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Update. I have only watched half of these 30+ classes so far and to be honest, I'm struggling. I would love to learn from this man, but I can't stand listening to him. He does not speak well. That's a shame because I'm sure he has a lot to teach.
I did sign up for the Kevin Spacey acting class. Not because I do any acting or have a desire to do so either, but I figured it might help with writing or directing. Wow! This one, so far, is a lot more helpful and helps writers understand what type of writing attracts actors! This one, so far at least, I can definitely recommend!
Question: Does Sorkin make those corny deadpan jokes the whole time?
No jokes. He just simply can't speak well. Each sentence has about five "uh...uhm...erm". VERY frustrating to listen to. A shame really. He should've written down what he wanted to say first and then used a teleprompter...
Update. I have only watched half of these 30+ classes so far and to be honest, I'm struggling. I would love to learn from this man, but I can't stand listening to him. He does not speak well. That's a shame because I'm sure he has a lot to teach.
I did sign up for the Kevin Spacey acting class. Not because I do any acting or have a desire to do so either, but I figured it might help with writing or directing. Wow! This one, so far, is a lot more helpful and helps writers understand what type of writing attracts actors! This one, so far at least, I can definitely recommend!
Hey, not sure if it would help, but I actually used to be an s\actress before I took a hiatus to focus on my writing. I studied theatre and have a BA in it as well as acting creds.
So I can maybe help you out on that front if you need. While I'm not Kevin Spacey I may be able to give insight to certain things. I know a lot of times when writers are doing characters for certain races they get so hung up on not offending...well that was the case at Nano anyway...and they get hung up on writing proper beat moments for certain characters that the actor may need. It helps to avoid don't tell me how to do my job moments but I know as an actress sometimes it was appreciated to get the point across.
How about you start a new thread on the screenwriting board about this? I'm sure others would like to know more about what actors see in scripts. We're all so into the writing here at SS that I think we often forget that there are more people out there to try to get interested in our scripts than studio readers. There are directors, producers and actors. Maybe you can help us better understand what actors want? I had a feature optioned three years ago now with a lead attached. The distributor who's funding the project wanted a name actor for one of the smaller parts. I'm sure so they can just put that name on the poster. Anyway, the script went out to some very well known actors, including Mickey Rourke andEd Harris. All declined because the role they were looking to cast didn't have enough meat to it. So yes, I'd be very interested in learning more about writing roles that attract actors.
Umm wow sure. I can definitely answer some questions. I guess I would put that in Screenwriting class.
In your case I can only assume that these particular actors just weren't in that 'head' space yet. And by that I mean 'Sure I'm down but I'm not out yet' mentality that actors have..especially when their seasoned...to avoid taking parts just because they haven't been working 'mainstream' in awhile.
It feeds everyone's interest but their own. The prod company gets a name. The writer get's their film made. The crew has work. And the actor has a paycheck and 'nothing' to show for it. Most people believe an actor dreams of fame when in actuality they dream of growth in a profession that does not always allow it. So now you have the 'work' or the 'art' to deal with when you get home from set. It's all cray!.
Not saying that is the case with your work at all. Just saying.