Have you ever wondered what it's like to audition and get the part for a film or television role? Most people have tried, but few have managed to make it through to a successful casting, even for small or marginal roles. Fortunately, we have a member that was recently cast as the lead (principal) actor in an upcoming production to be filmed in late 2009 at Warner Bros. Studios in Hollywood. This rare article, is part of a series that chronicles the process from the inside, walking you throughthe initial audition phase all the way through being cast.The overall audition process is not an easy one, and there are many factors beyond your control that can work for or against you. Still, you never know. Hopefully what we have to say will give you some hope and insight into the process. We also welcome any comments or articles submitted by you that have to do with the audition process, whether it takes place in film or theatre.
The Casting Studio
Presumably by now, you've responded directly to hundreds of casting calls asking for headshots and resumes, or you are more fortunate and have a reliable agent. Finally, you get notified with a voice message on your cell phone (or your agent contacts you), asking you to show up at an audition office. As you head on over to the studio, you are both excited and anxious; after all, while you did make a small breakthrough by even being selected for the audition, there's a long way to go.
So you arrive at the studio, which is in a nondescript building somewhere in a back lot in Los Angeles. One of the most shocking realizations a new person may have is that the process is nothing like what you would expect on TV. The process is very unglamorous, very impersonal, and can often be filmed in very plain settings with minimal accomodations requiring you to wait for prolonged periods of time. Casting studios are typically only there for one purpose - to get the auditions done. There may be chairs, but quite often you may need to stand for extended lengths of time. A typical casting studio looks like a very small office -- and some would even describe them as closets.
In the very first audition you will often be told what to wear and given a general time slot in which to appear. Auditions can be closed or open to the general public, the latter being quite common if you are signed on as an extra. In this case, the audition was open for extras and closed for principal roles. Our member was booked for a principal audition through an agent.
What to bring
It is advisable to have a headshot and resume handy at all times, but sometimes it is not required - especially if you had an agent book you for the audition. Even if you have a headshot, they may even take polaroids of you while you're signing in/registration. It can't hurt to have any useful props or other devices that will aid you in the performance of your audition, unless you are specifically told they will not be needed. Even people seeking roles as extras were highly prepared in this audition.
Typically, there is a sign-in table or an assistant to check you in, after which you will be directed to a waiting room. The room in this case was very small and quite crowded. Individuals were called out, one-by-one for test screenings and asked to leave. This process took quite some time due to the sheer volume of participants.
What you may be asked to do
Depending on the nature of the production, you can be requested to do any number of acts. It is quite common first to hold up an identification number and state your name and offer facial and profile shots for the camera (as shown on the right). You may be asked to read "sides," which are essentially lines adapted specifically for the character you are auditioning for. Other times, you may be asked to perform various physical acts or sing songs. All of these auditions are generally done in front of the Casting Director, and not the Director(. Her job (typically it's a "her" - don't ask me why) is to make recommendations and send over a list of the personnel that she feels are right for the role.In this case, our member was asked to perform two Improvs based on described situations. Since the production involved a dialogue scene between two talents, our actor was asked to execute a dialogue sequence while miming the presence of the other person. This was not done in front of the director, however (he reviews the tapes afterwards).
Typically, you will be thanked and asked to leave upon performing your audition, without any further feedback. This is often a very unsatisfying feeling. However, there can be positive clues hinting as to whether the directors enjoyed your audition. Our actor noticed that the directors and cameramen looked at each other and smiled after his two improvs. In addition, he took the time to lightly joke with the crew and make them laugh between shots. Little things like this can sometimes help you to be remembered, as well as project the image that you are a fun and easy person to work with. Enthusiasm is infectious.
Well, once the taping is done, it is sent to the higher-ups - particularly the director. At that point they decide who to call back.
Callback
Once initial auditions are completed, callbacks can occur at any point afterwards. In the callback, you generally will be told what role you are being called back for. Sometimes it can be weeks later, and sometimes it can be right on the set following your audition. Our member was reached by cell phone roughly one week later and told in a non-congratulatory manner that he had gotten a role and asked to return for more screening. In addition to that, he was given very little notice and asked to come to Hollywood for the callback phase. Flexibility can be very limited, but it is acceptable to ask for rescheduling. Ask what to wear and what to bring. Find a polite way to ask what to expect or prepare for.
During the callback, prospective cast members and extras were organized into groups of ten. It was slightly more organized than the initial audition, but depending on the roles sought, more screen testing and auditioning took place within those groups. Everyone present was also asked to fill out forms indicating their fitting sizes in detail - anything from length of arms to hat sizes and waist sizes.
The actor was again asked to do an improve, but in front of the Director and his crew. In this case he was asked to pretend he was a new groom talking to his best man. During your audition, you will generally hear the familiar phrases, "Action," and "Cut."
Fortunately, our actor was picked in for this production out of hundreds on the spot. The director said "We'll choose you." How great is that? But the funny thing is - at no point in time did our actor feel that he had a legitimate shot at getting the role. The process is VERY harrowing and impersonal. Life can take strange twists, and if you keep at it, it's only a matter of time before you'll get a role.
His first day on the set at Warner Bros. Studios in Hollywood is detailed in our next article.
Some Final Thoughts
To wrap up, these are some tips that we feel are important at both the initial audition at the casting studio AND the callback:
- Show up on time (early).
- Observe Proper Etiquette
- Be confident and natural at all times. Don't overact (theatre performers tend to over-project).
- Try to get as much information you can in a tactful manner
In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to let us know! We love participation from any of our readers, as well as submissions. If you would like to know what it's like to be on the set once you've been casted as a principal, follow this link.
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