20 Oct 5 Must have resources for every audition
You’ve heard that making it in Hollywood isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Well, I like to think of it as more of a really long road trip filled with post-apocalyptic highway bandits.
To make sure you make it to your destination, you need certain supplies like a spare tire, jumper cables, extra cash and a grappling hook. That’s especially true for today’s actor so here’s 5 must have resources that you’ll need for every audition:
LA Casting account
Yes, they’ll charge you an arm and a leg for every little change you want to make to your account but they are the 800 lbs. gorilla in the commercial auditioning world. If you want to get any commercial auditions, you’ll have to sign up. Plus, your agent will make you.
Side note: To a lesser degree, you’ll need a Casting Frontier account too. After you sign up, you’ll get a ‘bar code’ and you’ll need that for the auditions or you won’t exist. 1984 indeed!
Headshots
You’ll here a lot of people say that you don’t need printed headshots anymore. Au contraire! Even in our point-and-click-audition world, there’s still a place for the printed headshot. For instance, theatrical auditions still require them. So, if you’re auditioning for TV, Film, and Theatre then you’d better bring those headshots because casting will be asking for them. I know for a fact that at many of the casting facilities here in Los Angeles have bins out in the hallway or waiting room. While you’re at one audition, why not bring a printed headshot to drop off in the bin. I know many actors who’ve gotten called in because of this. So you know…better safe than sorry.
Commercial break: Not to toot our own horn, but we’ve got a killer special running this month. Buy 100 headshots and use 4 looks for $99. There’s no addition fees and the package includes free basic retouching! Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled blog in progress…
Measurements
You need this. Seriously. I’m looking at you fellas.
Knowing one’s pant size isn’t enough. Have a friend measure you or get yourself measured by a tailor. Don’t lie about this either! I love a plate full of fried Twinkies just as much as the next person but if you’re gonna eat like a competitive junk food eater then you have to be OK with the consequences.
Auditioning clothes
These should preferably be clean and pressed. Would the suits over a Citibank want a shlubby guy or gal in wrinkly clothes to be the face of their multi-billion dollar company? I’m guessing not. Get yourself an iron and call your mom for some tips. There’s nothing worse than showing up in a wrinkly suit! Except for maybe showing up with three or four pleated lines ironed in the wrong place on your khakis.
The ability to remember the casting director’s name
It’s hard enough that you’re tying to remember your lines, objectives and character. Now add to that remembering the casting director’s name! It’s usually not hard because their name is plastered on the door but some casting directors use a generic business name like, “Awesome Casting Bros!” or something like that. As a matter of fact, it would help if you knew the session runner’s (guy filming the audition) name too. It’ll help your career and it’s just polite.
Bonus Level: Compliment the casting director if something stands out about them, like a tattoo! Even if it is one of those dumb tribal barbed wire things. It’s called acting people!
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