Acting for Film: Focus, Thought
& the Camera’s Truth
During Berryville Film Festival 2025
September 13, 2025
1:00-2:00
Berryville Community Center - Meeting Room
Step into the frame and discover what it truly means to act for the camera. This one-hour intensive is designed for actors who want to sharpen their on-camera presence by honing the art of specific thought and internal focus. You’ll learn how even the smallest shift in your inner life reads on screen, and why clarity of thought is the most powerful tool in your actor’s toolbox.
Through a series of hands-on exercises, on-camera playback, and directorial feedback, you’ll explore:
How to generate truthful performances rooted in subtext and intention
Why “thinking specifically” is more important than “doing” on camera
Techniques to stay grounded and connected in close-up
What the camera sees vs. what you think you're showing
Special guest David Watson, a seasoned Director of Photography with feature film experience, will be present to guide participants in seeing the scene through the lens—helping you understand how your performance lands from the DP’s perspective.
Whether you're new to acting or transitioning from stage to screen, this session will give you a deeper understanding of how focus, stillness, and internal clarity translate into compelling film work.
Instructor Bio – Tom Baker
Tom Baker is an award-winning director, cinematographer, and actor with over 30 years of experience in theatre and independent film. As the founder of Bravo Creative and a key figure in the Ozarks filmmaking community, Tom has directed numerous short films, documentaries, and commercial projects, including multiple award-winning entries in the SATO48 film challenge. His teaching style emphasizes emotional truth, technical precision, and the power of the actor’s inner life.
Guest Instructor – David Watson
David Watson is a professional cinematographer with credits on multiple independent feature films and short form content. With a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and visual storytelling, David brings a cinematographer’s perspective to actor training—helping performers understand how their choices are captured by the lens.
This workshop is included for free for anyone who has a Saturday or Weekend pass for the Berryville Film Festival.
Passes can be purchased at
https://www.berryvillefilmfest.com/passes
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