Elias L. Mulenga’s Post

Dear actors and actresses, We want to hear from you! What challenges are you currently facing in your acting journey? Additionally, feel free to share: 1. What support do you feel is lacking in the industry? 2. How do you navigate auditioning and casting processes? 3. Have you encountered any barriers to accessing training and development opportunities? 4. What improvements would you like to see in the local film industry? Your insights are valuable in shaping a supportive and thriving environment for actors and actresses. Let's start the conversation! _____________ Follow: Elias L. Mulenga Zambian Film Blogger, Film/Content Reviewer, Creative Script Writer, and Film Director

A few things - 25 - I’ve learned about acting, actors, the film industry, landing roles and getting things done. -It’s all about the work which requires discipline.  -Acting is difficult to do by yourself.  -All acting needs direction.  -All acting must be done in front of an audience even if that audience is only the director.  -The film industry is a business and must be treated as such. -Undisciplined talent is a waste.  -The art and skill of your acting ability by itself is what makes your career a success. -Your marketing and business acumen alone is what makes your career a success.  -Work begets more work. -Actors don’t make movies, they help make them.  -The ability to recognize a good story means everything to your success. -Small minds will block your career. They love company. -You are either expanding your work in the film industry or contracting. There is no in-between. -Collaborative actors work far more than non-collaborative actors.  -Persistence always pays off.   -If you try too hard, it won’t work. -If you don’t try enough, it won’t work. -If it isn’t fun, run. (I got this one from my acting teacher Warren Robertson.) -Filmmaking is 60% business and 40% creative.  -Most actors are better than they think they are.  -Confidence is currency.  -You create your own future.  -You must be willing to make a fool of yourself.  -You have to give yourself the freedom to fail.  -If you can’t make the scene better than it is written, you won’t get the job. (My preference as a Director.)

This video is a “Mountain Metaltop Roofing” commercial where I was the neighbor who wisely suggests getting a metal roof 🏠 I was a part of this project in January 2023 through Bridge City Media Media. They did a great job making it look like it was actually leaking in the home. 🏠 Also got to work with wonderful fellow actors Marc Berezin and Marjorie Marcellus. And someone’s dog! I think it was somebody from Bridge City Media. 🏠 Lately I’ve been doing more independent film, which is really awesome. But I haven’t really done many commercials in 2024. And commercials is usually what pays well in the acting industry. 🏠 A lot of my commercial work I was able to find on my own through Facebook and other platforms like Backstage, and Casting Call Portland. Other platforms many agents use are Casting Frontier, Actors Access, and Casting Networks. 🏠 I’ll tell you what, I have auditioned for tons of commercials thanks to my agent ColleenBellAgency I had two other agents, one in LA and one in Portland, but they kind of fizzled out. 🏠 Anyhow, commercial work is highly competitive especially when the pay is good. That’s why I am not quitting my day job as an ASL Interpreter, which paid for the roof on my own personal home! It was not a metal roof, but it did stop the leaking! 🏠 Speaking of my interpreting work, I got to work on a film set recently as an interpreter! This was the first time I was considered “crew” instead of being “talent”. It was a different perspective for sure. Helped me to appreciate the crew who is never seen on film, but work extremely hard to make it happen. Without crew, there would be no film (unless you are a one-person show doing all the work which I have been involved with as well). 🏠 Oh, and as an interpreter, I can’t tell you what film I was interpreting… Can’t even share pictures. We Interpreters go by a code of ethics where everything we interpret is completely confidential to protect the clients involved. Kind of like HIPAA. 🏠 🏠 🏠 #actor #acting #behindthescenes #filmmaking #action #set #talent #act #bts #portlandactors #commercial #actorslife

I’ve listened to actors talk all the time.  They’re fun to listen to.  The best are famous, adored, talked about by friends who don’t even work in the field.  There are shows, like Inside the Actor’s Studio, dedicated to learning from the best.  I’ve tried acting here and there under other directors to understand the craft a bit more. However, I knew directing, my least amount of experience was directing actors who were professionals.  I’ve been around other people doing it.  I studied, read books, but as we all know we at least feel like we learn most from doing as your weaknesses confront you in real time.  So what did I learn from directing my first short with professional actors? The first thing is, despite famous acting techniques, like method acting, or improvisational comedy being famous.  In all genres, every actor has their own way of preparing for a role.  This may seem obvious, but you have to discover the actor’s method that they use and work with them.  You're molding them into something you and the actor want in the role.  Something you as the director feel comfortable with but also something the actor is comfortable with and will feel proud of when their performance is immortalized on screen. This discovery begins in the casting process.  As many do, I had tapes sent in, and I filtered out people from their audition and choice on the part I was casting.  But from there I had so many amazing applicants left.  So I started to talk to them.  Interviewed them all over coffee or a call for an hour then had them perform again.  I had my writer and collaborator help me decide who was right for the lead. From there we asked the lead actress to help us in some of the casting decisions as well, because the lead actress would be working the most with the other actors.  We wanted the people we chose to be compatible with her as well. From there, we had our cast, a small five person cast for a short movie. Pictured below is a scene from the film. Check out the whole film for free here on YouTube and subscribe for more content https://lnkd.in/dK6FZM8n #acting #directing #shortFilm

This is really interesting. There is a question to be asked about the proximity of film makers to actors during their training . The contribution of the actor is often charicatured rather than properly understood and experienced in film schools and in drama schools the opportunity to build camera experience is generally far too limited to reflect the shape of current practice.

#Casting Conundrum: Eye Candy vs. Acting Chops I have a crucial question for you all. Imagine you're casting a beautiful lady for a pivotal role in your film. You have two options: 1)The Social Media Sensation: She's stunning, with a massive following on social media. Fans adore her, and her looks are undeniable. However, she lacks the acting skills to bring the character to life. 2)The Talented but Unconventional Choice: She's not a traditional beauty, but she's an exceptional actress with a deep understanding of her craft. Her acting skills are undeniable, but she may not have the same level of social media appeal. So, how would you approach the casting process? Would you prioritize the actress's looks and social media presence, or would you choose the talented but less visually striking actress? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the pros and cons of each approach. As filmmakers, we know that casting is a crucial part of the filmmaking process. What do you think is more important: looks or acting chops? Let's hear your opinions in the comments below! #CastingConundrum #Filmmaking #Acting #CastingProcess #FilmIndustry #Actresses #Filmmakers #ActingSkills #FilmCasting #CastingChoices

🎬 DIRECTING ACTORS: THE ART OF BRINGING CHARACTERS TO LIFE 🎭 "Acting! Acting! Acting!" There’s nothing quite like a great performance to elevate a film. But behind every standout character is a nuanced collaboration between the director and the actor—a relationship that can make or break a film. In Part 2 of 'How to Direct Actors', we dive deep into the methods legendary directors use to shape unforgettable performances. 📝 Casting Begins on the Page As Wong Kar Wai puts it, “The best way to work with an actor or actress is to customize the role for them.” Directors like Nancy Meyers even draw inspiration directly from their stars during the writing phase, while others, like Paul Thomas Anderson, leave room in the script for actors to bring their own magic. 🤝 The Power of Preparation Whether it's detailed biographies like Guillermo del Toro provides or dialect coaching as Robert Eggers does, preparation allows directors and actors to connect on a deeper level. This groundwork lays the foundation for authenticity on screen. Patty Jenkins emphasizes the importance of understanding what makes her actors tick before filming even begins. 🎥 On-Set Collaboration Once on set, directors adopt varying approaches. David Fincher, known for his meticulous style, pushes actors beyond muscle memory with numerous takes, allowing them to discover new layers of their characters. Others, like Michelangelo Antonioni, favor fewer takes to preserve a performance’s freshness and authenticity. 🌟 Building Trust and Vulnerability Directors like Mira Nair and Jonathan Demme create safe spaces where actors feel free to explore and take risks. This mutual trust is the key to achieving moments of raw, genuine emotion. And sometimes, directors return to the same performers, fostering long-term creative partnerships that yield exceptional results. From the casting process to rehearsals, and the final takes on set, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The magic of filmmaking lies in these unique collaborations—where the director’s vision meets the actor’s craft. 🎬✨ #DirectingActors #Filmmaking #ActingCraft #BehindTheScenes

Struggling to Break Through as an Actor? Let’s Talk. Let’s be real—being an actor is tough. You pour your heart into every audition, but sometimes it feels like you’re hitting a wall. Maybe you’re wondering: Why am I only getting called for the same type of roles? How do I approach casting directors without coming off as pushy or desperate? What’s missing in my profile or audition that’s keeping me from standing out? Am I even on the right track, or am I just spinning my wheels? I get it. The industry can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to find the right guidance. That’s why I’ve spent the last 10 years as a casting director in the Hindi film industry, not just casting roles, but also mentoring actors like you. I’ve written a book (Casting Call for Actors) and worked as an educator because I believe every actor deserves a chance to grow, learn, and succeed—on their own terms. To make this even more personal, I’ve started offering One-on-One Actor Consultation Calls that are impactful and don't burn a hole through your pocket :) These 30-minute sessions are designed to help you: - Get answers to any questions you might have about your career and the industry Get honest, practical advice from someone who’s been on the other side of the table. This isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises—it’s about giving you the tools and insights to take control of your career. Slots are available daily, and you can book your session here: https://lnkd.in/dMZ6SzES If you’re ready to move past the frustration and take the next step in your acting journey, let’s talk. I’d love to help you get there. #ActorsLife #CastingDirector #Auditiontips #ActingAdvice #HindiFilmIndustry #ActorConsultation #CastingCallForActors #actors #actor

Do you want to develop your career into Directing High-End and Continuing drama? Whether your goal is to expand and enhance your existing skills or to make the move from short films, factual, commercials, indie features or studio directing, my 3-Day Mastermind will allow you to explore the essential craft, technical and professional aspects of the role of Drama Director. And learn in three days skills and knowledge that can take over a decade to acquire, whilst networking with fellow aspiring directors and working with professional screen actors.   You’ll learn…   🎥 The Art of Casting with Confidence & Precision 🎞 How to Audition Actors Like a Pro. 🎬 Why You Should Avoid Casting by Self-Tapes Alone. 🎭 What Does a Drama Director Actually Do? 🎥 Directing Actors, without Directing. 🎞 Effortless Blocking & Staging of a Scene. 🎬 How to Complete a Demanding Schedule, Whilst Delivering Story & Performance. 🎭 The Best Way to Direct a Scene Using “The Process”. 🎥 How to Confidently Work with a Large Crew and Ensemble Cast of High-Calibre Actors. PLUS MUCH MORE Learn More & Sign-Up here ➡️  https://lnkd.in/eYWYH4gr ⚠️ There are only 10 places available, so book early. . . . . . #filmdirector #televisiondirector #dramadirector #director #directing #shortfilmdirector #tvdirector #shortfilmmaker #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #directing #scriptwriter #screenwriter

#Heretotalkaboutfilm. #Highlight; Film Acting Tips To Help Boost Your Screen Acting Career - Part 2 Welcome back to the second part of our series on film acting tips! In the first part, we covered some essential techniques to enhance your performance on screen. Now, let’s dive into more insights to help you excel in your acting career. 1. Remembering To Keep Track Of The Story In the world of filmmaking, scenes are often shot out of order, making it crucial for actors to keep track of the story's progression. It's essential to maintain an awareness of how your scenes fit into the larger narrative. Get acquainted with the script supervisor, who ensures continuity and can guide you on your position in the story. Starting your day with a clear idea of the shot order can be immensely helpful. If you ever feel lost, don’t hesitate to ask what the next shot is. Balancing your emotional state with the technical aspects of filmmaking is key to delivering a compelling performance. 2. Technique Should Be Balanced With Emotion Achieving the perfect balance between technical precision and emotional depth is the hallmark of great film acting. You must be able to immerse yourself in the emotional moment while also being aware of the camera’s position and framing. Throughout your career, you'll encounter scenes that demand both intense emotional expression and technical competence. Mastering the art of two-track thinking allows you to deliver authentic performances while meeting the technical requirements of the shoot. 3. It’s Important To Develop A Ritual Film sets can be chaotic and distracting environments, but establishing a ritual can help you stay focused and grounded. Renowned actor Helen Mirren emphasizes the importance of blocking out distractions and maintaining concentration before a take. Whether it's a simple word or action, find a ritual that helps you connect with your character and the scene. Like puppies and infants who effortlessly captivate on camera, strive to embody that same level of presence and simplicity in your performance. 4. Try To Hone Your Personal Creative Process Every actor is unique, so don’t be afraid to embrace your individual creative process. What works for one performer may not work for another. Stay true to yourself and your method of preparing for a scene, even if it differs from your co-stars. Embrace your emotions rather than suppressing them, especially when faced with challenges on set. Remember, there are no strict rules in acting, and much of what you learn will come from experience. Stay open to growth and continue finding joy in your craft. Now that you’ve gained valuable insights into honing your film acting skills, it’s time to put them into action. Whether you're aiming for Hollywood blockbusters or indie projects, remember to stay true to yourself and your craft. If you need further assistance or guidance on your acting journey, feel free to reach out. #makai_ivan Netflix Showmax CANAL+ Group