How Professional Directors And Actors Analyze A Script - Judith Weston

I thought I would gain some insight. How do actors and directors break down a script - well they don't do it together????

I fondly remember the time I spent studying with Judith. She helped me make big breakthroughs in Directing actors.

This is so beautiful. Simple & insightful...Please keep on doing this! I am glad to come across this channel.

More such interviews, please. Thank you, Mrs. Weston! 🥰

Actors can have secrets!

Interview me now before you know me. Then interview me later after the world knows me.

RIP Hollywood all of this "inisght" means noting until you remeber your audience. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" period.

I think this is mostly great advice but the thing with television and the speed it moves is that theres very little time from the read, to having to direct the top level crew what you need - a dolly, a crane, a visual effect, a green screen, a steadicam, a birds eye camera shot, a prop vehicle, intimacy co-ordinator, rehearsal request etc... these are then incorporated into the schedule and requested from the departments.

I have found myself trying to understand story and character before making technical decisions and by the time i make the decisions its too late and coverage becomes boring.

Its not like exact shots need to be known but the technology or equipment required to get the shots you may need or the props/vehicles/extras required to tell the story often need to be know 24-48hrs after receiving 3-5 half hour tv eps (5 for soaps/sitcoms, 3-4 for half hour comedy/drama) - So its really tricky and to me has come down to a number of reads -

- 1st read, A read with story considerations/notes for the script department and consideration of comp shows/movies etc.

Watch/source comps

- 2nd read, tone and application of macro story telling tools to achieve comps, transitions etc.
Advise 1st AD etc.

- 3rd read, props and costumes.

From then its truly studying the script. To me it feels a little backwards but if I start here I quickly run out of time to do anything interesting

Wonderful Judith !! All incredibly insightful and inspiring nuggets and all true! So great to see you. You are my mentor!

What do you think? Please add your comment below

She’s great!

More jewels, I love it. Thanks 👍🏿

First great video . On directing I’m learning so much 📝