By Orestes Matacena — Cuban-Born Actor & Filmmaker

Acting for the camera requires subtlety, truth, and a deep connection to the story. It’s not about performing — it’s about being. My experience acting in films like The Mask, Diggstown, and Wild Wild West taught me that authenticity comes from listening and always making the scene about the other actor(s). Below are the principles that have guided me throughout my career and that continue to shape how I work with directors and other actors.

Know Your Objective

Every character wants something — a goal, a need, a hidden desire. In The Mask, even a villain’s humor and danger came from clear intention. Understanding what drives your character gives the audience something real to connect with, no matter how outrageous the world around them may be.

Listen with Presence

The camera is a lie detector — it sees everything. True acting isn’t about delivering lines, so don’t worry about them. It’s about listening and reacting authentically. On the set of Diggstown, I focused on the rhythm of the dialogue and the subtle shifts between power and vulnerability. Create the truth on screen by being invested in the story and the other actor(s). When you believe who and what you are, the audience will believe you. If you are self-conscious, meaning aware of being watched, then the camera will pick up on that. Despite being surrounded by a crew and set, with so many possible intrusions, invest in your fellow actors. It will pay dividends in the end.

Small Choices Can Be Big

Film magnifies stillness. A small glance, a pause, or a shift of tone can speak volumes. Sometimes, those micro moments can be the most remembered. When I worked on Wild Wild West and Diggstown, I learned how precision and restraint made every frame count. The camera rewards control — not excess.

Be Technically and Emotionally Ready

Hit your marks, know your lines, and stay emotionally open. Professionalism earns respect on set. Directors trust actors who deliver on both craft and consistency. Years of filmmaking — from The Mask to Tainted — have shown me that reliability builds creative freedom.

Respect the Collaboration

A film set is a collective act of storytelling. Every performance is connected to lighting, camera, and sound, and really every aspect of filmmaking. Appreciation for those around you makes the work stronger. As a director, I now recognize how essential that attitude is to keep a set focused and inspired.

Final Thought

Whether you’re in front of or behind the camera, the goal is the same — serve the story truthfully. Movies are sort of a planned improvisation. You can memorize lines and plan your delivery, but great acting happens when technique disappears and only emotion remains.
Discover more of my work as an actor in The Mask, Diggstown, and Wild Wild West,  visit my IMDb profile to explore my full filmography and my website http://www.OrestesMatacena.com .