Orange Models in Toronto - Orange Model Management - Before, during and after the Casting Call
Modeling / Acting is not an easy job. Contrary to what many people think about this profession, this industry is one of the most competitive ones in the world, so you always have to persevere and not just rely on your own good looks to succeed.
Before the Casting
Once you are selected by the client your agent will call to let you know that have an audition. This is the beginning of the process if you perform well and/or the client is satisfied with your attributes/personality you may be selected for the job.
At Orange Model Management we usually call and then email you all the information you require for the casting, such as:
1. Who the client is and the product. 2. When the call-backs would be scheduled. 3. When the shoot would take place. 4. What the rate is. 5. What the wardrobe requirements are. 6. Location of the open-call/audition
If you don't have a conflict with the open-call/audition time, tell your agency that you will be there but if you do then try to accommodate the audition because auditions are a privilege not an option. Your persistence and experience will eventually payoff and you will get your lucky break. Once you confirm all details prepare for your audition. Stage a fake audition. Have a friend act like the casting director/ client. Walk out of the room and have your friend sit down. Walk back into the room and greet the casting director (your friend). Then, start the scene if your character speaks first.
Audition Tips: Nothing is more important in modeling/ acting than that little thing called confidence . You may have the perfect body, the most beautiful or handsome face, but what works is your confidence level. A very high level of confidence is required if you want to succeed in the modeling/ acting world. Fortunately, confidence can be developed over time. One way of doing so is to study and learn everything there is to know about the modeling/ acting world. And of course, practice always makes perfect.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your call time. Time is of the essence and tardiness is considered unprofessional and may even get you blacklisted from future shoots. Avoid unnecessary chit-chat or making physical contact with the casting director during your audition.
Never view an audition as nerve-wracking nightmare, or make it look that way. Instead, consider each audition as an opportunity and your chance to perform for a small audience. Make sure to walk into the audition saying "No matter what happens, I'll do the best I can today." Be positive and remember that casting directors are not there to judge you but rather they are there hoping to find the perfect person for their project (this could be you).
You must bring your portfolio book to the casting. In your portfolio book keep your portfolio pictures, some composite cards, headshots and resumes. If you have a wide selection of portfolio pictures make sure to include some photos that relate to the audition you are going to. Similarly avoid including portfolio photos which may conflict with the audition's theme or purpose for instance, don't take a portfolio full of lingerie shots when the intended role is young mother .
At Orange Model Management we expected to attend castings for different types of projects such as print, TV commercials, TV series, Feature films, runway, music video and promo projects etc. Here are some tips on how to act and prepare for them.
Casting for a Print Project - For a print job audition, photographers will usually take a Polaroid. The photographer needs to know if you are appropriate to the role, and you have to take on the demeanor of a person in that role. You still need to be friendly and courteous while acting as the person they are casting for.
Casting for a Runway Show - Watch professional models in action on the runway. Observe how they walk, how they move, how their eyes are focused, how their shoulders usually don't move, and other details. Then practice, practice and practice your walk.
Casting for a TV series/ Feature Film - If you are asked to prepare a monologue, practice the one you already know or choose a new monologue if needed. Practice alone or in front of a friend.
If you are given sides (a scene from the project) break them down and make choices about the character you're playing and who the person or other people in the scene are to you. Find ways to relate to the material. Once you have done your work, memorize, memorize, memorize. Casting directors will appreciate it.
Casting for a TV Commercial - Get acquainted with the product or subject of the commercial. Listen to the casting director's instructions and follow them explicitly. There is no room for improvisation in a TV commercial. TV commercials are about selling a product, not about creative expression. While there are exceptions to this rule, they don't occur very often.
Casting for a Music Video - Get acquainted with the subject of the Music Video. Usually, the casting director have a clear idea of what they want in a model, whether they should be good at dancing or have a drop dead gorgeous look, or both.
Sometimes they need extras to perform as the crowd/audience or if it is a story-based video then perhaps they require models/actors from all age groups. Hence everything is based on the story line. In this case your booking agent would explain to you what you really need to focus on.
After the Casting
What happens after the audition/open-call? Most often, nothing. But sometimes you may be called back (you made the short list) one or more times, you may be put on hold (also called "option"), or you may be booked for a job.
A call-back is simply another audition for the same job. It isn't time to bring out the champagne, but it is time to start getting more optimistic. Your agent will advise you how to prepare for the call-back. If you are put on hold, you have a very good chance of being booked.
For more information please visit http://www.orangemodels.ca or call 416-977-6664.
Orange Model Management Inc. Ph: (416) 977-6664 Fax: 416-977-4664 Email: media@orangemodels.ca Website: http://www.orangemodels.ca Orange Community: http://www.orangemodels.tv Blog: http://www.orangemodelsintoronto.com
