As a result, I have been in hundreds of casting sessions and have often been the producer who, along with the director, has final say on casting. While much of my castings have been in the feature film and TV series genres, I spent many years earlier in my career producing and/or directing commercials, music videos and corporate films. As a result, I can share practical tips that I think will serve my clients in the audition process. Most of these tips may appear basic, but oftentimes talent aren’t aware of them and end up not getting the results they were hoping for from their auditions. I think not knowing some of these basic "rules" is often the reason for their failures as opposed to their acting abilities.Here are my 5 Basic “Rules:
HEADSHOTS
Make sure the photo that's been given to the casting director really looks like you. I hear so much discussion about which photographer talent should use, how they should dress, what makeup or hair style should be used but really what's most important is that when you walk into the casting room we can tell you are the same actor whose photo we have been looking at. Sure, you should have a serious or dramatic shot along with a character or comedy shot, but make sure you can hold either shot next to your reflection in the mirror and know you look just like it. And, since sometimes people don't have a clear vision of their own appearance, good or bad. Make sure you check this out with other people who will tell you the truth, preferably your manager or agent. I can't tell you how many times we will have a head shot in front of us and the person who walks in looks so different that we do a double take. And then we start the session annoyed because, regardless how good of an actor they are, we spent time choosing to see very specific types and feel you have "tricked" us into what is most likely a waste of our very precious time.
KNOW THE SIDES
Memorize them as well as you possibly can but ALWAYS carry them in your hand. We understand that often you haven't been given a lot of time with the material and, while we love it if you know them by heart, we rarely count it against you if you don't. But we will hold it against you if you are struggling to remember and can't just glance down at the sides to keep you on track. Nothing annoys us more than having to be held up and having to provide you with another set of sides just to get through your audition. Also, while we can accept that you may not have perfect memorization, it is very important that you can at least read smoothly, no stumbling over pronunciations or punctuation. Which means to make sure you practice reading OUT LOUD. And, preferably, rehearse in front of another person so they can let you know if you are having any problems you may not recognize by only reciting them inside your head.
BE PERSONABLE AND APPROPRIATE
Come in to every session smiling and say hello but nothing more. You may get a hello in return or you may not. Do not react, either way, with more than a smile and don't start giving any further commentary at this point. The only exception to this is if you are late. Then just give a simple, short apology. ONE sentence, no complicated excuses. Sometimes, after your greeting, you will be asked a question or two. This can be as simple and generic as, "How is your day?" Or as specific (and loaded) as "What did you think of the script?" Make sure you are prepared to give clear, upbeat answers to any question. Do not give overly short (one or two word) or overly long (over 30 sec) answers. And, of course, always be positive about the script. It's very possible the writer is in the room and one of the people who get to decide if you will be cast. Criticizing the script in any way won't be helpful to your cause. Even if there is something you don't fully understand or agree with in the script, it isn't a good idea to bring it up now. If you have a specific question that will affect how you play the role, you can ask it but keep it simple and don't disagree if you don't like the answer. If you are asked a few more questions before or after your read, we are probably trying to see a bit of your personality, to get a sense of how you will be to work with, or to see more of how you speak and express yourself beyond the sides. So make sure you talk just enough. Try to appear calm, self-assured, positive and modest. You can be funny, if you are naturally, but don't push too hard or tell corny or elaborate jokes. And don't be boastful or egotistical.
If you give your audition and they ask you to do it again, but make a change, make sure you make a big enough change that your read is significantly different. Even if you think your read was perfect, it is critical that you show you can take direction and are able to "change" on demand. Sometimes we love what you have done, but just want to see if you are adaptable, since things can change on a shoot on a moments notice. Practice reading your lines one way and put the most work into what you think is the best interpretation, but spend a little time trying out a completely different take or two. And make sure it is noticeably different from your favorite version so that the casting director can tell you have a wide range of ability.
IF YOU GET A CALLBACK: DRESS & LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME AS YOU DID AT THE ORIGINAL AUDITION
Obviously they like something about you, but they probably saw quite a few people and you were only there for a few minutes. You want them to remember you and what they liked as soon as you walk in and the best way to insure that is to be exactly the same. Girls, style your hair and makeup the same. Boys make sure your beard level is the same. Wear the SAME CLOTHES as the first audition and keep wearing them if you are called back again for mixing and matching for a chemistry or screen test.
Make sure you follow all these rules for EVERY audition and you should start to see better results.
Veteran film producer Deborah Del Prete has over 25 feature film credits to her name including MEAN CREEK (winner Independent Spirit Award, Humanitas Award); THE WEDDING PLANER (starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey); GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS (SXSW Audience and Jury Award) and GREEN STREET 2; FROM PRADA TO NADA (starring Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega); HBO’S HOSTILE INTENT (starring Rob Lowe); and ENDERS GAME (starring Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, and Asa Butterfield for Summit/Lionsgate Entertainment). Additionally, she produced the hit Broadway musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. She is now, through her new label Coronet Films, the producer of the films LIFTED (directed by Lexi Alexander), The SUBMARINE KID (starring Finn Wittrock) and the upcoming LOCATING SILVER LAKE (starring Josh Peck).