Focus on Acting 1 - 'Other' (Acting Tips)

[JennaaMallonnn]

My biggest problem probably is believing in myself. I believe that I could be molded into a great actor, but I haven't had much experience! How do I know if I will ever be able to act? How do I know if i'm any good?

[lissanbrown]

@JennaaMallonnn well the best thing is to try acting and you will see if  you are good at it good luck

[daxeboy9]

Hey Robert, i'm currently in a Meisner technique class in it's 5th week of 14 wk course! I am amazed at the world of difference I see now than before! i really don''t know what i would call my early work, I guess drek compared to this technique. I will be purchasing your digital downnload today and othe rpointers i've taken 3 classes bfeore but nothing like this!

[deprosun]

Is being able to connect with a character and getting influenced by it a good thing? I am not an actor but i do want to act and all my friends say that i am really good at making people laugh and portraying a character (often in a comical way). I have made a couple of auditions to my self and i tend judge myself a lot, eventually telling me that i should quit. But on the other hand, my friends think i did pretty good. Basically how do i know if i can act? Am i looking at the right career?

[homeactingcourse]

@deprosun

Hi, thanks for the question. The only question I feel you should be asking is, "do I want to act?" It doesn't matter if your friends think you are good at it, it only matters what you want to do. If you really want to do it, go take some classes and launch yourself into it. You will learn, you will get better. Firget about whether you have 'talent' or not, I have taught many students who are not hugely naturally 'talented' but through sheer work are now awesome actors. Your call. :)

[Paul11111989]

Thank you, I think I've heard a few ideas that may help me!

[homeactingcourse]

@eddieschod . Hi eddieschod. Have fun engaging in what you are doing. I can't stress how important it is to have fun!

[SociallyRetardedChic]

do u hav any tips for acting in the "moment?"

[homeactingcourse]

@SociallyRetardedChic In the moment is central to great acting. This video on "Other" & my video on "Line Memorization" offer two key elements to keep you in the moment. If you honestly connect with your "Other" & are not tied to any specific line reading or behavior, then you are free to live each moment as it presents. Have fun & remember, the scene is defined after it runs, if you try to recreate an idea of what you think the scene is about this will prevent you from being in the moment.

[MegaDreamer88]

GREAT STUFF!!

[rrutter24]

I have to say i enjoy these videos but can you give some tips about how to find legitimate agents and auditions and what you should have ready for both

[mrfrenik]

Great advise, and it's interesting how all of this notion of honesty applies to ALL areas of art.

[famous1779]

thank you

[homeactingcourse]

@msgt33 Hi, I don't have the space to go fully into it here. However, here is an exercise that will start freeing you up emotionally. Watch an emotive movie alone. scary, sad, suspense. Something that evokes. As you watch it have your arms by your side & be totally open. Don't cross legs or arms or anything, be open. Make certain that you don't hold your breath at any time, keep consciously breathing esp' through heighten emotional scenes. Get this right and your emotions will flow more easily.

[campru1]

brilliant advice thanks

[bunbundam]

GREAT ADVICE!!!!

[TommyTarneski]

Hi. I have a quistion. I been teaching my self to act for about three years now and lately i been thinking that it is better to act with you're eyes and voice other than using you're eye brows a lot. What do you think of this?

[Sclunger]

@TommyTarneski Just do what comes naturally to you. Don't plan reactions ahead. Always let the reactions come to you from the 'other'.

[homeactingcourse]

@Sclunger :) Exactly!

[homeactingcourse]

@TommyTarneski Hi, acting is about your whole body. There are certainly 'eyebrow' actors and it isn't a good look. :) Don't focus on any specific areas, particularly not your eyebrows, but instead connect with your 'other' and 'truthfully' respond to what you are getting. Most of the time getting this 'right' will see you appearing to act more with your eyes. This is because you aren't 'acting', simply being present, reacting and interacting off what you are getting in the moment.

[TommyTarneski]

ok,thankyou:)

[Reelalitybytes]

I have a question. What if I, as an actor, am reacting to the "other" in my own idiosyncratic way, BUT it is NOT appropriate to the scene / character etc...?

[homeactingcourse]

You will be acting 'truthfully' but inappropriately. Your own idiosyncrasies have developed as a result of evolving through your historical environment. We all protect ourselves from similar 'intrusions' however the manifestation of these 'protective' idiosyncrasies differs as a result of our unique past. A trick to character is to be able to identify your own idiosyncrasies and the underlying 'feeling', then use this as a truthful base upon which to channel the behavior of another character.

[TheHolmesFactor]

Thankyou for the great tips! You should make some more videos! (:

Thanks again!

[spadge321]

all these examples are external stimuli ,,

what about the internal ? ?

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, thanks for the question. The internal works the same way. When something comes into your consciousness it becomes an "Other". Eg, you may suddenly remember it is your mother's birthday. The resulting emotion is from connecting with this thought. Or... maybe you get a stomach ache. You will have a response to this "other" and connect with it. In these short 'tips' there isn't time to go into a lot of detail. If you have any specific situations in mind I am happy to answer your questions.

[mollibenson]

Hi Robert.

Thank-you for the comment on my video "No age in Acting".

Watched all your videos and think you have done a great job!

Molli Benson

[mollibenson]

Hi,

As an acting coach for 38 years, I often go to the web to see what other coaches are coaching and what their style is. I have to say, I loved what you said and feel that you are coaching in a way that truly will help actors understand and learn.

When you get time, please check out some videos I made. (On my facebook) Love to hear your thoughts.

Molli Benson

[SeliendaSmiles]

I'm Sexy just like you<333 I hope you check out my videos!!

Do you see potential?

~SeliendaSmiles~

[xMkJxlove]

that was really helpful!!!! thank you!!

[homeactingcourse]

Thanks darkfool99 for your words, I'm glad it's helping! All the best.

[LesiureBoy]

Robert, you're awesome my man. I can't stress how right you are. Brilliant! Alan Alda and Morgan Freeman say that the key to acting simply is, listening, nothing more, nothing less, pretty much what you had explained in your video. Thank you so very much for this amazing video. You ROCK!

[GypsyTianna]

Thank You! It Kinda Helped Me Lol

I Really Understand Now! It Refreshed My Mind Lol

[xicw]

I can't afford and don't have many professionals in my area, but someone can begin to be pretty good if they got that "it" and even by watching well acted films, right?

[VanZarko]

@xicw

I dont have many proffessionals near my area either. I'm taking some acting classes but the place is 2 hours away, but I do it. The thing is that the classes I'm taking are not as good as I expected them to be. The teacher repeats too much the same things and I've learned some thing or too but now she's just repeating the same things. Hopefully I'm going away from my hometown for a week to participate in a acting summer camp.

[xicw]

I want to act one day in the future, and all my life I've had this loss of boundaries with the other, even been blamed I take on others behaviour moods, now I am more on top of it, but definitelly THIS is art, what you describe. I have a personality as well but I DO this you described too! In fact even as a child I wasn't a show-off then, but I would ALWAYS just feel I was wearing the others face and personality, sounds weird, but it's true!

[xicw]

this is really great, thank you for your generosity of sharing this for free, it is especially precious for who can't afford so many classes! anyway, this for example made me feel better...

[CrasyCameraPro]

i agree all the other ''acting tips'' is just about stuff like getting famous and going to auditions not about actual acting.

this was realy good

[mahoganni2003]

Out of most of the videos shared on 'acting techniques'. I totally resignate well with your concept and approach to acting. Thanks!

[little1intheuk]

@mahoganni2003 I agree 100%.A simple tip that goes a long way.

[pixelated111]

how do i actually get in the ''zone'' to connect with the other? or get get immersed in my role and believe i truly am that role.

because my mind often keeps thinking, ''oh how do i make it believable, oh im not acting correctly..'' even though i tell myself to get connected...i can't

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, first don't worry about "HOW" to make it believable, not only does it take you away from the "Other" but it also sets you to act from an 'idea' rather than what is actually happening. One of the most effective ways of allowing yourself to be 'connected' and get you in the 'zone' is to have your lines memorised incredibly well. (see Focus on Acting 2) With your lines firmly in memory it takes the stress off what is coming next & allows you to stay present with the 'other'.

[homeactingcourse]

Also, have fun. It is SO important. Take the pressure off yourself to be 'good' or the 'best'. Just enjoy being there with the other person. If you can do that then you are 90% there. Seriously. Take care, let me know how you go.

[Timthethespian89]

Thank you for mentioning the having fun part. Before this past summer, I was so worried about everything I was doing onstage. Now, I try to remember that I'm up there because I love it, and because I love acting with another human being. I'm not trying to pat myself on that back, I swear, it just helps SOOOO much to be relaxed so that you can be open enough to really listen, and to really respond to what is being said.

[homeactingcourse]

Thanks Timthethespian. Often students think I'm saying "Have Fun" as a feel good exercise, it can be hard to get actors to understand that having fun is integral to the process, not a consolation prize if they don't become famous, 'successful' actors. I think you summed it up very well! :)

[pixelated111]

Hey there :) thanks for answering my message. I dont think I could try it yet, as school has only just begun. we've only done improv stuff so far. but during then, it's really difficult for me to think of something to say. so I keep straying from the always-changing other(in improv situations).

Then I keep thinking of how to be convincing...

Do you have any advice on this?

[Analist]

What if i fall off my bike and i wanna cry,...am i gonna act like a bike??? ghehe

[SuperJohnuk]

Hello, I appreciate this video because it does give me that sense of the importance of the other's and also of energy.

But, I just feel confused, truthful acting...

Last thing; I want to control myself so that my object does not get the better of me ; be it at work or social situations, When we are conected how do I ensure I dont let their energy influence me too much?

Kinda spirtual comments here sorry , and Im just a beginnar and novice at all this\

Thank you

[homeactingcourse]

Hi SuperJohnuk, the following may not be good advice for you... I would allow their energy to influence you. Take it onboard, put it through your system and send out the result. Otherwise you are simply barricading yourself and you can never move forward in that way. Remember, just because someone may send out 'negative' energy to you, doesn't necessarily mean you will be effected 'negatively.'

[SuperJohnuk]

Hey Robert thank you very much for replying,

Your right ill let it come , process , stay calm then respond in the way i want not how they try to make me... if that makes any sense lol

[BoiLight]

sound like he said hi welcom to fuck us on acting haha

[NotAnotherBoyBand]

thank you

[ikickfliped12]

thanks man ! great video 1!!!!

[Bulletyme]

thank you so much for posting this..i'm a begining actor, and all of this info helps..

[nereidbewarex]

thank you soo much for this,

your a great help

[aeriswolf]

Thank you! These are wonderful tips!

I wanted to know, what are some techniques for crying during a scene?

[aeriswolf]

Also, I forgot to ask this but is there any chance I could be noticed even though I don't have a lot of experience (I took acting in grade school and also performed at school plays but that was about it)?

[RandomUchiha13sama]

thank you

[Baillybunnybutt]

I have a question bout the other.Okay say that your a person walking on the streets, You are alone and there alot of allies. You come across a dark ally and a man is there, blood on him and face that is menicing.And you scream. There it is but what if you dont feel that emotion?I meen how do you connect if that honetly dosnt scare you or make you feel that way. I know thats why its called ACTING but what if you just dont feel the real part?Do you pretend?

[bouk9876]

these tips are outstanding!

[LuvXHate]

Would 14 be a decent age to begin acting? Because I would seriously like to start an acting career and I don't know really anything.

So, I'm searching for classes. (but next year I plan to start looking for minor roles)

[homeactingcourse]

14 is fine! :)

[doctorsuccess]

Hello, i have a question. i am 16 years old and i have no experience in the acting world. I was wondering if its too late to start now and take classes ?

also is 16 a good age to start acting?

[TheAyaStudio]

Go for it. Any age will do, as long as you have perseverance and interest.

[homeactingcourse]

I can only mirror what TheAyaStudio has said. There is no age limit you just need the determination to do it.

[SomethingAboutJesse]

HI, I spoke with a producer and he gave me a tip from a story he told me. The point was to Act but some people act to hard and sometimes it doesn't work out right so what he told me was not to try and act the emotions but to think the emotions, the situation you know stuff like that. is this what you are also talking about the "Other" ??

[homeactingcourse]

Hi all, Sorry for the delay in replies. If I have missed a reply to a personal message please send me a reminder. Thanks!

[homeactingcourse]

Hi,

Yes you can have different agents in different countries. In fact this is generally the case unless your agent has agencies in the respective countries..

[DolceLoveCyndles]

Um, I am pretty sure you can. I am not sure if they can be the same though (2 acting agencies). You can ask this on Yahoo Answers, to know for sure.

[shavemangin]

i truly believe in what your saying thanks for the advice.

personally i have an issue now because i am working across an actress who is not really very good and therefor it is hard for me to play off her. how would you suggest i work?

[homeactingcourse]

As a general rule, work off what you are getting. It is hard to comment because I can't see what they are doing. They will be giving you something, don't prejudge what you think they should be giving you. Take what they actually are giving you and use that. A good preparation for the scene is essential in these circumstances. I know it can be frustrating... Hang in there! :)

[mexicano327]

do you have any tips for young actrisses and actors on how to get started in the acting career. I really want to be an actor, but i don't know what to start out doing. My parents don't really have enough money for acting classes yet, so i was hoping you could give me a few tips that would be a great help thanks

[homeactingcourse]

Please let me know your age and where in the world you are and I'll give you some thoughts!

[LoveMattDallas]

I think i am an ok actress but i really need help with emotions i can do everything else pretty well but i dont know why emotions seem to be such a struggle for me, any adivice?

thank you

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, emotions can be difficult. The trick is not to 'put on' emotions but to allow yourself to have them. I want you to watch highly emotive movies at home by yourself. Darken the room and make certain that you are physically open while watching. Don't cross arms or legs or have anything across you. This is important. Also be conscious of not holding your breath at all, keep consistent breathing. This will start to free you up emotionally. Let me know how you go! :)

[LoveMattDallas]

I was watching Knowing and I followed your instructions and it worked my emotions just came out. I was the only person crying in the room haha. Thank you for your advice i won't forget it.

[homeactingcourse]

I replied in the wrong spot. Please see above... somewhere... :)

[homeactingcourse]

I would just like to thank everyone for their thoughts and comments, they are greatly appreciated!

[WhitePearlMarlee]

i got a question...is it posibule from going to crap actor to good actor because I wanna be a actor but im crap at it ..i cant show emotion T.T

[homeactingcourse]

Hi WhitePearlMarlee,

If you want it badly enough and are prepared to work hard and take risks, then yes you can become a good actor. I suggest you work with a good coach who works with Meisner exercises, this should free you up emotionally. All the best!

[flairy91]

thank you for making this !

[GooberFilms]

thank you for your time and putting these up! i subscribed

[megstar777]

I reallly like that, and how you explained it!

[thefilsonator]

thanks a lot for the tips! I have one question though. If you have worked in film at all what is the best way to get noticed? Im planning on taking a lot of my acting and drama classes in high school, and my teacher says I have good potential. Im looking for help anywhere I can get it. But im not planning on going to drama school right away after high school because i think i might try to get noticed with 4 years of high school training. if you could let me know that would be great. thanks.

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, thanks for an excellent question! The best way to get noticed is to do your job well. Whether it is in a class, audition, film set or theatre production. Always be on time or early, keep your focus on the job at hand and don't be distracted. Always be ready for whatever the director asks of you. Don't try 'notice' games, just simply show yourself to be totally professional in every aspect and you will be noticed! Let me know how you go.

[thefilsonator]

thanks for responding! i know some people have told me to do some of those 'notice' games, but that doesn't seem how to really do it. Your advice is gold. thanks again for the help. ill keep you posted how things are going

[VEGA747]

The Other. The Other. The Other. Of course The Other . . .

[munawarahmed1]

WOW thankyou soo much but i already know that, how to see the other persons feeling actually i want to learn acting but i dont know, there arent no courses in Spain, Girona to do it, i am 16 years old and i am so confused anyways this was an AWESOME explanation thankyou very much.

[yesuken]

Attention off yourself...WHAT! Attention should be on my from the time I walk on set till I leave BABY!

[JackHarlequin]

Although you may not be steering actors in the wrong way, you're bogging your acting theory and explanation with too much bullshit.

I would find your acting tips so much easier to apply if you just simplified it a bit.

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, thanks for the comment. Could you be a little more specific about the 'bullshit'? My techniques are definitely for the thinking actor and are not suited to all. If you could clarify I may be able to address the point. Actually, maybe this will help...

Know where your focus is and be effected by the object of your focus.

I hope that has helped. If not, please let me know & I'll try to find another way to communicate it.

[b0mexlex]

Hi! Really great videos!! Tremendously appreciated!

I've got a question though and think it would help me get a better understanding of the mindset necessary for connecting to the "other". When you were filming this, you had the camera in front of you and must have had an idea of an audience, I would presume. It seems like this video clip was ad-libbed and yet came out clear + spontaneous. If it's possible, could you tell me what exactly you were thinking about while giving this presentation?

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, very interesting question! I have been teaching now for over twenty years and I am used to all sorts of questions from students at many levels of understanding. I guess I was thinking about making certain that you understood what I was saying. Ideas come to mind in the moment as a result of what I have just said. You could say that my previous comments were a strong 'Other' for the current comments. I had an idea of what I wanted to say and allowed my mindset, in the moment, to take control.

[AzeraRock]

thanks for your advice this will help a lot! especially since im struggling with "getting in the zone." i have a question though. i always have a hard time defining the character from my personal characteristics. for example if im playing as an aged woman and i tend to carry myself as a teen. sometimes i accidentally say a line the way i would naturally say it instead of as if im a mature adult with life experience. what tips on shaping my character do u think i should do?

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, a lot of this is time and experience. A good exercise is to 'live' in the character for a while. Walk around with them, talk as them, find that character in you. Get the other actors from the production and have an entire night in 'character'. This helps 'bed' the character in and you'll find yourself dropping out less often. I hope this has helped.

[katkatpower]

Oh mai god, thanks for the advices!! I've never really thought about thinking about "others."

[naanquema]

check out RobynCobham she has great acting tips and need more subscribers :)

[damingxin]

hey dear sir , i have a question .about the 'other' .what if the story requires me to do things i never experienced before , like seeing a ghost or to murder someone , how do i connect myself with the scene? By the way i enjoyed your lesson very much :)

[homeactingcourse]

Hi, thanks for the question. There are many answers to this. How do you think you would feel if you saw a ghost? You could ask how others felt who have seen a ghost. Then we have how your specific character would feel. A 'Ghost Buster' would likely feel different than Scooby Doo's 'Shaggy'. When you get in the moment still connect with your other. Your 'Other' may be your imagination or, you may have to 'cue' an emotional response off what you are actually getting, ie, a makeshift eyeline prop.

[homeactingcourse]

Thank you for the comments on this video, it's greatly appreciated! If you have any quesions or would like to see a video on a specific topic, please let me know. And feel free to subscribe! :)

[holyhoodtv]

goo

[BitemeIdareya]

that was great thanks =DDDD

[houston81]

Great advice 1 million thumbs up

[SexiNawtyBitchy]

this was helpful

[Futbolcutie666]

Thank you so much. I'm an aspiring actress and my acting has already developed into something greater than it was before. Just from this video. Thank you so much!!! :)

[ITG4MiST]

these are really helpful, thanks!

[dandychoo33]

thanks for the tips!

[nickdisney3233]

thanks for ur tips :)

i didnt get through the auditions for my drama class even though i love the heck out of acting. i still dream one day that i will be a succesful actress :D

[Flukey006]

ull get there and so will i =)

[live2actandwrite]

I have a question that I think you will probably have a very good answer for. I am horrible at cold reads, any advice as to how I can become atleast some what good?

Help would be very much apprecianted.

Thanks [:

[homeactingcourse]

Hey great question! In the next week I will put down a video response for you. Cold reads can be scary but I'll give you some thoughts that will hopefully see cold reads become a strength for you rather than a weakness.

[live2actandwrite]

Thanks so much (:

[SistaDR]

you're amazing :) thanks so much for posting this :)

[koreangirl2893]

cool!

[nickywild1234]

my names nicole sewter im desperate to be a actress when im older my drama teacher says iv got potential and says i stand out well that really helped thansks x

[tuckmyster]

A good informative video but i think the 'other' is just as important as knowing who you are, where you are from, where you are, where you are going, etc. Because those questions which we asked ourselves really does set the mood of the scene and only when you have found that can you start to concentrate on the 'other'

Of course different people work in different ways, but after about 5 minutes of thinking what you said, i do agree with you and thanks

[heavenseek]

Thank you! First real advice I've heard yet---("Expert Village" gives Zero expert advice).

[xoxoJBxoxoLOVERxoxo]

Thanks! I'm scared. I have a interview on wed. and really scared so what do i have to do to prepare?

Thanks fir all the help.... P.S. I need help crying on cue.

[homeactingcourse]

Big question, little time. Firstly please take this as a learning experience. There will be other auditions, you have plenty of time. Take the pressure off yourself and most importantly have fun! If you are enjoying yourself with the pressure off your work will be much better.Crying on cue... There is no way I can properly address that issue here & now. A bandaid solution for now.

[homeactingcourse]

In the audition you will be nervous and scared. When performing the piece, stay connected to your other and at the appropriate time allow all of what you are feeling at the time (nervous & scared etc) to come out. Do not hold anything back. Allow the dialogue to ride the emotional outpouring. Do not try to act or manufacture emotion, don't force anything just allow what 'is' to fully effect you and come out.

[homeactingcourse]

Don't try to say the lines in any particular way, allow their life to ride the emotion as it evolves. I wish you all the best! Robert.

[xoxoJBxoxoLOVERxoxo]

thank you! I made it in! I'm going to the next round!

[BellaAsBella]

thankx this actually helped :)

you see my names bella and i really want to be an actress on disney channel lol i know kinda weird i guese but not for me its like my dream.

i know you like why are you telling me this well i dont know either but

peace nice video

[lilmck90210]

Thank you! You helped me so much! P.S. I LOVE your accent!

[dorkyforever]

Thank you for the tips~

I shall try it for when I audition for my school play.

May I ask what kind of accent it is you have?

[homeactingcourse]

No worries! All the best for your audition.

The accent is Australian. :)

[recognitiontahoe]

This is wonderful! Please send more tapes on acting. You know what you are talking about and you're well read and informed.

I've heard these terms before since I read a lot about acting, but I appreciate the way you say it.

Keep up the good work!

[unto0thers1]

great tips man, youre a clever lad lol

[twothumbsupdvd]

This is really good. Sometimes you try and focus too much on what isn't real, so it's hard to do. But this is way more real, and helps me a lot. Thank you. Please post number 2!

[Smeffland]

Aren't there two sides to the coin though, in the notion of re-acting to the other? I mean, they (if the "other" is a person) need something that originates from you to re-act to as well. I guess what I'm suggesting is that there must be a balance between the "who am I, what do I want, and how will I try to get what I want" and the purely "re-acting to the other"--sort of a Ying Yang of pure action/pure reaction.

[homeactingcourse]

This is a great point and I will try to fully address it in the next few days via a video reply. I totally agree with you. Thanks for the comment!

[muzicmydestiny]

hello sir,

thanks very very much for this video. and is that possible to post more videos,please? also focus on acting 2 as well please.

thanks very very much..........

[iTBRACHiEBBY730]

This was really good :] you have a good perspective on acting an i cant wait for numero 2 :]!

[VtoMar]

please post the focus on acting 2!

[Ryce20020]

thank you very much for your tips. these tips helped me alot. I learned things i never knew before about acting.

hope post more videoe on acting

[WildJoker2009]

Thanks for the Tips

[CHuckLaWayne]

What you are saying is so true! I was practicing a monologue from a scene in the movie Jon Q. It was from a scene where Denzel was having his last talk with his son before he surrendered his heart over to him. What I was so wrapped up in trying to be get into his mindstate instead of reacting off of the situation at hand. I was trying to interpret instead of reacting. Big difference in my performance after I watched this video. Felt like you were talking right to me.

[Musician0at0Work]

Please make more I loved this

[gahbeez]

Thank you so very much for this class.

Thank you for posting videos this will help me out on my acting.

[NatalieRichards007]

What a wonderful concept,the 'other'. As an acting tutor myself I often see talented students workshoping 'emotional' duologues that aren't working precisely because they are each, individually, conjuring a past (unrelated to the scene) emotion (good old 'emotion memory' technique!) and they wonder why it's such hard work and why their audience isn't involved emotionally in the scene. Your concept will help me explain why the scene isn't working - THANK YOU

[14TG7C]

It was very good ya like totaly

[Ado9966]

That was pretty interesting and certainly gave me a lot to think about. I have a question though, if I am focusing on the other and not my internal motivation won't I just be reacting as myself? I see your point here and I think it is valid but how do you stay true to the character?