Industry Insight- Acting Out (ActorNation Feb. newsletter)

Industry Insight - "Acting Out" By Holdon Log, LLC
If you are looking to work as a successful actor in commercials, or perhaps you already are and are in need of a brush up, we’d like to point you in the direction of Acting Out written by Stuart Stone, CCDA (Commercial Casting Directors Association) and Clio Award winner and Dennis Bailey.If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Stuart at an audition or in a class, reading the book he co-authored, Acting Out, will offer you guidance and give you insight on what is expected before, during and after a successful audition. More importantly, as mentioned on Stuart’s Web site (www.CommercialActing.Info) is how to “turn callbacks into bookings.”
Several of us at Holdon Log (from all different backgrounds and at various stages in our commercial acting pursuits) recently read Acting Out and we agree that more Industry mysteries had been revealed, explained better and reinforced while turning the pages of this easy-to-read guide book complete with cleverly depicted moments that happen in real commercial casting sessions.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Before Meeting A Prospective Commercial Agent: “When you get an appointment with an agent you should call and confirm the night before, for a morning appointment, and the morning of, for an afternoon appointment. This effort will show them you are responsible. Many actors forget the business part of the equation; your professionalism will set you apart from the actor wannabees. Dress like you would on a general commercial call-with a leaning towards upscale casual. Avoid perfumes or colognes. Bring an up-to-date picture and resume with you. If you have a demo reel of your commercials, bring that as well. Arrive twenty minutes early to secure a parking space and find the office. Do not be late. And call if you have any problem keeping your appointment. The agent is taking time from his or her busy schedule to meet with you. DO NOT keep them waiting.”

While Preparing For Your Photo Shoot & What To Look For While Selecting Your Headshots:

“The most important thing to remember is this: You want your picture to look like you do when you walk into any given audition. We can’t stress that enough, so we’re going to repeat it. You want your picture to look like you do when you walk into any given audition at any time. Not how you’d like to look after a visit to the plastic surgeon, not how your mother tells you how you look when she pinches your cheek, but how you really look.”

During The Commercial Audition:

“It is imperative that you establish a beginning, middle and an end to your actions. This is a hard and fast rule in approaching any type of audition. You are, in a sense, performing a complete, short scene for the camera.”

“While working, whether alone or with a partner, do not memorize the lines. Fully familiarize yourself, stick an operative phrase or two in your head, but do not commit the pages to memory. Unlike a theatrical audition where you have leeway to rehearse and memorize, the time you have with commercial copy is minimal. Most actors try to impress the casting director by having the dialogue memorized but they end up trying to remember the copy and are not able to act at all. They end up leaving the acting out, which is 50% of the work. Once in the audition room there will be a cue card with the copy clearly printed in bold magic marker situated on and easel next to the camera. Use it. If you memorize the copy, it’s almost impossible to use the cue cards to help you out if you forget memorized lines. Instead, develop the skill of cue card reading.”

During The Callback:

“No matter how many people are crowded into the room, focus your attention on the director. He or she is in charge this time around.”
“It is generally important to wear the same clothes and hairstyle you did on the original call. (Click Here To View An ActorTrack Software Tip) ”

When You’ve Worked The Job You’ve Booked…Before You Go:

“Then before you climb into your car, circle the set and thank everyone. Everyone. Not only is it just good manners-personal and professional-it is good business. Human nature being what it is, people like to work with actors they know are talented and personable…Kindness and integrity-as well as talent-are remembered.”

If you already own the book, we’d love to hear how it’s benefited you!