5 Performance Tips for Non-Actors

By Brad Ellis, Writer/Producer/Director

A large part of Running Pony’s day-to-day business involves creating videos within a corporate or industrial environment. We’re talking local commercials, employee training videos, company overviews, new product launches… you get the gist. Often, this involves working with people who are simply not used to being featured on camera – CEOs, execs, managers, staff members… you name it – many of whom downright quiver at the thought of staring down the cold barrel of a lens.

As a Producer/Director, a huge part of my job is getting people to feel comfortable and relaxed during each production. After all, my end goal is to coax a person into delivering the information I need to shape the narrative for any given project, so I have to be ON-POINT in pulling out a great “performance” from virtually anyone. So here are my Top 5 pointers for non-actors:

1. Remember that this isn’t live video– everything you do or say will be sliced, diced, and thrown into a blender for editing later – and by the time the end product emerges, you’re going to sound like a million bucks. And if you aren’t happy with the way you phrased a certain answer, don’t hesitate to ask the production team for a re-take. Re-doing a troublesome part might get a second performance that’s even better than the first!

2. Don’t watch yourself on the monitor screen. It’s very easy to get distracted, or even worse – insecure and self-conscious about your appearance. Trust the production crew to make sure you look good on camera. After all, that’s a big part of their job.

3. Avoid using a teleprompter unless absolutely necessary. Sure, they’re great to have on standby – and in longform recitations of information, sometimes downright unavoidable – but all too often they can cripple a natural performance, or be overused as a crutch. You’ll come across as more authentic and credible when you speak in your own words, from the heart, rather than reading from a script.

4. Body language is key. I often get the question: “What should I do with my hands?” The answer, of course, is whatever (or however) you would feel natural while expressing yourself under normal situations. Whether you’re standing or sitting in a chair, make sure your posture is upright and not slouched.

5. If the budget allows, ask the production team for two cameras. This method will help the editor piece together phrases and remove any glitches, stumbles or pauses between sentences. It will also help the editor keep the story flow going should the project lack supporting footage to cover the points where your comments are spliced together.

And a final Bonus Tip: have patience! Don’t get frustrated. Remain calm and friendly and keep the mood light on set, even during the production. It’s okay to share a quick laugh or crack a joke with the crew when the cameras aren’t rolling. For a nervous non-actor, this can help put you at ease.

Again, these pointers are just part of my personal approach to helping non-actors on camera. Other producers and directors may have other tips. If you just trust and accept the guidance from your production team, you’ll soon be jumping at the chance to appear on camera again when it comes time to produce the sequel.