Original subtitles

- Working with non-actors or real people

while filming an industrial, training video,

promo, public service announcement,

commercial, documentary interview,

or even a narrative production

can sometimes be a very different animal

than working with trained actors.

It often requires more patience

and the ability to think on your feet.

There's several things you can do

to help these shoots run smoothly.

You need to take extra time at the beginning

to assess your talent,

what situation you're portraying in your piece,

and the environment you're dealing with.

First, assess the particulars of your talent

and try and find both their strengths and weaknesses,

and include their physical and personality characteristics.

Are they outgoing and bubbly?

Do they have good posture and carry themselves confidently?

Do they find it difficult

to maintain eye contact while speaking?

Do they use wide hand gestures while talking?

Are they particularly tall or short?

All of these things

will inform your choices for them on set.

For example, whether you'll have them stand or sit,

or what tools you will employ to help them keep their focus.

Assess your situation.

What is the goal of your project?

Is it to sell a product?

Is it to impart a message or ask for donations?

What are the major points you need to get across

or get from the piece?

The situational information you gather

will determine your priorities as a director as you shoot,

and what areas of your non-actor's performance

you need to pay special attention to.

And finally, assess the environment you're shooting in.

Is it a busy corporate office

with your talent's co-workers nearby?

Is it an outdoor location with lots of distractions?

Is it in a professional studio

that your talent is unfamiliar with?

Keeping in mind the challenges of your environment

will help you help your talent cope

with what can be a stressful situation for them.

Assessing your talent, situation, and environment

is just as important as the script and dressing your set

when working with non-actors.

Just like when using professional actors,

thorough preparation is key to seeing your vision realized.