Looking to break in? Casting directors Ellen Jacoby of Miami and Los Angeles–based Stuart Stone, author of the book “The Keys to Commercial Acting,” can help. They know a thing or two about what works—and what doesn’t—in the commercial casting room. - Put the product first. “When you’re casting a commercial, you become a part of the product, so you’re not just selling yourself,” says Jacoby. “The product is No. 1, we have to believe you like the product.” - Get comfortable with the fourth wall. “A lot of times, you’re talking right to the camera. You have to be able to create that space.” - Practice on products you love. “To be believable in a commercial, actors should take a product they use every day that they know and love and do a commercial for their product. That’s when you’re being real, because you use it! Then transpose that into the product that you’re doing.” - Dress appropriately. “You should never wear black or white in front of the camera. It’s not great for your face. No geometric prints. Dress according to what you’re going out for. An upscale dinner guest at an upscale restaurant, we don’t expect you to be in jeans. Directors and producers recognize that. We show them a whole lot of people, and they’re looking first at all the stills, and then they click on the video. If you don’t look right, they won’t even click to see your video.” - When you get the job, know your place on set. “You don’t want to go and get behind the [directors, writers and producers] that are there and get in their way and try to chum up to them,” Stone warns. “You become an annoyance. They’ve got work to do. If they’re in their own little area with their monitor watching what’s going on and you’re over there trying to schmooze them, it’s a hindrance. The ideal way is to always stay in camera view of the director, just off to the side, because then they can call you at the last minute. Always make sure that you check with a second A.D. before you leave the set, because he’s responsible for you as an actor. First and foremost, your second A.D. needs to be your contact throughout the whole job.” #commercial #audition
Hey friends, Want to let you know that the World Harvest Food Bank is offering free groceries for SAG-AFTRA members. This service will last until the strike ends. You only need to flash them your SAG-AFTRA card and you're good to go. Their hours are 8AM to 4PM M-S, Sundays closed. 3100 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 You guys rock! https://www.worldharvestla.org/
Hey Superstars! Has anyone been on the picket lines supporting SAG-AFTRA or the D.G.A.? If so, what your experience like out there?
Not sure who the strike is affecting but if anyone needs this connection. Here you go."It's true...studio payroll has come to a halt with the current SAG-AFTRA Strike, however independent filmmakers can fill out a 1-page application as long as the productions has zero affiliation with the AMPTP. SAG will vet entire producing team. Request the application from us (sales@abspayroll.net). We've been the independent filmmakers choice for 30+ years, and we know what we're doing! We offer both W2 & 1099 payment processing if you're under a tight budget. Let's connect and still make it a strong Q3/Q4 for you this year! kris@abspayroll.net"https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matthew-helderman-35155058_its-truestudio-payroll-has-come-to-a-activity-7087235155135762433-ENxA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
When was the last time you as an actor thanked the screenwriter, writers, etc. for the project THEY created, because as a writer, I feel like we are under appreciated and not given our Roses as much. When was the last time that the writers got their just due?
Those questions are answered by Jonathan Handel, an entertainment lawyer and journalist. So we have a different perspective here, which I think gives us a certain nuanced gaze onto the strike He points out that one of the sticking-points is over benefits and health, which apparently hasn’t changed since the 1980 agreement. Yes, 1980!! I had to read that twice before it sank in - 43 years ago! (I was 23 back in 1980!)“All Hollywood strikes have been about technological change. Changing technologies that, in most cases, resulted in disagreement on what sort of residuals should be paid and how they should be calculated.”And of course everything is connected and here’s how:“So the studio execs are looking ahead to that (the IATSE and Teamster’s contracts) as well, and saying, If we give an inch to the writers, we’re gonna have to give at least an inch to the actors, and likewise next year.”One telling phrase from Jonathan that you could get lost in the article, was this:“The view is existential by the studios in terms of the reset in labor-management relations that the unions are seeking. It’s also viewed as existential in terms of where the business is at. The box office is down versus 2019 and is never gonna recover. The linear-television broadcast and cable is dying and audiences are shrinking.”It seems likely that as the pace of technological change increases, then future contract negotiations are going to be very confrontational and visceral. There is a whole landscape shift - call it the tectonics of technology - in the TV and Film industry and the good old golden age of theatrical being the measure of success, is over. It would seem that the age of romance for theatrical is over. As well as talking about these terms and conditions of labour and the paradigm shifts in technology, we should as the labour behind the industry, be discussing (on Stage32!) what we can do to develop the Indie production of content and transform the world by the stories we tell. https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-the-sag-strike-sag-aftra-questions.html
Paramount just announced it will air "Yellowstone" on CBS. Is this an olive branch? A first step to a return our industry to the tried and true business model?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suobrMPBLlo
Brian Smith, Animation Production Professional, Script Consultant, and Stage 32 Thought Leader is hosting an AMA in the Animation Lounge today, focused on The Animation Production Process & Storytelling. Animation Lounge AMA Link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-07-19-to-07-20-The-Animation-Production-Process-and-StorytellingBrian's recent blog post: https://www.stage32.com/blog/breaking-and-entering-how-to-get-a-job-in-animation-3416
According to Mark Ruffalo, you should jump ship and go indie:https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/mark-ruffalo-actors-indie-films-strike-1234885106/What do you think? Share below!Also, what have been your best indie experiences? What do you think indie filmmakers need to do to make it more appealing to you?
Hey Actors,In today's blog, the Stage 32 team is sharing what Stage 32 means to them. You can watch the video at the link below and if you're feeling inspired, we'd love for you to make one of your own! I can't wait to hear your stories.https://www.stage32.com/blog/what-does-stage-32-mean-to-you-3428
You want to watch this video because there is: 1 Absolutely Crazy Demand SAG-AFTRA is Actually Fighting You Won't Believe This This Could Affect Both Union and Non-Union Actors https://youtu.be/iHuCYsgcWXs
Is this the dawning of a New Indie Age? What do you think of Mark Ruffalo’s suggestion? Is this a way forward that marks a new chapter in Indie Production?However, Ruffalo sees this as a further opportunity to stick it to the studio system. “We just do what we always do — create great content and they can buy it, or we take it out ourselves and WE share in those sales,” he said. “They’ve created an empire of billionaires and believe that we are no longer of value. While they hang out in the billionaire boy summer camps laughing like fat cats, we organize a new world for workers.”https://www.ign.com/articles/avengers-star-mark-ruffalo-suggests-alternative-to-studio-system-amid-sag-aftra-strike?
Project - https://www.talkingheads.clubThank you,Robert Evan Howard1-801-856-3200aslodge.comasl@aslodge.com...
Many of you may be in my old network (for Vincent Paterno), which I no longer use. Please join my new network (for Vincent J. Paterno), at stage32.com/profile/1060699. I’m a screenwriter specializing in comedy features.
Greetings!, the Ayerswood TV Channel is now on the web, as well as in the Roku Channel Store. Still completely free to watch and there's no ads. I pay for all the streaming, hosting and development. Your short films, feature films, documentaries etc. are all welcome. Check it out on the web at https://ayerswoodfilms.com or at the Roku channel store, it is 'Ayerswood'. If you want your film included just email AyerswoodFilmFestival@gmail.com and you will receive a DropBox link with instructions.
One of the biggest threats to actors is this misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AMPTP proposes replacing background actors with AI generated characters as well as digital replicas for principal actors. Additionally, there is the substantial issue of residuals. We need to get AMPTP back to the negotiating table sooner than later; therefore, I propose we spread a message via social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), #cancelyoursubscriptions. Cancel your streaming memberships (Paramount Plus, Netflix, Apple TV, etc.). If enough customers #cancelyoursubscriptions, these companies will quickly lose money and will be eager to return to the negotiating table. This strike effects everyone in the industry, and it is time to take a stand for your livelihood.
I enjoyed Fran Drescher's speech filled with attitude and emotion as she spoke of actors and the strike! Well done! https://www.thewrap.com/fran-drescher-strike-sag-aftra-president-speech-clip/
I had a chat with another writer who brought up a potential need to be extra diligent with contests and use of entries being used to train AI.My thought is that contests would be smarter than to try to sneak that in the fine print of the rules, but I'm curious what folks think about such a thing.
In today’s blog, Stage 32’s CEO, Richard "RB" Botto, shares a video of SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher announcing the actors' strike. She gave an incredible, inspiring speech! RB also shares a behind-the-scenes video for the Raunchy Comedy film “Joy Ride.” This movie looks hilarious. Grab your coffee/drink and jump in! www.stage32.com/blog/coffee-content-sag-aftra-joins-wga-on-strike-3425
Hello everyone,I am an actor and presenter who first appeared on television back in 1972; since then I have acted in several film, TV and stage productions. I'm a presenter with experience in presenting live to audiences of all sizes, in English and German. Am a passionate classic car enthusiast and restorer with a collection of British classic cars. During my career I have lived and worked in the UK and Germany, Austria and Poland; have also travelled extensively in Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia.I'm currently acting in an international feature film being made in Sofia, Bulgaria. I welcome opportunities for further roles and will work worldwide.
More on where we're at with the various issues at playhttps://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-actor-strike-contract-sticking-points-1235670826/
This is a free a great article about the strike, what’s actually on the table and Fran Drescher’s speech. Plus a little strike history thrown in for good measure, as well as what’s happening with the WGA Strike. Drescher said,“I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us. I cannot believe it, quite frankly, how far apart we are on so many things. How they plead poverty, that they're losing money left and right when giving hundreds of millions of dollars to their CEOs. It is disgusting. Shame on them. They stand on the wrong side of history...”And she goes on to point out that with the radical streaming revolution, the AMPTP cannot think that negotiations can go along in a piecemeal fashion. There needs to be a radical change in the conditions and rewards that the labour that makes this wonderful industry possible, receives. https://movieweb.com/sag-aftra-actors-strike-industry-impact/?utm_source=MW-FB-P&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_campaign=MW-FB-P
Great interview in The Hollywood Reporter with Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Irelandhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/actors-strike-sag-aftra-leaders-stakes-hollywood-1235536001/
PLEASE WATCH MY FIRST-EVER STAND-UP PERFORMANCE AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!! BOY WAS I NERVOUS LOLZ. LAUREN BLACK STAND UP: https://youtu.be/-_rwos96KIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQiO8ZeK2Hs
Well, now things should get very interesting.https://deadline.com/2023/07/actors-strike-contract-talks-fail-sag-aftra-to-launch-pickets-1235436031/
To make yourself more cast-worthy consider your voice. Speak with different accents. In Hollywood, everyone is always striving to look the best they can. For some roles, the decision makers will have so many good-looking actors that they might start making choices based on people's voices.Speaking in multiple accents makes you so much more valuable as an actor. If you cannot speak English without an accent, you might want to use voice lessons to reduce it.The common joke is that actors who speak English with an accent get the roles of bad guys but it's not really a joke, its often a reality. Dive into accents and being able to speak without one. The more tools you have to separate yourself from other actors the better.#actors #accents #voiceover #dialect
This is a text from Wendy Alane Wright on the Talent Manager for Actors group, Facebook:"Be very careful in this business. There are people all around it that will promise you things they will never deliver. And when your brand new and you desperately want to get in, you may agree to things because you want an opportunity so badly and you don’t know which opportunities are real and which ones are not. TIPS:1. Don’t sign anything just because somebody asks you to. You have the right to take it and have it looked over by an attorney, a mentor, agent or manager.2. Don’t believe that there’s a timeline on being successful in this business. If someone says “you have to do it now or you’re not going to become an actor” it’s bullshit.3. When new singers want to get in the business, they get so excited and they blow so much money on bad production deals, paying thousands and thousands of dollars to “producers.” They offer to produce four songs for them and ask them to sign a contract that literally owns the publishing, so the artist isn’t gonna make a cent - and they never tell you that.4. There are people out there that call themselves “filmmakers” that want to put you in “their film” and they have no intention of completing a film. They just want to spend time with you, sleep with you, string you along. Always check the IMDbPro page always look for references. Some of these people have “projects” that go on for years and years and years, and never get made, never get finished. You won’t know this if your new - this comes from 30 years of experience and the ability to look backwards and see things you have not seen yet.5. Do not trust any person that says they can make you a star. Or say that they can make you successful overnight. Hollywood success does NOT happen overnight.Never has, never will, never does.EVER.When you’re on the outside trying to get in you want to believe anything and everything. We understand that and THEY DO TOO. Hollywood is full of bullshit artists, pretending to be legit agents, managers, producers writers. Always, always do your research on IMDbPro and get references. The TMFA is here to protect you. We can smell bullshit a mile away.Bring any questions you have about anybody, or anything to this group we will guide you and tell you whether it’s real or not.We have your back and you are not alone. "If you wish to join the "Talent Manager for Actors" group on Facebook, this is the link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/843656639050766
Hey Actors, Don't miss out on today's great blog about championing yourself and your work! Publicist Bruce Wawrzyniak shares tips for how you can "Blow Your Own Horn".https://www.stage32.com/blog/blowing-your-own-horn-3421
This clip is a bit silly, but certainly an interesting piece of film history. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/a-sWjIKf2cA
Hey Superstars! Michelle Alexandria, PGA Member, Executive Producer at Light Year Pictures, Head of Int. Sales and Acquisitions at 123 Go Films Distribution, and Stage 32 Thought Leader is hosting an AMA in the Financing Lounge today, focused on "How To Attract Financing". Don't miss out on this great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the financing process! Please comment on the post when you can and share it with your networks.AMA Financing Lounge Link: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/fundraising/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-7-11-to-7-12-How-To-Attract-Financing
Is your acting work really slow or dead? Watch this video and learn 5 amazing strategies to resurrect your career. https://youtu.be/VvVeb7T4tUg All actors go through slow periods, even incredibly successful actors. It is simply part of the business. Here are 5 ways you can move your career forward - even when things are slow or dead. Effective Materials 1. Actors absolutely need great marketing materials. Their headshot needs to be up-to-date and their resume needs the information that casting directors and other industry professionals expect. If work is slow, this will be a great time to work on these and even an acting reel, so that you are fully ready when work starts to pick up. Agents 2. When work is slow, you want to talk with your agent. Ask what you can do to help have more activity. If you don't have an agent, this is the time to find one. Or, if you are ready to expand into other markets, then begin searching for agents outside your area. Just make sure that if you have a contract with an agent, you are allowed to do this. Staying Sharp 3. When things are slow, this is the time to stay sharp and shoot practice auditions. You also want to continue memorizing lines. This will be so helpful so that when auditions begin happening again, you won't feel so rusty. You can also spend time making sure your home audition arrangement is perfect. Test out your lighting and sound to ensure it looks and sounds great. And, that you can easily edit your auditions. Create Contact Files 4. I created an Excel Spread Sheet many years ago. I have over 1,200 industry contacts. Every time I meet someone new in the industry I add them to my list. You will want to have the person's name, email, website, phone number and a short comment about how you connected with the person. This list will be invaluable to you. Market Yourself 5. If you don't have an agent, you will want to market yourself to all of your contacts. Let them know about something you recently worked on or even a great class you took. If you do have representation then I would still recommend you market yourself and send any auditions or booking you might get from your mailing through your agent. What Have You Done When Work is Slow? On the YouTube channel, let others know what you have done to help get more work when things are slow. Leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Hello everyone! As someone who has just been concentrating on writing for the last 6 years, I've decided that I want to put myself out there for acting more. I got off a call with a videographer I know who I'm going to pay a monthly sum to be my content creator. Do you guys like that idea? Also, what other things do you guys think I should be concentrating on doing as a 'new' actor?
We'll know more by the 12th. In the meantime...thoughts?https://deadline.com/2023/07/hollywood-post-producer-compares-possible-actors-strike-to-pandemic-column-1235432114/
Hey. However, just like any other academic paper, it is possible to write a good discussion post with some preparation and practice. The first step is to read the assigned readings and take notes. For many students, the idea of write my discussion post https://domyessay.com/write-my-discussion-post can seem overwhelming. Then, determine which points are most relevant to your opinion and research. Organize these ideas into one central argument, response or claim. Finally, include your own professional or personal experience where it is appropriate. Remember, your instructor wants to see a post that adds something new to the conversation and is well-written.
Juliette Binoche is my favourite actress. I love this quote from her, about the Binoche retrospective. This for me is a precious quote and, I think, an inspiration to any actor.
“We all understand that the companies’ continuing refusal to recognize and remedy the legitimate concerns of labor keeps us out on the picket lines, keeps the industry at a stand-still, and keeps thousands out of work.“And so, we will continue to walk in front of every studio – and remind them that, whatever path they take, at the end of that path is the Writers Guild. And there is no way around us. See you all on the picket lines.”The Report tells us that talks are making progress in some areas, but not in others. Sadly we don’t know what the ‘others’ comment may include. https://deadline-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/deadline.com/2023/07/writers-strike-guild-backs-actors-contract-talks-sag-aftra-1235430388/amp/
Introducing The Open Studio On Camera Acting Class. A lot of the time, how we use the camera can take the pressure off of our "acting" and actually set our intuition and creativity free. I work with actors to help bring their unique voice to story telling in an on camera class. The class changes focus depending on what the actor needs but always comes back to how to use the camera to tell the story. I bring 25 years of on camera experience and training. Catch me in "We Own This City," "City on a Hill," "Chicago Fire," "SVU," "Emergence" and many more.We meet Mondays in person in NYC 4-8pmWednesdays 2-4 on Zoom and Fridays 12-2 on Zoom. I'd love to see you there. www.openstudio.com
I've been working on something for the last few years in acting class that I thought I'd share with the Lounge (all credit to my acting teacher, feel free to message me and I'll be happy to send the class info). When you study improv, don't focus on being an "improv" actor. Instead, use the opportunity to develop characters on the fly. Those archetypes will come in big time as you pick up new scripts for auditions or do cold reads. Case in point: I'm developing an undercover cop character, Det. Ben Albright, LAPD (an intelligent but slightly bumbling and put upon investigator). The other day, I received an audition to play the third wheel/comedic relief in a cop movie, and using the base of Ben Albright on top of the script, I was able to put down tape that honored the written word while making the character three-dimensional and unique to me.Just my thoughts on the value of improv, any UCB/Second City/Groundlings actors probably know more. Any actor/writers, improv is also a great way to develop new stories (currently writing a pilot based on one story that we came up with in a session).
Happy 4th of July Stage 32ers!!! Quick reminder that the Stage 32 4th of July Sale is in it's final hours. You have until midnight tonight to get any class or webinar at 20% off!Any classes or webinars you take will be available to you in your "My Education" tab of your profile to watch whenever you like so if you can't watch something today you can still take advantage of the sale. This is a great chance to put yourself in a position to level up your craft and prepare yourself for success by tapping into the largest online library of industry education in the world. Here's a link to the Stage 32 Education homepage where yo can browse all of the courses: https://www.stage32.com/educationJust use code JULY2023 at checkout for the discount. Have a spectacular day today and a great creative Summer ahead!
Hi, Everyone!I was wondering if anyone has any information about how to audition/get involved in reading/narrating for audio books. It's something I've always wanted to do and been told I should do, so I just need some business/industry details for how to get started. Thank you!Jamie Albright
Want to Change Agents- Answer These 4 Questions Before Deciding https://youtu.be/y7oEIb_OSpI Sometimes, like in any relationship, it is important to make a change. There are many reasons why actors should switch agents. However, it is not always the agent where the problem lies. Watch this video and learn the 4 questions actors must answer before making this big career decision.Have you switched agents? If so, leave a comment here and let us know how and why you made the change. How did things work out. There is no need to name the agents.
Dear Actors and Artists,As we approach July 4th, a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, it is important to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you. You are the courageous souls who dare to take risks, live your dreams, and pursue careers in the arts. You are the living manifestation of our expression of freedom and the embodiment of our diverse culture.In a world that often seeks conformity, you boldly stand out, using your creativity and imagination to shape the very fabric of our society. Through your paintings, sculptures, music, dance, theater, writing, acting and countless other forms of artistic expression, you breathe life into our collective human experience.Your art has the power to challenge norms, provoke thought, and ignite conversations. It bridges gaps, breaks down barriers, and unites people from all walks of life. Your unique perspectives and voices are instrumental in shaping our understanding of the world and the diverse tapestry of humanity.You demonstrate extraordinary dedication, pouring your heart and soul into your craft, often facing obstacles and sacrifices along the way. Yet, despite the challenges, you persist. You are the dreamers who refuse to be silenced, the visionaries who inspire us to see beyond the ordinary, and the storytellers who capture the essence of our existence.Through your art, you spark emotions, evoke nostalgia, and transport us to different worlds. You help us make sense of our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and struggles. You shine a light on the human condition, reminding us of our shared humanity, and inspiring us to strive for a better, more inclusive world.Your commitment to your artistic pursuits is not merely a personal endeavor; it is a gift to all of us. You enrich our lives, challenge our perceptions, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Your passion and creativity breathe life into our communities, adding vibrancy and color to our existence.So, on this occasion of celebrating freedom, let us pause and express our profound gratitude to all the artists who fearlessly embark on this extraordinary journey. Your courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your craft inspire us all.May you continue to create, dream, and forge new paths, reminding us that true freedom lies not just in political boundaries but in the boundless expanse of the human imagination.With deepest appreciation, Carroll Harris
What's your favorite role that you've ever performed, actors? I'll start. A few years ago I did a play at the Hollywood Fringe festival where I got to perform as John Lennon in a biopic play called And Now It's All This, about the infamous "We're bigger than Jesus" moment which nearly derailed the Beatles entirely. It was the best acting experience ever as I got to know John on a level I'd never done so before with a character. I still feel like a bit of him lives on within me today. Please share yours with us!
The report says:“Stakes are high at this point between both parties, particularly in the wake of a strident letter signed by 1,000-plus high-profile actors including union president Fran Drescher that went public this week. Signed by the likes of Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Schumer and more, the letter says that they’re “prepared to strike” if the guild doesn’t “get all the way there” in its talks with studios and streamers.”What are your thoughts about this and how will this influence the negotiations with the WGA?https://deadline-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/deadline.com/2023/06/hollywood-actors-contract-talks-extension-sag-aftra-1235426828/amp/
Much to digest here. Love to hear from actors and casting directors on some of the points/debates within.https://www.indiewire.com/news/business/sag-aftra-solve-self-tapes-negotiations-analysis-1234876095/
I love this picture, this documentary and this man - Blake Leeper. Paralympic Gold Medalist Blade Runner who's been denied the opportunity to run in the Olympics even though his time qualifies him - who is also an actor and inspirational speaker. And I get the pleasure of teaching him! We'll both be at the screening of a documentary about him on Saturday Dances with Film Festival Hollywood. Here's the link: https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/calendar/event/20230701/6ccae52e-cc52-45a8-957c-4f37ff60df4f/dances-with-films-abled-the-blake-leeper-story-la-premiere Hope to see you there!
Hey Performers,Don't miss out on today's Stage 32 blog, outlining the great webinars, classes, and labs available for the next month right here on Stage 32! While things have seemingly quieted down a bit due to summer vacations and ongoing negotiations, take this time to further your education and skillsets in all areas of the industry!https://www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32s-july-2023-education-schedule-3408
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.
