Performance (100%)
Rehearse and perform a negotiated 5 – 10 page script for a multi-camera production taking into consideration the technical medium in which you are working in.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4]

Formative Assessment
A group critique evaluating strengths and weaknesses in performance and identifying realistic strategies to improve in order to gain necessary qualities for further study and employment.

Legislative changes in the twentieth century freed up broadcast channels whilst at the same time the digital revolution increased screen based products for television, film, DVD and the multimedia industry. This has resulted in it being essential for an actor to include screen based acting skills within their repertoire. Whilst there are common characteristics between acting for screen and stage, the demands on the performer working to camera have different attributes. From reading a script through to post-production the actor will be expected to engage with different technical language, be spatially aware and responsive to a different directorial relationship.

This module will develop your acting skills but with a particular emphasis on exploring screen performance techniques. You will learn to appreciate the pace of the industry in this medium, the requirement to meet deadlines and the need to adhere precisely to budgets.

You will develop on-screen confidence in working to camera and on cue, cultivating skills across a diverse range of genres including drama, comedy, voice over work, soap opera. Acting skills will consider the particular attributes of working to camera such as: movement, eye-lines, continuity techniques, and vocal control to exploit the power of the technical.

What you learn in this module will inform your participation in a multi-camera production, including an appreciation of the three phases of production, responding to scripts and the essential team-working requirements of cast and crew.

Strategies in this module place an emphasis on practical work, in order that learning is focussed on developing acting skills which relate particularly to camera work. This learning will be facilitated through a series of lectures and demonstrations, each followed by hands-on practical activities and typically including:
• screenings of professional performances and screenings of student performances, technical workshops exploring the requirements of working to camera,
• group discussion including negotiation of performance material
• rehearsal and performance to camera
• tutorials,
• group critique,
• independent research

To extend the learning that takes place in class you will be expected to engage in independent study outside of timetabled sessions. This will include rehearsal of acting styles and approaches.

Studio
Camera
Tripod
Sound recording equipment
Monitor
Professional screen performance to view
Whiteboard
Technical personnel

Barr, T. and Kline, E. S, (1997) Acting for the Camera: Harper Collins
Bernard, I. (1998) Film and Television Acting: From Stage to Screen: Focal Press
Caine, M. (1997) Acting in Film: An Actor’s Take on Movie Making: Applause Theatre Books
Carlson, S. (2006) Hitting Your Mark: Making a Life – and a Living – as a Film Actor: Michael Wiese Productions
Davies, R. T. (2005) Doctor Who: Shooting Scripts: BBC Books
Nicholas, A. (1999) 99 Film Scenes for Actors: Avon Books
Shepard, J. W. (2004) Auditioning and Acting for the Camera: Smith & Kraus Publishers
Tucker, P. (2003) Secrets of Screen Acting: Routledge
White, D. L.(2008) Acting For Film And Television: A Professional Guidebook: CreateSpace

1. DEVELOP LINES OF ARGUMENT AND MAKE SOUND JUDGEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ACTING TO CAMERA.
[Learning]

2. COMPARE AND CONTRAST ACTING TECHNIQUES WHEN PERFORMING IN AN ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTED BY DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
[Enquiry]

3. EVALUATE AND INTERPRET THE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS OF ACTING TO CAMERA IN ORDER TO PRESENT RESPONSES THAT MEET THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF A SCREEN PRODUCTION [Analysis]

4. USE AND RESPOND TO TECHNICAL LANGUAGE WHEN WORKING ON A SCREEN PRODUCTION. EMPLOY APPROPRIATE VOCAL SKILLS TO MEET THE AGREED EXPECTATIONS OF A GIVEN SCRIPT [Communication]