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    Tag: on-camera audition

    Mighty Tripod Productions

    Preparing a Co-Star Role with Sean Cook (6:30pm)

    AGE 13+ (actors should have some on-camera experience). LEVELS: Intermediate to Advanced. COST: $50. WHEN: October 5. 6:30-9:30pm. MAP: Below. We are thrilled to host…

    mighty tripod productions, memorizing, actor tips, casting

    Auditioning, Memorizing and the Sides: Tips and Suggestions for Actors

    “Should I be memorized?” “May I hold the sides?” “Will they cast me if I look at the page, now and again?” These are questions…

    David June 21, 2013
    5 Comments
    If you are an actor, you need audition tips.

    Actor Tips: How to Nail Your Next On-Camera Audition

    This post is inspired by blogger Ben Hodge’s post, 6 Audition Don’ts. His blog is full of great posts for actors, so check it out…

    David March 2, 2013
    11 Comments
    Mighty Tripod is an on-camera acting studio and film production company
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    This post is inspired by blogger Ben Hodge's post, 6 Audition Don'ts. His blog is full of great posts for actors, so check it out and subscribe! Oh, and by the way (and, perhaps obviously) these tips are from my experience and perspective. Things might work a bit differently in your market/region. So, please do your required, regional research. I am going to do my darndest to write a quick, down and dirty, compelling, and informative post about WHAT TO DO and WHAT TO AVOID at auditions and callbacks for on-camera productions. On-Camera Casting Director Auditions THE SIDES 1. You get the materials ("sides" - the portion of the script you will be auditioning with), then you do your "work," which includes getting REALLY familiar with the words (the words you say, the words which set the scene, the words/ideas that your scene partner says), so you can keep your "face out of the pages" as much as possible. Typically, you will get the materials a few days before the audition, but sometimes you will not see the materials until you arrive at the casting office (this would make it a "Cold Read"). When you get the materials, read EVERYTHING, even the stuff that is crossed out! Sometimes you will even have access to sides for other roles being cast. Read these, too (time permitting), so you are as informed as possible and can make interesting decisions, rooted in the text, during your preparation and audition. You might not, however, get to read the entire script. Sorry. THE WAITING ROOM 1. Arrive 15 minutes before your call time. You will probably have to sign in. Usually, there is a receptionist. Say hello, sign in, be polite, then do whatever pre-audition "work" that prepares you for your read in the casting room. This is not the time to chat up friends, network, or Facebook, or Tweet. Save all that for after the audition. If you are doing a Cold Read, get the sides and begin working. Find someplace close by where you can work, which includes saying the words out loud. I will not go into "cold reading tips" here. That is for another post. And, don't forget, you are pretty much auditioning from the moment you step into the waiting room, so be a pro! Here are some waiting room tips from Los Angeles Casting Director, Marci Liroff: [youtube url="https://youtu.be/JnaGZnIJlTM"] THE CASTING ROOM THE 1st AUDITION Okay, you have prepared as much as possible, kept your focus in the waiting room, and now you are sent in to the casting room. Don't panic. Remember, they want you to come in, blow them away, and be the solution to their needs. Now what? 1. Enter the room with your sides. Whether this is your first or second or 6th (!) audition, have your sides. Use them as little as possible, but have them. Now, during a screen test, the "rules" might be different, so I will defer to the experts on this point. In our market, the sequence of auditions goes 1. Initial Audition, 2. Callback, 3. Additional Callbacks as needed. It *seems* like some people refer to some callbacks as "producer sessions." I am currently looking for clarification on this point. Your comments and wisdom are always welcomed. 2. Be friendly and professional. Say hello, make eye contact, be yourself. I don't recommend "entering in character," especially if the character is hostile, depressed, or otherwise energetically "difficult." 3. Go to your "mark" - the area (sometimes marked with tape) where you are to stand for your audition. 4. If you have a question about the role, ask. Also, don't be shocked if the casting director or casting assistant asks you, "Do you have any questions?" 5. Ask, "May I ask how I am framed?" (Thanks, Colleen Patrick, for this one). Politely asking about framing indicates that you "speak camera language," and you will receive important information about how to "scale" your audition. And, by asking a few quick questions, you are "taking control of your audition," and, hopefully, giving you a bit of extra confidence. 6. Slate to the camera ("slate", means you say your name and - usually - give your agency name). Sometimes, you will be asked to smile and a still image is often taken at this point. Slating is the only time that you should "spike the lens," (meaning, looking into the lens) unless you are specifically asked to do so or if it's a device of the script. Exceptions being some commercials, PSAs, and industrials. 7. Begin the audition, connect with your scene partner (a reader, often an assistant), and have the time of your life! You are doing what you love...right? Yes, you do have to learn to love auditioning, IMO. 8. Oftentimes, you will read the scene again, and you might get some direction. Here are a few wise words about from Los Angeles Casting Director, Bonnie Gillespie, about receiving adjustments and direction. 9. When the audition is complete, say thank you, and leave the casting room. 10. Sign out in the waiting room. Here are some great performing for the camera tips (especially for my Seattle actors with a lot of theater experience and not a lot of camera experience) from Los Angeles Casting Director, Marci Liroff: [youtube url="https://youtu.be/cRpUNwSKd58"] THE 2nd AUDITION 1. If you are called back, they like what you did in the 1st audition, so don't reinvent the wheel and come with a whole new character/interpretation/reading. 2. This time, the casting director will definitely be in the room, and, usually, the director and/or a producer or two will be there, as well. There might be three people watching, there might be 10. 3. As before, keep your energy up, stay friendly, and professional. Remember, these folks want to cast someone who can not only act, but who is enjoyable to be around. 4. As above, do steps 4. - 10. MEMORIZATION/OFF-BOOK/THE SIDES I want to spend a few minutes addressing this, please. 1. If you are doing a Cold Reading, you will have the sides in your hand. Unless, perhaps, it's one line of dialogue. But, even then, I, personally, I would hold the script, but have it at my side and out of the frame. 2. For a 1st audition, you will have your sides. You can keep your eyes and face up (which the camera loves) if you hold the sides up and away from your face (which will probably be out of frame - and you should ask before you begin if you are going to hold the sides "up and out"). Remember, get as familiar as you can with the text, then use the sides as needed. If you mess up a word, don't worry (and don't stop or apologize), just keep going. 3. During a callback, you will have your sides, but REALLY stay connected to the scene and your reader. You should "know" when the page turns are, so you can turn them without looking at the page, and you should not have your nose in the book. Holding the sides will not prevent you from getting cast if you are right for the part. And, if you are not right for the part, it's not a reflection on you, personally, or your talent. DON'Ts As I mentioned, Ben Hodge has a great list here, so check out his post. 1. Don't bring a lot of baggage (emotional or real) into the casting room. Hand them your headshot and bring in your sides. And, no props! 2. Do not make physical contact with your reader. This is especially true if your reader is next to the camera. Leaving the frame is never advised. ;-) 3. Once you are on your mark, do not turn away from the camera and "take a moment to get into character" before starting the audition. 4. Don't cover your face with the sides. 5. Don't put "business" behind you which will make you turn away from the lens. 6. As mentioned, don't get scattered in the waiting room. Stay focused. 7. Don't rush the scene. This will often happen as a side effect of nervousness. 8. Don't stop the audition or break character because you mess up a word, a line, or have to find your place in the script. 9. Don't be a jerk! Have something to add? Have a point of contention? Please leave a comment, we love to talk! Thanks for reading and sharing. Stay Inspired, David