SCENE BREAKDOWN
Tips to Remember.
- At the top of a scene, don't jump from idea to idea willy nilly.
Don't start out fishing, then move to paddling away from mafia, to fixing leak in boat, to whatever.
These are too many things. Keep your scene simple because it's only 5 minutes long. Stick with whatever you're doing first.
This bouncing from idea to idea happens out of fear. You feel like your initial idea isn't good enough or that it didn't get a good reaction so you try something else. If you stick with it and build onto it, it will work.
You don't have to know where a scene is going. Let it surprise you.
- Just because you're suggestion is 'a location' doesn't mean you can ignore 'relationship.' and vice versa.
- A good habit to have is to give yourself a 'gift' before you start your scene, even before you hear what your suggestion is. (Not stock character, Not plot idea, but something smaller. A limp, a rock in shoe, i'm cold, i was just broken up with, etc) Use this 'gift' to add demention to your character. It doesn't have to be a pivotal part of scene, it's just there. It doesn't even have to be talked about.
- Another good habit to try is to strike a physical pose, or do some kind of interesting physical activity before you say your first line. Again it doesn't have to dominate the scene, it can just be there without much of a comment. (If one guy has a limp and his friend is there, surely he's knows about the limp and doesn't have to comment on it.)
This is a good way for the two actors to get on the same page and ease into a scene together. Rather than one person playing catch up.
BEFORE THE SCENE:
Give yourself a gift. Clear your mind. Be open to changing and adapting your ideas. After hearing the suggestion, don't go for the obvious choice. Use the 3rd idea you think of.
AT THE TOP OF THE SCENE:
Make a strong choice (physical, verbal, situational, etc.) Use your gift. Establish the 'who' 'where' etc. Establish "The World Before." The reality of the scene before the comedy, so they know why it's funny. (usually two or three lines.) It shouldn't take a minute and a 1/2 to get to the comedy. If so, you're yesanding to generally. Look out for that first odd moment, which should happen within the first five lines tops. Listen.
DURING THE SCENE:
Recognize the game (that odd moment) and try to highten and rhyme it over and over. Don't forget your gift. Listen.
END OF THE SCENE:
Call the game when you feel like you've gotten the biggest laugh that you're going to get. If you don't think you can top that laugh there's no point to keep playing. It's better to call the game early than late.