UGH! These are the words that have been used to describe an audition that is filled with too many actors in too small a space for too long a time. Other words and phrases have been used, but this one is the most universal and the kindest. Sometimes a cattle call is a necessary evil and sometimes, your agent can protect you from going to this kind of talent round up. However, the bottom line: you won't get cast if you don't go! Actor beware.
These are the kind of auditions that sometimes start in the classified section of your local newspaper. That should give you your first clue. Not very many happy endings start in the classified section. Most times, people who show up will know even less than you do--none will have an agent. So you're really on your own. Actor beware.
Sometimes, your agent will actually send you on an audition that turns into a cattle call. Now, if you do go and you've been there 5 hours and haven't gotten to audition yet and you need to leave, TELL THEM--and BE NICE about it! You will see them again sometime, somewhere, at some other audition--make sure they only remember how nice you would be to work with and make sure you tell your agent how you really feel when you get home.
If you can stay to audition and it's been 5 hours, don't let it dampen your enthusiasm. Audition like you just got there and you feel like a million dollars. Audition like you'd love to work with these people (even though they've kept you waiting for 5 hours) and act. Act like you really mean it. If you do a good enough acting job, they might believe you. They might even give you the job!
Of course, after the wait you've had, even if you do get the job, you should have a pretty good idea of this production company's track record. Actor beware. You need to consider very carefully whether or not you want to put yourself through any more potentially horrendous situations. You need to talk it over with your agent. Anytime a production company is THAT unorganized, you might want to reconsider even working with them.
Believe it or not, some jobs just aren't worth the hassle...once again, actor beware!
It's a dream come true...your face, filling up the entire screen. It's a wonderful dream that can sometimes turns into a nightmare! Unfortunately, as a beginner, your first few close ups will probably be shot after all the principals have left for the day, you've been on the set at least 8 hours, and after the bags under your eyes have a chance to look fully packed. Just about everybody who has a career acting has been through this one. Hey, don't gripe, IT'S A CLOSE UP!
At an audition, being given a script and asked to read it cold, without any preparation. Don't despair. If they don't give you any time to look it over, have fun with it! Use it! Remember it for your memoirs or your first guest spot on the Letterman Show!
Mostly used for modeling, sometimes for broadcast work: a 5 x 7 card with one picture on the front and several (3 or more) different pictures on the back. It gives you the opportunity to show your 'businessman' look, your 'nerdy guy' look, your 'young father' look etc. It's expensive and usually not necessary for a beginner.
When they ask you for your "credits," it's a list of roles you have played that should be listed on your resume--but if they ask, don't hand them the resume, smile broadly and humbly mention the really good ones first (unless of course the character you're auditioning for is a cocky son-of-a-gun. In that case, stand tall and let 'um have it!)
CREDITS can also mean the list of the names of the actors shown at the beginning (opening credits also known as titles) and end (closing credits which unfortunately, nobody stays to read at the end) of a movie.
ALRIGHT! You've been chosen as a day player! You're lucky enough to be needed for the whole day! Usually, you'll have lines to learn. Learn them so you know them backwards and you can say them standing on a median in the middle of rush hour traffic. Learn them so you can swing upside down from a rope opposite Mel Gibson and not miss a beat. Learn them and don't get too flustered when they bring you the script changes at 6:30am. Learn the new ones in the make up chair. Take every opportunity to go over the script -- it's your job. It's what they hired you to do.
Don't be intimidated, this is just one more step up the show biz ladder. Just do your job and remember, even if you get your own close up, they'll shoot absolutely everything else they need to shoot first. So try and stay fresh--it always needs to be acted as if it's the first time, the first shot of the day!
A video tape copy of your best work--usually pieces of different commercials or completed projects cut (edited) together. This is an unnecessary expense for the beginner, but a great tool once you have something to put on it! Similar to voice demo.
A non-speaking 'extra' part in a movie or commercial--usually, extras are not paid very much. In fact, you're lucky if they give you lunch, but you can
learn a lot about what happens on a movie/commercial set. Just do what they tell you, don't talk too loud, don't do anything they don't tell you to do, don't ask too many questions, and don't eat the crew's food. You are important...just like the set is important, the furniture is important...you are literally a human prop. Enjoy the experience. Everyone should try it at least once!
