How to Direct Nervous or Non-Professional Talent
Not every shoot will come with seasoned actors.
Sometimes it’s a client who’s never been in front of a camera.
Sometimes it’s someone sharing their testimony.
Sometimes it’s just a regular person with a powerful story.
And when they’re nervous—or not “camera trained”—it’s on you to carry the atmosphere.
Not by faking it.
Not by pushing harder.
But by creating enough safety for real presence to show up.
Here’s how we approach it at Fragrant Film.
1. Make the Room Feel Human First
Before they ever act or speak, people are sensing the environment.
So create one that feels safe, not sacred.
Say hello. Ask how they’re doing.
Give them water. Offer a seat.
Let them breathe before you start blocking or briefing.
You’re not just managing talent. You’re hosting people.
And their body will only open up in a space that feels warm.
2. Speak in Human Language—Not Film Lingo
Telling someone to “hit their mark” or “cheat toward camera” can immediately make them feel like they’re doing something wrong.
Instead:
“You can just stand right here.”
“I’ll let you know when we’re rolling—just keep doing what you’re doing.”
“If you mess up, no pressure—we’ll reset.”
Meet them where they are. Let the language match.
3. Don’t Over-Explain. Just Guide
If you give a nervous person too much to think about, you’ll get a wooden performance.
What they need is permission—not perfection.
Say things like:
“Just be yourself. We’ll take care of the rest.”
“You don’t have to try to ‘get it right.’ Just say it how you would normally say it.”
“Let’s go again, but this time, don’t worry about the camera at all.”
One shift in tone from you can unlock something real in them.
4. Make It Okay to Mess Up
Mistakes are where trust builds—if you let them be okay.
If they fumble a line, laugh with them. If they freeze, pause and reset.
The win isn’t a perfect take.
The win is helping them feel seen and supported.
The more relaxed they feel, the more natural the performance.
5. Look for Emotion, Not Performance
Non-professionals may not know how to “act,” but they know how to feel.
Instead of coaching delivery, guide their focus.
Say things like:
“When you talk about your mom—can you think of her while you say it?”
“Don’t worry about the words—what do you want people to feel when they hear this?”
You’re not shaping a show.
You’re shaping access to something real.
Final Thought
At Fragrant Film, we believe directing isn’t about control—it’s about creating a container.
One that holds emotion, presence, story, and sometimes even the Holy Spirit.
You don’t need perfect actors to make a beautiful film.
You need a heart that honors the person in front of you.
And a posture that says: You’re safe here. You’re doing great. I’ve got you.
Because sometimes, the most powerful performances?
Come from people who’ve never been on camera before—
but were brave enough to show up as themselves.
And brave directors helped them do it.
