Going Indie? - Phase I: The Audition By Holdon Log, LLC

Going Indie? - Phase I: The Audition By Holdon Log, LLC

Are you considering submitting to, auditioning for and working on “no” or “low budget” pilots, spec commercials, shorts or features?

Well, without passing judgment too quickly on these opportunities by saying it is “just too much work” or “it’s not worth it unless I am getting paid”, you might want to consider the following:

- Can this project allow you to grow your credits for your resume and possibly for IMDb.com?
- Is the role “reel worthy” ~ meaning can you use any of the scenes you are in to develop or update your demo reel?
-Will the part allow you to create “career buzz” about yourself? Will you promote your role in the project by posting exciting updates to your Web site, doing email blasts to your contacts, mailing out postcards announcing your recent booking, etc.?
-Will you audition with and/or work alongside other people who are passionate about their craft? Are these people you can learn from, share leads with and hopefully work with again?
-Is the character different from any other that you’ve played? One that you can make memorable? A role that is challenging and will add to your body of work?
- Is this a project that will position you to network with newer Industry players that very well could become the next key Industry players?

If one or more of the above are true then go ahead and embrace it…become an “Indie Actor”!

An “Indie Actor” is a performer who isn’t afraid to take chances, ask questions and has the interest and knowledge to turn what might be a middle-of-the-road project into a fun experience, filled with bragging rights and brimming with new contacts!

In our “Goin' Indie?” series, we are going to touch upon three different (but very important) phases in the work experiences of independent projects. They are:

• Phase One: The Audition
• Phase Two: The Rehearsals & The Shoot
• Phase Three: Post Production

We will also provide you with valuable checklists to ensure that you truly get the most out of these projects, that others are hoping to use as their launching pads, in an effort to help encourage, inform and inspire you for all that lies ahead!


You’ve been submitted, you submitted yourself, or maybe a contact referred you…at any rate, the phone rings and “they” want to audition you for their project! Before saying “YES!” here are a few things to ask:

What is the name of the project?Sure, you may be thinking to yourself “duh! That’s obvious!” – but what’s not so obvious are the clues behind the project’s title. For instance, is there even a name? If not, perhaps this project is in its early, early stages of development. Is the title familiar to you? If so, is the project a remake ~ or is it a specific scene from a film that a director is shooting for his own reel?

What format is the project being shot on? Digital? 16mm? 35mm? The answer to this may not only give you a hint as to what the budget is, but if you are cast and you are responsible for your own wardrobe selections it will further assist you in preparing to make wise choices (i.e. - if the project is being shot in Digital do not wear striped clothing ~ this will prevent a “strobing effect” happening with your wardrobe).

Approximately when and where will the rehearsals and shoot will take place?This will help you to avoid conflicts. You’ll know if you can swing the time off of your “day job”, and if you can afford your travel expenses (which may not be reimbursed), etc.


Is there a Web site available? If so, go to the Web site to find the answers to a bevy of questions like:

- Who is involved? - Is there a union contract? - Is anyone attached? - Has the production company got a track record? - Have they had other projects in festivals? How did they do? - Can you download the script? Get the sides for FREE? - If you book this project will there be a place to steer friends, family and Industry professionals for the latest and greatest in the projects’ updates?

What character are you being seen for?Was it the one you originally submitted for? If not, do your headshots have them think of you for a different character? Ask them which headshot they received? Ask them something distinguishable about the photo (i.e. - Are you wearing a suit? Is it the one in the blue t-shirt? Is your hair up in the photo?) This way you know which headshot is working and how you are expected to look for the audition.

Is the script available? Are the sides available? First, is this script completed? Are they hoping you can help offer some creative input to the story by improvising? Do you like the story? Do you connect with your character? Can you see yourself being happy giving up three weekends in a row to shoot for free, for deferment, or for a small wage?

It’s highly possible that these producers may be hosting auditions for the their very first time…letting them know that you would really like to read the script ahead of time and have the sides in advance so you can prepare and walk in ready for the best audition experience is incredibly important. Having sides available in advance, knowing that they will be available at the audition or that they are expecting a monologue from you will help them keep time schedules flowing and will help you be more confident!


So often the information provided on the phone and the audition experience itself are true indications as to how the shoot will go, how professional it will be and ultimately how respected you will be for giving your time and input to the production…all of which we hope will be positive.

Don’t be intimidated by asking questions. You NEED to know the answers so you can be prepared, avoid conflicts and any added stress or panic. The more you feel comfortable asking these questions, the more smooth the conversation will go and you’ll be off the phone feeling self-assured so you can prepare to make the most of your audition and get cast!
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Stay tuned for “Goin’ Indie? - Phase II: The Rehearsals & The Shoot” coming soon!