Actors use specific techniques and preparations to minimize blinking during filming, allowing them to hold a gaze for extended periods.
Key Techniques Actors Employ
While seemingly simple, resisting the natural urge to blink requires concentration and preparation. Actors utilize several methods to achieve prolonged eye contact and stillness on camera.
Preparation Before Filming
One crucial step actors take is to prepare their eyes to reduce dryness, which is a primary trigger for blinking.
- Using Eye Drops: To prevent their eyes from drying out, actors may use eye drops before filming. This helps maintain moisture and prevents blinking. Keeping the eyes well-lubricated makes it easier to resist the reflex.
On-Set Strategies
During a take, actors actively work to control their blinking reflex.
- Focus Techniques: Actors often focus their gaze on a specific point, which can help them remain still and avoid the urge to blink. By concentrating intensely on a fixed target, they can suppress involuntary movements like blinking.
- Practice and Control: Through training and practice, actors develop the ability to consciously control their bodies, including the blinking reflex. They learn to delay or minimize blinks, strategically timing them for moments when they are less noticeable or during cuts.
By combining physical preparation, mental focus, and learned control, actors can significantly reduce the frequency of their blinks, contributing to the seamless and impactful delivery of their performances.
