HANDOUT – The Camera Never Lies

Taken from: de Vere Cole, Tristan

A Guide for Actors New To Television.
Element Books Ltd., Dorset, Great Britain, 1985

Although the saying “the camera never lies” may seem far-fetched, it is very
near the truth. Your performance should come from within; superficiality is
soon spotted. Think it, don’t act it – false unnatural gestures are fatal.
Instinct, which fosters inspiration, is one of the most important weapons in
your armoury and analysis one of the most dangerous.

When you first read a script you will naturally analyse the character you are to
play, and prior to, and during, rehearsals there is inevitably, and rightly, a
certain amount of exploration and experimentation with the role. However,
there can come a stage when the more you analyse, dissect and clutter your
brain, the less you feel, and consequently the more inhibited and less natural
or spontaneous your performance will appear. All forms of mannerisms are
exaggerated, particularly in close up – the most important shot in television.
Telling moments are often effectively conveyed by reaction close ups. You
may have no dialogue in a scene but your reaction can often say far more to
an audience than a long speech.