Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Be Smart - Pe Prepared


Knowing your lines are just part of the things you should have prepared for the audition.  Amazed as it sounds people don’t know what they are even auditioning for sometimes.  It baffles us when someone comes to an audition and doesn’t have a clue.  Playing dumb and being dumb do not make for a good impression on anyone in casting.  So when I say prepared it is an overall statement.  This is your life and career so take control of it.  Your agent can only do so much.  Know the who, what, where, why’s of the project and industry.  And know your lines folks.  My dog ate my homework excuse is for the kids commercials we cast, not the adults. 

Too many auditions are blown by people not knowing their copy, understanding their character and making smart choices.  So preparation also means continuing your education with classes and working at your craft daily.  Because it is clear to us when you don’t work at it.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Slating & A Personality Question


The purpose of the slate is to introduce yourself to the client. It is the very first time they see you and I cannot stress enough how much first impressions count! Smiling and appearing warm and friendly shows a director that you’re likable.  So look alive people and be attentive and personable.

We generally start on a wide shot if it’s a group, and on a close-up if it’s an individual.  Because we start on a group wide shot, it’s best to pay attention to the Session Director so that you’re not looking off into space or doing anything strange when they start videotaping the slate.  This doesn’t reflect well on you and you would be amazed at how many people space out during a slate.

Unless we ask you for a specific slate, all we need you to do is tell us your name. We do not need you to tell us your agency. If you’re a guy and have facial hair, you should let us know if you’re willing to shave.  And just a helpful hint – the Director has probably heard all of those “I’m also willing to shave” jokes so we don’t advise going there.

Sometimes a question is asked after a slate to get the actor’s personality.  Make your answers short, witty if possible, don’t be forced or look for cheap laughs… it’s important not to lie or exaggerate as that will read through or bite you in the ass potentially.  Like telling us a great story about your current sweet lovable dog, and then when the director asks you to bring them in because he has a creative idea, you have to borrow your neighbor’s Pitbull that snips at the creatives.  ‘nuff said.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

An Audition Note


Time and time again actors think that it’s okay to suddenly stop, in the middle of their audition, and say “I’m sorry, I have to start over.”  This is a Session Director’s or Casting Director’s pet peeve. If you were performing in front of an audience, would you suddenly stop and say “Damn, sorry, I screwed up. Let me start over.”  Nope, that wouldn’t go over too well.   Doing this is not fair to your fellow actors in the scene because maybe they had the best read of their life and won’t be able to repeat it.   Let us be the ones to stop you, ask for a retake, adjust for the mistake if we feel it is warranted.  Maybe the mistake was great.  Believe me, we want the best out of you during your time with us.  We are on your side and are giving notes to make you look good.   In addition, wait until your audition is finished to say stuff like “Oh f*#& that was the worst I’ve ever done,” or to scratch your bottom or do something odd after a take because we may still be rolling on that as well.  So basically, WE stop you, don’t stop yourself… just pick up the scene and try to finish it if possible.