Finding Our Feet on the First Day of a Shoot

The first take on the first day can carry a particular kind of pressure. I know that feeling as an actor. You’ve prepared, you’ve arrived, and suddenly it’s time to put everything into practice with a camera pointed at you.

It’s something I think about when I direct. Where the schedule allows, I like beginning with a less demanding scene—perhaps a smaller transition that lets the actor spend time inhabiting the character without immediately reaching for the most emotionally intense material. It gives everyone a chance to settle in and begin finding a rhythm together. When we reach the more demanding scenes, we’ve already had some time to build that connection.

A lot of my approach comes from remembering what was difficult for me as an actor and thinking about what might have helped. Sometimes that means explaining something in advance. Sometimes it means giving someone room to try an idea or time to feel comfortable.

I love working with actors. Creating an environment where we can enjoy the process, take creative chances, and discover something together is a huge part of why I want to direct.

Retrospective reflection, added October 2026.