--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Film acting is so different from theatre…" description: "\"Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is about letting things pay off and not winning every scene.\" — Brian Gleeson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg" --- # Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is… ![“Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is about letting things pay off and not winning every scene.” quote by Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg) > “Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is about letting things pay off and not winning every scene.” [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Film acting differs from theatre, and TV focuses on long‑term storytelling rather than winning every scene. **In simple terms:** Film vs. theatre; TV values story over scene wins. Key Takeaway Adapt acting style to medium. Themes acting media storytelling Mood analytical insightful Type educational professional When to use this quote - acting workshops - script analysis - career planning - media studies Key Concepts performance technique industry dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How does medium shape performance choices? - What skills transfer across acting forms? A Different Perspective The quote simplifies complex craft differences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) [Cinema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinema/) [Film](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/film/) [Film acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/film-acting/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) [Theatre acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre-acting/) [Winning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/winning/) ## Related quotes > [I've learnt that there's acting for film, acting for theatre, and acting for an audition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-snook/i-ve-learnt-that-there-s-acting-for-film-acting-for-theatre-and/) [Sarah Snook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-snook/) > [I've had plenty of lessons about film acting and theatre acting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-boyega/i-ve-had-plenty-of-lessons-about-film-acting-and-theatre-acting/) [John Boyega](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boyega/) > [Ive had plenty of lessons about film acting and theatre acting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-boyega/ive-had-plenty-of-lessons-about-film-acting-and-theatre-acting/) [John Boyega](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boyega/) > [I work on television and I work in film, and the acting is two different things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-vincent/i-work-on-television-and-i-work-in-film-and-the-acting-is-two/) [Frank Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-vincent/) > [I don't differentiate between acting on TV and in films.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prachi-desai/i-don-t-differentiate-between-acting-on-tv-and-in-films/) [Prachi Desai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prachi-desai/) > [I've always longed for the theatre and acting to be popular. No actor wants to play to an empty house. We only do it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/i-ve-always-longed-for-the-theatre-and-acting-to-be-popular-no-actor/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [From musicals to plays, I was part of all things theatrical all through my school life in Chandigarh, and this helped me develop a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayushmann-khurrana/from-musicals-to-plays-i-was-part-of-all-things-theatrical-all/) [Ayushmann Khurrana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayushmann-khurrana/) > [If a show comes and the content is great, I would never say no to acting on TV.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nora-fatehi/if-a-show-comes-and-the-content-is-great-i-would-never-say-no-to/) [Nora Fatehi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nora-fatehi/) > [Acting is acting, whether you do it on TV, film, web, theatre or ads. It depends on the person, time and situation, what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karan-wahi/acting-is-acting-whether-you-do-it-on-tv-film-web-theatre-or-ads-it/) [Karan Wahi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karan-wahi/) > [Acting in TV as opposed to films is really difficult. What a film gets two months to do, we get eight days to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-borth/acting-in-tv-as-opposed-to-films-is-really-difficult-what-a-film-gets/) Michelle Borth > [Acting on TV is ruled out. I admire those who do it, but I found it quite strenuous.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hema-malini/acting-on-tv-is-ruled-out-i-admire-those-who-do-it-but-i-found-it/) [Hema Malini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hema-malini/) > [When you're acting on TV, you want to keep it real.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-schwartz/when-you-re-acting-on-tv-you-want-to-keep-it-real/) [Ben Schwartz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-schwartz/) > [Have you imagined me acting in a TV drama? I have, when I was young.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hyuna/have-you-imagined-me-acting-in-a-tv-drama-i-have-when-i-was-young/) [Hyuna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hyuna/) > [I really enjoy acting, and whether it's TV or films, I feel lucky to be doing it at all. In the end, I'd love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-bynes/i-really-enjoy-acting-and-whether-it-s-tv-or-films-i-feel-lucky-to-be/) [Amanda Bynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-bynes/) > [Stand-up can take you in so many different places, man. So many doors can be opened up from stand-up comedy, and the first one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-hart/stand-up-can-take-you-in-so-many-different-places-man-so-many-doors/) [Kevin Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-hart/) ## More by Brian Gleeson > [I had always enjoyed playing characters and dressing up, but it wasn't until I got to school and I started getting on stage for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-had-always-enjoyed-playing-characters-and-dressing-up-but-it-wasn-t/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I loved 'Lord of the Rings,' growing up, so I always wanted to play a wizard with a staff.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-loved-lord-of-the-rings-growing-up-so-i-always-wanted-to-play-a/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I've led a very middle-class, very boring kind of life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-ve-led-a-very-middle-class-very-boring-kind-of-life/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I loved plays in school.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-loved-plays-in-school/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I think that if you can work and travel, that is the best deal you can strike.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-think-that-if-you-can-work-and-travel-that-is-the-best-deal-you-can/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [Initially, I resisted going into acting. You want to have your own identity, and I thought about doing other things, but that didn't last…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/initially-i-resisted-going-into-acting-you-want-to-have-your-own/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [The global capitalist project, which we are all a part of, leaves people behind. I don't know what the answers are - I don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/the-global-capitalist-project-which-we-are-all-a-part-of-leaves/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [For me, Domhnall is an acting teacher as much as anything. If I turn out to be half the actor he is, I'll be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/for-me-domhnall-is-an-acting-teacher-as-much-as-anything-if-i-turn/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [America's very refreshing when you go over there; they're all just open about what they want, and they want you to be open, too.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/america-s-very-refreshing-when-you-go-over-there-they-re-all-just/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [My father is an actor as well, so I used to look to him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/my-father-is-an-actor-as-well-so-i-used-to-look-to-him/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > ['Love/Hate' was a milestone in terms of working on something at home that felt very special.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/love-hate-was-a-milestone-in-terms-of-working-on-something-at-home/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I was always goofing around. I suppose having a father who was an actor made you think that it was a real possibility as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-was-always-goofing-around-i-suppose-having-a-father-who-was-an/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [I have a bit of a temper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/i-have-a-bit-of-a-temper/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [There's no problem with trying to be successful, but it's all about just doing good work. It's not about fame.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/there-s-no-problem-with-trying-to-be-successful-but-it-s-all-about/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) > [For me, you have to do as much work as you can beforehand and, once you get on stage or set, throw it out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/for-me-you-have-to-do-as-much-work-as-you-can-beforehand-and-once-you/) [Brian Gleeson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) [Explore all 23 Brian Gleeson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/) ## More Acting quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianne-moore/i-actually-think-acting-is-a-form-of-self-hypnosis-you-have-to-be/) [Julianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianne-moore/) > [Many Republicans have always reminded me of professional WWF wrestlers. They come into the ring all pumped up and acting like they're invincible and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-feig/many-republicans-have-always-reminded-me-of-professional-wwf/) [Paul Feig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-feig/) > [I'm a big fan of all the Boston guys that are acting - Matt Damon , Ben Affleck, Mark Wahlberg - they made a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenny-wormald/i-m-a-big-fan-of-all-the-boston-guys-that-are-acting-matt-damon-ben/) [Kenny Wormald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenny-wormald/) > [Acting is a grind, just like music is a grind. Sometimes it takes longer than what you can give.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-sean/acting-is-a-grind-just-like-music-is-a-grind-sometimes-it-takes/) [Big Sean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-sean/) > [It was only when I started making short films in college and I was looking for girls to play the me-ish parts that I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lena-dunham/it-was-only-when-i-started-making-short-films-in-college-and-i-was/) [Lena Dunham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lena-dunham/) > [Writing is something I took up rather than anything I had an inclination toward. I like acting -delivering someone else's message - but writing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-martin/writing-is-something-i-took-up-rather-than-anything-i-had-an/) [Steve Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-martin/) > [I can still function when I don't have that balance I crave. I had a tendency to be precious about acting, thinking of it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-regan/i-can-still-function-when-i-don-t-have-that-balance-i-crave-i-had-a/) [Laura Regan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-regan/) > [Actors don't hate acting. Most people don't hate acting! Whether you're a child mucking around with your friends or a grown up being paid…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liv-hewson/actors-don-t-hate-acting-most-people-don-t-hate-acting-whether-you-re/) [Liv Hewson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liv-hewson/) > [It was only when I went to acting school that I was like, "You are absolutely such a pigheaded freak show that you thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giles-matthey/it-was-only-when-i-went-to-acting-school-that-i-was-like-you-are/) [Giles Matthey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giles-matthey/) > [Once I committed to acting, this has been it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-hudson/once-i-committed-to-acting-this-has-been-it/) [Ernie Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-hudson/) > [It definitely helps to have the acting experience going into singing, because when you're singing, you have to portray the emotion you were feeling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-newman/it-definitely-helps-to-have-the-acting-experience-going-into-singing/) Ryan Newman > [The show was number one in the ratings, Gordon Russell was our head writer, the story lines were magnificent and the acting most exciting.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-storm/the-show-was-number-one-in-the-ratings-gordon-russell-was-our-head/) [Michael Storm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-storm/) > [I've done so many other projects where you're in a room with a reader and you're acting your lines out: 'We have to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-cummings/i-ve-done-so-many-other-projects-where-you-re-in-a-room-with-a-reader/) [Jim Cummings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-cummings/) > [I do not believe in public shaming. I do believe that young adults go to college to learn things, and that this process will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-weingarten/i-do-not-believe-in-public-shaming-i-do-believe-that-young-adults-go/) [Gene Weingarten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-weingarten/) > [Poetry has, in a way, been my bridge to my acting career.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omari-hardwick/poetry-has-in-a-way-been-my-bridge-to-my-acting-career/) [Omari Hardwick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omari-hardwick/) [Browse all 12,062 Acting quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is about letting things pay off and not winning every scene.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Brian Gleeson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre-acting-and-tv-is-about/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Acting" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre-acting-and-tv-is-about/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e85/brian-gleeson-24987_acting_film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre_2829004.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Film acting is so different from theatre acting, and TV is about letting things pay off and not winning…” — Brian Gleeson", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Brian Gleeson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-gleeson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Film acting is so different from...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre-acting-and-tv-is-about/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-gleeson/film-acting-is-so-different-from-theatre-acting-and-tv-is-about/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```