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Dealing With Audition Rejection by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Feb 16th


In the world of auditioning, no news is often the only news:
If you don’t hear back, it means they went with someone else. While it would be great to receive closure via direct rejection, casting directors don't have the bandwidth to notify every auditioner or representative who didn’t get a callback or book the part.
They are also not in a position to disclose why a role went to one performer over another.
“Casting has huge amounts of work and time is tight,” casting director Louise Collins says. “So please don’t be disheartened if you don’t receive feedback.” The best way to cope with rejection is to try to reframe the feeling of rejection and the act of auditioning itself. Rejection is unavoidable, and it will most likely be frequent. With this in mind, consider setting a rejection quota for yourself.
Acting coach and Evolving Artist creator Teri Wade’s quota method flips the script, turning rejection from a fear into a goal. “I suggest giving yourself a numerical quota, such as getting rejected 30 times per month, or 10 times per week, and recording your points,” she says. “When the goal becomes meeting your quota, you stay motivated and you keep going.”
Also, remember that by getting through the door and in front of the casting directors, you have already been given the chance to perform. Make the most of it. “Treat an audition as a chance to practice and gain a new experience,” actor Joanna Pickering says.
Think of Cassie’s iconic “The Music and the Mirror” moment in “A Chorus Line.” She starts off by pleading to director-choreographer Zach for the chance to dance, but soon enough she’s not asking for permission to perform; she’s giving him an unforgettable, powerhouse demonstration of her technique. It’s her audition, but it’s still very much a performance.
These steps help actors achieve a state that actor Douglas Taurel refers to as thinking extraordinarily, or “the ability to experience failure and have the discipline to ignore it, move on, and immediately focus on the next audition or performance.” 

#audition #actor 
 

DEB AQUILA - Casting Director - Team Deakins Podcast by Florin Şumălan  •  last post Feb 16th

"Casting director Deb Aquila (CODA, LA LA LAND, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Deb grew up in an arts-loving family, whose encouragement to enter the field led her to attend NYU and study under Stella Adler. Pivoting into casting, Deb found herself working on the hit series MIAMI VICE for two seasons before growing into a veteran independent casting director. Deb breaks down what really goes on in the audition room and how she works with actors to bring out their best performances as she hunts for the right choice for a part. We learn how she works with directors after being brought on to a project, and she shares how a character can evolve over the course of the audition process. Deb later shares what her responsibilities are as a studio executive at Paramount and how she balances those with her responsibilities as a casting director. Towards the end, we discuss “casting” personalities, when hiring both the cast and crew, and the value of creating a safe space for actors to give their best performances during the shoot."
https://teamdeakins.libsyn.com/deb-aquila-casting-director

My First Nearly Perfect Pitch Session by Xavion Niles  •  last post Feb 15th

I've been doing pitch sessions on Stage32 for about a year now and I think the most frustrating thing I've encountered is the re-writing process and trying to incorporate the feedback from different execs with different wants/needs. How do you please everyone in just 2 pages while also making your pitch engaging enough to get a "request"? It's hard LOL and I usually get a mixture of 2's & 3's or 3's & 4's. 


However, I recently pitched my fantasy Christmas rom-com, "Ryder's Christmas Comeback", and even though the exec passed on reading the script because they were looking for more realistic rom-coms, I received all 5's with only one 4 and it makes me optimistic that I'm on the right track. I entered this same movie into the current rom-com contest so we'll see what happens *fingers crossed* but I just wanted to share this to say that as writers we get face a lot of L's so we need to celebrate our W's where we can, no matter how big or small.

New Pics of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in "Joker: Folie a Deux"... by Nick Phillips  •  last post Feb 15th

Are people excited by the possibilities of these performances?

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/joker-2-new-look-joaquin-phoenix-lady-gaga-1235825368/

New Fantastic Four Cast Revealed... by Nick Phillips  •  last post Feb 14th

What's everyone think of this cast?


https://variety.com/2024/film/news/fantastic-four-cast-marvel-studios-1235875766/

How to be a GOOD Actor - Wendy Alane Wright's Secrets of a Hollywood Talent Manager Podcast by Florin Şumălan  •  last post Feb 14th

https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/how-to-be-a-good-actor/id1559883826?i=1000645205146

Unpacking the Actor's Process Before the Oscars by Karen "Kay" Ross  •  last post Feb 13th

Hey, my Stage 32 Screen Talent!


Who is looking forward to the Oscars this year? I won't lie, I haven't really been watching for a long, LONG time, but I'm curious to see who is honored and in what way.

Have y'all been keeping up with The Hollywood Reporter's Roundtable series? They have an off-shoot called "Off Script" which is so enjoyable! Loved diving into the Actresses Roundtable with so many Oscar contenders:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA-r9NEI_Ts

What were YOUR big takeaways? Who were you looking forward to hearing from? SHARE in the comments below!

For me, I really loved hearing that Emma Stone carved out 3 weeks for rehearsals for actors and it wasn't for blocking or anything to do with the logistics of the filming portion but rather to generate energy and chemistry. How profound!

2 In-Person Stage 32 Meetups This Week! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Feb 13th

Hey, All!


There are 2 Stage 32 in-person networking meetups coming up this Thursday, February 15th! I'm including links to the meetup pages for you all below. If you live in any of these cities or are nearby, be sure to RSVP and seize this opportunity to meet with other creatives in person and help build your local creative community! 

Austin, TX: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1955/February-Stage-32-Austin-TX-In-Person-Meetup
Phoenix, AZ: https://www.stage32.com/meetups/1953/February-Stage-32-Phoenix-Area-In-Person-Meetup

If you're interested in hosting a monthly in-person Stage 32 meetup in YOUR city, be sure to reach out to me at community@stage32.com!

Tomorrow's Ask Me Anything in the Filmmaking Lounge with SAG Nominated Stunt Performer & Coordinator! by Ashley Renee Smith  •  last post Feb 13th

Hey, All!


Don't miss out on tomorrow’s fantastic AMA with Philippe Deseck, SAG Nominated Stunt Performer & Coordinator (SHANG-CHI, THE MEG, AQUAMAN) in the Filmmaking Lounge! Philippe is sharing his time with us to answer YOUR questions about "Working with a Stunt Coordinator".

The questions won’t be answered until Wednesday, but the post is live for you to comment your questions NOW!

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-2-14-to-Thursday-2-15-Working-with-a-Stunt-Coordinator

It's a great opportunity to learn more about working with a Stunt Coordinator such as: How do you become a stunt performer? What do you look for when hiring a Stunt Coordinator? What relationship does the Stunt Coordinator have with the Director and the Second Unit Director? Can a Stunt Coordinator also work as a Safety Officer on Set? What does a Stunt Coordinator do behind the scenes? How should action scenes be written in a script to help a stunt coordinator prepare? Does Stunt Rigging play an important part in the process of hiring a Stunt Coordinator?

I Never Should've Booked This HBO Show by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Feb 13th

I Never Should've Booked This HBO Show

https://youtu.be/xADeytGx10g
Amazingly, I worked on the HBO mini-series
We Own This City after turning it down.
Watch the video to learn how this happened.

Have you ever booked a job you never thought you would? 
If so, leave a comment below so we can learn from you as well.

If you haven't done this yet, don't forget to subscribe to my acting
and modeling quick tips channel. And, click the notification bell
so you always know when a new video has been uploaded.

The Right / Wrong Way To Use Social Media For Actors by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Feb 12th



You know that social media offers excellent tools to market yourself, but are you using each platform properly?
As an actor, you want to constantly strive to create an image of yourself as an interesting and relatable person. So often, though, through the misuse of social media, the blending of personal and professional comes through and it becomes difficult to showcase ourself in the appropriate light. This isn't a rebuke on sharing parts of your life that are interesting and unrelated to acting; relating to your followers is an important part of being social. However, being consistent and molding your image is critical to gain a consistent and dedicated following.
In the entertainment industry, image and perception are (almost) everything. You should strive to show your professionalism, talent, skill set, and appreciation for working daily to make yourself a better person and talent.

Aspects of who you are and how you work to become better at your craft is very important to your social media profiles. Posting that you are at your workshop, getting new headshots, going to an audition, listening to a podcast about how to give an energetic performance every time, working on a new accent, etc., are all fantastic examples of what you could be telling your followers to boost your credibility.
This also highlights that you are serious about your work as an actor.
Focusing your time and energy is key to your online engagement. Don't spread yourself too thin by using more than three social media accounts. You should be using social media to show followers and fans what you're doing career-wise; it should not be the activity itself.
Don't spend more than 15-20 minutes per day on each platform and spend it crafting what you are saying rather than mindlessly roaming around wasting time.
Spend time talking to and responding to your friends/fans to show that you hear them. Did you know that Mr. Rogers reportedly responded to every single one of his fan letters? That's the commitment and respect he felt his audience deserved.

#actor #socialmedia #lifestyle

Lauren Black | Bull Monologue | Mike Bartlett | Isobel. by Lauren Black  •  last post Feb 12th

Lauren Black | Bull Monologue | Mike Bartlett | Isobel

A young, powerful, fraud in the business will stop at nothing to maintain her 'Perfect" image in the workplace. 
what did you think of my performance? 
Thank you for your feedback!

Laurenblackproductions@gmail.com

Red Flags, Green Flags 1,2,3 ---> Actor Employment Agreement by Mario Leone  •  last post Feb 11th

Green flags for actor employment agreements indicate favorable terms and conditions that benefit the actor and promote a positive working relationship with the production company. On the other hand, red flags signal potential issues or concerns that actors should be cautious about. Here are some examples of green and red flags for actor employment agreements:


Green Flags:

 Fair Compensation is important! The agreement offers competitive compensation that reflects the actor's experience, role, and the budget of the production.
    
Clear Role Description!  The agreement clearly outlines the actor's role, including the character they will portray, their responsibilities, and any specific requirements or expectations.
    
Favorable Working Conditions! The agreement includes provisions for reasonable working hours, breaks, and accommodations, ensuring the actor's health, safety, and well-being on set.
    
Protection of Rights! The agreement includes clauses that protect the actor's rights, such as provisions for proper crediting, use of likeness, and protection against unauthorized exploitation of their image or performance.
    
Flexibility for Auditions and Other Work! The agreement allows the actor to audition for other roles and pursue additional work, provided it does not conflict with their obligations to the production.
    

Red Flags:

Unfair Compensation it can be obvious. The agreement offers inadequate or below-market compensation that does not reflect the actor's experience, role, or the budget of the production.
    
Ambiguous Role Description! The agreement lacks clarity or specificity regarding the actor's role, responsibilities, or character, leaving room for misunderstandings or disputes.
    
Unreasonable Working Conditions! The agreement fails to provide adequate protections for the actor's health, safety, or well-being on set, such as long hours, unsafe conditions, or lack of breaks.
    
Exploitative Rights! Watch out! The agreement includes clauses that overly restrict or exploit the actor's rights, such as granting excessive control over their likeness or performance without proper compensation or consent.
    
Exclusivity or Non-Compete Clauses! The agreement includes clauses that restrict the actor's ability to audition for other roles or pursue additional work, limiting their professional opportunities and creative freedom.
    
Lack of Payment or Delayed Payment! The agreement fails to provide clear terms or deadlines for payment, or the production company has a history of late or non-payment to actors.
    
You must carefully review actor employment agreements and identifying potential green and red flags, actors can protect their interests, ensure fair treatment, and make informed decisions about their participation in film and television productions. Now, a good lawyer can do that for you. It also does not hurt do your own education. This information is good to learn. 

The Acting Gods Video Series by Geoff Hall  •  last post Feb 11th

A little acting from the stars of the 1950s for your Sunday delectation. The scenes are intense, the drama emotional and the dialogue drips off their tongues. The performances for me, are heightened by the on-screen chemistry of the actors. 

1. East of Eden
2. A Place in the Sun
3. A Street Car Named Desire
4. Roman Holiday 
5. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

What’s your favourite?

https://youtu.be/W5lsMJETYbQ?si=zvNBZIPaL_swh0Je

‘You won’t help me’ by Phoenix Benham  •  last post Feb 10th

Tickets for ‘You Won’t Help Me’, at London’s stunning The Other Palace, and The Bridewell Theatre, in the heart of the city, are available now!!


26-31st March
And
29th July - 3rd August 2024

50% of all profits made from the show will be split, with 25% going to Mankind Initiative and 25% going to Women’s Aid.

You won’t help me, is a gripping, compelling, beautifully, and realistically written, fly on the wall drama, based on real life events.

Be ready to laugh, cry, get angry, and follow ‘Sarah’ along her journey through the most difficult relationship she has ever been in.

How much would you tolerate, from the person you love?

Click the link below to support a fantastic cause and secure your tickets now. Selling FAST.

https://tattsntalent.com/you-wont-help-me

Agent Cover Letter Example by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Feb 9th

Here is a cover letter example for actors to send to a prospective agent:


Hello, [name of agent],

I’m [your name], and I’m writing to seek representation in [TV/film/commercial work/etc.]. I have been working in the business for [X amount of time], and [write something about yourself that’s not obvious from your résumé or reel]. I’m [describe your type], and I was referred by [name of your reference; it’s helpful if you were referred, and for some agencies, it’s required]. I’ve recently been working on [name a recent project or professional experience], and I think your agency would be a good fit for me because [research the agency to find a reason].

I am currently appearing in [X show] on [X date]. If you can attend, I would love to get tickets for you. Also, I’m on [X series] currently airing on [X network].

If you would like to schedule an interview, I can be reached at [phone number, email, and website (website should include headshots, all links to your social media, news, IMDb, Actors Access, etc)]. I look forward to connecting soon. Below please find a link to my résumé and a link to my acting reel.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

— Links—

#actor #agent #coverletter

Rush casting respond asap please by Vincent Turner  •  last post Feb 9th

Looking for a model/actress 'for a day in the life movie within a movie scenes' in the LA area MON 2/14 

Starting tomorrow! Actors Workshop: How to Prepare for and Nail Your Audition to Get a Callback by Sydney Summers  •  last post Feb 9th

Stage 32 is excited to welcome back Ryan for his upcoming acting workshop!


In this condensed 4-hour virtual workshop by Stage 32, led by the experienced Screen Actors Award winning actor Ryan Cartwright, actors at all levels will refine your audition and performance skills. Ryan, with over 30 years in the industry and roles in TV series like "BONES" and "MAD MEN," will share his expertise in turning basic dialogue into compelling performances. This interactive workshop will cover everything you need to know to deliver your best performance in the audition room AND on set.

You will learn crucial acting techniques for auditions and on-set performances, focusing on dialogue interpretation, character depth, and personalizing performances while staying true to the character. You will gain insights into consistently winning audition callbacks and landing roles and learn to deliver stunning performances, even under tight preparation schedules.

You will walk away from this class with the tools you need to successfully approach your character, dialogue, and action steps to properly utilize on your self tapes, callbacks and on-set performances for maximum success!

PLUS! Ryan will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you hone your acting process. Downloads include:

-The Audition Process Beat Sheet
-Filming Day Checklist

https://www.stage32.com/classes/Acting-Workshop-Build-Your-Successful-Preparation-Process

Oscars to Add New Category for Casting by Richard "RB" Botto  •  last post Feb 8th

About time


https://www.thewrap.com/oscars-add-new-category-casting-academy-awards/

An Affordable Housing Solution for A Hollywood Actors by Matthew Gross  •  last post Feb 7th

Let me introduce you to my friend Dan Logwood. We go way back to 1999 when we crossed paths as extras on the set of Madonna's "The Next Best Thing". It was a thrilling experience, spending the day playing with kids, enjoying amusement park rides, and indulging in a sumptuous catered lunch.


Fast forward to two weeks ago, Dan and I embarked on an extraordinary journey by signing up for NASA's Artemis mission. While we're not crew members, NASA is launching our names aboard the Astrobotic Griffin Lander, set to embark on a three-month survey of Mons Mouton in the moon's southern pole. This mission aims to pave the way for the next generation of astronauts. Our names are etched into history, awaiting discovery by extraterrestrial beings in the distant future.

While Dan currently resides in Indiana, he's gearing up for an exciting move back to Los Angeles this August. Taking a savvy approach, he's purchased an RV and secured a spot in LA County for just $300 a month, complete with a water hookup, a move that will significantly slash his living expenses. Considering the soaring costs of apartments in LA, ranging from $1,700 to $4,000 per month, this is a smart choice. Moreover, Dan plans to dive into the entertainment industry by joining a background actors' booking service to sustain himself while he pursues representation. With his sights set on obtaining his SAG union eligibility, fueled by his prior experience, including earning a SAG voucher for his role in "What Planet Are You From?" back in 2000, we're optimistic about his prospects.

I'm immensely proud to share with you a short film titled "The Devil Strikes Twice", written and directed by Dan two years ago. In it, he takes on the role of the prince of darkness himself. It's inspiring to see Dan finally chase after his dreams, a decision he deliberately delayed until his son graduated high school. Now that Dane is a college graduate, he's encouraging his dad to embrace the West Coast lifestyle wholeheartedly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81fnKd2laek