BLOG QUESTION ADV: HOT SEAT TECHNIQUE

What is the hot seat technique? How can you apply this to the next script that you write to create interesting characters?

The hot seat technique helps you build your characters backstory and flesh out their motives. Typically, you would have the actor sit in a chair and answer questions about the character while "In character", which helps flesh out their personality and backstory, making them more believable. It helps you understand their motives better, since you'll recognize where they're coming from. I can apply this technique next time I write a script by really trying to get into the characters motives and personality. I can either have the actor for the character tell me what they believe their character's beliefs are, or I can try to interpret it myself. It's important to understand the characters you create deeply, in order to create a similar bond for the audience.