A little about 4th wall and JUDGEMENT..

  I always talk about the differences of film and theatre; but you have to know that many of our techniques from theatre are used in film also.   We may have to tweek them a little or give them a smack on the ass.  That would be depending on the "technique" of course.  In television and film, we still use the 4th wall which is a stage term also for- the area where the audience would stand or sit.  When you are on a stage, you usually only have 3 walls; so you have to create a 4th wall.  That 4th wall can not only shut you in to enjoy your privacy if done right; but it can also open you up for an audience, or in tv and film world, where the camera will be located.  Our 4th walls are being used a lot for green screen work, and getting to put that imagination to use.  Normally a great way to make sure you have a good forth wall is to have 3 maybe 4 things that you can place there for your eye lines.  Use those objects to help you in your scene, make those objects mean something to you personally, be specific..  Maybe a picture of your mother in a certain shirt you love, etc., maybe a photo of your dead dog.. What? To soon?  Anyway, depending on your scene or setting, use the forth wall for help.  Plus, I have to tell you, if you don't learn a wonderful way to create a place of safety in front of a camera, then this is going to be one of the tuffest jobs you've ever taken on.  You must feel safe, and free, and give your confidence to yourself and let go.  Now when I say "let go", I mean after you have done your character work, and after you have broken down the script and/or particular scene.  Once your choices can just come from the character (person)'s point of view, then (and only then) should you break down the scene or start learning lines.  Now, you will make better choices instead of thinking from your racist, homophobic, rebuplican, democratic hatting ass.  Just kidding...  But remember, if you judge your character or say something negative about them that you wouldn't say about yourself, i.e. "I am a bitch", "I am a racist",  "I am a complete asshole", you are then separating yourself from your character.  We want to look at these human beings we are portraying or becoming and understand how we are just like them.  You must love yourself as the character and do things for positive reasons for yourself ...maybe even selfish things.  As real human beings, we always do something that in some way helps us.  Say what you want, but everyone wants something.  See what makes these people the way you judge them.  You may say a woman is a slut, or whore, or "loose".  I always thought that was a funny one, "loose".  That human being doesn't think she is a whore.  She thinks whores have sex with everyone; but she just sleeps with the people she wants to sleep with.  Do you see what I mean by understanding why, you, the character, acts a certain way?  Just because they are different doesn't mean they are wrong.  Some of your friends may think your a whore ... Do you?