Written by Kamal L. Wyatt
Out of all the archives reviewed and books read, one can only find hints to what takes place during a big budget table read. Even I found it very difficult to write this as there is not much revealed on such a highly secretive topic. Hollywood makes us imagine table reads are always in a conference room environment with pounds of coffee, finger pastries and completed scripts. But is it really like that today? Does Hollywood only show us a traditional version of the table read? TV Shows like 30 Rock and Entourage known for scripting the behind the scenes table reading moments in their episodes, but again, is it really done that way, and if it is, does it have to be? Well, we’re going to ask the question now, “What are some advantages to having your table read AWAY from the table?”
Traditionally table reads are considered creative meetings, sitting down on a hard back chair with a pen, notepad and script, it was designed to be serious and selfishly important. Actors had one goal in mind when attending – to make sure their character receives the best results. However, some film studios including Edgewood Ent noticed, as soon as they changed it from the cold office room, into something more comfortable and casual, the egos were left outside, thus creating a well built collaborative.
– Ideas For Your Next Read –
Idea One: Instead of booking a cold office room try obtaining a house, something comfy, inviting and safe. Keep the air temperature perfect, provide ambient lighting, even a bit intentional. A home where the restrooms are perhaps not in the same room as the read but also not so far away like in most offices or sound stage where a person will need to travel around a maze just to find a place to freshen up. Make sure that actors know and understand they can make themselves at home. It maintains to be a good idea to record the read-through to review later, a home will give you plenty of space to move around with recording equipment, cords and cables.
Idea Two: Instead of using the dining room table, go ahead and have everyone read in the living room. Ideally a decent size living room with several couches, sofas and love seats. Professional actors know this is not nap time. Arranged this way, actors can make good eye contact with each other while rehearsing their lines. When scenes are intense, the couch can help enhance the intensity. Actors are able to stand up rapidly and sit at the edge of their seat easily. Also, when the scenes are relaxed the sofa is ideal for the director to notice small often subtle body language ques, as well as hearing the line’s rhythm and tone. And, as an added bonus, lets say for example parts of your script takes place at “exterior front lawn”, or “interior kitchen”, you now have the option to rehearse it there.
There are many more but will close with one last idea, Food! Who wants to be in a meeting all day snacking on pretzels and coffee? Exactly, no one! When you’re in a home, might as well have a home cooked meal, right? So visit that one relative who loves to cook and could provide your cast with aluminum trays of delicious home cooked taco meats, guacamole and tortilla chips as opposed to just ordering pizza and sandwiches. Stock the fridge with some cold drinks and have plenty of plasticware, napkins and plates. From what I’ve witnessed no one is ever shy to dig in, and that one perfect shaped super model actress that normally only orders a salad, will break her rule just once for a plate or two.
