What's the ONE THING successful actors have in common that enables them to NAIL auditions?Find out in my Atlanta workshopNov. 4thdavidheavener.tv/actor-workshop
When I was. hired me for 'Bertie the Brilliant', I had no idea the director wanted me to perform a musical number in Spanish with choreo. I was handed the Spanish lyrics and given a call time for the dance rehearsal. My immediate reaction was to freak out. One of the reasons they hired me was because I appeared in Todrick Hall's visual album "Forbidden" but in that project I wasn't singing or dancing. I'm going to get fired. I have no dance training and, though I know some Spanish words, I'm not fluent. I wanted, needed this project because Warner Media was backing it. "Bertie..." was optioned and the studio could bring it to series or expand it into a theatrical film. That is still on the table in fact. What would you do in this situation? Have you faced a similar situation within your career?I ended up buying clothes and shoes for dance rehearsal. I was prepared to try, even if it meant failure. In the end, I told the truth and they scaled back my role rather than recast my part. I do regret not forcing myself to try harder. The choreo wasn't that complicated, and it was recorded in segments.
With these D- Tip workshops, you’ll Learn what to expect at a professional Audition .(and what is expected of you) and how to successfully master self-taps & online Auditions. so that you can create unique, compelling Auditions that showcase your individual strengths as an actor. I will also do an assessment of you Self-tape set and give you my professional feedback from a Casting Directors perspective. (Limited Tickets)
Anyone seen this yet? Can't wait to watch the performances. What an all star cast. Curious to hear everyone's thoughts on the performances.
1 Absolutely Horrible Mistake That Almost Ruined A Great Headshot Session https://youtu.be/UYKcdHN7Xg8 If you ever made a mistake during a headshot session, share it with us.
One morning, before breakfast, I saw a private message for me on Casting Networks. A casting director sent me sides and asked me to record and upload my audition. When I sent the audition, I included a message for casting. Since the film is about a magic show, my message briefly described how my past work in puppetry relates to the film's subject. The director and producers responded to that message, because, unbeknownst to me, they planned to film scenes at the marionette theater where I worked in the 1990s. Leaving a personal, yet professional, message was key in my getting this job. The producers called that night with a job offer. They couldn't decide which role to cast me in, so they let me choose the role. I portray Junior the loveable casino security guard. "Bertie the Brilliant" is currently on PBS. Here is the full episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm0_byvJToU
There are two points to their solution and the second, for me is the most exciting.Clooney stated,“We also are suggesting a bottom-up residual structure — meaning the top of the call sheet would be the last to collect residuals, not the first. These negotiations will be ongoing, but we wanted to show that we’re all in this together and find ways to help close the gap on actors getting paid.”Read on…https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/george-clooney-emma-stone-offer-150-million-dues-end-sag-strike-1234918544/
Alexia Melocchi, international film and television producer, Stage 32 Educator, and Thought Leader, is hosting a 24-hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Writer's Room Lounge today, focused on Preparing for AFM. Alexia is a wealth of information and experience for the community. Here is her AMA Link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/vip/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-10-18-to-10-19-Preparing-for-AFMAnd if you aren't a member of the Stage 32 Writer's Room you can get a first month free to seize on this opportunity, by signing up here: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vipAlso, Alexia is about to start a 2-part Stage 32 lab where she will work with you directly to prepare your 5-minute pitch for AFM so you are best prepared for success at the market. It's an awesome opportunity and there are only 2 spots left in her lab so grab a spot while you can. Here ls a link to Alexia's lab: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-2-Part-Pitching-Lab-Perfect-Your-Pitch-for-AFM
Hey Performers, In celebration of our new Stage 32 Certification Program, please join us TOMORROW, October 19th for our Global Film & TV Production Summit! Learn all about it in today's blog!https://www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32-presents-global-film-tv-production-summit-3522
This Thursday, Stage 32 is bringing together top executives from the entertainment industry to explore the ever-evolving landscape of global film and television production.There will be speakers from HBO/MAX, Emmy-nominated hit show THE BEAR (Hulu), Emmy-nominated hit show GENIUS (Disney/NatGeo), Screen Ireland, Catalyst Studios, and more! The webinar is FREE. Thursday, Oct 19th from 9:00am PT to 1:30pm PT Sign up for the webinar here: www.stage32.com/webinars/Stage-32-Presents-Global-Film-Production-Summit
A Successful Director Lied And Actually Said This To A Famous Actorhttps://youtu.be/i5ZgQ46YX-sThis was shocking to watch but a great learning experience. Have you been lied to? If so, share your story.
My name is Sierra Pia, I am an actress and love meeting fellow artists! I am starting a community called The Artist's Sanctuary, a virtual wellness center designed to provide comprehensive support and resources for both aspiring and professional artists (currently focusing on actors). My goal is to create a place where artists can build community and skill sets that will help them throughout their personal and professional journey. Since 95% of our job is based on our mindset. I am doing a short trial of the format and content that I plan to offer which would be a FREE trial where you would learn from a wide array of awesome coaches and artists who have some amazing insight and are ready to inspire and motivate you to continue to increase the quality of your career and artistic path. I am limiting this experience to 10 actors, but I would absolutely love to share this experience with you all! Please reach out if you are interested.
"It's an existential thing--sort of like waiting for Godot. That's the way TV/film/stage veteran Tony Amendola describes one of the actor's main tasks on a set. The difference is, the scene will eventually be shot, although, after you've waited five, 10, even 20 hours, you may no longer believe it. Learning to use that downtime profitably while sustaining energy and focus can be a challenge. I talked to several pros to find out how they and their colleagues do it..."https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/waiting-take-27389/
The AMPTP suspending negotiations with our union yesterday. I think the sticking point is the $800,000,000 fee the streaming services will have to pay out each year. I'm not sure if the issues of AI is also the reason. What we need is for the negotiations to be livestreamed, so the membership and the all of the studio execs can watch, observe. That may be the transparency that's necessary for honest and open dialogue. On the upside, I won a prize on Publishers Clearing House for a second time today; last time was in 2018. Now I just need to win that $15,000,000.00 prize on October 30th,, so if the studios and streaming services force the AI issue, I can slink away into retirement.
Hi Stage32 community! I'm working on getting clarity on my acting branding/castability. I created a quick 5-min Google Survey for complete strangers to fill out! https://forms.gle/GZdyCUxB7SBdDaQQAWhen you have a moment, please take a look, be honest, and most importantly GO HAM (it's anonymous)
https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1930
Our disappointment with the AMPTP continues as they pursue the same strategy that failed with the WGA. How can they be so naive, or perverse. Or as the SAG-AFTRA negotiating team put it:“Instead they use bully tactics. Just tonight, they intentionally misrepresented to the press the cost of the above proposal – overstating it by 60%. They have done the same with A.I., claiming to protect performer consent, but continuing to demand “consent” on the first day of employment for use of a performer’s digital replica for an entire cinematic universe (or any franchise project).The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA – putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators. But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.”Why do this? They must realise that it’s a failed strategy?Thoughts please…https://www.indiewire.com/news/breaking-news/sag-aftra-amptp-talks-suspended-1234915675/
We all have things we believe... One of my beliefs centers around the necessity to change the power dynamic between ourselves and the rest of the film industry because even though actors are above the line, they’re still the lowest element on the totem pole when it comes down to it.One of the ways you can do this is by working your values and beliefs into your primal brand.What does that mean in people-speak? Find something that you can get behind in an authentic way that will give you another point to talk about (besides begging someone to view your showreel) when meeting with industry professionals.The best way for people to see you as an equal is to put yourself on equal footing and you can do that by showing them your “authority” in a certain area. For example, my friend, Angus McGruther, who I interviewed this week on the podcast, is an actor but he’s also the co-director of THE DOWN UNDER FILM FESTIVAL in Berlin.This makes sense for Angus because he’s an Australian actor, based in Berlin, still with strong ties to his home country and its film industry.For Angus, this was a game-changer on many levels. Those are just some of the ways that Angus is able to feel like he is an equal to the powers that be. Because, of course, we ARE all equal, even though it doesn’t always feel that way.Make sure to tune into this week’s episode of Act Bold to listen to his journey. https://youtu.be/-JLeMCjVUe0Maybe it will spark some ideas in that beautiful, bold head of yours.
Jonathan Jordan, a Screenwriter, Book Coach, Ghostwriter, and Stage 32 Thought Leader, is hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Authoring Lounge today, focused on "The Publishing Process & Industry". This is a great opportunity to learn about how books get published and how you can get your book out there. Here's a link so you can ask Jonathan your questions. AMA Link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/playwriting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-10-11-to-10-12-The-Publishing-Process-and-Industry
We're in this business for positive professional outcomes. Sometimes, things outside our control, force us to deal with disappointment even though satisfaction was forecast. A film I had the pleasure of working -- it was shot on 35mm film, Panavision camera rather than digital -- did horribly at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The audience walked out on it, and critics slammed the picture. No one stayed for the Q&A after the screening. I'm afraid to mention the title. Anyhow, I believe the studio will place this film in a vault and it will likely never again see the day of light. One of the leading ladies is about to release a film that, in my opinion, will finally win her an Oscar. Her second film at TIFF was warmly received. So, there is incentive to protect her career as well as the careers of the director/star and co-stars. It is better to hide the film from public and write it off as a tax loss than to allow it to completely damage the reputation of its cast and crew. I'm disappointed because, as fate would have it, working on this film allowed me to put to rest a recurring nighttime dream. Meaning, I finally got to do something I had been dreaming about for years. Sadly, reality ends the same way my dream ends. This experience taught me how to better manage my expectations.How have you dealt with professional disappointments?
Hello Everyone Hope you had a great weekend , this is kiaraI am so excited to share that a few voice over actors from the usa were interested in voicing one my characters in a working title but unfortunately they live far away and i don't know any maryland voice actors near by maybe if i went to montgomery college it could or may not work i've always liked theatre since 2003 and that dream never faded awayi look carefully into the programs and see how much it costs, i have no idea what kind of classes montgomery college has for cartoon and tv production but its going to be an adult cartoon before it progresses into a movie, how can i find tv production in my area?
1 Crazy Thing Actually Happened After Auditioning - Glad It Did It happened after auditioning for the TV show Gotham https://youtu.be/3Ij-jzt3e7U Sometimes, after auditioning, actors receive a callback, booked, asked to hold dates, pinned and still never get a chance to work on the project. After I auditioned for the TV show Gotham, something great happened. Watch the video and learn. If you ever had an interesting experience after auditioning, share it with others.
Hey, Actors!Director and Screenwriter Martin Gooch has spent more than 1,000 days on set and he's sharing his 32 Tips for Development and Pre-Production in today’s blog! If you've ever thought about making your own indie film, be sure to check it out! https://www.stage32.com/blog/32-tips-for-indie-feature-film-development-pre-production-3510
“The AI terms need to be way more robust” than what the WGA got, Schwartz said. “This is about our bodies, our faces and our voices.”And of course, some seem to feel that with the WGA strike ending that somehow the SAG-AFTRA will soon capitulate and get back to work.However, there’s still a lot of bargaining to be done, and certainly past comments by Bob Iger haven’t helped the negotiations.“Everyone acts like ‘it’s back,’ but we are still on strike,” Morris said. “Nothing is going back until our deal is settled.” “We all can recall Fran Drescher’s savage attack on Iger and I wonder if going back to the table, whether the dust has settled after the comments she made as a rebuttal of auger’s sad attempt to humiliate the negotiating team.“Hours after Iger’s appearance on CNBC, Drescher tore into company executives in a fiery speech, in which she accused companies of “disgusting” behaviour and said actors were “being victimised by a very greedy entity.””Drescher seemed to single out Iger.“How do you deal with someone like that who’s so tone deaf?” Drescher asked in follow-up interviews. “Are you an ignoramus?”https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-10-02/sag-aftra-amptp-return-to-bargaining-actors-strike-writers-strike-studios-hollywood
We at Stage 32 are always striving to make our community a safe space for all creatives and professionals around the world, free from the toxicity of broad based social media platforms. In honor of Mental Health Day on October 10, we have created a survey and are trying to understand how your mental health has been impacted as a creative or executive in the entertainment industry and the effect social media platforms have had on your overall well being. Your responses are 100% anonymous and completely voluntary. Our goal is to get a better understanding of what challenges everyone in the entertainment business are facing. We want to continue to serve you well. As a thank you for your input, you will receive a coupon for $25 off to use towards a Stage 32 webinar at the completion of the survey. Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to help us with this worthy endeavor. To take the survey click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L8KKGTDThank you community!
I read a quote by Shawn Coyne who wrote the book, "The War of Art" that really got me thinking..."Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance. Have you ever brought home a treadmill and let it gather dust in the attic? Ever quit a diet, a course of yoga, a meditation practice? Late at night, have you experienced a vision of the person you might become, the work you could accomplish, the realized being you were meant to be? Are you a writer who doesn't write, a painter who doesn't paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what resistance is."Shawn is a writer, and while his book was originally written to inspire other writers, I think a lot of what he says can just as easily be applied to us actors, or anyone with a (seemingly) impossible dream. At this point, I've had hundreds of conversations with other actors and there are several themes that keep coming up, but today I want to get you thinking about the most dangerous one - the one that will leave you on your deathbed with regrets, wondering what if I had only really tried...Failure to launch.Sorry to be so morbid, but it's the truth and I don't want it to happen to you.The why behind this is varied. Some people have a fear of failure itself, while others are perfectionists whose incredibly high standards don't give them the room they need to make mistakes.Others grapple with imposter syndrome or self-doubt. They don't believe they have what it takes to really succeed.Another high hurdle to jump is a lack of self-confidence. These people let the tiniest setbacks (rejections, not booking, or even a lack of a response from a casting director) throw them off their track.Honestly, there are probably as many reasons as there are people but today I want to encourage you to set aside your fears. Accept that they never really go away and take imperfect action. Imperfect action is better than no action at all. Don't listen to that harsh inner critic, listen to the part of you that has a dream, that wants something bigger and more beautiful. The very act of taking steps toward what you want will create momentum and give you the confidence you need to know that you're not going to let yourself down. Don't let the resistance hold you back. Embrace your imperfections, take bold steps, and keep your dream alive. Your unique talent deserves to shine, and with every imperfect action, you're one step closer to making it a reality.
Hey Actors, Don't miss out on today's great blog about how performing helped one of our Stage 32 members become a better writer and overall creative!I'd love for each of you to share in the blog comments how performing has helped you! I can't wait to learn more about your personal journeys.https://www.stage32.com/blog/3-ways-acting-has-helped-me-become-a-better-writer-3508
When I started film school, writing and directing my biggest fear was working with Actors. Turns out, it's not that difficult when both you (the director) and your cast have great chemistry, but who am I? Why take my advice? Don't :) Here's a great video from Studiobinder with an excellent breakdown.https://youtu.be/SJyTb90neKs?si=_XG-ronXXe96XGD2
I am extremely grateful to say that I am now a producing partner at Mario Kassar Productions and we are in the early stages of creating something incredible! I have had a lifelong dream to be able to work with someone as accomplished as Mr. Kassar. His body of work speaks for itself; Total Recall, Terminator 2, Basic Instinct, Cliffhanger and so many more. I am still learning something new everyday with each conversation we have and it has been an amazing experience so far. I can’t wait to share more about our upcoming project….stay tuned!
2 Awesome Secrets to Looking Into Lens While Using Free Teleprompter Apps https://youtu.be/gPEk8ioKl68I recently had to shoot a 2-minute video from home and needed to use a teleprompter. Since I don't need a teleprompter for home auditions very often, I only wanted to use a free prompter.My biggest issue was not being able to look directly into the lens while reading the words. I finally figured out a workaround that I share in this video.If you have any other suggestions for being able to use a free teleprompter app and be able to look straight into the lens of the camera, please share it in the comments section of my channel.
Here is a short summary about Paul Henry ColeHe's in his 80sa white malevery countryand is a laid back kind of characterif i was in theatre and production school that would be awesomeif anyone is from the usa let me knowthanksand he's the main characterthe show as i mentioned earlier is a animated show
Screenwriter & Stage 32 Educator, Cole Quirk, is hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") in the Screenwriting Lounge today, focused on Television Drama Writing. Cole recently wrote on the FX/Hulu hit JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL and has written o CSI and ZOEY'S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST. Here's the AMA Link to ask Cole your questions: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-10-3-to-10-4-Television-Drama-WritingCole also has a screenwriting lab coming on on Stage 32 where you can work with her one-on-one to write your one hour TV drama pilot. Here's a link to the lab so you can check it out and work with Cole directly: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-Screenwriting-Lab-Write-Your-1-Hour-Drama-TV-Pilot-In-12-Weeks
Hi everyone, I would like to produce a showreel.but have no idea how to make one. I have material I would like to use on it, but do not know how to upload it onto a showreel. I am also not sure what format it should be in, as some sites do not accept certain types of file.Any help very much appreciated!
Hey guys its kiara the aspiring writer from maryland and i was wondering because i love animated series and especially tv, but this is not an easy thing to doso if someone were to voice Paige, Paul, Margaret, William, And Aisha turner that would be cool but what concerns me is copyright so if you were interested it would have been great the question is how do you get voice actors to play your roles if no experience ? the show is similar to the Connors and king of the hill.
- Don’t overdo your makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Be yourself. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.- Don’t go quirky with clothing and props.Let’s not get nuts here. Keep it simple and classy, and follow the standard format. Professionalism gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you well and matches your eyes should do the trick. No whites and no graphics or anything that might distract from your face, and no props.- Consider natural light vs. studio.Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real look. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is best for you. If you want to look like you are on the Fargo series go for the outdoor look.- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background.Generally a good headshot is chest-up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows.- Choose personality over glamour.Make sure it looks like you with easy airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. It’s not about looking pretty, it’s about representing your type, wrinkles included.- Go pro.Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not a friend who happens to have a decent camera who has a hobby of taking photos. Save those pics for Instagram and leave the headshots to the pros.#actor #headshot
What say you?https://deadline.com/2023/09/audition-pay-actors-self-taping-1235558634/
Or do you feel like you've got a lot more to offer but don't really get the chance to showcase your talents?
D Tips in 30(Sneak Peek): The Want! Every character has one, how do you make a connection?Full D-Tip in 30 at Dlylescast.com
Vivien Taylor explains how she got cast in Richard Bazley's short films, Censure and Confines.
Take control of your filmmaking journey. be proactive. Here Luke Dejahang explains how he reached out to director Richard Bazley after watching his sensational debut Censure.
A clip from my interview with Adam Loretz 'What makes a multi award winning short film?'. Here I talk about how my training in animation has proved useful and has even influenced my Directing in Live Action.For the full interview go to https://youtu.be/VXK91jCmAcE
Hey Superstars!Are you craving a big, juicy Fatburger, crispy Skinny Fries, and Shakes made with real ice cream? Fatburger - West Hollywood is inviting you in for an exclusive offer available for all SAG AFTRA and WGA members. Stop by now through 9/30/23, show your member card, and receive 15% off your entire order.Valid for in-store purchases only at Fatburger - West Hollywood. Must show this post and SAG AFTRA/WGA member card to cashier. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Discount valid once per customer per visit. Offer may be revoked at any time. See store associate for further details.EXPIRES: 9/30/2023 Code: FB1016
Finish line around the bend.https://deadline.com/2023/09/actors-strike-sag-aftra-studios-could-meet-soon-1235556499/
Received an official email. SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP will return to the negotiating table on Monday, October 2nd.
Stage 32 is giving away $100,000 in free webinar education to help members sharpen their skills or learn a new craft or aspect of the business during the SAG-AFTRA strike.Here’s how to redeem your free webinar: Go to: www.stage32.com/webinars Enter code: NFCFPUR This code is good for one webinar per person and this offer will be good until September 30, 2023 (Saturday) Read more about the giveaway in this blog: www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32s-100000-education-giveaway-featured-in-variety-3452
Actually Got Fired From A Show - Never Told This Horrible Story Before https://youtu.be/Q1nF32J75v0
Kim Williams:"Make strong, confident choices. If you go a little bit bigger than necessary, it's okay. We can pull you back from that, but at least we know there's something there that can be worked with. And it's important to come in with the right mindset. There are so many things that are outside of your control as far as booking the role, but your job is to give a good performance. If you do that, the producers, directors and I will remember you and think of you for future projects. Rushing is a huge thing too. I find myself often giving the note to slow down and think of what you're saying."Jessica Sherman:"I think the big one for me happens before they even come into the room. It's a lack of knowledge of the casting process. The idea to keep in mind is that by the time you book the role, especially for TV roles, there's been approximately 30 people that have had to sign off to say that you're the person. So the best person may not always be the one who gets the role.The person that everyone can agree on gets the role.Having that background information is a huge asset to actors because it kind of takes the pressure off a little bit as far as their experience in the room.Christine Sheaks:"Don't come in unprepared. If an actor has 10 auditions that day and then takes two seconds to look at the material, it'll show. I always tell actors to have their agents call me if that's the case. If I can give them a later time or another day, I would rather do that than have them come in unprepared. Also, actors should never bring in a prop. The only exception is a cell phone, which is okay because it's not distracting."Joey Paul Jensen:"The biggest mistake you can make is allowing room for doubt. Doubt leads to insecurity, and insecurity will lead to mistakes. Small mistakes, such as forgetting to print your sides or leaving your belongings in the room after auditioning, are really just manifestations of the root issue of doubt. The antidote is to connect to your identity as a storyteller. When you're auditioning, you're a part of a bigger story being told.#actor #audition #casting
SAG Talent ONLY - this rule does not apply to Non Union Talent). (As Of Today) Extras casting companies can NO longer ask Sag talent to bring “voluntary wardrobe options”, they now have to specify the “amount” needed & talent will receive a wardrobe bump for each option they are asked to "bring", whether they use all of the attire or not. Sag will be cracking down on this rule as of today. We were told that all extras casting companies in town received their last warning from Sag & will no longer be asking for "voluntary options". If an extras casting company asks you to bring "voluntary options" you can anonymously report this to Sag. If you bring 10 voluntary options, you will get 10 wardrobe bumps whether all options are used or not. Also just a friendly reminder that extras casting companies cannot put (extras/stand ins/doubles) on "hold" or "on avail" without paying a full session fee (We know some extras casting companies are still abusing this rule). They are supposed to be only "checking your avail, so they can submit you" and then "rechecking your avail again at the time of booking". If someone is "holding" or "on availing" you, make sure you are paid a full session fee. You can anonymously report this to Sag. The rules were made for everyone to follow...if a couple specific companies are not following these rules (we already know they are not), nothing will change if you don't speak up.This announcement was emailed to me from Casting Networks.
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
