Addressing actors: whose name to use? at DVinfo.net

Emre Safak · January 19th, 2006, 01:49 PM

Should I address actors by their own name or by the character's?

Marcus Marchesseault · January 19th, 2006, 05:10 PM

Their own name, unless they are so far into character that they don't remember their real name. :) Don't laugh too hard, I've met people that don't come out of the character they have created...ever.

Kevin Calumpit · January 21st, 2006, 02:56 PM

Just ask them some like to be called the character up until they are off the set...some not until they are done with the movie.....

Don Donatello · January 21st, 2006, 03:14 PM

i always call them by characters name .. infact i would say 75% of the actors i never know their real names ... if i see them years later that is when i find out their real names ..

Quito Washington · January 21st, 2006, 11:24 PM

yes, its to difficult to use their real names on the set, and it brings them out of character, remember, on the set, in front of the cameras, they are not acting, they are being...and being means that they are that person
Q

Dylan Pank · January 23rd, 2006, 06:52 AM

I think when you're giving instructions to actors on set, in front of the camera, or even during a take, there's no problem using the character's name, when off set, discussing things one to one, it's probably best to use their real name - you are meant to be developing a reasonably close relationship with your actors.

I don't think it's a hard and fast etiquette. I've seen and done it both ways, switching from one to the next, depending on what made sense at the time. As suggested before, see which you actors prefer. The main thing is when you are giving instructions, that everyone is clear precisely to whom you're talking.

Rob Lohman · January 23rd, 2006, 06:56 AM

Why not ask the actors when you have cast them or are in pre-production? I
assume they can tell you which they prefer and when?

Paul Jefferies · February 14th, 2006, 01:58 PM

Don't ask them what they prefer - tell them how you want to do it! You're the director after all, many actors need to be in an environment where they feel comfortable and free to do their best work, and a good way to help them feel reassured is if the director is a voice of authority - It helps to give the impression that he/she knows what he/she is doing. So just find the way you want to do it and stick with it - If the actor really objects to anything, you can be sure they'll let you know...

Marcus Marchesseault · February 14th, 2006, 11:13 PM

I call all of my actors "Pacino" so they will give their best, most passionate performances. :)

Reid Bailey · February 15th, 2006, 08:21 AM

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in :-o

January 19th, 2006, 01:49 PM	#1
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	Addressing actors: whose name to use? Should I address actors by their own name or by the character's?

January 21st, 2006, 11:24 PM	#5
Quito Washington Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Darwin, Australia Posts: 34	Character Names yes, its to difficult to use their real names on the set, and it brings them out of character, remember, on the set, in front of the cameras, they are not acting, they are being...and being means that they are that person Q __________________ http://www.quitofilms.com brash raw and fully independent

January 23rd, 2006, 06:56 AM	#7
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Why not ask the actors when you have cast them or are in pre-production? I assume they can tell you which they prefer and when? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

January 19th, 2006, 05:10 PM	#2
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	Their own name, unless they are so far into character that they don't remember their real name. :) Don't laugh too hard, I've met people that don't come out of the character they have created...ever.

January 21st, 2006, 02:56 PM	#3
Kevin Calumpit Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Marcos, CALIFORNIA Posts: 103	Just ask them some like to be called the character up until they are off the set...some not until they are done with the movie.....

January 21st, 2006, 03:14 PM	#4
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	i always call them by characters name .. infact i would say 75% of the actors i never know their real names ... if i see them years later that is when i find out their real names ..

January 23rd, 2006, 06:52 AM	#6
Dylan Pank Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Portsmouth, UK Posts: 611	I think when you're giving instructions to actors on set, in front of the camera, or even during a take, there's no problem using the character's name, when off set, discussing things one to one, it's probably best to use their real name - you are meant to be developing a reasonably close relationship with your actors. I don't think it's a hard and fast etiquette. I've seen and done it both ways, switching from one to the next, depending on what made sense at the time. As suggested before, see which you actors prefer. The main thing is when you are giving instructions, that everyone is clear precisely to whom you're talking.

February 14th, 2006, 01:58 PM	#8
Paul Jefferies Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Croydon, England Posts: 277	Don't ask them what they prefer - tell them how you want to do it! You're the director after all, many actors need to be in an environment where they feel comfortable and free to do their best work, and a good way to help them feel reassured is if the director is a voice of authority - It helps to give the impression that he/she knows what he/she is doing. So just find the way you want to do it and stick with it - If the actor really objects to anything, you can be sure they'll let you know...

February 14th, 2006, 11:13 PM	#9
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	I call all of my actors "Pacino" so they will give their best, most passionate performances. :)

February 15th, 2006, 08:21 AM	#10
Reid Bailey Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, Va Posts: 220	Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in :-o