Why Micro Expressions Should Be in Every On-Camera Actor's Emotion Toolbox...

If you walk into your next audition and they asked you to go through a series of very small reactions of determination, sadness, concern, determination or even fear, would you know exactly how to create and express them?

Maybe you've been out on an audition like this. How'd you do? 

If you understand emotions and how they are expressed, you're probably smiling, because you know that this is exactly the type of audition you nail. If you don’t, then you are more than likely throwing you're hands up in the air in frustration. 

Sometimes the reactions they are asking for can be so small you barely recognize them as emotions, but they are. These brief emotional releases are known as micro expressions and every actor should have them in their emotional toolbox. 

 “Micro-expressions” are fleeting emotional facial expressions that last between 1/25th and 1/15th of a second. They occur when a person consciously or unconsciously is attempting to cover up a real emotion they are experiencing. 

For on-camera actors, micro expressions can be seen as “emotional leakage”. They are much too quick and subtle for stage work, however, if done correctly, can bring color and an added dimension to your audition and performance. 

For an example of what I’m talking about, take a look at this very cool Jaguar commercial to see how advertising is now using micro expressions to sell products.

It's an excellent example of an upscale brand understanding how to speak to their professional target with a real new, interesting, yet educational message.  Ad-execs, directors, casting, are all counting on actors to have the skill to express the most subtle expressions of emotion.

The message here is simple. Everyday you are seeing audition notices asking for the actor to have the ability to be good with subtle facial expressions. If you have the skill to reveal real and recognizable emotions from the most subtle to the extreme, you’ve got a shot at booking a spot like the one you will see below.

Let me know your thoughts...

To Check out other reactions you should have in your toolbox, check out my last blog.