Acting for film: Connecting with your scene partner

Preparation is crucial when it comes to performing for screen. This doesn't mean merely memorising the lines of dialogue, but instead delving deeply into the text and answering all possible questions that arise, without resorting to fabrication. For students who wish to try out screen acting, here are some key pieces of advice.

When approaching a new text for screen I look for its pivotal moments and times when my character shifts its intentions significantly. I then identify recurring patterns of behaviour for my character and consider the ‘through-line’, meaning the thought processes that you can trace.

I suggest you really dig into the text; try to answer all the questions you can without making anything up. Look for important turning points in the plot and identify moments of strong changes in your character's intention. Begin by constructing a mental image or daydream envisioning how the scene may look with you in the role.