VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Rob Ellis]

...I've noticed that I seem to get a better read if I memorize the script

and then record, without looking at the script.

Anyone else ever try this?

It's an approach that would seem to be workable with short, :30-second gigs, but maybe not so much with long-form projects.

Just wondering if anyone else has ever played with this approach...

[imaginator]

sometimes i do this with the opening line, or a phrase i'm having particular trouble getting to sound right.

if doing the whole script works for you, that's great. i'm afraid if i tried it, i might memorize my own rhythms and emphasis so well it would be harder for me to take direction if the client wanted something else.

still...sounds like it has a lot of value...like those who take off their headphones to get a less affected read.

most interesting.
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[Diane Havens]

Yep. I do it often. Even when it's long form narration, I'll memorize whole passages sometimes, if I have the time. It always sounds more natural.
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[Frank F]

I do not have time to memorize scripts. Several projects a day keeps me busy and often the script is sent to me moments before we are to record.

I guess coming from radio I learned how to "rip-n-read" and make the script feel like I knew my subject well.

Everyone has their own style. Whatever floats your boat, so to speak, is a good thing.

Toodles

F2
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[ccpetersen]

We've always sent a script in advance for long-form reads -- mostly this is so the person we've hired can look it over and if he/she wants to memorize, that's fine, although it's not necessary.

For my acting classes we've been required to be "off book" for final scenes, etc., and I've found this talent useful in doing some of my own reads for projects.
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Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Bruce]

It can be a great help. When I run into a tough sentence (awkward combination of words) I often memorize it and make it my own and that seems to do the trick.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[Rob Ellis]

Yeah, I'm just always looking for a way to be more conversational.

I too had plenty of rip n read experience in radio, but still can easily fall into kind of an announcer lockstep when staring at the page, and the few times I've tried memorizing a short script instead of reading, can hear a definite difference.

But again, not sure how practical it is.

Maybe looking at the line, then away from the page to speak it, then back to the page, look away and speak the next line, etc.

[TC]

It's especially helpful when there are other actors in the studio with you. You'll get better performances out of actors who make eye contact rather than keeping their faces buried in their copy. It's not always possible and certainly not essential, but it helps when it can be done.

[Rob Ellis]

I gotta say I tried this again today and can hear a real difference.

For me, makes it less "ready".

As a variation, I am experimenting with glancing at the script and then looking away when speaking.

Any other thoughts on this approach are greatly encouraged.

[ccpetersen]

This isn't exactly on point with looking away from the script, but you might pick up a book called "How to Stop Acting" by Harold Guskin. He describes a technique of "taking it off the page" that I have modified to use with some of the work I'm doing for documentary scripts. Worth a try.
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Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420

[Eddie Eagle]

It does help you personalize the script.

[Bailey]