I was reading a friend's book and she talked about the benefits of submitting via tape/video/YouTube.
As a Director, I attend all of the casting sessions for my films and, depending on the turnout, I hate or love casting. But I prefer that you show up. Now, I understand that if you are trying to book Army Wives or the Next Joss Whedon film you may need to "go on tape" to submit. However, WHENEVER POSSIBLE you should show up.
I have done a dozen or so castings, in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Clearwater. We have had probably three dozen video submissions. We booked four. Three of which were for people that we had already worked with. Only one was booked straight from the tape - and she just blew us away.
When I'm casting, there are usually 4-5 people in the room, at least 2. I am told every time that I spend too much time with each person. But for me, I like to know the type of person that I am considering. I would much rather have someone that is likeable and will not be complaining ever minute of the day and is a 7 (acting-wise) than have a perfect 10 (talent-wise) and be an @$$.
The only cast/crew members that didn't work out were the ones that I felt forced to use, because I needed a "body". This is the main reason that I like to use the same actors and crew members over again; I know their pros and cons.
During a 5-10 minute casting session with me you can try to fool me into getting the job, but unlikely. Many actors have told me that their resumes are barely skimmed over during auditions; I read and ask questions, if I have internet access I'll IMDb/Facebook/Google you. May have questions from there as-well. And, if you have listed accents or a special talents on your resume - you had better be able to perform them. At one interview, one actor had nearly two dozen accents/dialects listed - he performed at least a dozen before he left.
If you show up at the audition, you will make an impression on me. You have the choice whether to make it a bad impression or not.
Be polite/courteous/nice.
Be passionate - about acting/role/film
Be memorable - see above, an anectdote that is pertinate to the film, a unique talent.
And last, but most definitely NOT least - you show me how you take direction. Usually, we will give the 1st cold read with little info. After that read we will talk and critique and we will ask if you want to do it again. If you say yes, you will be given more direction and back story. (HINT: ASK. Many people don't ask any questions and we say the same things over and over again, sometimes we may forget a sentance and that may have been the one piece of info you needed to make the character yours. So, when in doubt, ASK.) This is the MAIN difference as a taped audition will not get feedback
Make me remember you and even if it doesn't work out now, we may give you a call down the road and ask if you would like to be part of a project.
Donald E. Reynolds
Writer-Director-Producer
http://www.imdb.me/donaldereynolds
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RnD-Entertainment-Studios/104013786299363
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Casting Assistance (originally from 2011)
So, you showed up (or submitted online with a headshot and cover letter) for for a Casting/Audition...
Next, I will IMDb you. After that: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and finally just plain Google you AND if you included links on your resume or in your email I will go through every single one. I will be searching all of these sites to 1) find out about you 2) judge your professional level 3) learn your level and interest in social media and self promotion.
Because RnDES has "only" made short films to date or because we "currently" ask people to work for IMDb cred, DVD, food, etc... does not mean that we are not a "real" company. I/We take RnD Entertainment Studios serious and treat it as a professional full-time job and I want people that will take their jobs, whether cast or crew, seriously as-well. We get many people auditioning that have NO experience - and we use them often, if they have passion and interest in this as their future. Occassionally however, we get the person that came with a friend or just wanted to audition to "try it out". Please don't.
No matter what your passion or chosen profession, everyone had "no experience" at one time and we get that. I love finding people that I can help grow and develope. Even though I know that they will leave us for the better paying job or experience.
Passion and professionalism will get you a long way. Just remember that.
Don.
Next, I will IMDb you. After that: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and finally just plain Google you AND if you included links on your resume or in your email I will go through every single one.
Because RnDES has "only" made short films to date or because we "currently" ask people to work for IMDb cred, DVD, food, etc... does not mean that we are not a "real" company. I/We take RnD Entertainment Studios serious and treat it as a professional full-time job and I want people that will take their jobs, whether cast or crew, seriously as-well. We get many people auditioning that have NO experience - and we use them often, if they have passion and interest in this as their future. Occassionally however, we get the person that came with a friend or just wanted to audition to "try it out". Please don't.
No matter what your passion or chosen profession, everyone had "no experience" at one time and we get that. I love finding people that I can help grow and develope. Even though I know that they will leave us for the better paying job or experience.
Passion and professionalism will get you a long way. Just remember that.
Don.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Casting Help (originally from 2011)
As a director and producer, I just really hate castings. Some people make it seem worth it. Some people make me wonder if they are simply there on a dare.
FIRST of all, Know what you are auditioning for. Don't submit a resume and headshot, then be surprised when I email you and ask you to audition. DO NOT ask what job this is for OR where the location is. It WAS in the original ad. AND realize that when you tell me how much you love zombies and want to be in MY zombie film - you better be DAMN certain I'm casting a zombie film and not a Sting-like adult comedy OR you WILL be on THE list.
FIRST, Part two. Resumes and Headshots. Know who you worked with on previous jobs. Make sure the names are spelled correctly for the production company, role, director and film. Yes, people do actually screw all of this up. Also, We ALL KNOW that actors starting out pad their resume roles. Do NOT do it if you are auditioning for that same director/producer. Adapt you resume. Don't say you were a Featured actor when you were one of a crowd. ALSO, Your headshot probably sucks. Make sure your headshots look like you. Preferably have more than one headshot that may aid in seeing you in the role you're auditioning for. But whether you have a dozen variants or just 1 - make sure the resume looks like you. If I look at your headshot and don't remember you, you have already lost.
SECOND, Show up. I lived in NYS in the Blizzard of '98. The state was closed down with snow drifts of more than 10 feet in places. I made it the 20 miles to work. I've sliced my arm open to a 6" gash, I used Bounty and Duct Tape to stop the bleeding and get back to work. You either take pride in yourself and do whatever it takes or you don't... and you don't. If you are NOT in jail, a coma or dead I don't want to hear your excuse. You want it or you don't. Only you can decide that.
SECOND, Addendum. As a father I realize that things happen. Contact me AS-SOON-AS-POSSIBLE and let me know what's going on and give me your thoughts on options. Being proactive may keep you off THE list. In general, my memory sucks, but I remember everyone that has ever auditioned for me and 99% of the people that have ever sent in a headshot. So, a year later you may submit for something else- but I will remember that you said that you couldn't get there until 5p and then I waited and waited and you never showed up. To me, you ARE undependable.
SECOND, and Lastly... Provide a damn good excuse, preferrably an honest one. If you tell me you were having a stomach virus, exploding from both ends and I check your Facebook or Twitter and find you at the club, you're done. If I ask you to be involved with projects and you say no, that's fine. After a 2nd or 3rd time I will no longer ask. Let me know that you have better paying jobs and I'll respect that. Just say no and I'll think that you don't want to work with me and I'll delete your contact info.
THIRD, Dress. If you know something about the character you're auditioning for come dressed as that character OR come as yourself. Don't come dressed for the beach or like you've been living in your car for a month. PLEASE do not wear overly tight clothes if you don't have the body for it, or overly big clothes as that gives the impression that you are trying to hide something.
FOURTH, Know your lines. We don't usually provide sides in advance. But you are free to ask. Ask about character's motivations and backstory if it helps. Whatever helps you prepare for a role will impress me with the time and effort that you are willing to put in. Also, try to know your lines, without looking at the paper if possible. For me, we usually don't provide sides until the audition day. But we allow you to take as much time as you want. Show up at 11am take the sides and go rehearse until 4p, then come back and blow my ass away.
FIFTH, Make me like you. The core people on my team stay the same. We want to find cast and crew members that can work with us more than once. You need to have talent, but all things being nearly equal - I'm going with the talented likeable guy over the super-talented arrogant ass every time. If you can relate a connection between the character and your life that's a HUGE plus. "Wait, you were dating 5 women in school and they did what to you? You CAN relate to the script!!!"
SIXTH, Who am I? Know something about who you are auditioning for. In the world of Facebook, Twitter, the Internet and IMDb you should be able to learn everything about the company/people that you are auditioning for. When we ask you if you have any questions this is two-fold. 1st, Is there anything that is unclear? Ask now or I will assume that you know and understand everything 100%. 2nd, Did you look into who you were auditioning for? Even if you know EVERYTHING you should ask something, preferrably a thought provoking question, "You made 12 shorts plus music videos in the last year, how did you do that?"
SEVENTH, Say "Thank you". Twice. I've been in auditions where we thank the actor for coming and he/she just walks out. No matter how good the audition was, I'm left with a WTF? in my mind. Use Facebook or Twitter just to say "Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you." I always feel worse saying NO to someone that posts on Facebook or tweets as there heading out the door. And, I will remember you.
EIGHTH, Listen. When I tell you that I keep your audition on tape (well, digital) I will. I've called up people that I've liked but were not "perfect" for previous casts and offered roles without new auditions, or just a meet-and-greet.
These are my biggest issues. Be honest, likeable have talent and work hard and all will work itself out.
Don.
FIRST of all, Know what you are auditioning for. Don't submit a resume and headshot, then be surprised when I email you and ask you to audition. DO NOT ask what job this is for OR where the location is. It WAS in the original ad. AND realize that when you tell me how much you love zombies and want to be in MY zombie film - you better be DAMN certain I'm casting a zombie film and not a Sting-like adult comedy OR you WILL be on THE list.
FIRST, Part two. Resumes and Headshots. Know who you worked with on previous jobs. Make sure the names are spelled correctly for the production company, role, director and film. Yes, people do actually screw all of this up. Also, We ALL KNOW that actors starting out pad their resume roles. Do NOT do it if you are auditioning for that same director/producer. Adapt you resume. Don't say you were a Featured actor when you were one of a crowd. ALSO, Your headshot probably sucks. Make sure your headshots look like you. Preferably have more than one headshot that may aid in seeing you in the role you're auditioning for. But whether you have a dozen variants or just 1 - make sure the resume looks like you. If I look at your headshot and don't remember you, you have already lost.
SECOND, Show up. I lived in NYS in the Blizzard of '98. The state was closed down with snow drifts of more than 10 feet in places. I made it the 20 miles to work. I've sliced my arm open to a 6" gash, I used Bounty and Duct Tape to stop the bleeding and get back to work. You either take pride in yourself and do whatever it takes or you don't... and you don't. If you are NOT in jail, a coma or dead I don't want to hear your excuse. You want it or you don't. Only you can decide that.
SECOND, Addendum. As a father I realize that things happen. Contact me AS-SOON-AS-POSSIBLE and let me know what's going on and give me your thoughts on options. Being proactive may keep you off THE list. In general, my memory sucks, but I remember everyone that has ever auditioned for me and 99% of the people that have ever sent in a headshot. So, a year later you may submit for something else- but I will remember that you said that you couldn't get there until 5p and then I waited and waited and you never showed up. To me, you ARE undependable.
SECOND, and Lastly... Provide a damn good excuse, preferrably an honest one. If you tell me you were having a stomach virus, exploding from both ends and I check your Facebook or Twitter and find you at the club, you're done. If I ask you to be involved with projects and you say no, that's fine. After a 2nd or 3rd time I will no longer ask. Let me know that you have better paying jobs and I'll respect that. Just say no and I'll think that you don't want to work with me and I'll delete your contact info.
THIRD, Dress. If you know something about the character you're auditioning for come dressed as that character OR come as yourself. Don't come dressed for the beach or like you've been living in your car for a month. PLEASE do not wear overly tight clothes if you don't have the body for it, or overly big clothes as that gives the impression that you are trying to hide something.
FOURTH, Know your lines. We don't usually provide sides in advance. But you are free to ask. Ask about character's motivations and backstory if it helps. Whatever helps you prepare for a role will impress me with the time and effort that you are willing to put in. Also, try to know your lines, without looking at the paper if possible. For me, we usually don't provide sides until the audition day. But we allow you to take as much time as you want. Show up at 11am take the sides and go rehearse until 4p, then come back and blow my ass away.
FIFTH, Make me like you. The core people on my team stay the same. We want to find cast and crew members that can work with us more than once. You need to have talent, but all things being nearly equal - I'm going with the talented likeable guy over the super-talented arrogant ass every time. If you can relate a connection between the character and your life that's a HUGE plus. "Wait, you were dating 5 women in school and they did what to you? You CAN relate to the script!!!"
SIXTH, Who am I? Know something about who you are auditioning for. In the world of Facebook, Twitter, the Internet and IMDb you should be able to learn everything about the company/people that you are auditioning for. When we ask you if you have any questions this is two-fold. 1st, Is there anything that is unclear? Ask now or I will assume that you know and understand everything 100%. 2nd, Did you look into who you were auditioning for? Even if you know EVERYTHING you should ask something, preferrably a thought provoking question, "You made 12 shorts plus music videos in the last year, how did you do that?"
SEVENTH, Say "Thank you". Twice. I've been in auditions where we thank the actor for coming and he/she just walks out. No matter how good the audition was, I'm left with a WTF? in my mind. Use Facebook or Twitter just to say "Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you." I always feel worse saying NO to someone that posts on Facebook or tweets as there heading out the door. And, I will remember you.
EIGHTH, Listen. When I tell you that I keep your audition on tape (well, digital) I will. I've called up people that I've liked but were not "perfect" for previous casts and offered roles without new auditions, or just a meet-and-greet.
These are my biggest issues. Be honest, likeable have talent and work hard and all will work itself out.
Don.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
What have YOU (I) done?
Anyone that knows anything about me, knows that writing and filmmaking have been passions of mine for the better part of my life. I have had numerous misstarts along the way and made choices that have not always helped me in the "short run". However... As I started revamping my website (and resume/CV) I realized that I have done more than I thought.
I directed my 1st film during the Summer of 2006. It debuted on October 31st at the New Filmmakers Film Festival in NYC in 2007. However, I was never really happy with the edit and it languished until the Spring of 2010, when I was finally able to re-edit it into a cut that I like.
In June 2010, I signed up for a film competition and... the rest is history. From June '10 through July '11 - I directed 10 short films and produced 2 others. 12 films in 13 months.
From August '11 through September '12 - I have only directed one film, co-directed 2 others and produced 3 others. 6 films in 13 months. RnDES has also had films screen over 20 times at 10 different venues. RnDES also had it's 1st film to win awards at a film festival.
I have come along way in the past 28 months. I have directed 14 short films, produced over 20, my IMDb credits currently number at 35 (with many outstanding) and my company has become "award-winning".
Not so bad when you think that, had you asked me a month ago what I had accomplished as a filmmaker I might have said, "Not much.".
Have YOU accomplished more than you thought?
Donald E. Reynolds
http://www.imdb.me/donaldereynolds
I directed my 1st film during the Summer of 2006. It debuted on October 31st at the New Filmmakers Film Festival in NYC in 2007. However, I was never really happy with the edit and it languished until the Spring of 2010, when I was finally able to re-edit it into a cut that I like.
In June 2010, I signed up for a film competition and... the rest is history. From June '10 through July '11 - I directed 10 short films and produced 2 others. 12 films in 13 months.
From August '11 through September '12 - I have only directed one film, co-directed 2 others and produced 3 others. 6 films in 13 months. RnDES has also had films screen over 20 times at 10 different venues. RnDES also had it's 1st film to win awards at a film festival.
I have come along way in the past 28 months. I have directed 14 short films, produced over 20, my IMDb credits currently number at 35 (with many outstanding) and my company has become "award-winning".
Not so bad when you think that, had you asked me a month ago what I had accomplished as a filmmaker I might have said, "Not much.".
Have YOU accomplished more than you thought?
Donald E. Reynolds
http://www.imdb.me/donaldereynolds
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