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A CD’s Advice on Self-Tape Quality by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 19th



“At minimum, you need good lighting. That means either natural lighting, a ring light, or an inexpensive light box. Most cameras and camera phones have a built-in mic, which works fine, although an additional mic can also be purchased inexpensively. You can hang a sheet on the wall for a backdrop—we even do this in my casting office.
Most newer phones have great video-recording abilities—but make sure to record horizontally!
A tripod or other support is needed so that the camera remains stable. For me, the essential element for a good audition is a great reader.
For my coaching clients, I’ve been patching myself in as the reader through Zoom. Actors will have their cameras set up to shoot, and it generally turns out very well. When it comes to quality, we’re not looking for Oscar-worthy cinematography.
We want a good performance, which means your best take and an audition room–level reader—however you can safely make that happen.
Don’t worry, we don’t need to see you on a soundstage to know if you’re right for the part.”

- Marci Liroff
Known for her work in film and television, producer, and casting director, for decades Marci has worked with some of the most successful directors in the world.

#actor #audition

A little Monday Motivation by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 19th

You got this.

How NOT To Mess Up Auditions When You Have an Accent by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Aug 17th

Idil Tekeli (actress and musician originally from Turkey, Istanbul) shares four tips in today’s blog that’ll help you during auditions when you have an accent.


www.stage32.com/blog/how-not-to-mess-up-auditions-when-you-have-an-accent-3826

Actors demand action over 'disgusting' explicit video game scenes - from BBC News by Geoff Hall  •  last post Aug 17th

“Performers working in the games industry have spoken of their distress at being asked to work on explicit content without notice, including a scene featuring a sexual assault.

Sex scenes are common in modern games - and are often made by filming human actors who are then digitised into game characters.

But performers have told the BBC a culture of secrecy around projects - where scripts are often not shared until the last moment - means they frequently do not know in advance that scenes may involve intimate acts.”

This use of technology for sexual purposes is not new. There was a recent report citing the use of Generative AI for child sex videos. Those using the technology stated that it couldn’t be a crime, as it didn’t involve and ‘victims’. But as is the nature of AI, GAI has to work from images and videos of child sexual exploitation.

With this latest BBC News Report, it would suggest that we cannot be accepting and complacent about the use of AI, whether in film or video game production and actors need to be protected from exploitation. 

What are your thoughts? What are the rules in the US, for video games and the protection of actors?


 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23l4ml51jmo 

Looking for learning opportunities! by Rebecca Soileau  •  last post Aug 16th

Hi everyone! I recently completed PA Bootcamp a few weeks ago and while I’m looking for jobs as a P.A. now (I love watching and learning about everything that goes on behind the scenes to make one project) and am excited to start that, I’ve recently been looking over Location scouting and how one would get started in that area! Please let me know if there are any ways to dig deeper into how to start a career there or if you happen to be one and need a mentee or assistant, I’d love a chance to learn by doing and watching :)

Self Tape Questions by Kym Jackson  •  last post Aug 16th

Heya folks!  I'm finalising the build on my upcoming Self Tape Mastery course and I'd love to know if anyone has any questions or anything they're stuck on with self tapes?  OOORRRR any cool tips on what you do that works that I can include! I want to make sure the course is as comprehensive as possible and covers everything anyone could possibly need to know :)

As an actress by Claude Gagne  •  last post Aug 16th

Would you go bald to play a part?

Cool move by Jeff Goldblum by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 16th

Artists need to take care of each other and this is a very cool move by Jeff Goldblum. He can only help so many by doing this but the optics are awesome and it makes me like him even more (and I've always been a fan - his performance in THE FLY is legendary). https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeff-goldblum-actors-qualify-health-insurance-jimmy-kimmel-live-1235976626/

What Is A “Local Hire”? by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 15th



Is it worth it? That’s a question you’ll want to ask yourself and your agent. If you have an offer for weekly scale but you have to be a local hire in another state, the cost of airfare, accommodations & rental car/Uber will have you barely come out even (taxes & agency fees are other contributing factors). At the end of the day, it’s important to prioritize what it is that you consider valuable to your career. 
Will this job be your first credit? Will it give you career-changing footage for your reel? If so, it might be worth it.
It’s important to know the facts & rules when it comes to being a local hire.

Just saying you can be a local hire and having some friends/family in that region may not be enough to fully qualify as a “local hire.” Productions are going out of state due to the many tax incentives offered there and lower cost of shooting. However, in order to qualify for these incentives, they must hire a certain percentage of local cast & crew. Many times, for cast, the percentage that can be out-of-state is reserved for the larger, leading roles. 
This means that some states will require either a state ID, or a document proving you are resident within a certain number of miles from the shooting location. (these requirements differ by state)

#actor #localhire 

Actor Website Tips Part Deux by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 14th

As requested, here is the follow-up to my first post on things to include on your actor website. Now we will discuss things to exclude.


Your Address - there is not a single scenario where a CD, Director, or Producer would need to see your home mailing address on your resume. They only need that if they hire you, at which point you will provide it via a W4 or 1099. 

Personal info - This includes all sorts of things including your DOB and SS#

Production photos that don't feature you - having a bright beautiful photo of the whole cast doing the can-can at the curtain call is great for memories, but unless they can specifically identify you in the photo, it does nothing to help.

Pictures that don't sell your brand, type, signal, or whatever you want to call it. If it is not part of your cohesive marketing, then save it for the 'Gram

Confusing design - This also goes back to your brand and your UX. Make sure everything on your site is there in the interest of telling the story of what you are selling. And make sure the site is as easy to navigate as possible. It is sometimes easy to not realize that you are sending your site visitors on a "link loop." 

Comic Sans font -Just...don't.

SAG-AFTRA Strikes A.I. Voice Replica Deal by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 14th

I found this fascinating. What are your thoughts? https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/sag-aftra-ai-narrativ-voice-replica-digital-ads-1236106301/

That microscopic swiss dude arriving in the gigantic London by Fabio Ferretti  •  last post Aug 14th

Hello everyone !


I just arrived in London from my hometown Geneva, Switzerland about a month ago.

My goal here is to become an actor. I've participated in a few plays and shorts back in Switzerland, on an amateur level. Now I am planning to move on and do it full-time, step by step.

I am all new to this big city and I am slowly getting to know it better. SLOWLY.

I would love to chat and exchange with you about any projects, tips, and getting to know each other.

All the best to everyone !

Frustrated and Need Acting Jobs - 2 People To Contact – Surprise by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Aug 13th

Have you ever felt isolated, alone and frustrated because you weren't getting enough acting auditions or bookings? If so, then you need to know you aren't alone. Almost all actors, even well-known actors go through down times. 

Watch the video https://youtu.be/EeQOYQJ7CKU
and learn what 2 people can really help and move your career forward.

Actors have 2 choices. Sit and wait for things to happen, or be proactive and help make work happen on your own.

If you ever experienced down times in the industry, share your experience with us. And, tell us what you did to help move your career forward.

BONUS VIDEI

When you watch the video to the end, you will also receive the link to a bonus video:
A Star Acted Unbelievably Unprofessional and Nasty to Me

SUBSCRIBE
If you haven't done this yet, don't forget to subscribe (and click the notification bell) to my channel so you have free access to 400 + educational videos.

Can't wait to talk again soon.
Aaron


Bourdain Biopic In The Works by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 13th

Dominic Sessa would be amazing in this role. Is there anyone else you can think of that could play Bordain? Or any other non-scripted TV stars worthy of a biopic? https://deadline.com/2024/08/a24-anthony-bourdain-biopic-dominic-sessa-1236038429/

Actor Website Tips by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 12th

In 2024, every actor needs a website. Not having one would be akin to 20 years ago not having a headshot. It can be tricky to decide what to include on your website. Personally, I have built countless actor websites, so I thought I would offer some tips for you. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but instead, a great place to start that would get everything a CD needs from you in one place.


Things to have

Yourname.com. - if your name is not available, some other variations instead of JohnDoe.com could TheJohnDoe.com or JohnDoeActor.com but for SEO purposes, having your name somewhere in the URL is crucial.

Landing Page - Your initial landing page is super important. It is introducing you to whomever is viewing the site and the design and style should speak to what it is you, as an actor, are selling. Do you play tough guys? Then bright colors and toothy smiles might not be the way to go. Are you a young ingenue who exudes soft femininity? Selling yourself as a badass rocker girl would be a misstep.

Pictures - Headshots are a no-brainer, but make sure they are selling you properly. Other photos you might use could be production stills, modeling shots, and editorial-style shots. Just make sure at each step, you ask yourself, is this photo helping someone cast me in a project? If the answer is no, then it doesn't belong on your actor website.

Reel - You have to have a reel nowadays. It is just expected. I've mentioned this before, but for a clip to belong on your reel it should do one of two things - show what you have done (one line on a major TV show) or what you can do (a great performance in an unheard of student film)

Resume - Not only should this be on the site, but it should be easy to read, formatted for mobile, and easily downloadable. It should also fit on one page.

Contact - I personally hate contact forms, and much prefer the actual contact information. I have heard CDs say the same thing. That said, I am a 45-year-old man who has never gotten by on his looks. If I was an attractive young actress with a bunch of really flattering photos on my website, I might not want to put my direct contact information out there. So this is really going to be an individual choice.

I hope this helps. I would be happy to answer any questions or clarify any of the above.

Ton Cruise Closes The 2024 Olympics In Style by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 12th

Tom Cruise closing out the Olympic games last night and setting the table for Los Angeles '28 was super cool! Is there another movie star that you can think of who could have done that instead of Cruise? I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://deadline.com/2024/08/tom-cruise-paris-olympics-closing-ceremony-1236037540/

IMDb for Actors by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 12th



IMDb is incredibly important as it is your international presence as an actor. 
Not every actor is ready for IMDb, but if you have credits and you are putting yourself out there as a professional actor then you should have a profile. 
There is not too much you can do to optimize a profile, but at least make sure: 

- Your resume is up to date. Get every last screen credit listed on there.
- Bio. Check your bio is current and showcasing you well. (You should be able to customize this with IMDbPro, it’s worth the cost.) 
- Headshots. Have a great headshot as your main profile picture. 

#actor #tv #film #imdb

Theatre Directing Program Online by Inga Ryazanoff  •  last post Aug 11th

Intake - 1.10.2024

Duration - 18 months / 12 months
Professional Qualification - Theatre Director
Semester I: Director's preparation from reading the play until first rehearsal
Semester II: Director’s preparation from the first rehearsal until the premiere
Semester III: Work on the graduation performance / explication book
Modules:
1. The Director and Dramaturgy
2. The Director and Ensemble Building
3. The Director and Method
4. The Director and Form in Performance
5. The Director & Design
6. The Director & Sound
7. Text. Voice. Physical Action
8. Marketing for professionals in the performing arts (only when registering by September 23)
Cody Ganger. Graduate of a distance learning course in theatre directing: https://youtu.be/9vIPjFbMnnQ?si=skwaVIllKYamm2db

3 Tips to Level Up Your Self-Tape Auditions by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Aug 10th

Lisann Valentin shares three important tips on how you can level up your self-tape auditions. “Paint a Picture With Your Eyes,” “Your Angles Are Everything,” and “Keep Positive Thoughts.” Read more about the tips in today’s blog and feel free to post your thoughts in the blog’s comments.


www.stage32.com/blog/3-tips-to-level-up-your-self-tape-auditions-3821

Never forget your early inspirations by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 9th

Picasso said to always return your early inspirations. I loved this article: https://deadline.com/video/michelle-monaghan-favorite-movies-the-film-that-lit-my-fuse-series-bad-monkey-true-detective/