Original subtitles

- There are several tips and tricks you can lean on

when working with non-actors in your projects.

While you're shooting,

keep the monitor out of sight of your talent.

And do not ever, if you can, show them playback.

If your talent can see the monitor,

they won't be able to help but look at it,

and that will ruin your eyeline.

It'll also make them self-conscious of their performance.

You also want to keep their colleagues

out of their peripheral view,

again for distraction reasons

and because they'll constantly check in

to see what their colleagues think of them.

If possible, you want to direct your talent

from a physical position near them,

either looking at them

while they're delivering the lines to you,

or right next to them if you can.

If at all possible, keep your takes to a minimum.

If something doesn't work,

you can always come back to it later

and rephrase your question

or figure out a different approach

to what you're trying to get.

If you have lots of large sections of script to go through,

break it down into smaller pieces

so it's easier for them to deliver it.

And while you're recording,

think about what sections

are likely to be covered with B-roll,

so you don't spend so much time

trying to get the perfect take.

One useful trick is to shoot what's called 50/50,

by rolling on what they think is rehearsal.

Go ahead and start rolling,

and then tell your talent

that you're just going to go through it once

just to see how things go,

and then you'll get to the real take later.

When your talent is delivering their lines

directly to camera,

you may want to think about creating them an actual face

for them to look at if it can't be you.

Draw a smiley face on a Post-It note

and put it just below your camera's lens.

It'll loosen them up and give them a point to look at.

You want to remove the pressure as much as possible.

Don't say, "Action."

Say, "Whenever you're ready, go ahead."

Some things to remember.

Getting started with non-actor talent

is always the hardest part.

Once you get through that hurdle, things get a lot easier.

So never get frustrated.

You always want to stay calm and supportive.

Remember, negativity won't get you very far

and won't get you what you need.

You might not, but be prepared

to get what you need on the first take.

Sometimes those gems will come quick and fast.

Sometimes you'll still run into unforeseen problems

when working with non-actors,

despite utilizing all of these techniques.

Remember above all to be respectful and patient,

and you'll eventually get what you need.