09/23/2025
09.09.25
“The Pitt” Director Amanda Marsalis Unpacks the Art of Crafting Raw Emotion and Visual Flair
On her process for getting the emotion she needs when directing a scene.
That is very actor dependent, right? All actors need different things, and it’s your job as a director to pay attention. Like, this actor likes to chitchat about their personal life in between takes. Or this actor likes to be quiet in a corner. This one likes a lot of notes and affirmations. Sometimes an actor just wants a technical note. It is about reading the room and having an instinct and a sense. I think that’s just something that you get from experience. The more you do it, the more you know.
I’m such a better director now than I was five years ago. And that’s also [because of] generous actors like Laura Linney. Laura once was like, “You cut too soon.” And I was like, “Got it. Will never happen again.” She’s like, “Just, let it breathe.” And now I’ll let an actor leave a scene before I cut a scene." Director Amanda Marsalis
🎥📽🎞 Hey y'all! I read this article on line from SUNDANCE. I love the insight Amanda gave in her directing experience. As a thespian this article was helpful in understanding how the production team you are working for needs you as much as you need them. Understand? Thanks,