Actors & Actresses - "Acting" always looks fake! The only way most people will buy in to your performance is if you look like you're not acting.

How do you look like you're not acting?

First it's important to remember that words are a very small part of communication. Most of what is really being said is taking place between the lines. I can say, "that girl is something else," a dozen different ways and depending upon how I say it, you could get a different message every time. That's why, as an actor, you need to feel! Feel what your character is supposed to be feeling at that moment. Don't say the words; say the feelings! Some of the most powerful moments ever captured on film were when no words, or few words, were spoken. (Adrian...!) But, that doesn't mean that nothing was communicated. If you fake your emotions, guess what you will get... That's right.

Casting Directors - For sure, you need to know what the director is looking for before you begin, but as the Casting Director, you need to get one thing straight right now... People like to see familiar faces on screen! Two words: Celebrities sell! For God's sake, get a couple of well-known faces on screen if it is at all possible.

Don't give your buddy a major part just because he, or she, is your buddy. In most cases nobody else will love your buddy in the part as much as you do. If you're casting friends, unless they are very, very good, keep their parts small and preferably with no lines. There are some great, talented, serious "unknowns" out there who will give 110% to your project. Most will work for very little money or differed payment as long as they can get a copy of their performance from you when the film is completed.

Directors - Whenever you work with a group of artists in a creative environment, where everyone is full of passion for their part in the project, people are bound to get angry and frustrated with each other. This is normal.

I've had great success in creating groups that work well together under extreme conditions and stress. Some have even called this my "strong point."

So, here is how I play...

Unless they are just being disruptive, I feel it's very important that legitimate ideas are heard from others. Some may argue this, but I've found, over time, that I'm not the only one in town with good ideas. However, this can be a slippery slope. Don't let someone begin thinking that they are running the show. An idea can be theirs, but the final decision is YOURS. And when it's final, IT'S FINAL.

Negative ass-holes, who feel they must shoot down the ideas of others with degrading put-downs, need to be excised for the sake of the family unit. These people are seldom as good as they think they are. Give them some tough love. Lose 'em!

On the flip side, it's very important to reward those who display extra effort. What's wrong with a free steak dinner? (A free beer is fine with me) At the very least, acknowledge a job well done.

Have a spine.

Bag your ego.

Create a winning team where the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts!
....And, good luck. You’re gonna need it.