Filmmakers strive to make their movie seem as real and believable as possible, even when it’s in fiction. It’s a staple for almost all superheroes to have muscular arms and chiseled chests.
Beyond superhumans, a character appears tough when they have a sculpted look. With that, ensuring your actor is preparing properly for their physical role is vital.
Is Preparation Really Necessary?
Yes, actors need to prepare for their physical roles. Even the most talented people won’t have that bodybuilding look or dancing agility they seem to showcase on screen.
For instance, Hugh Jackman trains rigorously every time he portrays Wolverine. In Black Swan, Natalie Portman had to pick up intense ballet lessons.
Eventually, that physical preparation paid off in strong performances, excellent movies and audience appreciation. If you want your actors and film to attain the same, it’s important to support them in whatever means you can.
Strategies for Filmmakers and Actors
Film creators can support actors in various ways, but the prerequisite to these methods is to form trust with one another. They must have confidence in their actor, believing they’ll do everything to embody the character’s physique and movements.
At the same time, a performer has to be open-minded to the director’s strategies.
1. Discuss the Role’s Demands
Talk about your characters to set realistic expectations about the physical preparation your actors need to go through. If a hero is supposed to look bulky and strong, your actor can expect to go through a lot of strength training like deadlifts and bench presses.
When discussing how demanding the role is, you must ensure your actor has a high level of commitment, as the process of changing body image and movement is long and tedious. It’s essential to have the mental fortitude to undergo that.
2. Figure Out a Diet
Some actors need to lose weight so their body will fit their character. Most people can adopt a 500-calorie deficit within their diet. Their progress depends on their metabolism and overall body fat percentage, though.
Meanwhile, others have to bulk up and build some muscle. In those cases, coordinate with your actor to figure out a meal plan that helps them start getting bigger. You can seek the help of a dietitian to ensure they’ll have a healthy balance while undergoing this regime.
3. Get a Personal Trainer
Exercise is a significant tool when preparing for physical roles. Along with getting a dietitian’s notes, it’s also best to look for a personal trainer — they understand what exercises can increase muscle mass or shred body fat.
They’ll know how to get the results you need. They can also hold actors accountable and help to motivate them through the training process.
4. Call in a Coach
Physical roles go beyond just the physique — movement plays a big part, too. What if the character of your actor is a trained martial artist? Or maybe they’re a natural swimmer who makes a miraculous save?
Camera angles can only do so much to convince the audience. Make it a point to call in a coach who specializes in the sport or activity of your movie to teach your troupe how they can naturally pass as professionals.
5. Track Metrics
There might be sudden stagnant moments throughout the physical conditioning process. For instance, workout plateaus happen when a person stops seeing positive results from their program. This can be tricky to mitigate when you’re pressed for time.
Prevention is vital when dealing with these plateaus. Track your actor’s progress, whether it’s pictures of their physique or videos of their training. Talk to them, too — if they’re experiencing slow growth, switch gears to ensure progression won’t fall or backtrack.
6. Have Stunt Rehearsals
While your actor improves their physical form, practice some of the stunts they’ll go through on camera. Run a few action scenes so they can get into the groove of their character. If they’re faltering with certain moves, make it a point to improve those areas when they work out or undergo more training.
7. Create a Consistent Schedule
Every diet and exercise program will always be more effective when done consistently. Coordinate with your cast to ensure they attend each session with the professionals you’ve arranged. Have them work out through the pre-production phase of your film so when production rolls around, they can focus on their acting.
8. Leave Room for Rest
As important as consistency is, it’s also important to schedule downtime throughout the routines. A lack of rest can lead to a higher chance of injury and chronic health issues. Avoid overworking your actors and let them breathe — they’ll feel more rejuvenated throughout physical conditioning.
Guide the Physical Conditioning
As a filmmaker, you must coordinate with various crew members and see how you can help them fulfill their tasks. Actors can use guidance regarding their physical conditioning, so follow some of the above strategies to help them bring your vision to life.
