The Reaction Shot

In one of my first advanced Acting for Film classes in New York City, our instructor, the incredible Joe Paradise, introduced an exercise. Each actor had to open a freezer door, pull out a half-eaten carton of ice cream, look inside, and react to something shocking. The camera was set up for an extreme close-up. I was thrilled to try it out, thinking, “I’ve got this.”

However, when we reviewed the footage, I was stunned. Everyone, including me, appeared overly dramatic and tense. I felt mortified, questioning my acting ability. Thankfully, Joe allowed us to take another shot after sharing some valuable feedback: “In film, you don’t need to act. The camera captures real thoughts. Relax, and be specific. Focus on what you discover in the carton—whether it’s money, diamonds, or even a severed finger. Don’t feel the need to act.”

Our second attempts certainly weren’t perfect, but they showed significant improvement. This experience helped us begin to grasp the essence of acting for film.

Psychic Energy

Acting for film is a truly magical art. Many actors start their training by learning to let go of the urge to show the audience their feelings. When actors try too hard to demonstrate emotions, especially on camera, it often comes off as inauthentic. As actors develop their craft, they discover that tapping into genuine thoughts and real sensations is far more impactful on screen. A sincere thought or impulse carries an energy that draws the camera into the actor’s inner world.

Achieving this authenticity can be challenging. Skilled film actors must cultivate their concentration to fully immerse themselves in their character’s world, rather than focusing on the camera.

Imaginary Mirror

Here is a simple exercise to help you improve your sensory concentration:

Spend a few minutes looking into a mirror. Make mental notes about the sensations you feel while observing yourself. After that, try the same thing with no mirror, and see if you can recreate the sensations - the key to success with this exercise is patience. Don’t “chase” the sensation, but rather wait and allow time for the sensation to reach you.

Try doing this on camera, and if you’re fully in your concentration, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the nuances of your performance.

All my best,

Greg Braun

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