The Audition

So, you got that call you've been waiting for, for God knows how long. Your agent finally calls you with an audition. (or the casting director themselves, if you don't have an agent) You're so delighted. You tell everyone about it, you tweet about it, post it on facebook, maybe you even go out for a celebratory drink, aaannnnddd then you don't even prepare for it properly. Sound familiar? Or are you wondering, "what are you on about 'I don't prepare properly'. Of course I prepare properly"

The question is, do you actually know how to prepare properly? This is a common stumbling block when I speak to a lot of actors, and it's very evident, when auditioning actors, or watching back audition tapes, that there was very little preparation, or at least, no where near enough preparation done.

The problem is, having attended drama school, where they really teach you pretty much nothing about what the real world is like, actors come out thinking they're professionals. Well, here is a wake up call, YOU'RE NOT! You've been moulded, and maybe a couple bricks of a foundation have been laid out, but you are certainly nowhere near a finished article. I mean seriously, do you think Usain Bolt doesn't train everyday? do you think he doesn't practice constantly and really know the ins and out of everything. Do you think he is 100% prepared before he competes? Of course he is. Well, actors, so should you.

Training with an acting coach is essential. Go through the sides with them. Break down your script. Establish your moments, beats, subtext, and create your character. Their backstory, where they've just come from preceding the scene you're about to read. Make sure you're off book. Yes, you can hold your audition sides in your hand whilst reading, to refer to just in case you forget a line, but make sure you've memorised what you're about to read. Lastly, be confident. Make your choices and stick to them. Nothing looks worse than a nervous actor not sure what they're doing. Casting directors can tell if you're nervous, or haven't prepared properly. It's very obvious to them. A lot of the time you're reading for the house, not the role, so make sure you give them a good impression of yourself to get called in by them again.

Remember, you're a brand, and you have to market that brand in the right way. The object is to leave a casting office knowing you've done your best and knowing there shouldn't be a reason why that office doesn't call you in again. Make sure your headshot looks like you and that your reel is as up to date as possible.

Take control of your career. No one else is responsible but you. Is this your life? If it is, treat every aspect of your career in the same way you would value your life. It's step one to a long and successful career.

Till next time. Have a wonderful week ahead.

The Business of Acting

Good day to you all.. Wow, it's been a crazy last few months. A lot, surrounding the business side of things. A common question is derived from this.."What do you mean business side of things?" Well, that's just it. Acting is a business. Actors have to treat their job as a business. It's those actors who do treat their job as a business that have a one up on the rest.

There are many different ways in which you could increase your chances of being noticed as an actor. But the most important thing is dedication, passion, and also very importantly, INVESTING in yourself. A lot of actors do not invest in themselves, and it leaves the question to be answered.."How serious are you really about your career?" It's amazing to hear all the excuses and reasons and explanations behind why an actor can't invest in themselves. Sometimes it's actually quite funny actually.

It's the little things that make the HUGE difference. What do you do when you have had an audition? Do you follow up? A nice little touch would be to send the casting director a little note saying thank you. A postcard is usually the best way to go about it..Obviously with your picture on the back. What about if you book with a job. Do you thank the casting director? Send them a little gift to show your gratitude. These personal touches really make a difference. And trust me, you will definitely stand out from the rest. The whole point of marketing yourself is by keeping yourself in the casting directors mind.

Marketing materials are absolutely vital to an actor. Headshots, COLOUR ONLY!!! Forget the black and white nonsense. Make sure you tell your photographers that you only want colour before booking your session. A reel. Now this is the best topic for excuses. "I haven't got footage yet" "It didn't come out with very good quality" Here's the thing..Don't cheapen your brand constantly doing free work of very poor quality. The are new directors that just don't have the experience to really capture moments from you. Rather than putting together a compilation of free work you've done, actually film something specifically for you reel, or in fact, shoot a reel from start to finish. Get together with 3 or 4 actors and choose your scenes carefully showing as much diversity as possible. And have a good quality director shoot for you. It can be done in one day and doesn't necessarily need to cost too much. Of course if you have good quality footage from work you've done, it doesn't apply in this case.

Business cards are another essential marketing material you should have on you. Nice little colour picture on it with essential details. Name, telephone number and email address. And finally, as I mentioned earlier, postcards. All essential to an actors business. A lot of questions arise regarding websites. The best thing with websites is to keep it simple. Having spoken to a lot of casting directors and agents about this, the general response is to have your headshots and cv on there as well as a reel. No need to write essays about yourself and who you are etc. Just have on there the essentials that casting look for.

Well, that's enough from me this time. Feel free to add comments and ask questions regarding this post. I'll be happy to respond.

Have a great weekend all.