Getting That Audition.

Here at Premier Acting we see a number of our clients get auditions (and recalls) for various TV, Film, Media and Theatre based projects. But inevitably when one client gets offered an audition, others ask why not me? Am I not good enough? Similarly, for those who do get auditions, and go through several rounds of recalls and ultimately get so close, but the metaphorical no cigar - ask "why not me?". Well having worked as an agent now for many years with both established actors as well as fresh young talent, I can categorically say there are numerous reasons why actors don't get auditioned, or secure a certain job. Some of these factors are within their direct control, and others they will have absolutely no control over whatsoever.

What Is within your control...

Firstly lets deal with what you do have direct control over. The materials that either you or your agent uses to promote you.

Photographs

Do your photographs look like you? Do they do you justice? This sounds like an obvious observation, but so many actors make the mistake of getting a makeover before getting their first set of photographs done. Or they "Want to look different, and stand out from the crowd". The reality is that your photographs need to look like you. Think about how you are going to turn up to an audition at 9 O'clock on a Monday morning. Are you going to get that same makeover done beforehand? Or make an effort to look significantly different from the crowd? Probably not. Your going to be too busy reading through your audition script, running for a bus or a train, trying to stay calm and not sweat too much. Your photographs need to be a good representation of who is going to turn up for that audition. Too many times to mention have I received photographs from actors, and on meeting them thinking "who are you kidding"? Keep them simple, keep them current and keep them looking like you.

CV's

Another simple observation that often beggars belief. Keep your CV up to date. That doesn't mean update it every couple of months just to keep on top of it. Update it every time you you have something, no matter how insignificant you think it is, to update. Now the important bit is to not only update the version sitting on your laptop or PC, update all the public copies of your CV. Make the effort, this includes updating your agents copy, as well as promotional and media based websites that you may use. Think of the bits of information on your CV as nuggets of gold, just one of them might be the nugget that buys your way into that next audition.

Show Reels

We live in the information age, and our lives have officially been taken over by the digital revolution. So why do I still meet so many actors that don't have a show reel. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to edit together a basic show reel. It doesn't have to cost anything if you are willing to do a little but of learning. Most PC's come with Windows Movie Maker as standard and it has a relatively simple learning curve for editing together a basic show reel. If you don't have enough material from a professionally shot film or television, get together with some like minded actors, borrow a decent camera and shoot some scenes. The point of your show reel is to convey the message "I am a good actor". If you can create some scenes where the audience, IE the casting director/director/producer can see that, then the objective has been achieved. We are moving into the an area where the concept of "self-taping" for specific castings is becoming more prevalent, so why not take the time and self tape your show reel if you don't have enough experience. One final thing that I have came across with numerous actors over the years. Don't be too precious about your show reel. We want to see you act from the start. We don't want to see a series of clips of you walking, running, smiling and looking angry. We want to see you acting and reacting. If you are unsure what material to use and you have an agent - ask them for advice, and take their advice. These are all simple, common sense steps that might just help you get foot in the door of the next audition. But what if you still don't get an audition? What then?

What is not in your control...

Even if you do all the right things, sometimes there are considerations outwith your control that will prevent you from getting that audition or securing that part. You're too tall, you're too old, you're too thin, you've the wrong colour of hair. There are numerous factors that industry professionals have to take into account when casting - it isn't always purely based on the talent factor. It is about finding the best talent who best fit the part.Often during the casting process the brief for your part may change as other parts are cast around your character. Are you going to be part of a family - do the casting team need to find a family resemblance?, Do you look too much like any of the other actors that have been cast in other roles. None of these factors are within your control, so don't take the result to heart.If you get an audition, then the point of that audition is to show the casting team what you can do. Do a good job, be the best you can be, and they will remember that. If you happen to get the role you are auditioning for - then that is the bonus.Don't pin all your hopes and dreams on one job, or one big payday. Try and enjoy the journey of just being an actor - that is the prize.