“A good director creates an environment, which gives the actor the encouragement to fly.” - Kevin Bacon

Result Directing: Understanding the Pitfalls and Discovering Better Techniques

In the world of filmmaking, communication between a director and their actors is crucial. One common method that many directors use, often without realizing its potential drawbacks, is result directing. Result directing is when a director communicates with an actor primarily by telling them the 'result' they want to see. For example, a director might say, "I want you to look sad." While this might seem like a straightforward instruction, it leaves all kinds of questions unanswered and doesn't truly help the actor feel what is right for the scene.

What is Result Directing?

Result directing involves giving actors specific outcomes or emotional states to portray, rather than guiding them through the process of discovering those emotions themselves. It's akin to asking an artist to paint a masterpiece without providing any paint or brushes – you're asking for the end product without equipping them with the necessary tools and insights.

While result directing isn't necessarily wrong, it can be limiting. It can stifle an actor's creativity and lead to performances that feel forced or unnatural. When an actor is told to "look sad," they might produce a generic version of sadness, rather than a nuanced performance that fits the character and the context of the scene.

The Drawbacks of Result Directing

1. Lack of Depth: Result directing can result in shallow performances. When actors focus on displaying a specific emotion, they might neglect the underlying motivations and internal processes that lead to that emotion.

2. Stifled Creativity: Actors bring their own interpretations and creativity to a role. By telling them exactly what you want to see, you might miss out on the unique and powerful choices they could make on their own.

3. Inconsistent Performances: Emotions are complex and can manifest in various ways. Result directing can lead to inconsistent performances as actors might struggle to replicate a specific 'result' in different takes or scenes.

4. Pressure on Actors: It puts undue pressure on actors to deliver a specific outcome, which can hinder their ability to fully immerse themselves in the character and the moment.

Moving Beyond Result Directing

To create more authentic and powerful performances, directors should consider alternative approaches to guiding their actors. Here are some effective techniques to move beyond result directing:

1. Ask Questions: Instead of telling actors what to feel, ask questions that help them discover the emotions and motivations themselves. Questions like "Why is your character feeling this way?" or "What does your character want in this moment?" encourage actors to delve deeper into their characters' psyche and find genuine reactions.

2. Use Verbs: Verbs are action words that can inspire actors to actively engage with their characters. Instead of telling an actor to "be scary," tell them to "scare." Instead of "look sad," suggest they "mourn" or "lament." Verbs encourage actors to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations and actions, leading to more dynamic performances.

3. Focus on Objectives: Guide actors to focus on their characters' objectives – what they want to achieve in a scene. By understanding their goals, actors can naturally tap into the emotions that arise from pursuing those objectives. For example, instead of saying, "Be angry," you could say, "Convince them that they're wrong."

4. Create a Backstory: Help actors develop a rich backstory for their characters. Understanding the character's history, relationships, and experiences can provide a foundation for authentic emotions and reactions. When an actor knows why their character feels a certain way, they can portray it more convincingly.

5. Encourage Physicality: Emotions often manifest physically. Encourage actors to explore how their characters' emotions affect their bodies. For instance, sadness might be shown through slumped shoulders and a heavy gait, while excitement could be conveyed through energetic movements. Physicality adds another layer of authenticity to performances.

6. Collaborative Rehearsals: Use rehearsals as a space for collaboration and experimentation. Allow actors to try different approaches and explore various interpretations of their characters. Provide feedback and guidance, but also give them the freedom to make bold choices.

Conclusion

Result directing might seem like a straightforward approach, but it often falls short of achieving the depth and authenticity that make performances truly memorable. By moving beyond result directing and embracing techniques that encourage actors to explore their characters' emotions and motivations, directors can unlock richer, more compelling performances.

As a director, your role is to guide, support, and inspire your actors. By asking questions, using verbs, focusing on objectives, creating backstories, encouraging physicality, and fostering collaborative rehearsals, you can help your actors bring their characters to life in ways that resonate deeply with audiences. In the end, it's about creating a space where actors can fully inhabit their roles and deliver performances that are both genuine and captivating.

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