Want to Be a Great Actor? Never Stop Learning.
Acting isn’t just about talent—it’s about always growing and leveling up.
Even the best actors out there are constantly learning and finding ways to sharpen their game.
I’ve been in the trenches, acting and producing over 26 films. Along the way, I’ve picked up some great tips from both personal experience and legends like Michael Caine.
If you want to stand out on screen, you’ve need to work to continually improve your skills. Here are five tips to help you crush your next performance!
Control Your Eyeline
When delivering dramatic lines, keep your eyes locked and try not to blink.
This advice comes directly from Michael Caine’s classic book Acting on Film.
Blinking can subtly weaken your presence and make your character appear nervous or unfocused.
Instead, maintain steady eye contact with your scene partner or your eyeline.
Think about iconic movie scenes where an actor stares intensely into another character’s eyes—you feel their raw emotion and tension.
Compare that to a nervous character blinking excessively.
The difference is night and day.
Act Natural on Camera
Overacting often comes across as constant fidgeting or moving while delivering lines.
On camera, even a slight movement can feel exaggerated.
That’s why I tell actors to “stick the line”—think of it like landing a gymnastics routine.
Deliver your line and freeze in place for a moment to let the emotion resonate.
When I directed my first film, I had to guide new actors away from pacing or gesturing too much.
Once they learned to anchor their performance physically, their screen presence improved dramatically.
Avoid Overacting
One of the most common pitfalls in acting is pushing too hard.
Over acting, with exaggerated facial expressions or robotic gestures, pull the audience out of the story.
Instead, allow your performance to flow naturally.
Real moments happen in subtlety.
Listen and React
Great acting isn’t just about speaking. It’s about reacting.
Many new actors focus on memorizing their next line instead of being present in the scene.
However, your reactions—while listening to others—are often the most compelling part of a performance.
Directors and editors frequently use these moments to build tension or emotion.
I always stay fully in character between “action” and “cut,” even when the camera isn't on me.
You never know when a reaction shot might become crucial during the final edit.
Hit Your Mark
This technical tip also comes from Michael Caine: when you need to hit a mark while delivering lines, practice walking the scene backward first.
This method helps you land on the precise spot for camera focus and lighting.
On professional sets, timing and hitting marks are everything.
Early in my career, this advice transformed my confidence on set, especially during complex walk-and-talk scenes.
TL;DR Pro Acting Tips
Acting on camera is about mastering details. Don’t blink to build intensity, stick the line to avoid distracting movements, and act naturally—no overacting. Listen and react genuinely, and practice hitting marks for smooth walk-and-talk scenes. Small tweaks can level up your performance!
Acting On-Camera FAQS
When you're working to improve your acting skills, questions are bound to come up. Here are answers to some of the most common questions actors ask about on-camera performance.
These tips will help you level up your craft and stand out in your next role.
Why should I avoid blinking during dramatic scenes?
Blinking weakens your character’s presence on screen. Steady eye contact helps create intensity and emotional tension.
How can I stop moving too much during a scene?
Try ‘sticking the line'—anchor yourself after delivering key lines to minimize distractions. Even small movements can look huge on camera.
What does it mean to ‘stick the line' in acting?
It means staying physically still after delivering a line to avoid distracting movements. It’s especially important for camera work, where every movement is magnified.
How can I improve my reaction shots?
Stay fully engaged in the scene, even when the camera isn’t on you. This helps directors capture authentic reactions that might make it into the final cut.
Why is hitting your mark important?
Hitting your mark ensures you’re in the right spot for focus and lighting. Practicing backward from the mark can help you land it perfectly.
What should I focus on when walking and talking in a scene?
Practice delivering your lines while hitting marks precisely. Smooth timing and positioning are key for maintaining visual consistency.
What are the best acting tips for beginners?
Start by mastering your eyeline, controlling movements, and listening. Focus on authenticity over perfection. Keep learning and practicing.
Acting Terms You Need to Know
When you're learning how to act on camera, understanding key terms can help you perform like a pro. Here’s a simple breakdown of the terms mentioned in this article to keep you on track during scenes and auditions.
- Mark: A specific spot on the set where an actor must stand to stay in focus and properly lit for the camera.
- Eyeline: The direction your eyes focus during a scene, crucial for maintaining realism and intensity.
- Stick the Line: Staying physically still after delivering a line to avoid unnecessary movements that distract the viewer.
- Reaction Shot: A shot focused on an actor's response to another character or situation, often used to convey emotion or tension.
- Overacting: Exaggerated expressions and movements that feel fake and unnatural on screen.
- Walk-and-Talk: A scene where characters walk while delivering dialogue, requiring precise timing to hit marks smoothly.
- Blocking: The planned movement and positioning of actors within a scene to align with the camera and lighting setup.
- Subtlety: Small, natural gestures and expressions that make a performance feel authentic and believable.
- Scene Partner: The actor you share a scene with, whose performance you must actively listen to and respond to.
- In Character: Staying mentally and emotionally connected to your role from “action” to “cut,” even when not speaking.
5 Acting Tips You Can Apply Right Now
If you're serious about improving your on-camera performance, here are some things you can do right now to sharpen your craft and stand out in your next role.
STEP 01: Record Yourself – I can’t stress this enough. Record a scene and watch it back. You’ll be surprised how much you blink or move around without realizing it. Seeing yourself on camera helps you catch and fix those habits fast.
STEP 02: Train Your Eyeline – Either grab a friend or stand in front of a mirror and practice delivering your lines without breaking eye contact. Get used to holding that focus—it makes you look more powerful and in control on camera.
STEP 03: Master the Freeze – Rehearse delivering a line, then immediately stop all movement like you’re sticking a landing. Trust me, this will save you from fidgeting and looking amateur when the camera is rolling.
STEP 04: React Like It’s Real – A lot of actors forget this. Acting isn’t just about your lines—it’s about your reactions. Find a partner, let them run lines, and focus on reacting authentically, like you would in real life. Even when you’re not speaking, you’re still acting!
STEP 05: Hit Your Mark Like a Pro – Rehearse walking into a scene and hitting your mark. Start by walking backward from your spot to time your steps. This will help you nail it every time, keeping you in focus and perfectly framed.
These steps are simple but powerful adjustments that can take your acting to the next level!
Star In Your Own Movie
Ready to take your skills to the next level and star in your own movie?
Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing, and there’s no better way to gain real experience than by creating your own film.
With the Backyard Blockbuster Blueprint, you’ll learn how to produce a professional-quality feature on a micro-budget—without waiting years to raise millions.
Don’t wait for someone else to hand you a role—start making your own opportunities today!
