DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE AT A CASTING!
Recently, I got information sent to me about a pretty amazing go-see in New York. Not that the product was all that interesting, but whoever books the job will be flown from New York to Los Angeles and shoot a print ad for a day or two. Plus, the pay could easily more than $10,000 if the client decides to also cast the model in the television commercial.
Everyone was sent information stating exactly what type of wardrobe to wear to the go-see.
We were asked to wear a shirt, tie and slacks. I specifically asked the agent since we were supposed to dress as a business person, should I consider wearing a suit or only wear what was described to me in her email. She double checked with the photographer and she said to just follow the instructions. I was pretty surprised to see so many people wearing suits at the go-see.
The other very important detail that we needed to follow was that for this particular job, the model had to be at least 30 years old. We were told to bring some form of identification that would verify that we were at least that age.
I got to the casting facility and had to wait in line before I could fill out the normal forms. Just so you know, typically, at a go-see models have to fill out a card that will ask to fill in our name, sizes, contact information, agency, their contact information, any conflicts with the product, state whether we are willing to work as an extra (if they are needed in the ad) and a few other pieces of information.
Sometimes we are also asked to write out our name on a separate sheet of paper with a magic marker. This is done so when we first see the photographer; he/she will take a picture of the model holding the sheet of paper against our chest. This allows the photographer and the client to easily identify who we are.
Due to the pay scale for this project, there were a lot of people attending this go-see. I had to wait over an hour to be seen. So, I am standing in line, and the person who is checking us in is telling one of the models that he can’t be considered for the job. The conversation is getting a little loud so I could easily hear everything that was being said. Apparently, the person checking in the models asked this one model for his driver’s license so that she could verify that he was over 30 years old. The guy did not bring his license. She asked if he brought a passport or some other form of identification that would prove that he was over 30 but he did not think it was necessary. She asked him if he had read about needing the documentation in the details that were sent to him from the agent. He said he did, but did not pay attention to it since he was over 30. The windup was, he was not seen or considered for the job. So, the moral to this story is, if an agent asks you to bring something to a casting, even if you don’t really think it is needed, bring it. |
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While I was heading to an audition for a feature film, I got a phone call about an audition for a TV series. I was familiar with the show, so I knew about the type of show it is, but I still needed to ask a very important question. I asked the agent what type of role would this be.
The agent told me that I would be auditioning for a dad who was a blue collar worker. I was pretty surprised. The dad part I got. I can do that role really well. However, I really don’t have the look for a construction worker, plumber, electrician or other types in that category. Since I had never spoken to this particular agent at this agency, I wanted to make sure she called the right person. I mentioned to her that is really not a part I normally audition for, so is she sure this audition is for me. She said that the owner of the agency specifically requested me for this audition.
After I got the date and time and hung up the phone, I remembered an amazing experience I had years ago that was similar to this situation.
I was asked to audition for a film where 10 construction workers were needed. I was shocked that I got the call. Throughout my career, I never was thought of as the construction worker type.
I went to the audition, liked my read, but I knew that I would never get cast. All of the other actors auditioning that day looked like construction workers.
A few days later, I got a phone call that really surprised me. I booked the role. After we finished the project, I had a comfortable enough relationship with the director to ask him this question. I asked him “how did I book this role?” He gave me an answer that I have never forgotten. He said that prior to working on the project he visited a lot of construction sites. He said that at every site, there was always one guy working there who looked like he did not belong there. I was that guy.
So, I booked the job because I did not look right for the part. It was an invaluable lesson for me. If you are asked to read for a role, even if you don’t think it is right for you, accept the audition. Now, it is different if it is a role you don’t want to do, but just because you don’t think it is right for you, you should still attend.
I have also heard plenty of times that actors are brought into a reading and have them audition for a role the director is not even considering them for, but he or she just wants to watch their work. They could be thinking of a specific role for an actor at some point in the future and simply want to see you audition.
So, even though I don’t think I am right for the audition I have coming up in a few days, I am very excited about getting the opportunity to read for the casting director and be seen by the director. I have auditioned for this particular show about 5 times already. I have gotten close to being cast, but wouldn’t it be funny if the time that I am finally booked is for a role that does not seem right for me.
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