This document provides tips for directing non-actors in video production. It discusses preparing non-actors by helping them feel comfortable on camera, such as avoiding negativity, keeping the mood light, and testing equipment beforehand. It also offers directing techniques like providing constructive feedback, encouraging retakes, and using tricks to prompt lines or lighting. The overall message is that directing non-actors requires making them feel at ease while still getting the necessary shots.

1. Tips for Directing Non-Actors
Back by popular demand!

2. @crlvideo

5. NO ACTORS

6. Authenticity

7. LET FOLKS KNOW YOUR COMPANY IS MADE UP OF
REAL PEOPLE

8. Workshop roadmap
Pre-Production Preparation
Critical Feedback
Directing Techniques
Directing Production Hacks

9. Let’s shred!

10. The Video Stigma…

12. • Gear fear
• Nervous about looking stupid on
camera
• Nervous about sounding stupid on
camera
Video is scary!

13. The talent is vulnerable
• Avoid negativity at all costs
• Don’t let the talent get bogged down
• Make sure you get what you need

14. The higher the desire to be on camera, the
higher the level of potential to be great on
camera.”
-Dan Mills, Singer/Songwriter/Director

15. So what about the shy folks?

16. Involve people in a low stakes
way.

18. Everyone at your company is a
good candidate to be on camera!

19. First things first…

21. Get to know the script
• Memorization is hard
• Break the script up into chunks
• Where can you cut away

22. Table Read

23. TEST THE SHOT

24. Mock-up camera motion

25. Test weird audio situations

26. Test lighting and angles

27. SET UP EARLY

28. Mic check one, two…
• Frame the shot and focus
• Set up rough lighting
• Test your video gear
• Test your audio gear
• Test the shot with a stand-in

29. The ‘Director’s Pre-Flight Checklist’™
Correct frame rate
Camera ISO is where it should be
Rough framing and focus with a stand-in
Rough lighting with a stand-in
Roughly place the microphone
Check rough audio levels
Script open and ready

30. Have your talent’s back

31. Kick people out of the room

32. Keep it cool

33. Minimize the gear

34. Get some water

35. Schedule plenty of time

37. Get in the director’s mindset

38. Get in the director’s mindset

39. Keep it light. Keep it positive.

44. Get used to being
critical.

45. Constructive criticism is
better than apathy.

46. Real people have limits

47. Do it until you get it right.
(your talent will thank you)

48. Good! Let’s try it again!

50. Be encouraging!
(sincerely encouraging)

54. Squash doubt.

56. Get Looooose!

58. L.W.T.N.A.T.
(Laugh With Them Not At Them)

63. The other 50%
Director’s Toolkit

64. Circle Back
Off-camera moments

65. The ‘Too Loose’

68. The ‘Look For Approval’

71. The ‘Early Breath In’

73. Rip Take
Rip take

77. Roll Camera

78. A.B.R.
(Always Be Rolling)

80. One more for safety
One more for safety

84. The other 50%
Directing hacks

85. Laptop teleprompter

86. Smile when reading a VO

89. Face a light at the back wall

90. The ‘Hand Trick’

93. Use the hand sparingly

94. Remember this: It’s not Dateline!

95. Questions?