Acting

1. Performance. When you’re self-submitting, casting folks have high expectations. Even though you may have just received the copy, we assume that you’ve had time to work on the material and can bring your A-game.

2. Personality. Since casting is asking for your self-submission in lieu of an in-person audition, we miss out on getting the chance to meet you. If possible, we’d like to get to know you a little through your self-tape. One way to do this is to use your slate as a chance to show some of your personality as well as your professionalism.

3. Technical Quality. Ultimately, we need to see and hear you. If we can’t, this could immediately take you out of the mix. It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times talent will submit clips that are lacking in one of those departments. And if they are, even if we love their performance, we won’t be able to send them through to the client to consider due to poor recording quality. Your best bet is to solve all of these technical issues ahead of time. Find a space in your home that you can designate as your self-tape spot. Set up a camera, lights, background, etc. and have it ready to go.

4. Following Instructions. Make sure you read and follow the format and size specs for the clip. Also adhere to any slate, wardrobe, and direction that is given in the breakdown. Casting directors share these helpful instructions, which are usually passed along from the client, because they’re expecting to see them in the recordings.

5. Fitting the Role. Make sure you’re appropriate for the role before going through the trouble of self-submitting. If you’ve specifically been asked to self-tape then by all means send something over, but if it’s a general call, save yourself the time and effort if you don’t fit the breakdown. Time is limited and valuable for everyone, so focus your efforts on submitting for roles best suited for you!

- Melanie Forchetti, Casting Director for Netflix, Amazon, CNN, Oxygen, among others.

#casting #selftape #audition #actor #script #sides #hollywood #slate

Keep submitting yourself. When you have an agent, it’s easy to let this part fall to the wayside. But to keep your audition numbers up, you want to make sure you’re an active participant.

Keep searching through Actors Access, Backstage, and other casting platforms.

If you do voiceover work or audiobook narration, look for platforms where you can put up your profile and demo tracks. Remember, your agent has many actors on the roster, and no one knows your work better than you. You might find a gig that would otherwise be missed or passed over.

Communicate with your talent representatives.

Even though you’re submitting for and possibly booking projects on your own, remember that you and your agent are always a team. Be open and communicative about the projects you might be booking. Have your agent look over any contracts before you sign them.

For one thing, they may be able to help you negotiate better terms.

For another, you don’t want to lock yourself into a project that pays pennies without letting your agent know, only to have them submit you for better-paying work that conflicts. Make sure you’re both on the same page about when and where you’re submitting.

Remember to factor in fees.

When looking at rates for projects you’re submitting to, remember to mentally factor in rep splits and other expenses when you’re determining whether something is worth it.

Sometimes these can be negotiated, but it’s important to keep in mind. If you’re auditioning for an audiobook, unless you have a home studio, remember you’ll have to factor in studio rates, and possibly hire an editor.

Don’t say yes to something without considering what it might cost you.

#actor #audition #agent #manager #selftape

Now, in a way, the reverse is true. Networks and platforms are looking for authenticity, as well as for the opportunity to tell stories from voices and perspectives not often heard. A name that suggests cultural specificity can actually be helpful, given the scrutiny regarding parts being played by actors of appropriate ethnicity.”

– President of a TV Production Company

“I once hired a guy whose name I not only couldn’t remember — but couldn’t pronounce. I avoided him at all costs and vowed never to hire him again.”

– Reality Show Producer

“I have never asked a client to create a ‘brand new’ name. I have, however, suggested some folks reconsider their given names, as whatever they were currently using sounded generic, or even had a certain falsity to it. Clearly Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga have done all right, but my feeling is if people are comfortable with what their parents named them, then so am I.”

– A Talent Agent

“I love the fact that we live in a day and age where an actor does NOT have to change his/her/their name, because that’s what the industry mandates. I think it’s important for actors to be true to themselves and authentic with who they are. That being said, I have many clients who do have ‘stage names’ and I love that too. And there can be many reasons for that — privacy, for one. My only suggestion is that if you are going to change your name, you do a thorough Google search on that new name BEFORE you change it.”

– Liza Anderson, Owner Anderson Group Public Relations

“I fully support changing the name if it suits and supports the creative process. Being an actor is a creative endeavor. Performance, delivery, and marketing are all part of the artistic process. If you have a challenging name and you have something you want to use that is easy to remember or visually appealing, then there’s nothing wrong with creating something new. When marketing a film, all components matter.”

– Jen Ditchik, Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at WC+A

#actor

Green flags for actor employment agreements indicate favorable terms and conditions that benefit the actor and promote a positive working relationship with the production company. On the other hand, red flags signal potential issues or concerns that actors should be cautious about. Here are some examples of green and red flags for actor employment agreements:

Green Flags:

Fair Compensation is important! The agreement offers competitive compensation that reflects the actor's experience, role, and the budget of the production.

Clear Role Description! The agreement clearly outlines the actor's role, including the character they will portray, their responsibilities, and any specific requirements or expectations.

Favorable Working Conditions! The agreement includes provisions for reasonable working hours, breaks, and accommodations, ensuring the actor's health, safety, and well-being on set.

Protection of Rights! The agreement includes clauses that protect the actor's rights, such as provisions for proper crediting, use of likeness, and protection against unauthorized exploitation of their image or performance.

Flexibility for Auditions and Other Work! The agreement allows the actor to audition for other roles and pursue additional work, provided it does not conflict with their obligations to the production.

Red Flags:

Unfair Compensation it can be obvious. The agreement offers inadequate or below-market compensation that does not reflect the actor's experience, role, or the budget of the production.

Ambiguous Role Description! The agreement lacks clarity or specificity regarding the actor's role, responsibilities, or character, leaving room for misunderstandings or disputes.

Unreasonable Working Conditions! The agreement fails to provide adequate protections for the actor's health, safety, or well-being on set, such as long hours, unsafe conditions, or lack of breaks.

Exploitative Rights! Watch out! The agreement includes clauses that overly restrict or exploit the actor's rights, such as granting excessive control over their likeness or performance without proper compensation or consent.

Exclusivity or Non-Compete Clauses! The agreement includes clauses that restrict the actor's ability to audition for other roles or pursue additional work, limiting their professional opportunities and creative freedom.

Lack of Payment or Delayed Payment! The agreement fails to provide clear terms or deadlines for payment, or the production company has a history of late or non-payment to actors.

You must carefully review actor employment agreements and identifying potential green and red flags, actors can protect their interests, ensure fair treatment, and make informed decisions about their participation in film and television productions. Now, a good lawyer can do that for you. It also does not hurt do your own education. This information is good to learn.