The Most Important Lessons I've Learned Acting

Lately, I've spent a significant amount of time on set, not as a director, but as an actor.

Does this mean I no longer want to be a director? Quite the opposite! I'm working on a feature film and a short film (which I plan to shoot in September), and being on stage has taught me to direct actors more effectively and gain a profound understanding of acting. My experience has allowed me to internalize concepts that were initially mere intellectual abstractions.

Directing actors is one of the most challenging aspects, not only in film and short film directing but also in music videos, fashion films, commercials, and branded content. In my opinion, poor acting is what distances an audience most from a story.

For some years now, I've been following the activities of the CSA - Centro Studio Attori - in Milan. I would recommend ongoing study for actors, as well as directors. It's a safe space to experiment, make mistakes, and grow both artistically and professionally. I've learned a lot by observing others' processes and immersing myself in them.

CSA is not a school; it's a small Actors Studio, the American laboratory for dramatic art, founded in New York in 1947 and directed by Lee Strasberg. It's the most renowned center for actor training worldwide.

Lee Strasberg is the creator of the Strasberg Method, also known as "The Method": an acting training approach developed in the United States based on the techniques of the Russian Stanislavski.

I began my journey as an actor during the masterclasses of John Strasberg, Lee Strasberg's son. John Strasberg is an American actor, director, trainer, and author, and he is the greatest living master of realistic acting. He avoids clichés and pursues authenticity, grounding his performance deeply in the circumstances provided by the script.

I must admit that this caused me some anxiety, never having practically acted before!

Here's how acting influences the work of a director:

Screenwriting

Working as an actor is exciting; acting is part of the creative process alongside writing and directing. The three elements are not separate; together, they create the story and the visual narrative.

Casting

Directing actors begins even before the set, starting with casting. Understanding acting at a profound level puts you in an advantageous position during casting. You know what you are looking for even before entering the casting room and, more importantly, you know what you want when you see it. Insights are significantly better, understanding how actors work and recognizing when a less talented actor is trying to use poor techniques that won't truly help the film.

Production

On set, time is scarce, and words can be easily misunderstood. When working with actors, it's crucial to keep all communications brief and concise, and this applies even to working with non-actors or individuals with little training. On set is where the most obvious benefits come into play when effectively working with actors: you feel more comfortable communicating with them because you can speak their language.

Editing

A significant part of acting involves timing, especially true in certain genres (like comedy or horror), but it truly applies to all genres. Knowing acting means understanding the rhythm that accompanies it. You understand where lines should land and when pauses should come into play. This allows you to refine the editing to a point where the rhythm is spot on.

I am truly happy to be part of a diverse group of actors of all ages and backgrounds. Working on stage has been a beautiful experience that won't end here, and I'm confident that the things I've learned will continue to grow as I write and direct!

Marco