Actors: Movie Director Reveals Audition Secrets

WHAT THE DIRECTOR IS THINKING WHEN YOU'RE AUDITIONING
By Tom Marcoux, Motion Picture Director

A number of months ago, I cast my current motion picture LIVING. Previously, I conducted auditions in Los Angeles for my science fiction feature film TIMEPULSE, and my motion picture BOATDREAMS was taken to the Cannes Film Festival. During our LA audition sessions, many actors were surprised by the respect shown to them by my production team. The actors had appointments, and we kept to the schedule of the auditions. As a fellow actor, I want to support other actors in making dreams come true. I have been on both sides of the audition table. Here are some helpful strategies:

STRATEGY #1:
BE PREPARED TO IMPROVISE
I look for what the actor brings to the film. The actors read the lines and then we run the scene. I advise, "Don't worry about the lines. Let's just make 'the action' of the scene clear." Be ready for improvising as it is part of many motion picture auditions.

STRATEGY #2:
YOU'RE "ON" FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOOR
I talk with my receptionist. She provides me with helpful insights about how certain actors treated others. She mentioned how one actor created rapport with other actors. She reported that another actor treated her as "lowly help." Because my colleagues and I were concerned about the atmosphere on the set, we necessarily crossed that actor off the list.

STRATEGY #3:
SEIZE ATTENTION BY SUBMITTING A
POWERFUL HEADSHOT
For TIMEPULSE, five people sorted through 823 submissions. As the director, I followed their recommendations and reviewed only 30 headshots. From these, I interviewed 12 people. This means your photo needs to be attention grabbing: 1) Look straight at the camera (my photo-sorters, often suggested to me, "Look at those eyes.") 2) Have the photographer reflect light in your eyes to make them sparkle. 3) Ask for a darker background than your skin tone. It's better when you face pops up from the photo. 4) Include a second photo that shows you smiling - if appropriate. Many directors want a happy set, and it helps to reveal yourself as a three-dimensional person - not just a "brooding type." 5) When sending demo tapes, include your phone number on the tape and the box. Make it easy for casting personnel to contact you.

STRATEGY #4:
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND ASK FOR
CLARIFICATIONS WHEN NECESSARY
My films often involve action scenes. One actor, obviously very eager, kept kicking and stepping forward, endangering her scene partner. I had directed her to stay at the far side of the room, but she placed her partner at risk. We immediately crossed her off the list.

STRATEGY #5: CREATE RAPPORT
My colleagues and I were impressed with an actor's monologue. She created powerful feelings. Unfortunately, she was abrupt with us before she began, and this created a strange energy in the room. We felt that she might be "difficult," and we crossed her off the list. If she had taken a moment to create rapport with us first, we would have seen her in a different light.

STRATEGY #6: DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Recently, I applied to act in another film. When I heard about the opportunity, I immediately reviewed the director's previous motion picture. I phoned bookstores to locate the novel from which her new screenplay was written. Look for ways to demonstrate that you care about your craft, the material, and the director's unique approach.

STRATEGY #7: MEET DECISION-MAKERS
OUTSIDE OF THE AUDITION ROOM
Our industry is based on relationships. Three years after I had met the California Motion Picture Commissioner, he helped me secure the San Luis Obispo Airport and a plane for BOATDREAMS. We never know when seeds we've planted will blossom. When meeting a celebrity or top industry professional, buy her book. When I talked with a director at a recent screening of his new feature film, I commented, "During the scene in the bank, you really created the tension. I was ready to shout at the character, 'Don't ruin your life!'" I could see that the director appreciated my comment because it was specific. Remember the way to give a sincere compliment: 1) Say "I appreciate how you..." and 2) Ask "how did you do that?" or "how did you learn to do that?" Then, listen attentively and ask follow-up questions.

As we see over and over again in our industry, to win the roles we desire, we need to be both proficient at our craft of acting and at the art of self-presentation. The best to you as you make your dreams come true.
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Tom Marcoux...is a motion picture director, actor, screenwriter, national speaker-author, time management expert, sales coach, and personal success coach. A winner of a special award at the Emmy Awards, Tom produced, directed and acted in a motion picture that went to the Cannes Film Festival.
Visit him at http://www.TomSuperCoach.com to learn more about his motion pictures.




This article contains some highlights from the e-book 101 Acting Secrets: A Director's Tips for Your Acting, Auditions, Movie Roles and Self-Promotion by Tom Marcoux. Special DISCOUNT PRICE Only $14.95 (regular price $25.95) Click here to order your copy

Copyright 2003 Tom Marcoux and The Tom Marcoux Family Ltd. Partnership

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