My Process
YOU ASKED, I ANSWERED
Many of us actors have a certain process we use to get “off book” as we are creating our characters to prepare for roles. I’ve been asked by many of you about this particular topic and I wanted to share “My Process”
Before I get to the steps I use, let me say this, the very first thing I do when I’ve booked my current role is READ THE SCRIPT. I read and read and read it at least 5 times before I start to create the world of my character. When you sit and re-read your scripts, a lot will happen. You’ll really submerge yourself in the world of the story and you’ll start to see more things stand out to you. Not only from your character’s POV (point of view) but also from the overall story.
CREATE THE WORLD
(THE OVAL)
The first thing I do is get a binder because I like to create my world or create what I like to call the Bible of the script. We have 22 episodes a season and I take out all of Priscilla's pages from each episode.
Now, we know from watching television shows or just this show in particular, other things may be happening in the show, but Priscilla may not be aware of it. So I have to know what she knows at any given moment, in any given time, and in a given place.
I put the pages in order chronologically from one to twenty-two, for every single episode. Then I start to use colored tabs to stay organized. Trust me, it’s so much easier when you’re organized. My tabbing system can get really extensive but here is how it goes:
The tabs along the outside of the binder/ right side of the page are listed by episode number and scene number. The top number is the episode number Ex. 404, the bottom number is the scene I’m in, Ex.7. Now when I read the production schedule, I can go right to that scene.
The tabs are also color coordinated. Each episode is the same color so I will know how many scenes I have in a particular episode. Ex. 404 is blue, 405 is purple, etc. (See image)
I do that for all 22 episodes on the right side of the page because as the binder closes, I can still see all of the tabs.
At the bottom of the page I label my colored tabs by the character(s) I'm in a scene with. When you get the opportunity to rehearse with other actors, you don’t want to have to search through 22 episodes to find the scenes you are in. It cuts down on time tremendously so you can focus on the scene in front of you. For example, Allan is labeled as blue so all of my scenes from all 22 episodes with Allan will be that color. (see image)
By doing this, I know exactly how many scenes we need to go over so we can really be able to perform at a high level whenever we get together on set.
The Top of the binder is labeled by location. As we know, many TV shows and movies are shot out of script order (except Sit-Coms and Soaps) so I label the top of the page by location since we shoot all scenes in one location at a time.
Notice in the image,
A/E is blue. That abbreviation stands for Allen & Ellie’s house and they are all blue. (You can choose any color you like)
CAR is yellow - those are all my car scenes
R/N is pink - Richard & Nancy’s house. Etc.
You get the picture. Each location is the same color and I’ll know how many scenes are in that location. Lastly, when the production shooting schedule becomes available (usually receive that a few days before filming) I add additional tabs for days of the week. If I work Monday - Friday, I need to prioritize all scenes I’m filming by the day of the week. (not pictured)
I also order them numerically. I'll put Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on the coordinating colors and that will let me know, I have 22 scenes on Monday, I have 15 on Tuesday, I have 30 on Wednesday, etc. and that’s it!
LEARNING THE DIALOGUE
Now, when it comes to breaking it all down and learning all the dialogue, I learn it all in script order so I will know my character’s full story arc for the season. It’s my job as the actor to know where she is emotionally along her journey throughout the entire season. I go through each page and learn it one page at a time until I feel comfortable enough to go to the next page. I do this for 100’s of pages for each scene in each episode. In each scene I need a scene objective and conflict, my moment before, etc. I also go through each page and break down the scene as well. Once I know all of it, I then go over the scenes by location order. That allows me to work on my emotional range to get ready when I get to set.
Fun Fact: I never count the script pages I’m learning. I just break it down and learn it all, page by page.
HOW WE SHOOT
We shoot our show out of order, like a film. Most TV shows shoot an episode a week so you're only responsible for the dialogue in that week. When we shoot at TPS, we shoot our television show so fast, because again, we're able to shoot it like a film. What does that mean? We shoot out locations. Shooting out of a location just means you shoot everything at that location for the entire season.
For example: If we're at Sam and Priscilla’s house, we're going to do everything at the house in one day. We may start with any exterior locations, in front of the house, driving up, getting out of the car, etc. Then we move into the house and film all of the downstairs sets, the living room, the kitchen, dining room. Finally, move upstairs and finish any bedroom scenes. In season two I filmed 19 scenes in the house for the entire season.
(The only time we go back to the house is if we have night exterior shots.)
THAT’S IT!
All this preparation is so important because you have to be supremely prepared to not only deliver your best performance but especially when you're moving as fast as we do.
Well, this is what I do for every single script. This process is a part of what allows me to be a successful working actor. So I wanted to share this with all of you so that you can be as organized as I am. Using this process will keep you superduper prepared.
Lastly, I'll leave you with this. I was listening to an interview with Kobe Bryant and one of the interviewers was asking him, does he ever feel nervous in a game? He responded, “no, this is just like practice because I've done it so much”. The context of what he meant was this: He plays like he practices. I love this and I implement this in my life. (You can apply this to when/if you get nervous on set too.)
It’s exactly what I do in my preparation. I go full out so when I get to set, it isn't the first time I’ve ever done it. It’s just like how I practiced. You have to be able to work that acting muscle whenever or however you see fit. You can't be like, “I know that I will really bring it when I get to set.” (Please don’t be that actor.)
Now, I’m not saying you should only do a performance one way, but what I am saying is when you are creating your characters, you should know them so well, it doesn’t matter what is thrown at you, you are prepared enough to stay in the moment, make strong choices and deliver a great performance. Your emotional connectivity needs to be at a place where it is an instrument and you can pick it up and play it to give the director whatever he/she wants.
I’m super passionate about what I do and I don’t take it lightly. I’m so grateful I’m on TV every week and I give my all and do my best for every role I take. When I walk away from a production I love the feeling of knowing I've done everything that needs to be done to be successful in portraying that role.
I hope that was helpful to you!
Now let’s go create some movie magic!
See you on set,
Taja
