepare. You will understand the distinctions between theatrical acting and film and television acting in this guide to becoming a film and television actor. Additionally, you will discover what happens on a film or television set and what type of work you might be able to get as a film or television actor.
Acting in Films and Television Versus Acting in Theater
In certain groups, theater is considered more distinguished than cinema and television acting. However, working on a film or television show is more lucrative than working on any other type of production. A stage actor may have to spend years honing their technique before landing the lead role in a famous Broadway show. However, appearing on a television show or film might catapult your career overnight. Because films and television shows can be re-broadcast worldwide, appearing in a film or television show puts your face in front of millions of people daily for several years.
More people recognize the names of actors who star in comedies and feature films than they do their elected officials. Apart from boosting your possibilities of earning more money, film and television acting offers a greater earning potential than theatrical acting. A successful film can enable an actor to earn more money in a single film than a theatrical actor would in an entire career. Acting in film and television takes place in segments and scenes. In contrast to theater, where actors perform the complete story from beginning to end each night.
As a film or television actor, you may spend a whole day shooting only a few scenes, and there is a good probability that your worst take may be cut from the final cut. However, as a theater actor, nothing can conceal poor performance. As a film or television actor, appearance is paramount, with talent coming second. It’s critical to remember that not all actors in theater can successfully shift to film and television, and the same is true for television actors attempting to break into theater. While theater actors may find playing for a camera to be tedious, television actors may find theater acting significantly more demanding.
Another significant distinction is the level of responsibility required for theater acting. As a theatrical actress, for example, you must work night after night. However, the audience reaction will inform actors of what works and what does not, and they can adjust their performances accordingly. Film and television actors are required to perform for the camera; they do not have the opportunity to observe what works and what does not work with audiences. For example, if you’re starring in a comedy, you won’t know what’s hilarious until the film is out.
Numerous sitcoms attempt to compensate for this by recording in front of a live studio audience. To compensate for the lack of an audience, film and television actors frequently repeat the same scene with slight variations in acting, blocking, or attitude. The director will then select the most appropriate scene. Often, film and television acting allow actors to experiment more freely with their performances. Contact The Playground to learn more about television acting.
