So, you’ve been cast in a project that features a walk and talk—congrats on partaking in this exciting challenge (and on your nine-out-of-10 chance of being directed by Aaron Sorkin). This filmmaking technique makes scenes feel alive and immediate, but it requires a great deal of practice and dedication for the performers.
Below, we’ll explore the meaning of a walk and talk, why it’s used, and how actors can master it using key strategies.
This is a scene where characters walk through a space—hallways, streets, corridors—while engaging in dialogue. It’s often filmed in a fluid, continuous shot, while the camera moves with the characters. This technique is perhaps best known thanks to political dramas such as “The West Wing,” which is built on rapid-fire dialogue exchanges. However, it’s also appeared in movies such as Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Birdman,” Joss Whedon’s “Serenity,” and Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy.
Why and when to use the walk and talk
1. It builds energy: Walking speeds up the pace of the scene, which in turn forces dialogue to follow suit. This momentum is especially effective for scenes that need to convey tension, quick decision-making, or urgency. On “The West Wing,” one iconic walk and talk features President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) defending his improvisation during a speech while addressing personal matters.
2. It conveys a frantic schedule: When characters walk and talk, it can give the impression that there’s no time to stop, enhancing the sense of urgency. “House” uses this technique to show Dr. House (Hugh Laurie) constantly on the move between cases, suggesting a fast-paced and chaotic work environment.
3. It introduces settings and power dynamics: A walk-and-talk scene allows the audience to absorb both the physical environment and the relationships between characters. In “Serenity,” the opening walk and talk introduces us to the ship’s layout and gives us insight into the captain’s relationships with his crew. At the three-minute mark, the pace and camera movement increase, visually signaling the troubled relationship between Mal (Nathan Fillion) and Simon (Sean Maher).
4. It keeps the scene visually engaging: Static dialogue scenes can become monotonous. The walk and talk keeps the camera and characters in motion, preventing the scene from feeling flat. In “Before Sunrise,” as Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) stroll through the city discussing love and life, the changing backdrop adds depth to their conversation, making the narrative—and by extension, Jesse and Céline’s growing chemistry—more dynamic and stimulating.
Acting technique
- Know your beats: With so much physical movement to manage, it’s easy to get distracted. Understanding the beats of the scene—the moments where the tone or focus shifts—is essential to maintaining your character’s emotional journey. Don’t let the walk distract you from your character’s arc.
- Understand objectives and tactics: Once you’ve mapped out the beats, define your character’s objectives and tactics. These should be achievable, clear, and specific for each part of the scene. This helps you to stay focused and purposeful, ensuring the dialogue remains engaging and clear, despite the physical movement.
- Invest in your scene partner: Actively listen and respond to your fellow actors. Your movement shouldn’t detract from the connection you’re building through dialogue. Strive for instant responses, be truthful, and stay fully invested in the exchange.
7 Need-to-Know Tips for Acting On Camera Choreography and blocking
- Practice repeatedly: The director will block the scene with precision, often down to the exact placement of actors at certain lines. As an actor, it’s essential to know the space you’re moving through and hit your marks without breaking the flow of your performance. Rehearse until the physical movement is second nature, so you can focus on the scene.
- Walk in rhythm with your lines: Be in tune with the tempo-rhythms of the scene. The tempo of your walk should match the rhythm of your dialogue. If the lines are delivered rapidly, quicken your steps. Conversely, slowing down can help emphasize more serious or reflective moments.
- Work with your costars and crew: If you’re walking side-by-side with another actor, stay connected and make eye contact without losing the flow. Be mindful of the camera crew’s choreography as well, making sure you don’t disrupt their work. Building a good rapport with the crew will make your performance smoother.
How to Act for the Camera Breath control
Managing your breath while delivering dialogue on the move is key to maintaining clarity and power in your lines.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Practice breathing from your diaphragm instead of your chest. This will give you more control over your breath while speaking, ensuring that you don’t sound out of air mid-sentence.
- Pace your breath: Rehearse your lines while walking, paying attention to when you’ll need to take breaths. Practice timing with the natural pauses in your dialogue to avoid gasping for air.
Gait and posture
Your walk should reflect your character’s state of mind. A relaxed posture, long strides, and easy movement suggest confidence. Hunched shoulders, quick steps, and tension indicate anxiety. Consider how your psychology influences the way you walk and adjust accordingly.
Since walk and talks are often filmed in one continuous shot, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly. Here are a few rehearsal strategies:
- Memorize your lines: Walk and talks often require resetting from the beginning if a mistake is made, so it’s important to know your lines perfectly.
- Rehearse in the filming space: Familiarize yourself with the actual space you’ll be filming in. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible with the physical logistics before cameras roll.
- Run lines while walking: Practice your dialogue while moving. Focus on maintaining your performance while the act of moving fades into the background.
- Stay open to adjustments: Directors may need to make changes to the blocking on set, so stay flexible. Walk and talks can be complex, and last-minute adjustments to the choreography may be necessary.
Now, get walking!