Are you an actor ready for his first movie role? It may seem scary, but even legends like Kate Winslet and Denzel Washington started somewhere. First, you'll have to memorize monologues and create a portfolio to show that you know how things work in the movie world. Next, you'll need to find a casting call for a movie and perform for the director. Want to learn more about auditing for movie roles? Then read on quickly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing for auditions
Step 1. Memorize some monologues
Most movie auditions will require you to play one or more monologues. This is the ideal opportunity to show your versatility as an actor. Choose monologues that fit your personality and acting style. By studying at least three monologues, you are always prepared for casting calls, even if you get a call at the last minute.
- Choose three or four monologues, each with its own style. For example, choose a dramatic monologue, a comic monologue and so on. After all, you want to show the director of the film that you master more than one acting style.
- Browse monologue books to find unique lyrics you haven't heard before. For directors it is deadly boring to hear the same monologue over and over again.
- Practice your monologues regularly so that you know them well and can play them without thinking.
- Use a stopwatch to check that your monologue is no longer than two minutes. Auditions are often kept very short, leaving you no more than two to three minutes.
Step 2. Have casting photos taken
Casting photos often determine whether you will be asked to audition or not. Use a photographer with a lot of experience shooting casting photos for this, as these photos are slightly different from a normal portrait. Casting photos bring out your personality and bring out the physical aspects that make you unique.
- Ask fellow actors or other people from the film industry for recommendations. Casting photos can be quite expensive, so it's nice if you choose the right photographer right away and have good photos in one go.
- When booking a photographer for casting photos, immediately ask if a makeup artist is also available. If not, consider hiring someone to help you during the shoot.
Step 3. Create a demo
A demo is a video compilation of the movie projects you've done. Select the scenes for this reel carefully and make sure your best acting skills come out. You can use video editing software to create your own demo or hire someone to do it. Make sure the entire video is no longer than two to three minutes.
- Make sure the reel is easy to view. Some casting directors will ask you to send an electronic file by email, while others prefer to receive a DVD. Make sure you make both available.
- If you've never acted in a professional film, use clips from plays you had a part in. You can also use clips from student films.
- More and more casting directors are asking for a video that matches the project for which auditions are being held. For example, if you audition for the role of a sports coach, you will be asked for a video in which you play a similar role.
- Do not open your video with an introduction or montage. Simply show your name and then start the first scene.
- Don't save your best work for the end of the video. Casting directors watch dozens of demo's every day. Have your best acting performances at the front of your movie; if not, a casting director will quickly move on to the next candidate.
Step 4. Look for auditions
The easiest way to find auditions is to look them up online. Sites that will come in handy here are Audities.nl, Filmvacatures.nl and Acteursspot.nl. At theater and film schools, casting calls are often announced on bulletin boards or websites.
Most auditions for professional films in the Netherlands take place in the Randstad. If you want to gain more acting experience, you can also get your hands on roles in student films. These are regularly played in the Randstad, but also in other cities such as Maastricht, Groningen and Arnhem. Keep an eye on Filmvacatures.nl and other audition sites for auditions or calls
Step 5. Have all the paperwork the casting director asks for with you
For example, think of your resume and cover letter, but also casting photos and a demo. Sometimes you'll be asked to bring these to the audition, while other times you'll have to send them in ahead of time. Make sure you send the correct papers and do not leave out important information. If something is missing from your package, this significantly reduces the chance that you will receive a role.
Step 6. Tailor your performance to the role you're auditioning for
You may have studied different monologues, but that doesn't mean you have to pull the same trick every audition. At each audition, take into account the role you are auditioning for and choose monologues that fit well with it. If necessary, learn a new monologue if you think it will increase your chances.
Also take into account the role for which you are auditing when you dress. Don't show up in a suit at the audition, but make sure your outfit matches the role you want to play. If you're auditioning for a role as an elegant, female CEO of a major corporation, jeans and sneakers may not be the best choice
Step 7. Prepare for a so-called cold read
After your monologue, you will likely be asked to play an excerpt from the script. You do this spontaneously and without ever having read the script before. With most casting calls you already know something about the character you are playing. You can take this into account during the cold read.
Method 2 of 3: Show your best side during auditions
Step 1. Make a confident first impression
As soon as you walk into the room, make eye contact with the casting director and other attendees. Stand up straight, don't walk too fast and don't rush in. From the moment you enter, you will be judged by your behavior and presence, so before you open the door, take a deep breath and then calmly step into the room. You have to appear relaxed and confident.
Step 2. Walk to the correct spot on the floor
Often a cross is made with tape on the floor on which you can take a seat. This spot is often a few feet away from the casting director so he or she can get a good look at what you're doing.
You don't have to stand in the same place for the entire audition; the cross is only a guideline. Use the space in a way that suits the role you are playing
Step 3. Visualize yourself clearly
Once you're in the right place, you're supposed to introduce yourself and tell them what you're going to do. Make sure you look at the casting director and say, for example, "Good morning, I'm Felicia Woods and the monologue I'm about to play for you is from Hamlet."
- Keep your introduction short but sweet and then start your monologue. Most auditions are very short, so make the best use of your time.
- Don't ask the casting director's name and don't try to strike up a friendly conversation. There is simply no time for this.
Method 3 of 3: Increasing your chances
Step 1. Get as much acting experience as possible
Take courses, take private lessons and take every opportunity to practice. This greatly increases the chance that you will impress a casting director. Listen to the feedback you get at auditions and try to improve yourself based on this. Then audition again. It may take a while to get a part, but every audition is an opportunity to show yourself and improve yourself. The more often you audition, the easier it will become.
Step 2. Emphasize special talents
You can distinguish yourself from other actors by showing specific talents related to the role. For example, if you can sing, dance, play an instrument or practice a certain sport, you automatically stand out. Don't be afraid to burst into singing during your audition if you think it will increase your chances of landing a part.
Step 3. Consider hiring a talent agent
This is a person who will look for roles that suit your acting style and experience, so you don't have to do this yourself. Casting directors often send talent agents descriptions of the type they are looking for. The talent agent then forwards portfolios of people who match this description to the casting director. An advantage of talent agents is that they often have many contacts in the film industry. This makes it easier to "enter" once you have gained some experience.
- If you choose this way of working, make sure you work with someone who has a lot of experience. After all, there are still stories that people say that they are talent agents, but in reality have no experience and no contacts in the film world. A talent agent is often paid a percentage of the actor's salary. A normal percentage is about 10%.
- You can find a talent agent by doing acting workshops or signing up with agencies. You can find more information about this online.
Step 4. Join ACT
If you have a drama school diploma or have played in professional productions before, you can become a member of the interest group for actors. You can go here with questions, but auditions and workshops are also announced. Each member also receives an ACT pass, which entitles you to a discount at many theaters and art houses.
Warnings
- Only register with a casting agency if you are sure you want to become an actor.
- Always have something to fall back on in case your acting career doesn't take off. For example, consider training or a part-time job.