Getting natural performance.
WHO THIS COVERS
Staff, customers, executives and members of the public.
WHAT THEY ALL SHARE
Discomfort in front of a camera.
WHAT MAKES IT WORSE
Long waits Many people watching Being asked to read a script Being corrected repeatedly
WHAT MAKES IT BETTER
Explaining what will happen Starting with easy questions Keeping the crew small Moving quickly
WHAT TO AVOID ASKING
That they memorise lines.
WHY
Memorised delivery from non-actors is always visible.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Give them the points, and let them use their own words.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT NERVES
Record the first take knowing it will not be used.
WHY
People relax once they have started, and the first attempt discharges the tension.
WHAT DIRECTION TO GIVE
What to do, rather than how to feel.
WHY
Telling someone to look relaxed produces the opposite.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD
Something concrete: where to look, when to move, what to hold.
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT IS NOT WORKING
Change the situation, not the instruction.
WHAT TO ALWAYS DO
Thank them, and tell them when they did well.
