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We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:

Today's AMA - Regina Lee in the Writer's Room Lounge by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Dec 29th

Regina Lee, Feature Film & TV Series Producer, Development Exec, and Stage 32 Executive, is hosting a 24-hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Writer's Room Lounge today, focused on what writers should know about overall, first-look, and pod deals. This is a great opportunity to learn about these key deals that writer's (and producers, directors and actors) strive to make with studios and networks. 


Here's a link to Regina's AMA so you can hop in and ask her your questions: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/vip/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-12-29-to-12-30-What-Writers-Should-Know-About-Overall-First-Look-and-Pod-Deals

And if you aren't a member of the Stage 32 Writer's Room, you can get a first month free by signing up here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip

#StuntsAtTheOSCARS by Pidge Jobst  •  last post Dec 28th

We've been rallying for a Stunts Category at The Oscars by posting this banner (pictured) and others like it since 2017. Men and women stunt actors risk their lives each day on the movie set so that we can enjoy an action-packed and believable seamless continuity film. I know a few stunt players and a good friend who did a wire gag on my set and then got stuck on his motorcycle on his way to another gig. He would be proud and love that LAST WEEK this OSCAR-STUNTS Story came out in Variety. https://variety.com/2023/film/news/oscars-stunt-category-discussed-academy-john-wick-director-1235650105/



Actors Need to Practice, Practice, Practice by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Dec 28th



Record yourself reading monologues and short scenes. You can purchase a book of monologues online or through Industry sites giving you hours of potential roles to inhabit. 
Pick one and practice it 2-3 times, then tape yourself giving the speech. When you rewatch it, take notes on where you want to improve, what lines sounded great, and ideas you have to make it better. 
Then re-do the speech, recording again until you’re happy with the results. 

Choose a variety of monologues, not just the ones you’re most comfortable with. This is practice time, so challenge yourself. It may be worth experimenting, rather than going for a set expectation of perfection. Sometimes a different approach can really make a monologue stand out.What happens if you: 
- Slow your lines down 
- Stress different words 
- Put longer pauses in 
- Change your tone 
- Switch it up, you may surprise yourself! 

Try different accents, and consider learning a new language while you’re at it. New skills to add to your resume is always a good thing.

 #audition #actor #casting #monologue #sides #selftape #script #workshop #video #manager #agent #hollywood #success

Quest to Find the Perfect Talent Agent by Matthew Gross  •  last post Dec 28th

I started the grueling task of search for commercial talent agent representation. I will begin submitting to agents this August. I'm quickly learning this process is similar to finding and submitting to a university to attend in the fall. Agents however, do not offer promotional videos like colleges. In my mind, I want to find a mid-sized agency that has the connections to move my career forward. Analogy: I want to attend an Ivy League with small classes and a tight-knit community. Rather than a Harvard or Yale that are massive and I may get lost in the shuffle (i.e. ICM or CAA), I want someplace like Denison University (e.g. Clear Talent Group). During this search, I'm mentally creating promotional videos for the talent agencies I'm most interested in to help me visualize the agency and my place within its structure. I created extensive lists of questions for myself and for the prospective talent agents. 


If you are looking for an agent in Los Angeles, New  York, or anywhere within the continental United States, you can locate them here: 

ASSOCIATION OF TALENT AGENTS: 
https://www.agentassociation.com/

SAG-AFTRA FRANCHISED AGENTS (NATIONAL LIST):
https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts-industry-resources/agents-managers/about-professional-representatives/franchised-agents-list

Selecting an agency to represent you is like searching for a university to attend in the fall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tylcaZAxzuM

by Amin Yekta  •  last post Dec 27th

Brazilian actress in London by Juliana Beirac  •  last post Dec 27th

Hi, I’m a Brazilian actress and screenwriter and I’m going to London in a few months!! 
I’d love to have some insight in the industry there so If anyone could give me a hand with that I would love to chat about it!

Working With Actors: The Casting Conundrum by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Dec 27th

Mark W. Travis talks about a different approach to the casting process than the traditional casting process in today’s blog.


Mark is a director, dramaturge, screenwriter, script consultant, theatre director, and CEO at Travis International Film Institute.

www.stage32.com/blog/working-with-actors-the-casting-conundrum-3588

Braveheart/ Edward the Longshanks' monologue by Alexander Cooper  •  last post Dec 27th

https://youtu.be/ABQhEou4c9c?si=GgNlvs3wMf3OcdJ3

The Lost Scene by Alexander Cooper  •  last post Dec 27th

I have started a series of videos on my YouTube channel where I create an imaginary lost or cut scene from a well known film. I'm doing a monologue by Edward the Longshanks' from Mel Gibson's 'Braveheart' in a recent video.  Suggestions always welcomed, for future videos, I enjoy a challenge)

I had a dream by Alexander Cooper  •  last post Dec 27th

I had a dream I was training on the focus pads with Hugh Grant in a boxing gym.

Great For The New Year! by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Dec 26th

Tips for Better Headshots, According To a Top Acting Coach:


- Go pro. Spend money-it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” 

- Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chill with the 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.

- Remember: It’s all about the eyes. Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, not dead and glazed over.

- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.

- Consider natural light vs. studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you.

- Don’t go crazy with clothing and props. I once saw a headshot of a guy with a bird on his head. Why? Because he wanted to stand out. Let’s not get crazy here. Keep it simple and classy. Professionalism not desperation gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you.

- Go easy with the makeup. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.

- Matt Newton, On-Camera Acting Coach

#actor #headshot

Here Are my 3 Special 2024 Wishes For You by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Dec 26th

Here Are my 3 Special 2024 Wishes For You

https://youtu.be/tqHcVX73swo

Please share any acting plans or goals you have for 2024.
This allows us to learn from each other.


Michael Caine on Cary Grant by Geoff Hall  •  last post Dec 24th

In the days of Turner Classic Movies…


https://youtu.be/PDBY0A4JnTs?si=TCS8NOkU-x_2Y5RQ

Michael Caine - Use the Difficulty by Geoff Hall  •  last post Dec 22nd

Michael Caine, on The Parkinson Show, 2002. Do you have a philosophy of life gleaned from acting advice that you received during a production? 


https://youtu.be/GAB89fOdA-I?si=6Rv4tpT0WbMaPSl-

Advice wanted! Does this "Blind audition" sound genuine or scammy? by Athina Kefalopoulos  •  last post Dec 21st

Hi everyone,

I was recently emailed by someone claiming to work for [a huge film production company], stating they found my profile on a [very well established private casting page I pay for] and that they are casting for a film in Greece, and invited me to attend a "blind audition".

I copy the message I received below. In the audition, the 'team' was muted and off camera, and towards the end of the audition the 'team' became unresponsive. After 10 mins I left the call and followed up with an email. They got back to me 24 hours later stating "the electricity in [their] building" went down and they have since replied to my followup email asking for their social media very quickly (though they provided just an IMDb page and the company's website.

Now, the emails are written in a professional manner and if it is genuine, wow. I have tried to cross-reference the name of the person who reached me with IMDb pro and although they match, I am not able to locate any personal social media so as to confirm the person behind the emails is the person on IMDb pro.

I'd love your take as I had never done a blind audition before and am now a little concerned about the security of this professional casting page I am a member of.

Part of me thinks I am being hyper-vigilant and should let it be, but the worst in me worries I have been scammed and that someone is using this very successful person's name to reach actresses.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you!

- - - - - - -
The message I received was:

"Hello and welcome to our online auditions! We want to take a moment to explain the unique format we're using today.

You'll notice that we, the audition hosts, will remain blind and muted throughout your performance. This approach is intentionally designed to create a focused and unbiased audition environment for you.

By removing our presence from the screen and muting our audio, we aim to minimize any potential distractions and ensure that your performance takes center stage. Our focus is entirely on your talent, not on our reactions or comments.

Please don't interpret our silence as indifference; it's quite the opposite. We're here to support you and give you the space to showcase your skills without any external influences. After your performance, we'll provide feedback and engage in discussions to help you shine even brighter."
- - - - - - - -

My Memories of the Late and Great Actor Andre Braugher by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Dec 19th

I had the privilege of seeing Andre for nearly two years while working on the ground breaking NBC TV show Homicide: Life On The Street.

I share my memories about this very special actor in my latest quick tip video:
https://youtu.be/Xexpalwxyvo

Did you ever meet or watch Andre Braugher perform?

If so, share your thoughts with others.


Capturing the Perfect Shot: 5 London Photographers for Stunning Actor Headshots and Expert Portfolio Tips by Emily Maguire  •  last post Dec 18th

In this article, I have listed my top five London photographers who have received excellent feedback from both casting directors and actors. I have also included some tips on preparing and utilising your actor portfolio.


It's worth noting that there are many great headshot photographers out there, and this list is by no means exhaustive. 

https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/post/london-photographers-for-actor-headshots

Actor Callbacks by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Dec 17th

Getting a callback means that the casting team is intrigued by you and your acting, but they may not be totally sold yet. On top of watching you perform, they might also question you about your acting approach and experience. This is the time to showcase your range, ability to portray your character, and overall skill set.  

Expect to perform the same material in the same way as in your first audition—but know that you might be asked to make a few changes, such as reading a scene with different emotion or really diving deep into your character’s personality.

Callbacks often mean performing a scene with another actor so the director can see if you mesh well with others.

The casting director brought you back because your type and performance worked for the character and for the tone of the show. Unless you are given specific notes for the callback, do the exact same performance when you come back in but be open to adjustments.

Don’t get locked into your choices. In a callback, the director, producer, and creative team may have you take an adjustment and try the scene a different way. Spontaneous decisions are your best friend so practice various versions of the audition just to be prepared.

#actor #audition #callback


 

Bryan Cranston’s advice to Actors by Geoff Hall  •  last post Dec 17th

Nothing to say here, just watch and then…


https://youtu.be/oGEEMspTr5o?si=jozljuzp30NCuc98

Finding the Right Commercial Talent Agent by Matthew Gross  •  last post Dec 15th

I decided to free up my schedule by hiring a talent agent to represent me commercially (commercials and industrials). Selecting agents to submit to is similar to selecting a university to attend. I'm taking the following steps:


1. Visit SAG-AFTRA and the ATA websites for commercial agents.

2. Visit each talent agency website. 
a) If there is no website, I skip that agency.
b) If there's a website but no information (e.g. "About"), I will skip that agency.
c) If the website says, "Submissions by referral only", I skip it.

3. Read reviews on Yelp. Not all agencies have Yelp reviews.

4. Check with California Secretary of State to see if the agency is up-to-date on their tax filings.

5. Visit the Better Business Bureau website to check for complaints leveraged against the agencies.

6. Check to see if there are past or pending lawsuits against the agent/agencies; if so, what is claimed in the filing.

Hopefully this information will help me make an informed decision prior to in-person interviews with agents/agencies.