Your headshot is your most important selling tool. As such, it needs to stand out for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones. The purpose of a headshot is to showcase that special quality that makes you unique in a natural and straight-forward way. For a perfect headshot, follow these headshot tips:
DO make sure your headshot looks like you! If the casting director can't recognize your picture, he might not remember your audition.
DO show your age. A casting director will not be pleased when a 35-year-old shows up if he's expecting someone in their mid-twenties. And if that doesn't convince you, imagine all the juicy roles you're absolutely perfect for as you are. Now imagine your youthful headshot being tossed aside.
DO hire a professional headshot photographer. The advice and trained eye of a pro during the shoot is invaluable.
DO strive to look natural. Come with your hair styled the way you normally wear it for auditions and with very light makeup. Ask if there will be a hair and makeup person available during the shoot.
DO update your headshot every five years or whenever you've undergone significant physical change, such as weight loss or gain.
DON'T try to hide freckles, moles, or wrinkles under heavy makeup or through awkward poses. This will come across badly on camera and isn't a true representation of who you are.
DON'T act in your headshot or pose stiffly and artificially. Ideally, you want your headshots to emphasize both your uniqueness and your versatility. Be careful not to lock yourself into a specific role. Headshots should capture your true personality and type in a naturally compelling way.
DON'T try to show off the most glamorous version of you. Casting directors want to know what you'll look like when you walk into the audition, not how fabulous you can be with the right clothes and makeup.
DON'T wear clothes that distract from your face. Leave the loud patterns and stripes at home. Opt instead for very dark or very light clothing with clean neck lines.
Showing posts with label TIPS FROM PROFESSIONALS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TIPS FROM PROFESSIONALS. Show all posts
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Hollywood Audition Tips
Are you looking to become a successful Hollywood actor or actress? If you are, the process all gets started with an audition. An audition is where you are able to land a job or walk away empty handed. To ensure you don’t walk away disappointed, please continue reading on.
As previously stated, the audition process is the first step in landing a Hollywood acting job. However, the process does not start at the audition itself. You need to practice and prepare for your audition at home. This is important for newcomers, as you may be nervous and rightfully so, but never let that nervousness show. Practice your monologue or reading lines as much as possible. Do so alone in front of your mirror, as well as with someone you know and trust. It is preferable if that individual is one who is comfortable providing you with positive and negative feedback.
In addition to practicing for an audition, it is also important to perfect your appearance. Makeup can help to improve your appearance, but it should be tasteful and not overdone. If you will be doing your own makeup, as opposed to hiring a professional, practice at home. Next, try on clothes. When auditioning, there are many who want to be comfortable. Yes, this is good, but never walk into an audition wearing your comfort clothes, especially if they consist of an old pair of jeans, shorts, or sweatpants. An audition is just like a traditional job interview, one that you should come to dressed professionally.
Whether you attend a scheduled audition or an open casting call, you will not be alone. The waiting room will be filled with other hopeful, aspiring actors. If you have a scheduled audition, you shouldn’t have to wait too long. However, if you do, do not let the wait get you down. No matter how nervous or frustrating it can be, you need to walk into the audition room with a smile on your face. It doesn’t matter whether that smile is real or fake, but it needs to be there. The initial walk in is your first chance to make a good, pleasant impression.
As previously stated, you may have to wait a short period of time for your turn at a scheduled audition or casting call. Although a wait can be distracting, show up early. You should never show up late, especially for a scheduled meeting. If you do, you may lose your time slot. For open casting calls, you could be one of thousands that show up, so be sure to arrive early. Sometimes, the casting crew doesn’t even make it through the whole line.
If you are a beginner, never state so. Chances are the casting crew already has your resume. Never, outright state that you are new to acting, that it is your first audition, or that you hadn’t had the chance to practice your lines. You might assume this gives you an advantage if you deliver the best lines ever, but even still it can hurt you.
Speaking of beginners, if you are new to auditioning for acting roles, you will likely make a mistake. After all, seasoned actors and actresses make mistakes on screen. So, it is not unexpected for you to have one. Never highlight your mistake or ask for a chance to correct it. If you slipup on your lines, continue on. The ability to recover from a mistake is just as important as delivering perfect lines.
The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can prepare you for a Hollywood audition, but they are the easiest to implement. Most importantly, always be prepared. Never walk into an audition not knowing material that was provided to you or what you are auditioning for. Also, remember that an audition process is just like a traditional job interview, just with a lot more speaking involved.
As previously stated, the audition process is the first step in landing a Hollywood acting job. However, the process does not start at the audition itself. You need to practice and prepare for your audition at home. This is important for newcomers, as you may be nervous and rightfully so, but never let that nervousness show. Practice your monologue or reading lines as much as possible. Do so alone in front of your mirror, as well as with someone you know and trust. It is preferable if that individual is one who is comfortable providing you with positive and negative feedback.
In addition to practicing for an audition, it is also important to perfect your appearance. Makeup can help to improve your appearance, but it should be tasteful and not overdone. If you will be doing your own makeup, as opposed to hiring a professional, practice at home. Next, try on clothes. When auditioning, there are many who want to be comfortable. Yes, this is good, but never walk into an audition wearing your comfort clothes, especially if they consist of an old pair of jeans, shorts, or sweatpants. An audition is just like a traditional job interview, one that you should come to dressed professionally.
Whether you attend a scheduled audition or an open casting call, you will not be alone. The waiting room will be filled with other hopeful, aspiring actors. If you have a scheduled audition, you shouldn’t have to wait too long. However, if you do, do not let the wait get you down. No matter how nervous or frustrating it can be, you need to walk into the audition room with a smile on your face. It doesn’t matter whether that smile is real or fake, but it needs to be there. The initial walk in is your first chance to make a good, pleasant impression.
As previously stated, you may have to wait a short period of time for your turn at a scheduled audition or casting call. Although a wait can be distracting, show up early. You should never show up late, especially for a scheduled meeting. If you do, you may lose your time slot. For open casting calls, you could be one of thousands that show up, so be sure to arrive early. Sometimes, the casting crew doesn’t even make it through the whole line.
If you are a beginner, never state so. Chances are the casting crew already has your resume. Never, outright state that you are new to acting, that it is your first audition, or that you hadn’t had the chance to practice your lines. You might assume this gives you an advantage if you deliver the best lines ever, but even still it can hurt you.
Speaking of beginners, if you are new to auditioning for acting roles, you will likely make a mistake. After all, seasoned actors and actresses make mistakes on screen. So, it is not unexpected for you to have one. Never highlight your mistake or ask for a chance to correct it. If you slipup on your lines, continue on. The ability to recover from a mistake is just as important as delivering perfect lines.
The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can prepare you for a Hollywood audition, but they are the easiest to implement. Most importantly, always be prepared. Never walk into an audition not knowing material that was provided to you or what you are auditioning for. Also, remember that an audition process is just like a traditional job interview, just with a lot more speaking involved.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
TIPS FROM PROFESSIONALS: A simple makeover can open up a world of opporunity
Casting Director Renee Godbout on how a simple makeover can open up a world of opporunity
By Renee Godbout for InstantCast.com
Are you ready to make a serious career comeback? Well, a successful comeback is all about change.
If you’re in a rut and are having problems getting noticed, it’s time for you to make a drastic change. All you need to change the minds and attitudes of producers and yourself!
Be prepared to market yourself in different ways and be open to the new roles you will be auditioning for. Look at yourself in a different way and keep your confidence up. You may find a niche you never knew you fit into!
Check out these ways to change up your look and start the next phase of your career!
If you’re overweight, then dedicate yourself to losing those extra pounds. A whole new set of roles will open up to you. Just ask Valerie Bertinelli, who, after having a quiet 5 years, is guest starring on Boston Legal and getting ready to star in her own comedy pilot for TBS.
Pretend it’s makeover day on America's Next Top Model and get a completely new haircut or color. I worked with a male actor once from Hawaii who had long hair and lots of tattoos. He was often cast as the bad boy prisoner type, but after cutting off his hair and putting on a suit, I started casting him as a businessman and finding more roles he could fit into. I also had a female actor who was stuck playing “edgy” roles. Her look wasn’t very versatile until she ditched her bleached blonde hair and went more natural.
Men, it’s all about your facial hair. If you’ve had a beard for a while, it’s time to remember what you looked like clean-shaven. But if you’re always being looked at as a teenager and passed over for more adult roles, a little scruff may be exactly what you are looking for.
Learn a new skill. If you’re sick of seeing casting notices for principle ballroom dancers, go take classes and learn! It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Have you ever noticed how popular the show Dancing with the Stars is? These celebrities are learning new skills while at the same time making a big comeback.
With every new look, you also need a new headshot and resume. So be sure you’re making the right changes and that you’re prepared to spend some money to showcase your new look. If you have an agent or manager, make sure you sit down and discuss everything with them first. But if you’re really ready to make a change, just go for it and don’t be afraid to show off your new self!
_______
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
By Renee Godbout for InstantCast.com
Are you ready to make a serious career comeback? Well, a successful comeback is all about change.
If you’re in a rut and are having problems getting noticed, it’s time for you to make a drastic change. All you need to change the minds and attitudes of producers and yourself!
Be prepared to market yourself in different ways and be open to the new roles you will be auditioning for. Look at yourself in a different way and keep your confidence up. You may find a niche you never knew you fit into!
Check out these ways to change up your look and start the next phase of your career!
If you’re overweight, then dedicate yourself to losing those extra pounds. A whole new set of roles will open up to you. Just ask Valerie Bertinelli, who, after having a quiet 5 years, is guest starring on Boston Legal and getting ready to star in her own comedy pilot for TBS.
Pretend it’s makeover day on America's Next Top Model and get a completely new haircut or color. I worked with a male actor once from Hawaii who had long hair and lots of tattoos. He was often cast as the bad boy prisoner type, but after cutting off his hair and putting on a suit, I started casting him as a businessman and finding more roles he could fit into. I also had a female actor who was stuck playing “edgy” roles. Her look wasn’t very versatile until she ditched her bleached blonde hair and went more natural.
Men, it’s all about your facial hair. If you’ve had a beard for a while, it’s time to remember what you looked like clean-shaven. But if you’re always being looked at as a teenager and passed over for more adult roles, a little scruff may be exactly what you are looking for.
Learn a new skill. If you’re sick of seeing casting notices for principle ballroom dancers, go take classes and learn! It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Have you ever noticed how popular the show Dancing with the Stars is? These celebrities are learning new skills while at the same time making a big comeback.
With every new look, you also need a new headshot and resume. So be sure you’re making the right changes and that you’re prepared to spend some money to showcase your new look. If you have an agent or manager, make sure you sit down and discuss everything with them first. But if you’re really ready to make a change, just go for it and don’t be afraid to show off your new self!
_______
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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