I am me and the character. The character is me, the character, or anyone playing the character?

Question

Hi all,

There was a sort of audition and I made the lead role.

lol I must admit the script isn't the best.

In the movie I am a former nerd who replaced all my studying time with playing the guitar. And I become a good player and make it big, to sum it up I'm a nerd gone rocker.

The movie is a documentary about how I made this transformation to inspire other "nerds". lol (I'm building a resume).

From which angle should I take on this role? How can I make it seem as though this is truly me, like I'm not acting. Some tips would be helpful.

I know you are supposed to pretend the camera is there, but the movie is going to have a lot of close-ups, and I tend to laugh when the camra is in my face, or when I know it is zoomed on my face.

How can I overcome the desire to laugh or smile.

Thanks, I really apreciate all help. :)

Answer 1

  i really think you  should focus on the fact that you got the role! if you got it , you did something right.  it sounds like a comedy sorta  "this is spinal tap" meets "the new guy"    watch movies from that genre and  study. the laughing thing is normal, just think about something other than the camera. you will surprise yourself.

Answer 2

If you have to ask this very basic question, you're not an actor, you're just the best a student film maker could find to work for free.

If you don't know how to "act like" you're "not acting" and laugh "when the camra is in" your face, you'll waste everybody's time.

Apply to accounting school.