In-Depth Analysis Of Whether Actors Really Drink Coffee On Set
Are the scenes of actors enjoying a steaming hot cup of coffee while on set merely the result of clever cinematography or artful editing, or could it be true that actors really drink coffee on set? According to experts, it appears that not only do many actors really enjoy their coffee moments between scenes but might even find it necessary for their performance.
Actors and their directors often spend long hours on set and this often involves many takes of the same shot. This can be extremely tiring for both the actors and the crew. A cup of coffee can help to perk up both the spirit and performance of everyone on set. Moreover, since the production of a movie or TV series is often quite costly, if an actor is able to give an excellent performance after taking just one sip of a cup of coffee – something that not only keeps them energised but also looks good on camera – this can be beneficial for the company producing it.
It is logical to assume that an actor who has an energy drink or cup of coffee during filming is less likely to feel fatigued after a few hours of intense activity. Coffee isn’t the only way they can keep themselves energised, however. Some find that having nutritional snacks or taking short breaks also helps. This could also be why actors are often seen snacking on various treats on set, in addition to their coffee-drinking scenes.
Furthermore, unlike coffee, snacks will often raise the sugar levels in the body temporarily, which may consequently dampen the feeling of fatigue. This can be especially useful for those outdoor scenes, when the sun is high, the grass is dry, and the actors and crew are still expected to put on an enthralling performance.
The Psychological Benefits Of Coffee On Set
Apart from the increased energy levels, one also needs to take into account the psychological effects of caffeine. For many people, coffee is something to look forward to. Having something positive that helps to break up the long days, as well as something tangible that provides a sense of comfort, can create the right environment for a successful production.
According to experts, many people have a tendency to associate drinking coffee with being creative and it could be argued that this could help boost the creative energy required on set too. Coffee has been linked to productivity due to its effects on mood, and many actors and crew members often comment that they feel better, more upbeat and able to focus when they’ve had their caffeine fix.
Also, when actors and crew are in the right frame of mind, often the confidence required for their performance is also increased. This can make for a successful production and help move the filming process along more quickly and efficiently.
The Perception Of Coffee On Set
Psychology aside, there may be other reasons why producers are keen to put coffee-drinking scenes into their films and series. It could be that having coffee-drinking actors helps to create a certain image for the production. It could be linked to the idea of sophistication and style that a cup of coffee can bring to a picture.
Moreover, many people are now accustomed to seeing coffee-drinking scenes in films and series, which could be further adding to this trend of having actors drinking coffee on set. Many of us have probably become so used to seeing actors with a steaming cup of coffee in their hand throughout a production that we unconsciously take it for granted that they are actually drinking it.
The Political Unconscious Of Coffee On Set
Additionally, some would argue that there is a political unconscious at work too. It could be argued that portraying actors drinking coffee in movies or series helps to strengthen the idea of the ‘coffee culture’. Movies, series and the media often represent coffee drinking as the ‘norm’, something that is socially accepted and acceptable in many present-day societies around the world.
In fact, for some countries it is almost a necessary part of their way of life. By having actors drinking a cup of coffee on camera, the idea of coffee being a necessary part of the culture could be further reinforced.
Coffee And Social Norms
It is also worth considering that in some films and series, having an actor drinking coffee could be portraying a particular social type or giving recognition to certain social norms. Potentially, drinking coffee could be seen as a ‘cool’ way to spend time, or perhaps add a sense of sophistication to a particular character.
Also, it could be that people simply watch films in order to relate to different characters and to what they are doing in their lives. Coffee is part of our lives, thus a cup of coffee on set might seem the most natural thing for an actor to do in order to seem more relatable.
Interpreting The Reality Of Coffee On Set
The idea of what is ‘normal’ and acceptable can also differ from one country to another. So, while some viewers might see a target group of actors drinking coffee on an American set and find it far more believable then if they saw the same image in an Indonesian movie, there are still many parts of the world – in both the East and the West – that would have no problem believing that actors are indeed drinking coffee on set.
At the end of the day, while it is difficult to judge whether or not actors really do drink coffee on set, the idea of them doing so isn’t implausible. The ultimate truth might lie somewhere in between the two interpretations, with some actors really drinking coffee and others simply using it for the purposes of the production.
Coffee And Short-Term Health Benefits
So far we’ve discussed the psychological and social implications of having coffee-drinking actors on set, but what about the actual health benefits of coffee?
Well, apart from the effects of caffeine, some experts also point to the many antioxidants present in coffee. This could mean that drinking coffee has the potential to positively affect the body, providing an extra boost to the actor’s performance and overall health.
Indeed, many actors have been known to speak positively about their coffee-drinking experience, claiming that the addition of coffee to their diet has helped to enhance their energy and alertness.
The Negative Side Effects Of Coffee On Set
Of course, as with anything else, coffee does have its downside too. The excessive consumption of caffeine can cause jitters, nausea and other unwanted symptoms, which would be detrimental to an actor’s performance.
Moreover, even moderate amounts of caffeine can cause dizziness and anxiety if it’s consumed too quickly or if an individual has an unusually high sensitivity to caffeine. This could be a factor when involving scenes of actors who are already feeling stressed and exhausted on set.
Thus, it is important to take into account the various adverse health effects when considering whether actors should be served coffee on a set or not.
The Environmental Impact Of Coffee On Set
Finally, it is also worth keeping in mind the environmental implications of an actor drinking coffee while on set. Many mainstream coffee chains are now under scrutiny due to their environmental policies and the negative impacts of their product as far as social and environmental sustainability are concerned.
Therefore, if actors are drinking coffee on set, it should be from a responsible and sustainable source, in order to minimise the potential damage to the environment. This is an especially important consideration for the entertainment industry, which faces increasing amounts of public scrutiny for not being green enough.
Coffee As Evidence Of Continuity On Set
It has been suggested that coffee consumption on set can be used to maintain continuity between takes too. For example, an actor may take a sip of coffee prior to the take and then take a sip of the same cup during the take. This can help give the illusion that everything is continuous and takes place over a certain period of time.
It has also been observed that producers often use coffee to give a subtle reminder to the actors of where they are in their performance and what they’re meant to be doing. By taking a sip of coffee they can subtly draw attention to the fact that they are performing in a certain scene and that they need to maintain their performance throughout the take.
Coffee As A Marketing Tool
Not only is there the suggestion that coffee helps with continuity on set, but some experts suggest that producers may also be using coffee as a marketing tool. By using coffee in their production, producers could be trying to create a particular atmosphere on set and create an overall feeling of leisure and sophistication.
This could be an attempt to attract a certain demographic of viewers and make the production more marketable. It could also be used as a way to highlight certain characteristics of the actors in the production or to make suggestions to the viewers about who their favourite characters might be.
In Summary
In short, when it comes to whether actors really drink coffee on set, it is impossible to determine a definitive answer. It appears that for some actors and crew members, drinking coffee is an essential part of their routine and helps them to stay energised and alert.
However, for others, it may simply be a means of maintaining continuity between scenes, a marketing tool, or a way to portray a certain atmosphere on set. It is therefore difficult to establish one single answer to the question of how much actors really rely on coffee to get through their day on set.
