Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The essential elements of a scene in acting are as follows: objective, intentions,
and
actions
.
Now that we have explored how to create emotion and gesture in a character, we will
begin to place that character in a
scene
. In
animation
you use the words
goal, tactics
, and
actions
.
• The
objective/goal
is what the character wants.
• The
intentions/tactics
are the different ploys the character uses to achieve the
objective.
• The
actions
are the physical choices the character uses in concert with the
intentions.
We only need to look at life around us to understand scene work. We live in dialogue,
goals, and actions every day. For example, suppose Ashley and Adam are having a
conversation and Joe enters the room. Ashley feels Joe is intruding and wants him to leave.
Her
goal
is to convince Joe to leave the room. However, she will use different
tactics
to
achieve her goal. At fi rst, Ashley may
sweet talk
Joe. “Sweetie, would you mind if I asked
you to step outside and get something for me?” If he leaves, she has achieved her goal and
the scene is over. However, let's say Joe doesn't leave. Now, Ashley's goal is the same,
but she will change her tactic. This time she will pull him aside (action) and
implore
him.
“Sweetie, please, would you get a drink for me, please?” And if this doesn't work, she
might just go for a third tactic and
threaten
him. “You better leave now!” And if Joe still
doesn't leave? Ashley will commit to an
action
and go to the phone to call the police. She
has used three different ways (tactics) to get Joe to leave, and, if he does, she reaches
resolution.
The Actor Notebook for the scene would read as follows:
Objective/Goal
To make Joe leave the room.
Intentions/Tactics
Ask. Implore. Threaten.
Actions
Pull Joe aside. Go to the phone to call the police.
Keep in mind that the
tactics you choose are a refl ection of the character
. For instance, the
tactics in the previous scene change if:
• Ashley is a confi dent, headstrong 19-year-old girl
• Ashley is a quiet, shy, and needy person
The use of these essential elements
gives your scene purpose and heightens the confl ict
.
Occasionally, characters are in accord and struggle for the same goal, just as when Woody
and the toys band together to save Buzz. On the other hand, when the Queen seduced
Snow White into eating the poisoned apple, each character was struggling for something