Action Verbs!
(Are Really, Really, Really Important!!)
Action verbs, also known as dynamic verbs, are words that stimulate specific emotions in an actor because they express an "action" that anyone can do. They are used to convey what someone is doing or experiencing.
For example: If I was upset with you, and I wanted you to leave the room, instead of just asking you to leave, I might DEMAND that you leave. Or, if that did not work, I might BEG you to leave the room.
Action verbs empower actors to make bold choices and inhabit their characters with conviction, allowing them to fully explore the depths of human experience and emotion.
Through the deliberate selection of the right action verbs, actors can bring nuance, complexity, and depth to their performances, gaining empathy from the audience.
For example: if you want to increase the intensity of a line, you can change the actor's intention by changing the verb. Let's say you gave this note to an actor: "Go to Sally and plead with her to tell you her secret" but it was not strong enough for the scene. So now you say, "Go to Sally and demand that she tell you her secret." If you really want to raise the stakes, you could say, "Go to Sally and threaten her if she doesn’t tell you her secret."
The best active verbs are always those that can be used as a physical action. For example, complex characters may often change their intention (or verb) in one speech: from soothing to punishing.
Action verbs are fundamental tools for actors (and directors) as they provide the foundation for engaging performances. These verbs serve as catalysts for action, driving the emotional and physical journey of a character while conveying intention, motivation, and conflict.
By incorporating action verbs into their work, actors fill their performances with vitality, purpose, and authenticity. They also provide actors with a clear roadmap for character development and scene objectives, adding clarity, focus, and intentionality in their work.
When used correctly, action verbs empower actors to make strong, dynamic choices that elevate their character's depth and interactions, making every scene more compelling.
I am a Director and Film Directing Coach. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0551106/
I am also the author of the film book “Making the Magic Happen: The Art and Craft of Film Directing” published by Michael Wiese Productions.
https://www.amazon.com/MAKING-MAGIC-HAPPEN-Craft-Directing/dp/1615932658
In 2024, I spent 9 months writing 25 film directing (e)books called “MASTERING THE ART AND CRAFT OF DIRECTING - A Masterclass Series of Film Directing Tips, Tools and Trade Secrets For Anyone Sitting in the Directors Chair.”
If you would like to get the first 2 ebooks for FREE, plus the 39-page Series Table of Contents of ALL the content that is available in each of the 25 Directing books, please visit: https://actioncutprint.com/masterclass-series-of-25-directing-ebooks/
Here's to YOUR filmmaking success!