Casting for topless role?

O

ot444

Member
I have done casting before and know how it is done. Well, this time casting for a topless role and not too sure how to handle it. Obviously at some point the top picks need to show "the goods". What a chest looks like with a shirt on sometimes looks nothing like you would image when it is exposed.

We will have females assisting with casting. What should be said in emails prior to prepare them to do this? How should it be handled when actually there auditioning? Thanks for any help/advice.
 
Aside from the actual audition, you'll want to pre-screen candidates to ensure they meet your minimum criteria. Factors may include:

- physical size/measurements
- shape
- proportion
- markings (tatoos)
- firmness
- attributes (augmentation, etc)
- actress comfort performing a topless role, prior topless assignments
- any exclusions/restrictions to perform topless

Having female assistants are a great idea. And be certain you don't have needless crew gawking candidates - you may also want to post someone outside the door during auditions to avoid inappropriate intrusions. And absolutely no one should take pictures or film candidates unless they give written permission. And even then, you gotta be extremely careful to secure the media and derivatives.

And don't forget the obvious - validate the candidates meet the minimum age restriction in your jurisdiction.

Bottom line, you want to do as much pre-screening as possible so that the candidates aren't removing their top unless they've passed your entrance criterial.
 
Thanks for replying.

All that are attending are aware that the role is topless and they have all gotten back to me stating that they do not have a problem with it.

We will be requiring proof of age. (the role is for 20's to 30's)

The main thing I do not know how to handle is the actual topless part of the audition.

"Wow that was a great read, you take direction really well... we need you to take your top off now so that we are sure you don't have some sort of breast deformity..."

What is the proper etiquette during the audition to bring up that it is now time to take your top off? After the top is off should they continue to be directed as to see how well they take direction with top off? (horror film, screaming, look of terror, etc..)
 
To just tell em it's a topless role and to remove their top. Don't over think it. If you look at em as boobies it'll be creepy and awkward for all. Audition what ya need to see and leave it at that.
 
You could actually go through the initial auditions and then take note of the people that you like. If you like them you can call them back for a second audition in which you will have them take there top off or wait until the end of the first casting and do it then. By doing this the people auditioning won't think that you are just asking everyone to take their top off but only ask those who actually have a chance at the part
 
Agreed - vet the actresses past the acting audition phase first (assuming we're not talking about a background role). Only ask for nudity on callbacks of actresses who are otherwise qualified for the role. If it's low or non-paying, you'll almost certainly get lots of candidates with dismal acting ability. There's no reason to put everyone through the embarrassment in those cases. Auditions are humiliating enough for actors even without any nudity...
 
Or perhaps, do that backward if you are looking more for aesthetics, call back the pairs you like and see if they can act too.
 
I'd go with the best actress...then visit my local strip club for a body double...this would be the easiest way to keep everyone at ease & get the best final product.

The actress isn't stressed-out by the nagging thought of having to bare all...and the stripper...well, that's her job! Everyone's happy.
 
ot444 said:
Thanks for replying.
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"Wow that was a great read, you take direction really well... we need you to take your top off now so that we are sure you don't have some sort of breast deformity..."

What is the proper etiquette during the audition to bring up that it is now time to take your top off? After the top is off should they continue to be directed as to see how well they take direction with top off? (horror film, screaming, look of terror, etc..)
Click to expand...

Err, we're unsure of the main qualification of the role. So we'd probably give you different answers depending of whether the part is for a topless dancer versus an b acress needing to bare her top for a certain scene. Since you suggested a horror/terror film, let's assume that the topless attributes are secondary. Then as previously mentioned, you can ask the candidates to complete a pre-screening form to validate or quality your initial criteria (perhaps a side camera angle might hide a limitation). And for those who pass and meet your other pre-casting criteria, you would ask them to provide an "in costume" rehersal. If the actress is only doing a topless part, then get right to it. If their role requires them to remove clothing, then provide appropriate direction as well. If so, instruct them on what the actress should be feeling when they remove their top. You certainly want to see how well they take directions and show artistic creativity, etc.

While this is only loosely related, here's an example. Remember Sigourney Weaver when she thought she found safety in the small ship, safely away from the Alien? Knowing she was safe, she removed her clothes and exposed the vulnerability of being a woman. Anyway, the point is that if removing her top is part of the role, that's how you present it during casting.

OTOH, if all you're looking for is "the goods," then be sure they are aware of their principle purpose in the film. In that case, direct them accordingly obviously being sensitive to removing their clothing. But IMHO, it would be less than ethical to audition women and demonstrate their acting ability, then ask them to remove their top when you know their only role would be show show physical attribute of their endowments.

Incidentally, we should always be mindful of risks to cast and crew, ensuring we've taken appropriate steps to mitigate all possible risks. Obviously, whenever someone is not wearing their clothing, everyone can be influenced. An actress moving from location to location could sustain an injury. Other people on the set could become distracted and present a safety hazard to themselves and others. I once had an employee hop off a high chair and sustain a leg joint injury. The employee's doctor attributed the inflamation of the bursitis due to jumping off the chair, so it became an "on the job accident!" Which brings up the point of workmans compensation - but that's another thread...

Good luck, Michael
 
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My $.02 - if you're recording the casting session (and the goods) you want to be very clear on what the footage is being used for and that it won't get into the wrong hands either. Very sensitive but most casting we do ends up on dvd shortly after for additional review if needed.
 
Thanks for all of the replies.

This is the call back round. The only thing is, we had a small turn out for actresses willing to go topless. Now we have a few more that would like to audition. Since we are running short on time, this second round will now be the first for a few of the girls.
 
Just explain that to them, and that they will now have to show and read, because there isn't time to call them back.
 
It's all about responsibility. IMO, if you explain the situation honestly you should be fine. It's quite understandable under the circumstances that you might have a shortage of suitable candidates, and are seeing some for the first time in the second round. That happens often even for non-topless auditions.

However, I'd still tell the actresses that you plan to do the acting part of the audition first, and will not ask anyone to undress until you're reasonably convinced they're suitable for the role otherwise. It may make for a slightly awkward moment for those who are *not* asked to undress, but I think it's the lesser of the two 'evils'.

On the other hand, I can just see some actress with more nerve than talent brazenly stripping anyway after she's been told she didn't pass the acting part.

People do some pretty unbelievable things in auditions...
 
Casting for topless role?

Here is a casting for breastesses

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I've done it before... Really no big deal.... Boobs are Boobs..... That's how you have to carry yourself... If your a nervous Nelly.... It shows and the vibe will be as such.

- I wouldn't roll video
- Shoot Polaroid's in the money poses for the scene (if you can't tell from that... you can't tell)
- Make sure talent see the Polaroid's and how many there are. Number them 1of7.... 2of7 ect.
- Put the boob casting pics in a separate envelope for each actress. This shows your pro and you care about the security of there pics.
- If your a male...... Make sure you are never alone with an unknown naked female.
- Keep the wise cracks to yourself. Just like joking with a TSA agent.
- Contact and arrange to have all Polaroid's returned. They have to pick up in person and sign for them.

If you do any less than that... Your an Amateur and you leave yourself open for unnecessary problems.

frisco
 
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