What is the main difference when preparing for a role in film as opposed to a role in a theater play?

Ela: In most cases, I would say that the main difference is the amount of time you have. The relationship with the character in film is a short, intense and engaging adventure. If you are not careful and prepared, you’ve missed the meeting. In theater you have time for exploration, to get familiar with it, and let things rest. With the theater character you argue, reconcile, negotiate. It’s kind of a marriage.

Valeriu: For film, about 80% of the role you’re preparing at home (I’m not talking only about the text). You got the necessary information in the screenplay, you spoke with the director, found out who your partners will be, and you get down to work. You come on the set just for shootings. In theater, the normal process happens the other way around – you discover the character together with the director and stage partners during rehearsals, at home you just learn the text. There are many differences, we will try to talk about them within the masterclass.

Tell us what was the role in a film that brought you the biggest challenges and all sorts of difficulties?

Ela: It depends on how you define challenges and difficulties. I tire out a lot on all projects, but I think that’s part of the charm. I like living the challenge. As an emotional intensity, I would mention the role of Eva in The Very Last Morning, directed by Ciprian Mega. As a different approach, which has completely changed my way of relating to the process of building a character, the role I played in My Life Rehearsed in One Leg, directed by Bogdan Mustaţă.

Valeriu: I like film, that’s why I accept almost every challenge coming from this area (from student films to bizarre experiments). Until now, for me, the greatest challenge remains the Priest in Beyond the Hills, a role I have built and lived for more than ten months. And Simion in Love I Dog, directed by Florin Şerban, was a challenge that came with some hassle on the side. Besides the geo-climatic conditions, I had to take on the actor-dog tandem and it was not easy at all. Simion remains one of the characters who have stuck to my soul.

A theatrical performance you would like to see turned into a feature film?

Ela: Any good story can be said both through theatre and film. The language is different, but the communication function remains the same.

Valeriu: If you mean a theatre play, I actually have something like that in my drawers. There are many examples of theater plays that have been adapted into successful films. Theater show transformed into film – no, almost categorically. Each has its own different magic.

The shortest and simplest advice you would give someone who works in theater and would like to try film as well?

Ela: Keep the truth, adapt the instruments.

Valeriu: My journey to film happened through theater. So – it’s possible.

You both have experience in both areas: theater and film. I can not help asking you now, at the end: if you should choose only one of the two – theater or film – for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Ela: Impossible to answer this question. I’m just as in love with both of them. Moreover, as an independent actress, I managed, at least until now, to make them live together in harmony.

Valeriu: I actually happened to imagine how I leave the house in the morning, and there are two vans standing in front of the building. On one of them is written Theater, and on the other, Film. However, it’s good that in reality we don’t have to choose so categorically. Anyway, I’ve immersed myself in film almost entirely, and I don’t regret it at all.

What are you going to talk about at “Masterclass # 7: How is acting for screen different from acting for stage?” ? What to expect?

Ela: First of all, I think it’s a very necessary discussion since in our acting schools the focus is mainly on theatre. You’re kind of forced to learn about film acting on the move, while you do it, if you’re lucky enough to do it. You learn by trying and making mistakes. I don’t believe in universal recipes, but surely information helps you to be more prepared and fail less. So I think you should expect a sincere discussion about first-hand errors and achievements.

Valeriu: A few years ago, I wanted to pursue a PhD exactly on this topic, but the teacher to whom I proposed the theme has told me that “the thesis can not be done on the basis of personal experiences and observations”, so I abandoned the idea. Coincidentally or not, after four years, here comes this proposal for a masterclass. This time, I will speak only of my own observations and experiences.

The Student Hub Masterclass with Ela Ionescu and Valeriu Andriuță will take place on 27th of May at Point. Participation is free of charge and you can still apply here. More information about the event can be found here.

Romina Banu

Photographer and editor; she co-founded Dissolved Magazine together with Melissa. For Films in Frame she gathers film and TV series recommendations for lazy weekends and she writes about interesting projects from the film industry. Other than that, she likes traveling, chilling with her cats and sleeping.