Working as an actor isn’t all about acting technique – there are also numerous technical skills you must be well versed in. Throughout the years of working on film sets as an actor, extra, stand-in and casting director, I have learned firsthand one of the most difficult tasks for new and intermediate actors is hitting their mark.
What is the mark, you may ask? The “mark” refers to a strip of tape placed on the floor, which is typically in an X or T shape, and its purpose is to ensure the actor is standing within optimal range from the camera lens and within their light.
As an actor you must be able to hit your mark throughout a scene to ensure you stay in focus and are properly lit. While this is a skill that must be practiced in order to be perfected, I have compiled several tips to help beginner actors learn how to hit their mark every time.
Practice at Home
One of my first film acting coaches spent quite some time helping me understand the importance of hitting my mark. Throughout this time, he taught me several tips to help me learn how to hit my mark. The most important tip was informing me how to practice this technical skill at home.
In a room within your home, it doesn’t have to be very large, place a small sheet of paper on the floor. The location of the paper isn’t very important. This paper is your mark. Walk at least five feet away from the paper, and looking straight ahead, try to find your way to the mark without looking down. Attempt this task from different angles. Over time, you’ll be able to utilize your peripheral vision to help locate the marker.
Find Visual Markers
When you’re working on a film set, you must hit your mark without looking down on the ground while simultaneously making your movements seem natural and fluid. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to find visual markers within the room. For example, when you’re standing on your mark while the film and lighting crew are establishing the shot, take a look around you. What is right beside you that is easily identifiable? For example, if your mark is beside a fireplace, take note of where the tip of the mantle is in relation to your shoulders. When approaching your mark, remember the location of this visual marker and stop when the mantle tip is near your shoulder. Typically, aligning yourself with visual markers will help you hit your mark every time.
Count Your Footsteps
This is one of the easiest ways to ensure you always hit your mark. In a scene you will typically enter the room or walk to a different point within the room. If this is the case, count the number of steps it takes from your first mark to the next. Make sure when you’re taking these steps they are the same width and speed as they are while actually performing the scene. Before rehearsal, or after, practice walking to each of your markers based only on the information you gathered from counting your steps.