Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

414 SOMETHING TO DO is the first secret of success in getting natural action from young (or, in fact, any) actors. With children especially, the routine requested should be simple, sensible and not make them look ridiculous. A short telephoto aids with closeups such as these. DIRECTING CHILDREN Tell the kids the What, Why and How of your family film plans. They're natural actors FRANK E. GUNNELL, FACL UNLIKE most movie making families, ours had its first motion picture camera a few years before the arrival of the first, and in our case only, "chip off the old block." We therefore did not expressly buy the camera for the purpose of taking pictures of a child or children, which is admittedly the prime reason why most motion picture cameras are purchased. And yet, as we look back over the nearly eighteen years since the arrival of son Donald, we find that films involving children, and Donald in particular, have formed a very large part of our family and other film productions. When motion picture cameras are used for family movie making, particularly of children, the ability of the movie maker to obtain natural action, or good "acting," on the part of his cast becomes an important factor in the success of his films. And yet, getting acceptable acting from children is not difficult if we remember some of the following principles. NATURAL ACTORS Children, with but few exceptions, like to act. Soon after most youngsters have learned to walk and talk, they quickly develop a desire to do things, to imitate their elders, to pretend, to create imaginative situations — and all this even before school age! In school the child's natural love of acting is developed further by participation in the numerous activities of modern edu cation— the games, imaginative plays, dress-up pageants and the like which continue throughout school life. In short, children are both ready and eager to take part in our family filming at an early age. The chief problem of the movie "director" (who is usually the cameraman as well) is to make the best possible use of the abilities of his little players, always remembering that they have limitations. Of course, if one wants pictures of a baby who is too young to act, then one must resort to a theme that is carried along by adult actors, with the baby the center of their activities. The Unexpected, last year's Maxim Award winner, is an excellent example of this type of film. FIVE SOUND PRINCIPLES Children usually will greet the opportunity to play in pictures with an enthusiasm which will continue throughout the production, provided (1) that they fully understand the story and purpose of the film; (2) that the production of the film is not too protracted; (3) that they are carefully told and, often, shown just what is expected of them; (4) that these activities are within their abilities and (5) that the finished film shows them in a creditable light and not merely as children showing off before the camera. All children are sensitive and parents whose youngsters are reluctant to take part in family pictures probably can trace that reluctance to just REHEARSAL OF SCENES in group filming, says author, is often important to check entrances, composition, timing and the flow of action. Best results are obtained by explaining the "why" as well as "what" of activities required. Note clear and effective grouping in scenes above.