What is a Feature in Acting?

What is a Feature in Acting?

In acting, the term “feature” can refer to different aspects depending on the context, but it generally has two main meanings: one relating to the physical appearance of an actor and the other referring to a type of film or performance. Both definitions are integral to the industry and influence how an actor is cast and perceived. Whether focusing on facial features or distinguishing between types of projects, understanding what a feature means in acting is essential for both performers and industry professionals.

1. Physical Features of an Actor

In the context of an actor’s appearance, the term “feature” typically refers to the distinct physical characteristics of their face or body that help define their look. These features include:

• Facial Features: The shape and structure of an actor’s eyes, nose, lips, cheekbones, and jawline. These features often play a role in casting, as certain roles may require actors with specific facial characteristics to embody a character’s personality or age. For example, a character might be described as having a “strong jawline” or “piercing eyes” to convey power or intensity.
• Expressions and Movement: Beyond static facial features, an actor’s ability to convey emotions and story through their expressions is also considered a crucial “feature” in acting. This includes how an actor uses their face and body to show a range of feelings, such as joy, anger, sadness, or surprise. The subtleties of expression can greatly enhance a performance and make a character feel more alive and real.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: Sometimes, actors may have specific physical traits that make them stand out or become associated with particular types of roles. For example, a character may need to have a particular ethnic background, body type, or even a physical disability that the actor’s appearance can fulfill. These features can contribute to an actor being typecast in certain genres or roles.

Actors are often asked to emphasize or downplay certain features for casting, based on what best suits the role. This might involve makeup, costumes, or even physical training to alter their appearance. A good example is an actor who undergoes physical transformation (such as weight gain or loss, or prosthetics) to better suit a character’s needs.

2. A Feature Film

In another context, the term “feature” is often used to refer to a feature film, which is a full-length film typically running for more than 60 minutes, with most mainstream films falling between 90 to 180 minutes. In this case, “feature” refers to the size and scope of the project rather than the specifics of an actor’s appearance or physical traits.

A feature film is a major film production that represents the primary form of cinema. It contrasts with shorter projects, such as:

• Short Films: Films that usually last for less than 40 minutes. Short films are often used for experimentation, education, or as promotional tools for larger projects.
• Documentaries: Non-fiction films that explore real-life subjects, often with a focus on education or activism.

A feature film is often the pinnacle of many actors’ careers and is where most actors work for visibility and recognition. Being cast in a feature film means an actor is likely to have a substantial role in the story and participate in a larger-scale production. These films require extensive collaboration from a large cast and crew and typically involve higher budgets, multiple locations, and longer production schedules.

3. A Featured Role in Acting

In the context of performance and casting, the term “featured” can also refer to a featured role in a production, which is a position that stands out but is not the lead. These roles can still be crucial to the narrative but don’t necessarily drive the story. A featured role is often a supporting part that helps define or shape the main character’s journey.

For example, in a television series, a featured actor may play a secondary character who appears in several episodes, possibly working alongside the lead but not taking center stage. In the film industry, featured roles can be prominent supporting characters who contribute significantly to the plot but do not have the main focus of the story.

4. Importance of Features in Acting and Casting

Both an actor’s physical features and the role they play in a feature film can significantly affect their career. Let’s explore a few ways in which features impact acting and casting decisions:

1. Typecasting:
   Physical features often contribute to typecasting, which is when an actor is repeatedly cast in the same type of role based on their look or characteristics. For instance, an actor with a youthful appearance might be cast in roles for teenagers or young adults, while someone with a more mature or rugged look may be cast as an authority figure or mentor. Understanding how features influence casting can help actors choose roles that fit their physical traits, or challenge expectations by seeking out diverse and unconventional characters.
2. Building a Character:
   An actor’s physical features can play a role in how they build a character. These characteristics are often taken into account by directors and costume designers who create a look for the actor that enhances the character’s personality and the story. For instance, an actor’s unique facial features can help define a character’s age, background, or emotional depth. Sometimes, actors may undergo significant changes to their physical features to better align with a character’s persona, as seen with actors who wear prosthetics, special makeup, or even change their hairstyle or posture to embody a role fully.
3. Audience Perception:
   Audiences may also form opinions about actors based on their appearance, as physical features can influence how a character is perceived. A character’s face, gestures, and body language can convey information about their personality or emotional state, which is why eye movements, a furrowed brow, or a slight smile can make a significant difference in how a character connects with the audience.
4. Diverse Casting:
   In the entertainment industry, there has been a push for more diverse representation in both casting and storytelling. This means actors with all types of features, from race to body type, are being considered for a wider range of roles. This shift is creating more opportunities for actors who may not have fit traditional “Hollywood” standards but bring something unique to the table.

Conclusion

In acting, the term “feature” can have multiple meanings, from referring to an actor’s physical traits to describing a full-length film or a featured role in a production. An actor’s facial features, body language, and expressions are integral to their performance, helping to shape the characters they portray and the stories they tell. At the same time, being part of a feature film is often a key milestone in an actor’s career, as it provides the opportunity to be seen by a larger audience and work in a larger, more complex production. Whether on screen or on stage, the combination of physical features and featured roles is what helps actors bring their characters to life and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the entertainment industry.

Acting Magazine Newsletters

Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.

Sign me up for the newsletter!