I was advised 'never look at a camera, and don't make faces' - does that advice still hold true?

The advisor was the TV director father of 2 famous screen actors, teaching a class at drama school.


I've just watched the Christmas 'Doctor Who', and thought Dervla Kirwan acted everybody else off the screen.I was advised 'never look at a camera, and don't make faces' - does that advice still hold true?
As a rule of thumb, never look into the camera unless told to do so. Facial expressions should only be done if the nature of the scene requires it.





While it may appear that some actors/actresses are looking into the camera, they are often looking just above the camera line, focusing on a point behind the camera.I was advised 'never look at a camera, and don't make faces' - does that advice still hold true?
well i agree with one of the answerer ( the actor one). don't look directly into the camera. just the focus point above the camera.





and what did you mean Dervla Kirwan acted every body else off the screen? Was that a criticism or compliment? Mind my ignorance.. :X
ever tried the hell of wedding photos without looking at the camera? Yes it was great and lovely but about halfway through the posed photos my smile became a painful grimace and it shows.
it depends when you go into an audition ask the casting director.


odds are she will have already told you who to act to, so it all depends!
Yes, especially in your case.