Zizan Razak
Zizan Razak is a Malaysian comedian, actor, host, singer, director and producer. He was the runner-up of Raja Lawak in the first season, in fact when he first appeared he was called Zizan Raja Lawak. He is also known through his partnership with Johan Raja Lawak to form the Jozan group and participate in various comedy competitions in Malaysia. Besides being talented in the field of acting, he has also expanded his field of work which is hosting and singing.

Zul Ariffin
Zul Ariffin is a Malaysian male actor and model. He became active in the field of acting in 2008 through a supporting role in the drama series Awan Dania and then moved to the main role as Inspector Ashraf in the longest-running police drama series on RTM, Gerak Khas until the drama was discontinued in 2011. He made his first film appearance. through the role of ASP Zam in the movie Evolusi KL Drift 2 in 2010.

In the world of filmmaking, success on-screen is never the product of one person’s effort. It takes a harmonious collaboration between actors, directors, and the entire crew to deliver a compelling story that resonates with the audience. Behind the glamour of the red carpet and the allure of Hollywood, lies a reality of long hours, painstaking preparation, and a focus on teamwork, discipline, and humility. This insight into the filmmaking process shines through when seasoned actors share their experiences from the actor’s chair.

Acting Beyond the Ego

One key challenge actors face is maintaining a balance between their performance and the overall needs of the production. Often, less experienced actors might be tempted to overperform or “steal the scene,” which can detract from the intended flow of a story. Zizan Razak remarked, that some performers try to overshadow others, such as a supporting actor in a minor role attempting to take the limelight during a pivotal scene. This not only disrupts the story but creates unnecessary tension among the cast.

Instead, the importance of humility in acting was highlighted. An actor must always be mindful of their role, recognizing that every character, whether major or minor, serves a specific purpose in the narrative. “It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back to let the story unfold naturally.” said Zizan. This willingness to serve the story, rather than individual ego, is key to creating a believable, impactful performance.

Preparation and Adaptability: The Hallmarks of a Professional Actor

The discussion also emphasised the necessity of preparation. Actors who step on set without fully understanding their role or the scene’s requirements can hold back production. “Filmmaking is a collaboration,” Zul Ariffin remarked, emphasising that hundreds of crew members depend on the actor’s ability to perform their role seamlessly. The stakes are high—budgets, schedules, and the crew’s efforts rely on the lead actor’s readiness. If they aren’t prepared, it affects everyone, and delays can be costly.

Moreover, being a professional actor involves more than just learning lines—it’s about being adaptable, taking direction well, and continuously honing one’s craft. Zul stressed the importance of not overthinking the scene but instead trusting the process. There’s a certain flow state actors need to achieve, where they synchronise with the story and deliver authentic performances without being paralyzed by doubts or perfectionism. “Sometimes, you just have to let go,”

The Role of Discipline and Mental Preparedness

The actor’s mental state plays a crucial role in performance. Overthinking can often hinder an actor’s ability to deliver a believable scene. Zul shared that staying in the moment and not allowing self-doubt to take over is essential. They likened acting to running, suggesting that once an actor finds their rhythm, they can perform naturally without second-guessing every move or line.

Actors are also “magicians” or “hypnotists” in their craft—entrancing the audience to believe in the reality they create. However, this ability only comes when the actor is fully immersed in their character, and for that, mental preparedness is key. Whether it’s a dramatic scene or a light-hearted moment, the emotional and psychological investment of the actor is what makes the performance credible.

Understanding Roles and Fostering Teamwork

Collaboration on set extends beyond the actors. Respect for the crew is paramount, as their efforts—lighting, sound, camera work—are what enable the actors to shine. Zizan stressed that mutual respect and camaraderie between the crew and cast is what fosters a positive working environment that will be reflected in the final product.

The actor’s interaction with the director is particularly important. The director serves as the captain of the ship, guiding the story, but it’s the actor’s responsibility to make the director’s vision come to life. As the lead actor often sets the tone for the rest of the cast and crew, their professionalism and work ethic can inspire others to give their best.

The Heart of the Craft

Acting is about more than just delivering lines. It’s about discipline, preparation, and a willingness to be part of something bigger than oneself. Success on-screen requires actors to understand their role within the larger narrative, collaborate effectively with both their co-stars and the crew, and remain adaptable to the director’s vision.

In an industry where the final product is a collaborative effort, the best actors are those who see beyond their individual performance and understand the importance of teamwork. It’s in this spirit of cooperation and shared vision that the magic of film-making truly comes to life, captivating audiences and creating lasting memories.