Advice for small job oppurtunity?

S

SE7

Well-known member
Hey guys! I have been asked to film someone's acting audition who is trying to get on with a few companies in my area. Being the youngin that I am, I am feeling a tad bit nervous because I have never done any filmmaking jobs that I will be paid for.

Also, the casting directors will be circulating the tapes around, so I feel I need to do the best I can to make it a good video.

First of all, how do you film an acting audition and try to add cinematic filming techniques to it? (Maybe not 'cinematic' techniques, but at least try to make it visually appealing..)

I'm very confused on how I would go about doing this, and I have to film it next Saturday, so ANY tips or advice on doing this would be greatly appreciated!

And I personally don't own any lights (I will be purchasing a professional set of lights next summer) so what should I do about the lighting aspect?

And last, what type of "mood" would you try to show in the filming of an acting audition??

Thanks guys.
Colin
 
Have you watched audition tapes on DVD extras or documentaries? They're Horrible! As long as you know which side the lens points, I'm pretty sure you'll be okay.


Here's some tips:

First off drop the insecurity. There's 100 other guys worse than you, but will sell themselves better. If you don't buck up, they will get your jobs, more and more often.

My first DP gig I ever took on was way over my head (so I thought). I listened to all the "older" guys, and have regretted it ever since.

You've got to sell yourself, and present yourself as a professional - regardless of age.

About lighting and making it cinematic,.. I wouldn't worry about it. Usually audition tapes are done on sticks in the back of the room. Sure a director wants to see how the actor can act. But directors also give direction and change it up to see how an actor can respond. I think if you setting up lights, and were getting angles it'd only be distracting to the actor and director. Plus I think the casting director and director like a constant angle for a control.

Talk to whomever hired you, see if they even want lights, and separate angles. I'd bring a light, and a mic, just in case, but only bring it in if you need it.

Auditions are usually super dry, it's not your job to spice it up. You're there (I assume) just to document it. If the scene is super quite, and it's a scene that should be a close up, like a person thinking, crying whatever,. .then maybe do a little zoom in,.. but for the most part keep it dry. Like I said it's not your job to create "mood". That's left up to the Director, art department and DP.

Also don't feel bad if screw up a shot, like out of focus, or the actor jumps out of frame. On set you "block out" a shot. Meaning you practice where the actor is going to go, set your focus marks, etc etc. Shooting live stuff is hard.

Congrats on the job, don't stress out about it too much. You biggest worry should be if the camera is recording.

- Greg
 
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I say, make sure u get lots of LS, MS & CU and if they have more than 1 actor to do a scene, make sure u get some 2 shots or whtever X shots depending on how many people are involved.

One man crew ?? wireless lav might help.
 
Dxmetal said:
I say, make sure u get lots of LS, MS & CU .
Click to expand...

I second this, for auditions directors are usually looking for two things, does the actor fit their vision of the character and can the actor take directions. So shooting typical sequences will help. For instance shoot a scene three times, Wide, Med Close up and even extreme CU if you can. Then cut those together. Then have a director give the actor direction(tape this wide) and shoot the same sequence again. This will get your actors more hits then anything else. Also keep it short, directors and producers usually have lots of demo reels to go through. I've taped lots of auditions and usually it is the wide shot the directors want to see.

G
 
I agree. And I like Dewey's attitude. Don't be intimidated by so called experts. Do this, and you'll be the "expert" (whatever that is).

First, make sure they just want an audition shot, not a faux scene.

Use a decent key light, or two point light set-up. Have a fairly dark, bland background. Shoot medium CU and CU. Use a boom mic or lav if you have to. Always have the camera on a tripod. Focus the camera.

Shoot.

Say thank you and collect pay.

You're on your way.
 
Response to audition tape question

Response to audition tape question

Dewy-dB said:
Have you watched audition tapes on DVD extras or documentaries? They're Horrible! As long as you know which side the lens points, I'm pretty sure you'll be okay.

yIKES, I HOPE THIS ISN'T TRUE EVERYWHERE.

My first DP gig I ever took on was way over my head (so I thought). I listened to all the "older" guys, and have regretted it ever since.
wow,I counldn't disagree more with this statement. I learned alot from my mentors..and still do..If I haven't garned something new from each film set I have been on, I wasn't listening or watching close enough.

You've got to sell yourself, and present yourself as a professional - regardless of age.

Agreed, marketing is very important, and I will refer to this later.
About lighting and making it cinematic,.. I wouldn't worry about it. Usually audition tapes are done on sticks in the back of the room. Sure a director wants to see how the actor can act. But directors also give direction and change it up to see how an actor can respond. I think if you setting up lights, and were getting angles it'd only be distracting to the actor and director. Plus I think the casting director and director like a constant angle for a control.

Talk to whomever hired you, see if they even want lights, and separate angles. I'd bring a light, and a mic, just in case, but only bring it in if you need it.

Are you shooting this with the director present, or as a demo/audition tape for a later submission?
I direct, and I like to pick my own talent when I can.
You wanna knock my socks off and your client(actor).
I wanna see something better than what's expected, Not only in the acting.
You wish to "sell" this actors talent, and make me remember their performance.
Take your actor to a location other than a conference room at the Holiday Inn or the schools gymnasium. Light a living room set, and let the actor use the set as a prop and shoot a wide, medium and several close ups. Make it a 3-4 page script.(that's usually 3-4 minutes)
You should be able to shoot this in less than half a day, barring countless takes.
Auditions are usually super dry, it's not your job to spice it up. You're there (I assume) just to document it. If the scene is super quite, and it's a scene that should be a close up, like a person thinking, crying whatever,. .then maybe do a little zoom in,.. but for the most part keep it dry. Like I said it's not your job to create "mood". That's left up to the Director, art department and DP.
A little zoom in...zooms are for little girls and fresh out of school film students..lol
Ok, I'm a casting agent or Director, blow me away..not a great actor, make them look good on camera...How many people do you know that make their resume look like their a freaking rocket scientist, when they work 3rd shift at MacDonalds.. Make a short film...
Do something better than expected....
I don't expect everytime this type of assignment comes up, that every one heed this advice or take this approach... You have to think about Money,time put into the project, and equipment needs.
Basically, I'm asking,begging you do do something better than what's expected.
The benefits: More assignments down the road-possible work with the director- something to add to your demo reel without paying an actor.
Suggest to your client(the actor-especially if female) that she get her make-up done professionally- even free. She/he can go to most large Department stores makeup counters and get a free touch up or complete make-over, for perhaps the price of a few simple cosmetics or cologne. Bring a few outfits that would be considered realistic to the location of your shoot. Stay away from loud colors and patterns on clothing.
Also don't feel bad if screw up a shot, like out of focus, or the actor jumps out of frame. On set you "block out" a shot. Meaning you practice where the actor is going to go, set your focus marks, etc etc. Shooting live stuff is hard.
If you want to add this to your demo, make every shot count.
Congrats on the job, don't stress out about it too much. You biggest worry should be if the camera is recording.
Or if your really getting paid by an actor/waiter.
Oh, and by the way, I'm one of those "Older guys". I came to THIS WEBSITE TO LEARN NEW THINGS AND SHARE IDEAS AND HELP OTHERS WITH THEIR PROJECTS. I HAVE LEARNED QUITE A BIT FROM OTHERS VICTORYS AND THEIR FAILURES. DON'T BELITTLE GUYS WITH EXPERIENCE, THEY HIRE NEWBIES LIKE "DEWEY". GUESS I'LL CHECK OUT HIS RESUME....LOL.
Good luck with your project.

- Greg
Click to expand...
Enjoy the shoot. Best ,Jon
 
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Sorry Dewey, that did seem a bit mean. I'm sure your very talented....My point is just to deliver more than expected...To be remembered...Don't take it personal. I am reacting to what's the norm, I say, turn it up a notch..
Best, Jon

And after viewing your demo reel, I know your talented.
 
My eyes and head hurt more than my feelings from that post. Wow,.. talk about seeing red.

Name calling and flaming is definitely "turning it up a notch". You learn that on set too?

By the way it's "you're talented" not "your talented" you missed that twice in a row. Also use periods and correct punctuations next time you rip my post apart, otherwise you look like the newb.

Hugs?

- Greg
 
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I apoligize for the flame, more of a shoulder bump. But not intended to be caustic. I hope the general meaning of my post, without any intention of a personal nature, made some sense to you...
You're talented...lol
 
I also mis-read the original post. I thought he was doing this for a production company, not a reel for an actor. That said, a lot of my original post isn't relevant.

Sorry.

- Greg
 
Thanks for the opinions, but I'm actually just doing the audition tape, NOT a reel... so I think the casting director would want to see what the actor can do, not what I can do. With that said, I think I'll keep the lighting to a minimum, and make it very subtle so that the cinematography doesn't distract from the whole point of this (it is an ACTING audition). :)

Thanks again for all the advice, but I don't think I made myself clear on the first post, so I'm actually leaning towards Dewy's ideas. I think I'll do a one-shot take (on a tripod, panning to give the actor room) and then do a few medium shots or closeups just in case there is a problem. I'm pretty sure the casting directors would be more impressed with the actor if she did it in one take, rather than a whole bunch of different edits combined together....

So thanks again! You guys were a great amount of help!

Sincerely,
Colin
 
I see it clearly now as well. I guess my comments come from the point of view that you were shooting an audition tape for the actor, but as long as you were going to shoot this, why not double task the assignment for something you can use yourself as well.
I still hate boring ,one take, clinical, one camera angle actor demos. I was just trying to get the point across that as a director, I'd like to see a fresh approach to what everyone else does for these types of tapes, why not package your actor better , and shoot something that will make a director sit up,watch and remember...At the same time, your work would be remembered... I guess it's just too much work, and on an actors pay, not very lucrative for the camera op.
I'm done. Good luck
 
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