Amber Sealey, director of Disney+'s 'Out of My Mind,' immersed herself in the film's preproduction, creatively engaging with first-time actress Phoebe-Rae Taylor. Sealey employed playful techniques to enhance their on-set collaboration, helping Taylor portray a nonverbal character with cerebral palsy. The film explores the journey of Melody Brooks, played by Taylor, through middle school. Sealey, an experienced filmmaker with a background in acting and theater, has learned the significance of balancing technical details with personal connections to enhance performances.
"I would give her an earwig and we would cover it with her hair, and while we were filming, I would just whisper through the microphone, saying things to her that only she could hear."
"Perhaps as a filmmaker, finding the balance of when to focus on the nitty-gritty and when to simply connect with the actors comes with experience."
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