Working as an extra on a horror film is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting opportunities you, as an extra, can encounter. Not only does it allow you the opportunity to watch some of the most visually interesting movies being made, but it will also guarantee you an opportunity act, which is a rarity among life as an extra. Perhaps one of the most in-demand extra acting skills for horror movies, as well as one of the most underdeveloped, is mastering the silent scream.
I’m sure you’ve seen a horror movie, where there are a plethora of extras running for their life. While you can see their mouths opening to scream, if the lead actors are delivering dialogue, these extras are actually silently screaming. While this action may seem easy enough, giving a natural-looking scream without actually screaming is quite challenging.
Throughout my time working as a professional film extra and actor for horror movies, I have derived several tips that have not only enhanced my performance, but the performance of others I’ve shared this information with. Continue reading to uncover the secrets of mastering the silent scream.
Practicing a Real Scream
One of the most important steps in mastering the silent scream, is actually screaming. Now, you must be very careful when performing this action as screaming is terrible for your vocal chords. Now, go stand in front of a mirror (and make sure nobody is home) and breathe a low breath. That is, breathe so your stomach expands, which expands your diaphragm. After you have a full breath, think of something truly terrifying – and let out your scream. Watch your eyes, your forehead and how your mouth opens. Repeat several more times, noting the small changes of your face each time.
The Silent Scream
Now, repeat the same actions, but this time, don’t actually scream. Place your focus on opening your mouth and replicating the look within your eyes. True horror is always conveyed within your eyes. Repeat until you feel you have a natural looking scream-face.
Using Your Imagination
One of the most important things to remember as an extra in a horror movie, and as an actor is to use your imagination. When you’re required to scream without a sound, you must rely on your facial expressions to get the true emotion of fear to come off on camera. Imagine you are watching a monster rising from the lake, or a serial killer tearing apart your best friend (I never said this wouldn’t be an exercise in controlled morbidity). The more vivid your imagination becomes, the more realistic your silent scream will appear.