Rule of Thumb: Looking Away on Camera
One of the subtleties of acting on camera lies in managing your gaze. As Brian Cutler explains, looking off-screen without a purpose can send the wrong message to the audience. “What it looks like from the audience’s point of view is that you’ve forgotten your line, so you’re looking up in your head to find the next line.”
The rule of thumb is simple yet critical: “If we’re not going to cut away to look at what you’re looking at, you can’t look at it.” This principle ensures your performance remains focused and believable. If the camera isn’t going to pan or cut to reveal what’s caught your attention, looking away can create unnecessary confusion or distraction for viewers.
Natural movements, like glancing down briefly or breaking eye contact slightly past your scene partner, are acceptable and can add authenticity. But as Brian emphasizes, “I never roll my eyes up in my head.” Maintaining intentionality with your gaze is key to keeping the audience engaged and connected to your performance.
By mastering this technique, actors can enhance the clarity and impact of their on-camera presence, ensuring that every choice feels deliberate and true to the scene.
