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Headshot Tips For Actors by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 29th



- Don’t overdo your makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Be yourself. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.

- Don’t go quirky with clothing and props.
Let’s not get nuts here. Keep it simple and classy, and follow the standard format. Professionalism gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you well and matches your eyes should do the trick. No whites and no graphics or anything that might distract from your face, and no props.

- Consider natural light vs. studio.
Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real look. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is best for you. If you want to look like you are on the Fargo series go for the outdoor look.

- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background.
Generally a good headshot is chest-up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows.

- Choose personality over glamour.
Make sure it looks like you with easy airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. It’s not about looking pretty, it’s about representing your type, wrinkles included.

- Go pro.
Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not a friend who happens to have a decent camera who has a hobby of taking photos. Save those pics for Instagram and leave the headshots to the pros.

#actor #headshot 

Free class by Stephanie Barton-farcas  •  last post Sep 29th

Free Class! Casting consultant with Disney/Nickelodeon, working actress/author and voice actor - I have been coaching actors from 5-85 for 14 years and am now going into my own zoom business. I also coach college audition prep, public speaking, Voice over career work, losing accents and gaining accents.

https://sbartonfarcas.weebly.com/
I am giving away free 30 minute lessons on zoom- in whatever you need to work on, and my subsequent costs are $1 a minute- yep, you heard it- I am building my own business! I would love to help you out- DM for free class!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2467623/

Reading partner exchange by Rick McNeil  •  last post Sep 27th

As many may already know, at times it is difficult finding a reading partner every time you need to submit a self-tape audition. I am willing to be a reading partner in exchange for the same, either via phone, zoom or Skype.  I have a select few reading partners that are not always available.  I'm sure that I am not the only actor who has encountered this problem.  Hit me up, if you are interested.

Maisy Stella opens up by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Sep 26th

Interesting article about Maisy, a child actor, making a comeback with a comedy based on personal feelings. I've always loved the Freaky Friday movies and look forward to this take. https://variety.com/2024/film/features/maisy-stella-my-old-ass-1236146055/

Hey I'm new here and working on a project that's kind of cool by Caroline Gray  •  last post Sep 25th

Lovely to be here! I've moved over from LinkedIn. The project I'm working on isn't everyone's cup of tea, and so this more inclusive platform is a better fit. I'd love to know what you're working on?

Tips for Casting Call Auditions by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 25th



Before you submit your resume and headshot, read the breakdown thoroughly. 
Make sure you are the perfect fit. 
Most breakdowns will clearly describe the type of person they are looking for as well as the filming dates. 
Make sure you fit that description and that you are available for those shoot dates. 

Follow the instructions in the breakdown. Unless stated otherwise, address the subject line with the name of the character or position you are applying for, along with your name (i.e. Submission for the role of Andrew by John Doe). 

When the casting call includes a contact name, make sure you address that person in your email and use the right gender and correct spelling. In the body of the email, state the role(s) you are applying for and give a brief description of why you consider yourself the perfect fit for that role or what makes you eager to join that production. 
Include any details requested in the breakdown like your weight, height, and size of your shirt, pants, and/or shoes, and where you are based. Make sure you include an eye-grabbing digital headshot which should be 500kb or less and your resume in PDF. 

The files should simply be your name (john_doe.jpg, john_doe.pdf). You can also provide a link to additional photos, your website, and two to three links of clips of your work. Keep your email simple. 
At the end of the email add a short and polite note indicating the materials you are submitting. 
Use a professional email address. While this may sound silly many forget this simple rule. Imagine receiving an email from I_am_the_actor_for_you@gmail.com instead of john_doe@gmail.com 
When signing off, use your full name. It is best if you create an email signature which links to your website and has your contact details. 

#actor #audition #film #tv #casting
 


Channel for ACTORS ? by Kari Nissena  •  last post Sep 25th

Channel for ACTORS - Latest Free Training Video - You can now verify that you are SAG on IMDb - Please Subscribe - This channel is for YOU. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIU0LX8wo3g

Stop Using Ring Lights Wrong in Auditions –The Right Fix by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Sep 24th

Stop Using Ring Lights Wrong in Auditions –The Right Fix

https://youtu.be/VJOVZdafj3M

Many actors use ring lights the wrong way. And, it makes their audition look bad. Watch the video and learn some important tips on how to use a ring light properly and about another lighting system that can be used in conjunction with a ring light.

Have you ever used a ring light? If so, leave a comment and let us know how you placed the light or lights to make your face look clean and sharp.

What to Do When Your “Type” Changes by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 21st


Knowing your “type” is a crucial tool for any actor.
While actors frequently book roles outside of or against type, having an understanding of what kind of
first impression you make on casting professionals can help you streamline your auditioning process.
Many introductory acting courses discuss how to figure out what your type is.
Less talked about is the fact that it changes.

So what then? You’ve gotten used to marketing yourself one way, what happens when you realize you’re being seen in a new light?
Here are some tips to ease the transition.
Know the signs. For better or worse, type is based heavily on physical appearance. This means that whenever you go through a distinct change of appearance (changing hair length or style, gaining or losing significant weight, altering the tone of your personal style) your type may change with it.

Age is another big factor. As you get older, you will naturally cycle through many different types. A good way to know your type is changing is the type of auditions you’re getting. If you’re accustomed to getting roles like student, assistant, intern, etc., and are suddenly seeing a lot more parents, teachers, and bosses, you may be growing into a new type.

New headshots. Keeping headshots up to date is always important, but never more so than when you’re rebranding. If you don’t want to ditch your current headshots completely, consider adding a couple of shots to your roster that suggest your new type. Restyle. If you’re reading for parent roles but still dressing like a college student, it may be helpful to consider switching up your style (at least professionally).

A haircut and a slight outfit tweak can do wonders to suggest a character consistent with the types you’re reading for.
Embrace it. It’s an easy thing to want to fight your type. But remember, a new type is not a life sentence. It doesn’t mean you’ll never play a role outside that type.
It just means that your bread-and-butter auditions, your commercials and day player roles, might look different.

#actor #casting #audition #headshot #role #type

Believe!! by Evangeline Lilly  •  last post Sep 20th

everything gon be fine ❤️

Theme Park Acting Work by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 20th



If you’re looking beyond typical TV and film auditions for work, you may want to consider working as a performer at a theme park. Being in a different atmosphere other than on a set can be quite liberating. It lends itself to a more spontaneous and therefore at times more challenging experience for you as an actor. Working at a theme park can be a great experience and fun as well. Here’s how you can ace an audition and become a theme park performer. 

1. Don’t dress like a character you think you look like. This is a big, glaring mistake that a lot of performers make going into the audition and it’s problematic for a lot of reasons. First, it looks desperate. You must keep in mind that working as a theme park performer is a normal job and it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re a super fan showing up dressed like a character. It can also be interpreted as you telling casting what you think you should be cast as which is their job, not yours. Also, it really inhibits you because it may make it difficult for casting to see you beyond what you came dressed as. This can jeopardize your chances of getting hired. Just come well groomed and dressed in something nice, neutral, and comfortable. You may have to do some basic movement choreography so dress in something that allows you to move. 

2. Be friendly, have energy, and smile the moment you arrive. Eyes are everywhere and the entire process is an audition. Just because you think someone isn’t looking your way doesn’t mean that no one is looking at you or that the audition is over or on a break. 

3. If you don’t get cast your first time, don’t give up. There are plenty of people who get hired after one, two, three, or more auditions. You may not have booked the job simply because there wasn’t anything that fit your look or type at that very moment. That can change anytime and more often than not it does! 

4. Always be ready. Between auditions, stay ready by continuing to build your skill set as a performer. Work on your body movement, singing, improv, accents, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone by challenging yourself. This way you’ll be more than ready for anything. 

#actor #casting #themepark
 


Preparing for Auditions: 7 Guided Script Approaches That Land You The Job by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Sep 19th

Joey Madia shares seven approaches that could help you land acting gigs, like “Marking Up the Script,” “Starting at the End of the Characters Arc,” and “Vocal Quality, Rhythm, and Pace.”


www.stage32.com/blog/preparing-for-auditions-7-guided-script-approaches-that-land-you-the-job-3860

Free Actor Web Design - my wife and I are looking to help a few of you here by Michael Karpienski  •  last post Sep 18th

Hello! I'm an MFA Creative Writing degree holder, novelist and fellow actor looking to help a few of you here to build up my actor web design portfolio and get the word out about our work. DM if you can use some help! Would love to consider building your website for free to get the word out about my wife and my work! Thanks, Michael - ‪(201) 380-1019‬ / hello@michaelkarpienski.com Web design examples of our work: https://graycetoon.com/ https://liviahetes.com/ https://idaespevik.com/ https://iamrissa.com/ https://lorettaawilliams.com/ https://nathaniel-goodwin.com/ https://kirageiger.com/

California's new laws protecting talent by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Sep 17th

Gavin Newsome has signed new legislation in California protecting performers and their likenesses from being exploited by AI without compensation. This was a big sticking point during the SAG-AFTRA strike and having legislation backing it up can be helpful for performers. Things are evolving fast and protecting California's citizens who make a living with their talent is a potent step. What do you think of these new laws? https://deadline.com/2024/09/ai-bills-gavin-newsom-hollywood-performers-1236091802/

Crazy Thing I Did for This Insanely Unusual Job! by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Sep 17th

Crazy Thing I Did for This Insanely Unusual Job!

https://youtu.be/5J3tprCwBds

I have done many types of acting jobs. In my 40 years as a full-time actor, I have done TV shows, feature, independent, student and training films, TV commercials, radio spots, narrations, stunts and commercial modeling projects. I have also done a couple of promotional projects. In this video, I share with you a crazy thing I did for this insanely unusual job. If you experienced an unusual job, share it here.

Ask Me Anything (AMA) Wednesday 9/18 to Thursday 9/19- Pursuing Opportunities As A Performer by Omari Washington  •  last post Sep 16th

Hey Superstars! Omari here. I'm an actor, producer and screenwriter. I'm thrilled to be doing an AMA in the acting lounge on Wednesday, September 18th. I moved to Los Angeles 13 years ago from Chicago to pursue my acting dream. It's been quite the journey to say the least. I joined SAG-AFTRA in 2018. Since joining the union, I've had the pleasure of being a co-star on network t.v. shows like All-American, Good Trouble, Lethal Weapon, The Bold and the Beautiful and a few other shows. Also, I've starred in over 10 feature films and 20 plus short films. In my career thus far, I won 4 best actor awards for my performance as "Alex" in the award-winning short film "Gracefully Broken". Which is a film I wrote, executive produced and starred in that went on to win over 20 awards worldwide. Currently I have my first feature film "Back Burner" produced by my production company L3 Productions, in post production and can't wait to release this film to the world. It's a film about a sou chef who has a burning desire to be the Yum Networks next superstar but standing in his way is the disrespectful executive chef he works for. I had the pleasure of starring in the film, as well as being the co-writer, executive producer and director for this project.

I'm excited to answer all the questions you may have about pursuing opportunities as an actor. I feel like my experience has lead me to a lot of really good projects and I would love to share some gems with you on how that can happen for you as well. Have a great week and I look forward to having a good time in the acting lunge with you all this Wednesday!

Voice Over Advice for Success by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Sep 15th



Find the Hints in the Script to Determine the Direction of Your Read.

You are usually given direction as to how your read should sound. Sometimes the direction can be a little confusing and even conflicting.

For instance, a message can be encouraging, inspirational, upbeat, excited, or empathetic. Know how to identify words and visual explanations in a script that will give you strong hints as to which direction your read should go. Some key words to look for to know what sounds to apply include “dimly lit” (intimate/close to the mic), “personal” (one-on-one/friendly), “you can be assured” (trustworthy), “imagine” (inspirational), and ”children playing” (warm and friendly). Written descriptions of how the spot is framed such as “pan in,” “tight shot,” or “wide shot” also send you direct messages regarding the emotional feel that your voice should convey.

Expect to Be Pulled in Many Different Directions at the Final Recording Session.

The producers can’t afford to have you back to re-record and pay you and the studio a second time, so they may direct you all over the place to cover all possible choices they anticipate the client may want to hear (as the expression goes) “in the can.” Don’t get jittery or nervous. Having you record many different choices does not mean you’re doing it wrong.

- Terry Berland Commercial Acting

#voice #voiceover #vocal #actor

Brandon Lee by Denise Jenner  •  last post Sep 15th

I want to make a screenplay of the life and death and its aftermath of Brandon Lee the son of Bruce lee.  

I desperately need an answer by Dwayne Pagnotto  •  last post Sep 12th

I'm determined to approach the actor Steven Wright's agent with an offer to see if he'd be interested in doing the voice of my cat Jingles for my TV series.But i need to know what i will be asked and what i will need to tell them and show them.


And I need you people to help me.

I have the pilot already written, and the second episode as well. Plus I have six fully detailed follow-up episodes, and four briefly outlined closing episodes to bring the series to its season finale. Plus I have the series bible as well. So all that is covered.

So basically,I just need someone to tell me, what they will ask to see, and what i will need to show them.What things will the agent likely ask me. I have heard that he may already have a producer he' connected with, in which case they may wish to see what i got.

What should i look out for and be aware of. And what things should i or shouldn't i do? You don't need to answer all these questions,I'll take what i can get.

However, a just a brief idea of what i can expect would be a great help.

I apologize if this is in the wrong lounge, but i do not know where else to turn. So i am asking you my friends to please help me. I've posted something like this before and not a single person bothered replying. 

Please do not make me go thru that again. You're my friends, i need your help, this is why we are all here, so please do not disappoint me again.

Thanks everyone.

What You Need to Know About Actors' Modified Local Contracts by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Sep 12th

What You Need to Know About Actors' Modified Local Contracts

https://youtu.be/-WNcNpbN1Vw

All actors must know about local and modified local contracts so you don’t hurt your reputation and career. Watch the video to learn.
Ever work under these contracts? If so, share your experiences with us here.