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ST Phase 2: MIND-SIFTER

This brings to mind a recent conversation I had with a (trained) actor about how far the author can take a script before letting go:

But, on the other hand, you don't have control over that [if the actors grok the dialogue or the intent]. You don’t have control over the performance, and you don’t want it. At a certain point you’ve got to be able to walk up to this line and say, “I have built the boat; I have no control over where it’s sailing.” And that’s good for you. I think the tendency to want to have the über vision and control of the parts is admirable, but it’s actually freeing for you to get it to a certain point and say, “I’ve written this play. You’re the actors. Perform it on the stage.” ...And you can’t know everything that’s brought to your writing.
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That line is probably in a different place where amateurs are concerned. :)
 
Yup. I would say that exact same thing to an actor "it's in your hands - what do you think the character is feeling? How do you think he would react at that point? Make this character your own." and I would basically get a blank stare. Several times actors were thrilled when I told them what I thought the character would be doing with their hands at a certain point in time. However, that's where I (hope) I drew the line. Putting "Kirk scratches his nose up and down the bone with his left ring finger three times" crosses the line to downright embarrassing as a writer. You just don't do that. And even an amateur actor should be embarrassed to need such detailed direction from a writer. Or even from a director.
 
If an actor can't come up with business or a tone to play even when their character's motivations are clearly explained, then you have problems.

In my experience the most commonly helpful direction to give is "Right now your character wants this." "This" being, "to go crawl under a bed" or "approval" or "to humiliate that guy" or "a fix" or "to be screwing in the bushes instead of being here" or what have you. That's the simplest possible starting point, which they can interpret all kinds of ways. It usually works even with rank beginners, but, as always, sometimes beginners just don't have the necessary tools and the Director needs to walk them through it.
 
BREAKING: The highly anticipated new episode "MIND-SIFTER! "
from STAR TREK:NEW VOYAGES will be released on December 1st, 2014! The Human Adventure Continues!!!

Copied and pasted from facebook because it's late and I'm lazy :klingon:
 
Danlav05 said:
BREAKING: The highly anticipated new episode "MIND-SIFTER! "
from STAR TREK:NEW VOYAGES will be released on December 1st, 2014! The Human Adventure Continues!!!

Copied and pasted from facebook because it's late and I'm lazy :klingon:
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The only time we know the date of a release of a fan film is the when it appears and is ready to watch. Nice goal, though. I encourage people to not get too excited about dates set months in advance. I will love it whenever it is released.
 
Danlav05 said:
BREAKING: The highly anticipated new episode "MIND-SIFTER! "
from STAR TREK:NEW VOYAGES will be released on December 1st, 2014! The Human Adventure Continues!!!

Copied and pasted from facebook because it's late and I'm lazy :klingon:
Click to expand...

As I said on the FB page, I'll believe it when I see it.
 
While I realise release dates can slip, I'm seeing an energy and drive from the people working on this that makes me quite optimistic. :)
 
USS Intrepid said:
While I realise release dates can slip, I'm seeing an energy and drive from the people working on this that makes me quite optimistic. :)
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Agreed. I'm sure at least a small part of it isa healthy sense of competition with Star Trek Continues, but beyond that it's been refreshing seeing that fire lit under the group. I'm quite excited to se Mind-Sifter and The Holiest Thing; the anticipation has been building long enough that I'm sure it will have been well worth the wait.
 
The whole cast did an amazing job! in fact here is a little blurb James posted on facebook:

"I just finished viewing the current cut of "Mind-Sifter", and I must say that it is a new beginning for us. It is a breath of fresh air, and without a doubt our finest episode to date! It makes "World Enough and Time" look well, bad. I say that with all sincerity. This Cast is PHENOMENAL!! The Production values are thru the roof! To each member of my team, take a bow you earned it! All my love, friendship and respect to each of you. I have not been this excited or happy over an episode in many years.

-James"
 
The official poster for "Mind-Sifter"

14%2B-%2B1
 
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