Almost one year to the day of the “Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Next Time” I achieved my goal and was hired to direct a pilot for Disney XD called “Kickin It.”  The pilot was picked up for 21 episodes and we start in January 2011.  On the first day of rehearsal I gave the cast a list of guidlines that would prove very helpful for the shoot and show.  Here is that list. 

“Kickin It Rules to Comedy”

Helpful Guidelines on how to work on set

By

Eric Dean Seaton

1) Enjoy this experience and acting with all your heart and soul.

2) It’s okay to have a bad day, bad take, and bad moment.  We can always try again.  Things will always get better.

3) It’s okay to be afraid but not okay to not try.

4) Try first!!!!

5) After you try, don’t be afraid to question anything.

6) Know what your character wants.

7) Don’t pass judgment on your character.

8 ) Don’t forget the moment before.

9) Project your voice!  Don’t whisper unless it says whisper and even then we have to hear you.

10) Get the answer to your question.  Don’t quit or give up.

11) Believe in what we are doing and know we will get there by the end of the week.

12) Hold for laughs!!!

13) Don’t stop a scene until you hear cut.  If you are out of lines, stay in character, create something funny, say or do what you think would happen next.  Sometimes the best blow (end to a scene) is what the actor comes up with.

14) Learn Up Stage vs. Down Stage.  Camera Right vs. Stage Right

15) Stay open to cameras.

16) Safety first.  We don’t need heroes.  We need actors!!!!

17) Emphasize words that are underlined, bold or in italics. It’s that way for a reason.

18) Don’t rush through your words.  Everyone needs to understand you.

19) Have fun on set.  Get to know people.

20) Say good morning to the crew.  TV is a family.  The crew responds to open people and wants to work hard with you to make the best show possible.

21) You are the leaders.  When it goes to series learn everyone’s name.  Find out what they do.  Take interest in people and they will take an interest in you.

22) Always have a crew list and important numbers with you or with your parents or guardians.

23 Don’t be afraid to ask your Director anything.  He/She should have the answer and if they don’t they will find out.

24) Hold your script at all times.  Writers need to hear the words.  Even in a Run-thru.  We don’t need you to be off book until we shoot.

25) Prepare your script!!!  All your lines must be highlighted. Everyday!!!  No exceptions.

26) Wrinkle the bottom corner of your script so it’s easy to turn the pages.  If this does not make sense I will show you how to do it onstage.

27) This should be one of the best times of your life.  Enjoy it because… IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING!!!!