From the course: Creating a Short Film: 04 Working with Actors

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Understanding character motivation

Understanding character motivation

- People do everything they do for a reason. The way we talk, our body language, when we move, how we move. None of these things just happen. They're all motivated by some purpose, big or small, conscious or subconscious. So when acting, it's important for actors to understand why they are doing and setting the things that they are. This is referred to as their motivation. Frequently, actors will discuss their motivation with the directors, so they know how to perform this scene. And what are the most important tasks for both actors and directors, is to examine the script to figure out the character motivations for all actions and dialogue. Now this is tough work and it sometimes feels a little academic. But in a well-written script, this process can reveal a lot about who a character really is and why they do what they do. In the beginning of The Assurance, Korda'a says this: - [Voiceover] It's so hard to believe. (solemn music) I keep dreaming that she's here with me. And we can go…

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