What is a “Mark”?

By Webmaster

  • What is a “Mark”?

    Marks are particularly useful in filming. They are also a valuable aid for on-camera auditions.

    (by Tonya Tannenbaum)
    A “mark” is just as the name implies. It is a marker that lets the actor know where he or she is to position themselves during certain parts of a scene. Marks are also useful during on-camera auditions.

    Breaking Down “Marks”

    Marks are particularly useful in filming, since an actor needs to be in an exact place for the camera to have a proper frame. Imagine how terrible a scene would be if the actors were too close to the camera, too far away or way-off to the side of the camera when delivering important, dramatic lines. It would throw the scene completely off and distract the viewer from what the actor is saying.

    Marks ensure this does not happen.

  • When filming indoors, a mark is usually a piece of colorful gaffer tape placed on the floor. It is carefully positioned out of the camera’s view, so as not to be seen by the audience. When filming outdoors, a mark can be anything. It might be a piece of tape, a plastic bottle, a stick or a rock; anything that the viewer would not easily recognize as being unnatural to the scene.

    Marks at an Audition

    Marks are also a valuable aid for on-camera auditions. Marks are set up to ensure that an actor’s image is properly captured on camera while slating and during the audition. In an imaginary world where marks do not exist, actors would come into an audition room and stand anywhere. The camera would have to be adjusted with each audition, wasting valuable. And, if the camera is not adjusted, each actor’s audition would show up differently on camera.

    Marks ensure this does not happen at a live audition. Each actor comes into the audition and stands at a preset mark, so that only slight adjustments need to be made to the camera with each audition.

  • Learning the Industry Lingo

    There are several popular phrases used in the entertainment industry, when it comes to “marks”. Below are a few:

    “On your marks, please” or “Get on your marks” 
    A director might use the phrase, “On Your Marks”, when speaking to actors. This means it is time for actors to line up in their designated spots, in proper position for the camera, before filming begins.

    At an on-camera audition, a casting director or session director will usually ask actors to “get on your marks” before an audition. In this case, actors position themselves for the purpose of slating their names to the camera before beginning their auditions.

    “Hitting your mark” or “Landing on your mark”
    The phrase, “hitting your mark” or “landing on your mark”, means that the actor, when moving, must land at an exact spot or “mark” when delivering their lines. Not “hitting your mark” could throw filming off completely, including camera framing, lighting, editing and even the sound quality.

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________
    Related:
    What is “Slating”?
    What are “Sides”?
    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What is the Meisner Door Exercise?

    What is the Meisner Door Exercise? This exercise is a practical and powerful tool for actors (By Tia McMullen) (Photo: Pixabay/Pexels) The Meisner technique, created by American actor and acting teacher Sanford Meisner,…

    Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?”

    Question: Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?” (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ben Collins | Pexels) The phrase “And, scene!” is a common expression used by actors, directors, and performers across various forms of…

    What Are the 4 C’s of Acting?

    What Are the 4 C’s of Acting? Mastering these four elements can help you build a lasting career (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) There are a set of core principles that…

    What Is the Meisner Object Exercise?

    What Is the Meisner Object Exercise? The Meisner Object Exercise is a powerful tool in an actor’s toolkit (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) The Meisner technique, developed by renowned acting…

    What is the Best Casting Website?

    What is the Best Casting Website? Each platform has its strengths and considerations (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Yan Krukau | Pexels) Casting websites are essential tools for actors seeking roles in film, television,…

  • Ad

  • What is an Actor Website?

    What is an Actor Website? Breaking down the key components of an actor website (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Jopwell | Pexels) An actor website serves as a personal online portfolio that showcases an…

    What is a Self-Tape Audition?

    What is a Self-Tape Audition? Everything you need to know (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Mart Production | Pexels) A self-tape audition is a way for actors to audition for roles without being physically…

    What is a Virtual Audition?

    What is a Virtual Audition? Everything you ever want to know about Zoom and virtual auditions (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Visuals/Unsplash) At its core, a virtual audition is a casting process conducted remotely…

  • Ad

  • What is the Meisner Technique?

    What is the Meisner Technique? The ultimate guide to Meisner (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Sanford Meisner (1905–1997) was an influential American actor and acting teacher, best known for developing the…

    What is a Fi-Core Actor?

    What is a Fi-Core Actor? Everything you need to know about Financial Core (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Teja J | Pexels) A Fi-Core Actor, also known as a “financial core actor,” refers to…

    What is a Non-Union Actor?

    What is a Non-Union Actor? Everything you need to know (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Hannah Nelson | Pexels) A non-union actor is an actor who is not a member of a labor union…

    What is Stage Kissing?

    What is Stage Kissing? Everything you ever wanted to know about kissing for the camera (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Vera Arsic | Pexels) Stage kissing, also known as fake kissing or simulated intimacy,…

    What is a Callback Audition?

    What is a Callback Audition? A step-by-step guide to callbacks (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) A callback audition, also known as a recall audition, is a follow-up audition that occurs…

  • Ad

  • What are “Sides” in Acting?

    What are “Sides” in Acting? A definitive guide to audition sides (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Audition sides are portions of a script that are selected by casting directors or producers for actors to perform…

    What is an Understudy?

    What is an Understudy? The unsung heroes of the theater world (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) An understudy is essentially a backup performer who is ready to step into a specific…

    What Defines an A-List Actor?

    What Defines an A-List Actor? Decoding A-List Status (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The term “A-List actor” is frequently used to denote the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. But what exactly places…

  • Ad

  • What is Scale?

    Understanding the Scale Decoding Acting Salaries in the Entertainment Industry (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) In the intricate world of acting, compensation is often discussed in terms of “scale.” This…

    What is a Meal Penalty?

    What is a Meal Penalty? The specifics of meal penalties can vary, but here are some common elements (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Lukas | Pexels) A meal penalty in acting refers to a…

    What is the Entertainment Community Fund?

    What is the Entertainment Community Fund? The Entertainment Community Fund provides help in various forms (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Monstera Production | Pexels) The Entertainment Community Fund, for the Actors Fund, is a…

    What is Method Acting?

    What is Method Acting? Exploring the World of Method Acting: Techniques and Principles (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Genarlo Servin/Pexels) Method acting is a renowned and influential approach to acting that has produced some…

    What is Craft Service?

    What is Craft Service? Exploring the Role of Craft Services in the Entertainment Industry (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Craig Adderley | Pexels) In the fast-paced world of filmmaking and entertainment production, ensuring that…

  • Ad