The Only Three Things You Need to Remember as an Actor

In acting, it’s often the simplest principles that have the greatest impact. As Brian Cutler passionately explains, “Three things to remember all the time when you work, and they’re the only three things I ever want you to think about, are: there’s beauty in stillness, less is more, and active listening.” These foundational concepts are key to delivering compelling performances, especially in close-ups.

Brian emphasizes the importance of stillness, particularly when working with a hard focus. “If they’ve pulled a hard focus on you from the tip of the lens to your nose, and you do this,” he explains while leaning in and out of the camera, “you’re going to go in and out of focus and you’ll make the camera operator and the DP absolutely insane.” Movement in these moments isn’t just distracting—it can break the illusion of authenticity.

Stillness is an often overlooked but critical skill. Brian illustrates this with humor: “If we can drive eighteen-wheel trucks while eating a cheeseburger and smoking a cigarette, I’m not worried about you moving. What I’m worried about is—can you be still?” On a big screen, even subtle movements are magnified, and maintaining stillness is essential for keeping the audience engaged and connected to the performance.

Equally important are the principles of "less is more" and "active listening." Less is more ensures your performance remains natural and understated, while active listening keeps you fully present in the scene. These skills allow you to react authentically to your scene partner and create a dynamic, believable exchange.

By mastering these three principles—stillness, simplicity, and listening—actors can elevate their craft and deliver memorable performances. These are the tools that transform a performance from ordinary to extraordinary, making them essential for anyone serious about acting.