Tip #27: Effective auditions for both filmmakers and actors

By Dan Parkes (Director)

Some think auditions are intimidating. In my experience in both attending and holding auditions I have found that they can be quite the opposite. In fact auditions that are relaxed and fun are often more productive. Here are some great tips for both filmmakers and actors....

Filmmaker tips:

1. Take it seriously; auditions and casting can make or break a film.
2. Hold auditions in a large space with a waiting area outside if able.
3. Audition local actors to save on transportation costs, and assist with these if able.
4. If an actor is quite a distance, on-line or video auditions can save much time and money.
5. Narrow down the selection prior to the actual audition so you can focus on the strongest candidates.
6. Prepare well -have a well thought out schedule with breaks, and biographical information on each actor.
7. Provide glass of water for each actor.
8. Always film auditions -actors respond and look different through a lens and can be used for later reference.
9. Take notes during the actual audition on impressions or thoughts that you may forget later.
10. Leave at least five minutes between each audition to immediately discuss thoughts and reactions with the rest of your team.
11. Keep it as relaxed as possible; rather than an interrogation, have a conversation with the actor.
12. Do not spend a large amount of time selling the film concept or potential to an actor, unless the actor asks about it. Time is better spent seeing what the actor can do on camera.
13. If possible, give actors a short character description prior to the audition as this will help them prepare better.
14. Have an appropriate scene from the script that can be performed and if possible send it to the actor prior to the audition.
15. Provide some relevant furniture or props.
16. If able allow for improvisation so an actor can show their potential in the role.
17. Always use an experienced actor to play other parts (or as a reader), as this will impact on the quality of the audition.
18. If the role involves something extra (such as cutting their hair, or stunt work etc) this is the time to ask -not after they have been cast! Your decision could be greatly affected if they are unable or unwilling.
19. Never cast actors based on just personality or what they 'might be able to do'; the decision must be made based on what you have seen them do on camera and if this is right for the character.
20. Even if an actor is not right for the role, keep an open mind -are they right for another character not yet cast?
21. While rejection is part of being an actor, wherever possible give positive feedback and at the very least let them know when they have not got the part within a week or so.

Actor tips:

1. Be positive; see every audition as not only a chance to be cast, but an opportunity to be seen by those who may remember you later.
2. Always have some questions to ask the team (and not just about money or conditions) -you at least should show some interest in the production.
3. If you have not been cast for some time do not allow any bitterness to show; filmmakers do not want to cast a disgruntled actor.
4. If you do not get the role, remember that this is not a reflection on your acting abilities, but most likely that you were not right for the role.
5. If you communicate well in person and by mobile phone/e-mail, filmmakers will likely feel more confident to cast you.
6. If you have been given a scene from the script, bring a prop if possible to assist with your performance.
7. If you have an opportunity to be a reader for an audition -do it! This allows you to see what works and what doesn't from a safe position. And you may be cast in the film itself!
8. Finally, remember, the filmmakers are the ones who should be nervous, as they have the most difficult task, not you, so relax!

Tip #22: Finding the right cast

By Itsuka Yamasaki (Producer/writer)

Sinéad and I worked more like casting directors, suggesting/bringing actors for director Dan's consideration. I don't think there are written rules but I would like to share how to make your life easy when arranging a casting session for a low budget film.

1. For key roles, invite only committed professional actors.
You don't want actor-director-producer-writer-musician-painter-all-at-the-sametime sort of people. You want committed actors, who have entries to some trade bodies/professional databases such as Spotlight, Equity, IMDb.

2. For key roles, invite actors with online showreels.
Headshots can be very deceiving. So you need motion pictures of the actor, which professional actors most undoubtedly have online.

3. Save your time by approaching actors rather than having them approach you.
With Ambleton Delight we decided to send personal invitations to actors that fit the profile via Casting Call Pro rather than posting casting calls (the last time we posted a casting call, we received 100+ applications including from those that did not fit the requirement at all). It made our lives a lot, lot easier.

4. Find that X-Factor.
After Ambleton we started to think it's "motion-camera genic" (interestingly, "photogenic" people don't always look good on in a moving image) and "someone who people care about" (this is not about whether people like the person or not; we don't 'like' villains but we do care what they are going to do in the movie).

5. Audition starts before you meet the actor.
Those who are good at communication tend to be easy to deal with later. When we first contacted Jos Lawton it was via e-mail and we had the impression that he was pleasant and professional (his e-mail signature contained his details as an actor such as spotlight pin, his build etc as well as usual mobile number/e-mail address). This "first impression" hasn't changed even after we shot an entire feature film with him!

6. Actors are humans with feelings.
It's true that actors are used to "rejection" and not being cast for your film might be just another one. But it's still not a nice experience. So be reasonable and decent when informing those who aren't selected for the role. You never know, you might need them in your future project!

And finally...

7. You never know.
Yes, we say this quite often. Holding auditions is a good and practical way of casting your film but really, you don't know when you meet your perfect cast for your film. For your interest I've listed how we found some cast members in Ambleton Delight other than the audition route (we did audition them but they were pretty much the only one auditioned for the role).

• Met at another event and got on well
• Worked together in a previous film
• Recommended by another actor
• Found at a local acting school database
• Met at an audition for a previous film
• Auditioned for another role in the film
• Found at a local stage play