10 Things Casting Directors Want You To Know

Ever had an audition you knew you aced? The one that was a sure thing? All you had to do was wait for the call from the casting director confirming the booking. But the call never came and you were left wondering what the heck the casting director was looking for. I mean, you're a fantastic actor! Rather than leave you wondering what these crazy casting directors want, we picked the brains of a few on-camera auditioning experts: Meredith Jacobson Marciano, founder of Amerifilm Casting; Peter Kelley, long-time casting director and coach; and Breanna Benjamin, a director, industry veteran, and President of the Creative Talent Company. Here are the top ten things they think you should remember for your next on-camera audition!
 
1. Don't worry about the words
Forget memorizing lines. Casting directors don't care about that. Meredith Jacobson Marciano of Amerifilm Casting says, "If it's a first audition, we're surprised if you come in off book." What is expected is that you show the personality and bones of the character. "We know that the actor isn't going to be able to memorize the lines for an audition. We aren't worried," says Breanna Benjamin. "What we're looking for is the character. Encompass those things rather than being intent on the lines."

2. Ask questions -- but only if you really need to
"When we ask if you have any questions, it's only to help you get clarity if there's something in the sides that's confusing," says Peter Kelley. "Very often the best auditions come from actors who just say 'nope' and dive right in." It is your job to show up knowing all that you can possibly know about the part you are reading for. "I'm not crazy about someone who comes in and asks a million questions because often they could get the answers from their manager or agent," says Meredith Jacobson Marciano. If you're only given sides -- that should be enough. "Find out what you can ahead of time -- be prepared," says Marciano. "You don't know how many people are waiting!"

3. Listen and react
"The camera loves to watch you listen," says Peter Kelley. "Make the audition about the other person, even if the reader isn't giving you much. Don't check out or wait to act when it's not your line." Don't be afraid to let what is happening sink in a little. "In real life you internalize things," says Breanna Benjamin. "We like to see the actor think and respond. It isn't a matter of clipping off the lines."

4. Get it right the first time
You're not coming to an on-camera audition to get coached. You are there to blow them away the first time. Come prepared (know who your character is, what you want, etc.) and blow them away. "Someone who just nails it is impressive," says Meredith Jacobson Marciano. "Be on it." The guys in charge might not think you deserve a second chance. "They will think that they just saw your best the first time you did it," says Peter Kelley. "I've seen many theatre actors walk in, fire through a read and be shocked when the only response is: 'Great! Thanks.' That, in my experience, is common. Don't be a second take actor."

5. Be flexible
If you do get a second chance make the most of it. Casting directors love an actor that can take direction well. They are going to throw things at you to see how skilled you are. "If you can tell an actor to tweak something and they change it to what you want," says Meredith Jacboson Marciano, "it's great." If you don't get any direction -- don't read into it. On-camera casting takes more time than a typical theatre audition. They might be renting the equipment and paying by the hour, or they might have to change tapes, etc. There's a chance they just might be running late.

6. Know what you look like on the monitor
A skill that always impresses Marciano is when an actor instinctively (or by training) knows how to work the camera. "It's important to see someone who is aware of the camera and knows how to do what they need to do with the camera on them," says Meredith Jacobson Marciano, "Learn how to position your body and face so the best parts are seen in the right way and at the most important times." One actor (who wishes to remain anonymous due to extreme embarrassment) remembers being told by a casting director that she looked like a bobble head doll. In person, her subtle movements were fine, but on film the camera magnified them. She had to learn through practice that some natural movements were too much on tape. Borrow a camcorder and find out what everyone else sees. Just don't be overly critical.
 
7. Know where to look
"When you are watching a television show actors are not looking into a camera," says Marciano. You want to connect with something -- but often people in the room with you are walking around or looking at papers. You also don't want to maintain constant eye contact with your scene partner or reader. Let your eyes wander -- a little bit. "Practice finding a focus point just above your eyeline (when you look straight ahead) to drift off to," says Peter Kelly. "You needn't keep an eye-lock on the reader. We often look away while processing things in life, and a second focus, to allow us to watch you think, can be nice during an audition. Just don't look down. Lots of us look down to think."
 
8. They are paying attention to you
If you think you're going unnoticed, you are wrong. "When I'm watching an audition I tend to watch the monitor. I'm looking to see how the actor looks on-camera," says Marciano. No matter what happens -- never assume they're ignoring you. Sometimes auditions are filmed and the person who is ultimately responsible for making the final casting call isn't there. What they see might be a tape of your audition. So don't count yourself out if it seems like no one cares about your performance.

9. Keep the moment going
The Casting Director wants to see what you look like when you aren't talking. They want to know that you "can stay with it until it's over," says Meredith Jacobson Marciano. When you get on a television show you won't have the option of yelling "cut" -- out loud or internally -- so start practicing now. Stopping the action before you're told annoys everyone. "Often the reader will have the last line and the director is watching your reaction and wants to see how you move on with life at the end of the scene," says Peter Kelley. "It's a real buzz-kill when the actor just kind of stops as soon as they get to the end of their last line."

10. You're a person first, actor second
"People don't hire actors," says Peter Kelley. "They hire people who can act. When it's close -- and it often is -- sometimes hiring decisions have to do with the person as much as the performance." So what does that mean? "Personality. Personality. Personality," says Breanna Benjamin.

*BONUS*

Tiny tidbits of truth from the pros:

• Don't be surprised if there isn't a camera -- even if it is for TV!
• Be nice to everyone -- the receptionist might be the casting director's sister. The director might look like an intern.
• Never complain -- we are in the same air conditioning that you are in.
• Never apologize -- we don't care if you're sorry you did a bad read.
• Never blame -- the person that didn't give you the script ahead of time might be the person hiring you.
• Don't schmooze -- we hate that!
• Don't look at us like we're about to perform a root canal -- we're nice people.
• Be professional -- after all, it is a job interview.  

By Khara Hanlon
http://www.instantcast.com/LearnAbout/Articles/tv_casting

Lights. Camera. Action!

I often talk to Models & Actors about the importance of exuding confidence! That means walking tall, shoulders back, chin up, eye contact, arriving on time, smiling, staying positive, being optimistic and blah blah blah. Sounds good, right?

Nothing blows more for a Casting Director than to walk into a room filled with grimacing Talent. Negative energy doesn’t make a good audition, just as negative energy doesn’t make a good production.

Which leads me to my next point! (Insert Segue here…)

I’d like to address some of my Creatives! My Crew and Behind-the-scene peeps from Production Assistants, to the Boom, to the Director, to Hair and make-up and beyond...

*Ahem*

It is vital to the creative process that we start and end a production on the same page.

In a Perfect World, the script is perfect, the crew is perfect, the Casting is superb, the Caterer is on time, and we made it under budget.

However...

In the REAL WORLD of Television, Film, Fashion & Event Production...ain't sh*t perfect! But the show must and still goes on. You feel me?

You know how it is when wardrobe doesn't fit, the Director didn't get his coffee, we're short a PA, the van broke down, an Actor pulled out, the props don't work, the permit didn't get approved, there’s no parking, we're over budget, child actors don’t want to cooperate and cry for Mommy, and its raining during an outside scene even after Al Roker said it would be SUNNY ALL DAY!!!

How about when there's a Skeleton Crew and the Make-up artist is also a Production Assistant…and the DP, Writer, and Director are the same person?! And let's not forget the times when the food is cold and you’re working overtime and all they have to offer is PIZZA?!?! I’m sick of PIZZA! But I still eat it. You know why…because the show must go on and I can’t work on an empty stomach. You know why else? The end result can be very rewarding...and if it is about the art, the work, the project, then it will lead to a credit, or nice look for the resume, a cool clip for your reel and or a lead for your next gig.

So understand that in the imperfect world of Production we must think positively while still being prepared for the worst, because at the end of the day…the show must go on. But how do we get over the humps? The distractions, the last minute changes, the Director's quirky ways or the Actor's Diva antics?

We shoot, Nucca!

Then we go home, have a drink or 2, throw up, f**k whomever is home or willing to come over at that hour, vent on Twitter, vent some more, get ready for Post, wrap up production and prepare for the next gig.

But while we are on set, we maintain composure, we take direction, we multi-task, we put out fires, we thug it out, then hug it out, and we SHOOT!

It is so important for Crew and all Behind-the-scenes people to be on the same page...even in distress. Negativity, pessimism, attitude, SHADE, unprofessional-ism and weak stomachs can fcuk up the vibe of the entire team. Vibe breeds creativity and “Creatives” can’t vibe off of negative energy. We just can’t.

So to my dedicated, crazy, ride or die, why-did-I-pick-this-as-a-career thinking, barely living above poverty peeps in Production who stick it out time after time, budget after budget, unpaid invoice after invoice and drama after drama…I salute you. I salute us! My advice to those who may feel like you can't go on, you hate this life, you don’t like change, can’t adapt to last minute production demands and despise the "hurry up and wait" atmosphere that our industry brings…either roll with the punches, find an outlet where you can VENT, keep a journal, write a book, grind your hardest so you can make it to the level where YOU make the changes and decisions...or find another career.  But once you commit to a project, like that TV show, Pilot, Film, Fashion Show or Event and hit the Set...leave everything else behind you...breathe, smile, and just shoot!

Lights. Camera. Action Motherfcukers!

Claudia Mocha Jean
Television, Film, Print, Fashion , Docs and so much more...
When I Cast, you win!

Visionary, Artist, Motivator, Partner, Friend, Love…

The evening before I left for Jamaica to attend Dwayne’s funeral was one of the hardest nights of my life. I was trembling and felt chills. I was nervous and irritable. I couldn’t figure out what to wear or how to wear my hair. Down or in a bun? A dress or a skirt and blouse? Seems trivial, right? Then I remembered how Dwayne was there with me when my mom passed away. He was there when I couldn’t figure out what to do, what to wear and how I was going to live without her. 4 years later, the confusion, sadness, irritability, and chills had returned.

So I decided!

Hair down, a simple black dress, my purse, cell phone, passport & lots of tissue.

Air Jamaica, 6 am flight to Kingston.

I met Dwayne at the very moment I wanted to do Casting on a full-time basis. He took control of my indecisiveness and told me to go for it! I had just finished working on a show for CBS as a Casting Assistant and couldn’t decipher where to go from there. I knew that I enjoyed working with models and actors but couldn’t determine if branching out on my own was the right thing to do. Dwayne made the decision for me and encouraged me to take a leap of faith! He designed my logo, website, created my mission statement, came up with a strategy and became my business partner...and also my boyfriend.

And that’s what made things crrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrazy!

We had THE most dramatic, crazy, baby mamma issue related, intense, loving, psycho, poetic, life-changing relationship I've ever had in my entire life. He brought the best and worst out of me but none-the-less, he made an incredible impact.

Over the years we did the back and forth, break-up-to-make-up, no longer speaking, get back together, don’t ever call me again, you make me sick, let’s keep it JUST business, I miss you thing. I forgave him for so many things but after a couple of years began keeping my distance. I limited our communication because although there was more good than bad that came out of our relationship, the negativity and drama that came along was overwhelming.  

He hurt me…but I loved him! I know he loved me too. He was gentle but honest to a fault. As for our professional relationship, we did Castings together and he gave me my 1st professional digital camera. But normally, he’d shoot the models and I conducted the interviews & facilitated the Castings. He eventually took a real interest in how I handled everyone who wanted to audition for something we were working on. So I decided to show him the way and had him interview some potential candidates for hosting, documentaries and quite a few pilot shows. He was a natural and made people feel comfortable while I played the part of camera-man or photographer.

He also introduced me to a different Miami and connections I would have never known or made had I not met him. He was a genius and visionary and wanted me to win when it came to Casting. And we were winning! Everywhere we went folks called me, Chocolate Gurl Happy and called him, Casting Boy Wonder. He even created email addresses to match our newly found personas and had models walking around South Beach in our Tee-shirts. But the personal relationship became unhealthy and began to damage us professionally. It wasn't until recently when we put it all on the table and spoke candidly about EVERYTHING that I forgave him and forgave myself for carrying so much resentment towards him.

Even though I never saw us being together as a couple again, I expected that our newly found respect for each other & his respect for me specifically would have created a new relationship...A restoration of our professional partnership followed by a rebirth of a friendship previously tarnished by outside influences, lack of appreciation, unforeseen drama & ourselves. Now with his death I can't help but reminisce and think about the “what if's” and a bunch of “shoulda coulda wouldas!” But I’m not alone, right? These are thoughts that would run thru many minds of people who've experienced a great loss. But I also felt a bit of resentment...AGAIN!

That's the last thing I want feel at this time! But I'm human and with good memories come the bad. And the irony is that all the things I see my girlfriends do nowadays, (which is basically acting a FOOL over a man), I did over Dwayne. From checking his voicemail messages to “checking” chicks...to arguing with his daughter’s mother to arguing in public…I did it! It was a relationship possessed and the intensity was too grown-up for me. I wasn't prepared.

I used to blame him for everything but the truth is…it was the both of us who lost focus. We were 2 very emotionally irresponsible people who should have concentrated on a friendship. There is such a thing as moving too fast and or doing too much and we both did that. But we forgave each other. I forgave him. We started fresh and he even wrote me a THANK YOU letter for teaching him about the importance of solidarity, loyalty, and love. I was moved.

August 2010:

“You helped me to realize my potential. I dunno if that would be the exact correct way of saying what I wanted to say but basically, you made me realize a lot of thing about myself in terms of business, personality, relationship and more. I really appreciated the motivation and drive and support that you gave to me and I realized that is something I definitely need from the person I'm in a relationship with. Up to this day, I would tell anyone that I loved that about you (even though you get a little intense sometimes, but hey, that comes with passion.) Also, you gave me a lesson in loyalty, faithfulness and kindness. I can honestly say that I respect that about you. I wish I was able to embrace everything in a more positive way but sometimes space and time helps to understand situations better. Lata. Dwayne. ”

So no matter how angry I would get, he would never go too far. And no matter how many times I would ignore his calls or not respond to an email, he never stayed disconnected. Even with Social Media Networking he kept up with what I was doing. I called him “nosy” but he said he just “cared too much.” He would post anonymous comments on my blog then send me a message later congratulating me and asking why I didn’t write more often. Wow! I had my very own Cheerleader who was proud of me and I’m eternally grateful that he saw something I didn’t initially see in myself.

So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Dwayne O’Neil Kirk Nelson!

• Thank you for talking to me in Jamaican Patois even though I’m Haitian.
• Thanks for taking me to “Uptown” parties & dancing with me even though you claimed you didn’t dance.
• Thanks for introducing me to the folks at Cooyah.  
• Thanks for having Buju sing "Love Sponge" to me backstage at a show.
• Thanks for all the Castings we did together!  
• Thanks for calling even when you knew I wouldn’t pick up.
• Thanks for the last voicemail message you left me, singing that silly “My Girl! Pick up ya phone” song. LOL! (Thank God AT&T is allowing me to re-save it over and over and over again.)
• Thank YOU for YOU!

Visionary, Artist, Motivator, Partner, Friend and Crazy Love…

Rest in Peace.

Mocha

Who'd Want To Be Here?

I used to be afraid to die...but now, not so much. No this isn't a suicide note...this is me being 100% honest with the disgust and disdain I feel for the Human Race. I'd like to remain that person who gives everyone the benefit of the doubt until they do something to prove otherwise...but my faith in humanity is diminishing. And its not about taking life for granted...its about taking God for granted.

God gave us Free-will and time after time after time the Human race has gone against all that is good and pure to try and prove that we don't need him....We run this, huh? But in actuality it was a test and we are failing miserably.

I don't think the gift of Free-will was given for people to run-a-muck all over the place...killing, robbing, stealing, lying, not praying & trying to play tough-guy by handling things on their own. As a result we live in a world of disease, natural disasters, selfishness, violence, crime, hunger, abuse & ignorance. Do you think life as we know it is supposed to be this way? This isn't what he had in mind.

Days after my mom passed away, my sister said the one cliche that once made me sick to hear...but now I get it and see clearly what it means and what she meant, "Mommy is in a better place." I hated her for saying that! How could my mother be happier in Heaven rather than being here with me...here with us...here with her grandchildren and friends and other family who loved and valued her so much???

Bullshit!

But now I get it! Who the fuck would want to be here? Maybe it's a better living situation in Heaven, no? To be seated with God knowing that no harm would ever come your way. Fresh air, no taxes, no domestic violence! Disease free, no politics from politicians with hidden agendas...and no bad music. How about no police brutality and "not guilty" verdicts bringing no comfort to loved ones who suffer great losses while others walk free to kill again, hurt again, thieve again. No unexplainable Cancer that causes you to deteriorate before your loved ones. No wanna-be gangstas robbing you for a cell phone and what you may have in your wallet, who STILL decide to take your life away from your daughter, mother, brother & friends.

It must be nice there cause it ain't nice here! I have no choice but to believe it! No stress. All love. No tears. No pain. Just a bunch of HAPPY souls waiting on us to get there...

So who'd want to be here?

RIP Mommy. RIP Papi. RIP Esco. RIP Grand-mere. RIP Dwayne.

Until we meet again...

Five Things That Make Me Want To Marry Him Instantly

Just before Christmas a Twitter-Friend of mine wrote an interesting short list of things that would make him marry a woman “instantly.” Besides the fact that I’m a fan of his writing, I appreciated how his list was short and to the point.

I’ve noticed throughout my dating years how some guys like the simple things. Some men can be a little less high maintenance compared to the stereotypical “demanding” woman. I’ve also noticed that it can be a bit easier to please a man if we are more accommodating and less “confrontational, defensive and high maintenance.”

Hmmmm…

Well my response to his blog isn’t to let men off the hook! I do love it when I come across a guy who isn’t fussy, vain, too particular, or judgmental when it comes to women and dating. But the truth of the matter is…I meet more guys who are less than accommodating because they assume that ALL women are “confrontational, defensive & high maintenance.”

WRONG!

My list of things that would make me marry HIM instantly is to let some of you guys know that just like we all don’t wear the same size shoes…we all don’t fall under these stereotypes. Hello? So don’t go messing it up for yourself thinking I’m like your EX or to put it s.i.m.p.l.e…You may miss out on a good thing, thinking the wrong things.

You might also need to know that just because a woman may be single, independent and confident doesn’t mean we don’t want to be cared for or that you’ll never be needed. I’ve never been the type to f*ck with a man’s ego…So don’t play yourself thinking a strong woman can’t be a sweet one or not in need of your time and affection.

But back to my list! I was recently asked what I want from a man and was advised to be direct and firm. After seeing my Twitter-friend’s list of 5 things, I then decided to jot down my wants as well. So here it is…

(In no particular order), My Five things that make me want to marry HIM instantly:

HE WANTS A WEDDING…JUST NOT A BIG ONE

And that’s fine with me! Even as a child I’ve never been into the huge wallet busting, 16 bridesmaids and a $10K dress with the 12ft train in the South of France type of wedding. There’s no need to gather up all his male friends to pair up with my single girlfriends to have them walk down the aisle with matching cummerbunds & dresses they’ll never wear again. I’d be happy with an intimate wedding that turns into an outdoor picnic with a sexy reception later that night that will feel like we’re at the club. But there’s one catch…I gotta hire the DJ.

HE MUST LOVE SPORTS

I don’t know what’s in the water but I keep meeting guys who either don’t follow sports or they love it for vanity reasons. I went to a game with a guy and he spent most of it on the celly shouting out his friends & bragging about the fact that we had courtside seats. No bueno.

But listen…we don’t even have to like the same teams! I’m cool with him being down with the NFC while I cheer for the AFC. He can love the Lakers while I pray for the Knicks. He doesn’t even have to be a diehard sports fan! But if we can debate quarterbacks once in a while or go to games where HIS team plays against mine…I may marry him.

HE’S JUST AS SILLY, GOOFY AND UNINHIBITED AS ME!

I just hung out with a guy who jumped out of the car at a red light to dance while the radio station was playing Dancehall! (Insert Jamaican Horn sound effect.) Okay, okay…I don’t expect everyone to do this but someone THAT comfortable with letting his guard down is a champion in my book. But there’s a difference between uninhibited and crazy…and crazy is NOT what I’m talking about. I’m not into daredevils & extreme risk takers. But a person who trusts me enough to be himself in front of me is très cool and sexy.

Now let me explain my cool and sexy: I’m a morning person who sings in the shower, and loves duets! (...Hint hint!) I play board games and I hope he’s into Scrabble. (Taboo, Jenga, Monopoly, Twister?) I like to read dirty books in bed and may want us to read them together. :) I’m okay with public displays of affection. Spontaneous road trips, getting drunk together in the comfort of our own home or having a picnic at a museum are all my speed. And he and I in our pajamas, dancing in the living room at 2:30 in the morning is a win win situation. Add some Moscato to the picture and he’s got himself a wifey who’ll cook for him in the nude wearing high heels & an apron that says: Kiss the Cat ;)

HE DOESN’T FEEL INSECURE ABOUT WHAT I DO FOR A LIVING OR WHO I HANG OUT WITH

As much as I love regular 9-5 dudes, it’s been hard for me to not only meet them but to get them to believe that I am not “industry.” Although I still have ladders to climb and things to accomplish to get to the next level, I’ve come across many jealous and insecure guys because of what my life may sometimes appear to be.

Just because I’m hugging some famous guy on Facebook doesn’t mean I slept with that famous guy. Nowadays I won’t even add a new guy to my Facebook list so that assumptions won’t be made based on photos in my albums or pictures I’m “tagged” in from friends. I’ve been accused of things very opposite of my nature and character and have dated “industry” guys thinking it’d be easier since their lifestyle may compliment mine.

But everything that glitters ain’t gold and everyone who works in the entertainment industry isn’t “Hollywood,” PAID, or the relationship type. My true friends know that my Stunner Shades come from the GAP, not Gucci…and “industry” dudes aren’t always the best remedy when you really want someone “chill” who cares about Y.O.U and not what you do.

So if he just relaxes, he can enjoy the perks without worrying about what he thinks I may have done to get us tickets, VIP status, or an unexpected upgrade. And if I say he’s JUST a friend, believe ME…not the song.

HE IS PROOF THAT CHILVARY IS NOT DEAD

Yes I said it and I believe it! Chivalry is NOT dead because I met it face to face and fell in love with it. Now I can’t live without it and I refuse to go back to selfish, inattentive, vulgar, and c.l.u.e.l.e.s.s! But for various reasons that would take another blog post to address…these rumors that “Chivalry is dead” are running rampant! And men who haven’t dealt with women who demand and deserve it are on a rise. Now because of this epidemic, men are doing the minimum…and the minimum doesn’t make him marriage material.

Chivalry isn’t just about opening doors and sending flowers. It's a whole attitude of treating a woman with respect and gentility…From helping me out the car, to calling when he says he will, to listening while I’m telling him an in-depth story. And there’s nothing wrong with picking me up for our date and making sure I get home safely. How about helping me put on my coat or help carry my bags? Things as simple as checking on me during a storm make me feel thought of and cared for. Doing without asking…it’s really THAT simple people!

And I love a man who pays attention to the little things! It’s the little things that mean so much to us women…TRUST. A guy once bought me a brand new bottle of my favorite perfume after he noticed the bottle on my dresser was low. (Automatic moisture!) And once after I was complaining about a warning light in the car, a guy came over, checked under the hood, changed the oil & put air in my tires. Nice…

I firmly believe that if more chivalry was used in modern day dating, some men would get less resistance from women and more of that cooperation I hear some of them complain about not getting. They say you get more with honey than vinegar and I agree. So try it and you may like the results!

Ok?

So that’s it folks! That’s my list. I don’t think everyone needs a list in order to have a successful relationship or marriage but I do believe you should have an idea of what you want or don’t want. And stand your ground! Don’t second guess yourself. Never feel bad for what you believe in or how you feel you should be treated. And anyone who makes you feel bad about being you or wanting the best for yourself is not worth the time…or a list.

Now all I need is a chivalrous, secure, uninhibited, goofball who loves sports and wants a simple wedding. I found one but he’s fussy, vain, too particular and judgmental! Ugh!

Back to the drawing board!

Claudia...

Shout out to @jozenc http://untiligetmarried.com/2009/12/22/five-things-that-make-me-want-to-marry-her-instantly/