Producer and Director how-to

How to Direct an Actor Through a Scene

Clear direction gets better performances.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Clear direction gets better performances. In short: talk; rehearse; give, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Talk about intention.

  2. Rehearse.

  3. Give one note at a time.

  4. Use action verbs.

  5. Encourage.

  6. Shoot.

Safety reminders for producer and directors

  • Follow set safety rules
  • Plan stunts with experts
  • Manage crew fatigue
  • Follow location permits

Pre-production · Production · Post-production · Call sheet · Shot list · Blocking: see the full producer and director glossary.

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