HOLLYWOOD ACTOR PREP by Dana Kaminski

Is this typecasting, or simply what casting directors call a ‘good fit’?

Sesame Street recently announced that they are planning to do a Muppets ‘Mad Men’ parody.

At Jezebel, the writer, Hortense played casting director, and assigned each Muppet a role on ‘Mad Men’, replacing the show’s real actors…

“

Let’s break it down, shall we? Prairie Dawn as Peggy Olson: Like Peggy, Prairie Dawn is a writer who, often enough, is the only female Muppet in a world filled with males. And nobody can argue that she’s already got the hairdo down pat.

Lefty the Salesman as Don Draper: Lefty the Salesman wasn’t much of a salesman, but perhaps his attempts at selling shady merchandise to the folks of Sesame Street will help him prepare for the role of Don Draper. If nothing else, he looks good in a fedora.

Clementine as Betty Draper: Clementine’s boyfriend, Forgetful Jones, often neglects her due to his poor memory. Perhaps she could channel some of that frustration into playing the oft-neglected Betty Draper?

Cookie Monster as Roger Sterling: Roger Sterling always wants to have his cake and eat it, too. Related: Cookie Monster will happily play any role that can even remotely be linked to the consumption of pastries.

Bert and Ernie as Ken Cosgrove and Paul Kinsey: Though Bert and Ernie are best friends, they know what it’s like to not always see eye to eye. Will they be able to pull off the tension and jealousy that arises at times between co-workers Kinsey and Cosgrove? Of course they will, people. Bert’s uni-brow alone can bring the drama when necessary.

Telly Monster as Freddy Rumsen: Telly, like Freddy, is always a mess and can never seem to keep it together. They’re a sad-faced match made in Heaven.

Lady Two as Joan Holloway: A former girlfriend of Count Von Count, Lady Two clearly knows how to vamp it up, and her sassy dress and bright red hair are perfect for the part.

Elmo as Pete Campbell: Elmo is younger than most of his cast mates, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to grab the spotlight at every opportunity. Oh, he may seem cute, but he can’t be trusted. Elmo’s already succeeded in getting his own show-within-a-show on Sesame Street. Surely he understands Pete’s desire to get to the top.

″

”

All Actors From The Cast Of  ’Mad Men’ Will Be Back On..

…Next season…According to the AMC website.

That is, of the usual human cast that you are so familiar with.

Season 3 begins at 10 PM, Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Like people, the ‘Mad Men’ series regular actors have two names….they aren’t marionettes or puppets, or even CGI.

And they don’t play superheroes, just real characters.

The Real Cast Of Actors Are:

• Jon Hamm

• John Slattery

• Vincent Kartheiser

• January Jones

• Christina Hendricks

• Elisabeth Moss

• Michael Gladis

• Aaron Staton

• Rich Sommer

• Bryan Batt

• Robert Morse

• Mark Moses

• Joel Murray

• Colin Hanks

• Alison Brie

• Anne Dudek

• Maggie Siff

• Rosemary DeWitt

• Darby Stanchfield

• Peyton List

• Melinda McGraw

You Think The Muppets Have Agents??

If they do, they sure are doing a bang up job of leveraging their talents.

I’ve covered them twice, now, this year…

Have you seen this Ricky Gervais and Elmo video, here, on Hollywood Actor Prep?

Would you kindly tell your actor friends about this blog? Post it on your Facebook page?

Thank  you.

Best,

;~Dana

Casting Director Radar

Listen, whether a Casting Director will admit it or not, their top priority…Radar Level #A …Is not whether or not you are right for a role.

It’s not even whether-or-not you can act.

Nope.

What is it?  

Well, I’ll let you conclude,  after I lay out a couple of things.

Making Movies, For Example

Let’s say there’s a movie that you want to act in.

Let’s say that you get the part, and your part shoots in some outdoor setting. (I’m using a exterior shoot as example, but all types of shoots have the similar needs.)

That means, that the sunlight is something that the scheduling, of the entire cast and crew have to work around.  In order to do that, most likely, the crew will be instructed, that day(s), before dawn, to do set-up.

The actors who are written into that scene, in the script, will have to be on set earlier than sun-up, most likely.

That’s so they can get into their trailer / dressing room; get into wardrobe; get into hair-and-makeup….

And so they can have breakfast while all that is going on (***SAG Contract Rules RULE!***)

And all the while, the crew is setting up all the tech stuff needed to shoot a film:

• The electricity
• The lights 
• The camera
• The film
• The set the props etc.

The Film Scene Begins To Shoot, Just About….

…When the sun comes up… Dependent, of course, if all  conditions are right.

Let’s Focus Back On You, The Actor.

Let’s say your entire part requires that you have two days of work scheduled, only.

Both of those days are to be filmed at the same location, the same exterior.

Than means, that you have a lot of work to do.  Other work, I mean, besides the on-set acting.

What would that other work be, that an actor needs to do?

Here’s just some, and these are “expected”.  That means, that every casting director believes that the agent, who sent  you in for the audition, sends only actors that have already trained under a credible and solid acting coach or teacher, that you have a good reliable skill set, and that you can deliver a righteously great, or even adequate performance that will look convincing enough, in the movie, for your two-day, supporting, role.

However, unless you have a substantial acting reputation, there is much that a casting director does not know… that they cannot know, unless you show them, in some way.

Casting Directors Have To Have A Lot Of Faith

(And some incredible ‘radar’, of course)

Because, except for your trumped-up acting resume (that he or she assumes is trumped-up because this is Hollywood…) 

… A Casting Director has no way of being sure that you will do the following:

• Learn Your Lines, Well in advance, and thoroughly
• Have a workable alarm clock, and enough time-organization skills to assume enough driving time and even allow for potential traffic problems
• Have a good car and enough gas, sense of direction, etc that will get you to the Exterior Location
• Get there in one piece
• Get there on time
• Get there sane
• Get there emotionally ready to work…and more…

Note: I haven’t mentioned anything about acting ability.

That’s intentional.

Because not only the casting directors; but the director, the producer, and everyone else there doesn’t want to think about it, but there is a big fear that floats above every project, everywhere, no matter what….When there are more than one person involved.

There is a dependency on that other person.

Hiring any actor is always a gamble.

For a major movie, it’s a millions-of-dollars-on-the-line gamble.  

Each shooting day can cost more money than you probably have made in your lifetime, so far.

If you, the actor, stayed out until 5 AM the night (before) or even two days before…

If you don’t take care of your car so it broke down enroute to the set…

If you are a drama queen and just broke up with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or both…

Or even if your alarm clock suddenly breaks during the night before the shoot, so you oversleep

Well, you then not only screwed your own reputation, 

But you screwed EVERYONE involved with the production.

You screw them out of loads and loads of money…

You screw them out of time to do a film, which there never seems to be enough of, technically, anyway

You keep many, many people that have shown up at work, waiting and unable to work

And, you piss them off, big big time.

And you make the casting director look like excrement.

Why?

Because… it is the Casting Director’s job to pick the right actors. 

The most dependable actors.

So then, what is Casting-Director-Radar-Priority #A?

‘From The Moment An Actor Enters The Room’…

What a Casting Director (and Director, Producer, Writer…) looks for, from the moment an actor walks in, and throughout the entire audition…

 I do believe they use all their senses, and instincts…and experience…and radar… from the git-go, 

…To assess and make sure,

… If they are considering you for the part…

…Is That You Can Be Absolutely Depended Upon To Absolutely Show Up.

Do you think it’s okay to be a foonk-up?  (As an actor, I mean…other people are not my business.)

In your professional reputation; or during an audition… in any way, shape, form, hint, red-eye, etc?

LIsten,  your personal life is not my business.  (You’ll notice that there is no gossip at Hollywood Actor Prep.)

Actually, none of it is my business.  None of your problems or your personal life, or even your lack-of-professionalism, it’s not my business.

It’s yours.

As an Actor, Your Professionalism Is Your Business

And if you don’t “take care of your business”; especially in that area, then you won’t work as an actor.

Here’s Mickey Rourke, discussing his own lessons learned, about professionalism, in acting….from  January 27,2009–On the Larry King Show.

Please share on Facebook, and MySpace.  And tell your friends, especially those that have a passion for acting, about this blog. Even, email. It’s all so easy, just use the “SAVE / SHARE” below.

Would you follow me on Twitter? Over 750 ‘creatives’ do already!  Here’s a link, and it’s my Twitter name  __dana__ .

And send some good karma back my way, and thanks…

Best,
;-Dana

Open Call Auditions Appear Legit…

All Actors Can Submit A Tape  

Or Go To Scheduled Audition Dates In Your City

I don’t know much about it, other than what I’ve read, so Hollywood Actor Prep is not endorsing this, bu-u-ut…
I am passing it along, though, because it does appear to be a legit opportunity for actors to audition. 

This audition is for all actors, with or without agent representation… does look like it actually has Universal Studios, and NBC, behind it.

NEW YORK OPEN CALL- January 10
TORONTO OPEN CALL- January 17
CHICAGO OPEN CALL – January 17

I was skeptical at first, about this open-call audition, especially since I first learned about it because it ran as a Google ad on my blog! Mostly,  I find them to be cah-cah, and I spend a lot of time trying to get Google to take ads off of my blog, more often than not!

Yet, this one has some real NBC people associated, as it appears. ( I will know more tomorrow, when I do some serious investigating).

The Ad For The Audition

But it does seem good.  So…In the meantime, download the scenes and start prepping your audition!

Link for actor-audition-”sides”. 

I think you should do both DVD and online, if possible, or all three:

• submit online
• submit by dvd
• if it’s in your city, go to the ‘live audition’ also, if possible.  But go early!  There may be many people there, and a long wait.

Do NOT worry about being the exact type they are describing.  If they knew precisely what they wanted, they probably wouldn’t do such a widescale actor search. That’s my guess, here. 

Just do your best, and be your own type.  Unless, it is too far from the character in the script…only then, do some altering.  Otherwise, just be yourself, and try to make the lines seem as if you are saying them.  Come out of your own experience, bringing the script to life.  It will probably seem more “real” if you don’t try too hard to “act” or “be a character”.   

Remember, that every opportunity for a casting person to see your abilities is great. 

And, remember this, they WANT to find someone fresh.  Just relax, and be as close to “your normal” conversation as you can.

I do suggest that you audition for everything you can, by the way, as long as it is not a scam.
(Or dangerous. Or against your values…)

Here’s a copy of the information, from their Facebook Group page.  

                                (You can access it directly, by clicking here.)

 

Basic Info

Type:

Entertainment & Arts - Movies

Description:

Universal Pictures is currently searching for a young male to play “Edward,” a 17-year-old high school senior in an upcoming blockbuster comedy starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin!          Are you the next Michael Cera/Jonah Hill/McLovin? Show us!  NO PRIOR ACTING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!  Deadline for submissions is January 16th. Send an audition video. It’s easy, we promise! TO WATCH A “HOW-TO” VIDEO:(Click Here) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS: Download the script at: http://www.meganlarchecasting.com/submissions.html Pre-Taping: -Make sure you are in a quiet and well-lit room (we want to be able to see and hear you!). -Make sure you are filming in front of a colored wall or wearing a colored shirt. -When you are ready to film make sure the camera is at a 3/4 to full body shot. -Clearly state your name, height and hometown. Taping: -Make sure your reader is to the side of the camera -Make sure you read the scene to the reader (don’t look at the camera) -Do as many takes as you need but only send in your best 2 takes. -Send in your audition, please attach or send a resume (include your name, contact info, age, and any experience you have) ONLINE SUBMISSION:  Send a QuickTime file or link to edwardcasting@gmail.com SUBMISSION BY MAIL:  Send a DVD to: Attn: Edward Casting 1501 Broadway Suite 2900 New York, NY 10036  THE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JANUARY 16, 2009  NEW YORK OPEN CALL- January 10 TORONTO OPEN CALL- January 17 CHICAGO OPEN CALL – January 17

Here are the instructions from the Casting Director’s website  (Megan Larche):

Submission for Universal Pictures Project
Please follow these instructions when submitting your tape for the Edward Audition.

Pre-Taping:

> Download the sides:

> Make sure you are in a quiet and well-lit room (we want to be able to see and hear you!).
> Make sure you are filming in front of a colored wall or wearing a colored shirt.

Your Slate (How we indentify you):

> When you are ready to film make sure the camera is at a ¾ to full body shot.
> Clearly state your name, height, and hometown.

The Scene:

> You can read either scene.
> Make sure the person you read with is to the side of the camera.
> Make sure you read the scene to the reader (don’t look at the camera).
> Do as many takes as you need but only send in your best 2 takes.

Submitting:

> When you are ready to send in your audition please attach or send a resume. The resume should include your name, contact info, age, and any experience you have.
> Send your audition ONE of two ways:

Online: As a QuickTime file or link to edwardcasting@gmail.com

By mail: Send a DVD copy to 

Attn: Edward Casting
1501 Broadway
Suite 2900
New York, NY 10036

Make sure all submissions are in by Jan 16, 2009.

BREAK A LEG!  

Best,

;Dana,fr

Have you seen Mickey Rourke acting in ‘The Wrestler’ yet?

Are you familiar with the rest of his film acting resume??

If you don’t know his name, it may be because he was ‘outa the game’ for awhile. But…when he was ‘in it‘, he floored everybody. Came out of nowhere, into the spotlight with two little movie scenes; and then consistently gave the rawest, yet right on, performances.

This year, for “The Wrestler“, his acting performance may get the “Best Actor” Academy Award.

I hope so. (If you’ve been following this Hollywood Actor Prep Blog, then you know I respect Mickey Rourke, as an actor. I think he is an fine film actor, with consistent depth.)

His acting ability, talent, and skills, are rare…  Authentic, to the highest degree.

Here is an older interview with Rourke, where he discusses some film-acting experiences; in each, of the earlier films he was in.

Other things Mickey Rourke candidly discusses are:

•  
  • How he got his first movie role
    
  • Auditioning and getting into the Actors Studio
  • Performing at the Actors Studio in front of Al Pacino and Harvey Keitel (with little prior experience!)
    
  • Working with Francis Ford Coppola, on a movie with no script (!) called “Rumblefish” where he created the mythical character “Motorcycle Boy”
    
  • Creating a film script, by improvisation (!) while being assisted, musically, by Stuart Copeland of ‘The Police’.
    
  • The directors on his acting resume who “pushed him to the limit” and who he wound up respecting…
    
  • Which directors were perfectionists, and why he liked that; which directors were unlikable, and what it was that made them that way
    
  • And which ones had unusual ways of motivating the actors…

All of the actors, the directors, that you hear about here… are probably familiar names to you.
You probably, also,  heard of most of the movies that he talks about; because many well-known films reside on Mickey Rourke’s acting resume.

Enjoy!

If you would like to view film scenes from some of these movies that Mickey Rourke mentions here, you can find them at this post on the Hollywood Actor Prep Blog.  (‘Time For The Acting Of Mickey Rourke’)

Please share this blog with your friends, either by email or by clicking an icon below that will put it on MySpace, or Facebook.  

You can also “tip” the people who run this blog, by clicking below, securely!

                                                               

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That Pesky Interview Portion Of The Audition

There are 6 Parts to an audition:

Prior Preparation
The Interview, Once Inside
The Audition Itself
The Good Goodbye
The Torture You Put Yourself Through Afterward
The Waiting ‘Til You Know If You Aced The Part

On this Hollywood Actor Prep Post, I’ll handle the part that involves the interview, and the time inside the casting office.

The Interview, and The “Reading”

In every casting audition, there is a part that is just talking, ‘breaking the ice’. It’s known as the ”interview”, and it comes first.

Then, there is the actual “try-out” part. (Which is never called a “try-out”, btw. Not in professional acting, anyway.) This is when the actor is playing the character, and reads from the script…

When I was auditioning, especially in the beginning, I found the initial part of the time in ‘the auditioning room’, slightly disconcerting.*

(Whether it was stage, casting director office, producer office, network conference room…even filmed auditions.)

It took a young actor, just starting out, to remind me of…

It was just this past Thanksgiving. Graciously, I was invited to have Thanksgiving with a ’show-business family’. The father is an accomplished actor, stand-up comedian, and even produces shows now. He and his wife have a lovely marriage, that has lasted 25 years. And, still, is going strong.

They have three children; one who is a teacher, one in college, and one in high school. The son is also an actor; recently, he’s been auditioning, a lot.

Over the turkey, the conversation turned to proper and best ways to audition. They posed the question to me, which has been bandied about as long as I can remember, and probably before that!

Should an actor walk into an audition, in the character that he/she is auditioning for, the one in the script?

Should he or she maintain this character throughout, until he,or she,leaves the office?

Specifically, this younger actor, of this family had a recent experience with an audition, where he maintained the character, throughout. And, he DIDN’T get the part, maybe, because of it.

The character he was auditioning for was scared and nervous, in the acting scene. (…. “sides”: accepted term for the parts of the scene that the audition is comprised of.)
So,this actor met the casting director, and did the introductions and small talk that starts it all off, everytime, with this emotional life alive and, in full force, before he started the official reading-of-the-sides-tryout-portion-of-the-process.

He didn’t get the part.

Agents often get feedback, after an actor auditions, from the casting director, about how the audition went. This actor was told that the casting director found him “nervous”, by his agent.

How do you think he did?

I know what I said, and what I thought.

I know what his Dad said, based on all the years of his professional experience.

Please think about it, and in the next post, I’ll let you know what conclusions we all divulged, at that dinner….

About The Acting Profession, From A Casting Director,  Executive Producer …

I did an interview with David Tochterman, who was a casting director when I first met him, in New York.  Once I moved out here to Hollywood, I found myself auditioning for him out here…He had moved out to Los Angeles also.

He cast the highest quality productions, only, in theatre, film and television.  I always remember him as kind, and bright.  It was clear that he saw acting as an artform, and understood the actor’s process.  Respected it.  I remember he was kind to me, at all levels of my career.  This may have helped: I knew that he thought I had talent…I could tell by the way he ran the auditions that I did, and he seemed to know my capablities.  Not only did I think he “made room for them”, in the audition; but when I was nervous or, for some reason, thwarted from giving my best, he would give me another opportunity, another read. First, a casting director and Exec Producer at Carsey-Werner (from which came shows such as “Cosby”, “Cybill”, “Roseanne”, “Third Rock”); then he moved to  Overbrook Entertainment, Will Smith’s company.

RIght now, David Tochterman is off on his own, as an independent television producer.  Like many, he has expanded his expertise to the internet, and is a consultant for internet companies…

David obliged me by doing a chat about the business, free-form.  I was doing it as almost a “rehearsal” to give me a grid from which to pull together a few choice questions.  I felt he had offered quite a bit, on the chat, so I am copying it, straight. (About a third of it is missing, it somehow disappeared off the top!  I do remember what was said, though…)

Just before the following part, Tochterman had remarked that there were always so many talented people that would come to each audition.  One after the other.  He told me that he enjoyed the work so much, because of that.  And that he really loved actors, the depth, the artistry, how serious they were about their craft…

Here’s the transcript, the portion that was able to be saved:

Dana

you know i saw work in ACTING CLASS in new york that was amazing

11:53am

David

then you must realize that it’s also often a numbers game

11:53am

Dana

yeah.

11:53am

David

so many talented people, someone catches your eye, a directors fancy etc

11:53am

Dana

i was a volunteer at ENSEMBLE STUDIO THEATRE

11:54am

David

when i taught, i always told the actors in my class not to think about being cast, just to think about doing great auditions and moving on to the next one

11:54am

Dana

and i got really incensed one day when someone there who wasn’t an actor

in casting or someone i don’t remember who, director

said cream always rises top and i spoke out and said no it doesn t! there are many shy but brillint actors out there…welll…

i think actually what you just said about auditioning is the only way to really succeed

if you are trying to be good, you will suck and sink your audition

and if you keep trying to up your game, as far as using it to practice your craft + up yr skill level. then bravo

okay you have more to say

?

11:57am

David

you’ll never know the intangibles, just get as many at bats as you can and do your best…i’ve heard just as many stories about actors thinking they blew auditions and getting the job as stories about actors thinking they nailed it and never hearing back

11:57am

Dana

that is so true!

11:58am

David

someone once told me that if everyone got all excited during their audition and acted like they were going to cast them, they knew they’d never hear from them again!

11:58am

Dana

nailed it and wanted it in the worst way were big disappointments because expected to get it and shine.

yeah,

i had an audition for voice of betty boop and was sure it was me

11:58am

David

it was like a jinx, the more excited they got in their audition, the lower their odds of being cast

11:58am

Dana

they told my agent i seemed angry

angry?

11:58am

David

lol

betty boop is angry??

11:59am

Dana

i though i was being “confident”–

11:59am

David

well you’re a girl so its hard to tell the difference you know (joke)

just ask hillary-liked hillary

11:59am

Dana

actually angry betty boop is a funny character-didn’t matter anyway-it went to Victoria Jackson

yeah. i was just saying that to someone yesterday–same thing

hillary didn’t know WHAT to be, she thought she was being a confident professional

when she was 1st lady she was slammed for being too tough and for having bad hair, then when she made cookies

 

12:01pm

Dana

she got reeemed for that and then when she stuck by her cheating hubby she got reemed for that

she couldn’t win. so the way she did it was off putting

i thought she would have been the best choice myself but

it is kind of like an actor who hadn[‘t struck a hit for some time…

her “persona” wasn’t an authentic person

it wasn’t appealing

it was kind of a front

protective too

too bad.

12:02pm

David

yes

12:03pm

Dana

do you wish to talk about anything else–how is producing for you

12:03pm

David

whatever you like and think will be helpful?

12:03pm

Dana

oh wait one more auditioning ques

12:03pm

David

k

12:03pm

Dana

about the interview–part one is always schmooze a little, and then part 2 to flip into the read

the interview–any insights

12:04pm

David

emphasis on “a little”

12:04pm

Dana

oh don’t spend too much social time there?

or in self “sales”

?

12:04pm

David

you have to follow the convo but if someone wants to get to the reading quicker than you wanted to, just go with it

12:05pm

Dana

does anyone ever come “in character”

12:05pm

David

lol that’s very rare…

again, risky choice

12:05pm

Dana

and then do you think they are a nut

12:06pm

David

in general, i would strongly advise against it if you want to be taken seriously

12:06pm

Dana

i think it’s best not to do anything that may make you appear unstable. right:

12:06pm

David

yes, dont brandish weapons

dont kiss the casting director or reader no matter what it says in the script

or punch them etc

12:07pm

Dana

look at my blog! i have a screen test of james dean and he is holding and flipping a knife! i thought oh my! acting mistake number 1

12:07pm

David

“indicating” was invented for those moments in an audition

how am i doing so far?

12:08pm

Dana

wow. yeah, i guess after you do it for a while, you know the “ettiquette” –that sounds absurd to me

you are doing great!

and saved me some time from something i would have rushed to edit to put up, because i like to be very productive in regularly putting up content, and often;

we can even quit now if ya want.

does it matter if they learn the copy

12:09pm

David

well i have a lunch meeting, we can continue later if you want?

12:09pm

Dana

yeah , just tell me this

the lines, do they need to learn them completely

12:10pm

David

only if they specifically request it, otherwise i always advise to hold the sides even if you memorized them in case you forget or lose your place…it’s an audition not a memory test

12:11pm

Dana

 

weeeoooh

12:11pm

David

is that good or bad lol

12:11pm

Dana

 

everything you said is golden, tochterman.

 i will copy and send the transcript in email, have a delicious lunch…

12:12pm

David

coolio, will look for you later 

12:12pm

Dana

 

that was just an unexpected delight, by the way!!!!

 

bye ..talk later!

12:13pm

David

i agree, i enjoy talking about it…i loved those days..

12:13pm

Dana

 

me too

12:13pm

David

k see ya lata

12:13pm

Dana

 

lata gata

 

Hugh Laurie just thrills me, as an actor. His acting, as Dr. House, is some of the best anywhere. I love the show’s premise, too; and the other actors are fine, fine actors.  But, Laurie is so good, that he could do it as a monologue, and I would still watch.

Here is the video audition, of  Laurie trying out for the television show. It’s an amazing audition.  

What I notice, most, is how much he is Dr. House, before he ever stepped on the set.  Just sittin’ in a chair with no makeup, and using a script in his lap: he is entirely Dr. House, and it is an almost seamless performance…captured on a camcorder.

Watch how well, during the scene, he relates to the casting director, who is feeding him the lines.  He just relaxes his talent, right into the character; and no one has to stretch their imagination,  to believe he is “that guy“.  His choices are so strong, he carries them out with such a confidence and ease, that he brings Dr. House to life, right at the audition.

You can see, it’s so well done…there was nothing to add or change, once he had the job.  

When auditions are this well done, there’s no way that any other actor can get the part.

What is your acting type?

If you are an actor who is a “leading man” type, please let me know.  And I do mean it!

…Because I really cannot  believe my own eyes.  

More than once, now, I have seen, in print, how casting directors in Hollywood cannot find actors that are this certain type:

                ::  Leading Male Actor Types–That Can Play A “Man”  ::

They’re not kidding, about that.  

More Than A Leading Man Type

Well, frankly, I’m not kidding either; when I ask you to please let me know, because…Hollywood (and nearby areas) has a so many actors.  And there are so many talented actors, all across the country, as well!

Kaaa-zillions.

Remember Anne Thompson, whose column I put in a widget, a couple of posts back?  This is what she wrote, yesterday (Oct 30), in her blog called “Thompson On Hollywood On Variety”  about Jon Hamm, of Mad Men:

We already know that he has the sex appeal of a leading man. Now we know that Hamm can do an imitation of James Mason, or light comedy. When I saw him standing in front of an American flag, I thought, “Superman.” Yes, I know he’s too old, but Hollywood could use a guy like this. Strong, dangerous, mysterious, romantic, funny.

Two casting directors over at Disney features, Marcia Ross and Gail Goldberg, are high on him. “We think Jon Hamm has the potential to be a movie star,” says Ross. “He could do the sorts of parts George Clooney plays. If you look at Jon’s work on SNL, he adds funny and charming to the edge and danger he displays on Mad Men. He’s handsome but accessible. He has a lot of personal warmth, like George. We need these substantial good-looking, charming, masculine leading men. There’s a dearth of them out there.”

 

John Hamm Leading Male

Talented Actors That Can’t Get A Break

Most of them not only can’t get an acting job…

Most actors can’t even “break in” far enough, to even get to any film studio audition! Disney or otherwise!

They may have never met a real casting director, or at least one who can cast them into a major Hollywood movie.

Daniel Craig, Not American

Hollywood casting directors, automatically now, are actually going to other countries to import a certain type: “men”-types, stating that they can’t find actors who can play them here, we don’t have them here. 

( I could probably find more than a few Hollywood women who would line up, to try that role, as a character stretch!  I’d bet, some would be enormously convincing…)

Outright, the casting directors are saying that they just can’t find anyone “like Steve McQueen”…

Prototype -Steve McQueen

They’re not looking for a “Schwarzenegger”, by the way.  They simply mean: a guy who looks like a man, and not like a boy.  Not in looks, and not in personality.   And who can act.  That’s it. Period.                  C’mon! We must have these actors, here, in the States…what about Canada? Uh…Alaska??

Most Actors Don’t Even Have Good Representation

It is very sad, because there are many, many talented actors without any representation.  Actors, of all types, at all stages of their careers; have a difficult time getting agents and managers to represent them.  It’s a fact of this business.

The Hollywood System just doesn’t let all the good ones in.   Doesn’t actually have a way for talent to be “found”.  Really.  Not that anyone is even looking for undiscovered talent, because they actually are not.

There are doors, in this business, that for most actors, are impossible to get near. It’s just become that. It’s wierd; there is just not a viable ladder to climb, no clear way to struggle up. There’s no flat-out, “how-to-for-beginners method”, that makes sense. Unlike any other career.

It’s so abstract, here, that it’s hard to write about.  But it is that way. I’ve been on both sides, and I know.  There are thousands of talented actors out there; many with developed acting skills….and they have never been inside a Hollywood Agent’s Office; nor an extremely-fancy-Beverly-Hills-mega-corporation-Talent-Agency-with-guards-at-the-doors.  And they may never be.

Not getting in those doors does not mean they are not talented actors.  Illogical, as it may seem. Surely,  some of those actors may be able to play men. Actors, living right here, in L.A. And elsewhere, across the continent…

Golly.  It seems absurd, the whole notion. Doesn’t it?

Maybe it’s true, that they don’t exist…but, I don’t think so.

A Hollywood-Actor-Prep-Mission Is To Improve Things, For Actors

One of my goals, with this blog, is to make things better for actors.  Really. That is what motivated me to start Hollywood Actor Prep. 

I have always known that there are actors who just don’t get a chance.  Anyone who has ever been in a decent acting class here, is well-aware of that. So, right now may be a chance for a whole bunch of actors, of a certain type.

So, can we take the bulls-by-the-horns, here, please?

First step, let’s have the bulls show up…

Everyone, Please Register…

In the right sidebar of this blog, you’ll see where it says : “Register with Dana“.  

That’s where you “sign in” to my blog, to be a registered subscriber. There is a little area there, where you can write something. (Please register, whatever actor-type you are, it’s in case I change my “blogfeed, etc…)

If you are a “leading man type” of actor, and you are sure that is your category, and you are really, truly an actor, then please:

1. First, get a video of yourself on YouTube…and then…
2. Register here, on the sidebar, and in that little optional area where you can write, on the registration page: put in your YouTube web address link, where your video can be seen.  

Keep the video short and simple please.  If you are the right type, it will show, right off. (Remember my Marlon Brando video? …how he stood there, and told his name and his credits, face in front of the camera, well lit?  That’s all.  Unless, you have some good tape or film of yourself acting… well then, by all means, add that too. )

Why do I specify real actors with experience and/or training?  Because that is only level of actor who the casting directors ever audition for major films. They just won’t regard amateurs seriously. 

Spread This Word

If you are an actor, or if you know any actors, you might want to let them know. Email them this post–so they can know too, or tell someone that they know who may be just right for this.  

The more the better, too; because casting people just can’t realize how many talented people are out there,  unless they see ‘em.  With their own eyes…It’s easy to become short-sighted, here in Hollywood. It’s not hard to expand someone’s vision, when there’s something to show…

I can’t claim to do anything to change Disney, or casting-in-Hollywood.  So, don’t go thinking that Dana Kaminski is going to cast you, because I can’t do that, and don’t have those qualifications. ( I am required to post this disclaimer, legally.) 

However, I certainly can call some contacts, and ask them to take a look. Wouldn’t it be great to give them something to see?  I would love to start making things more possible for actors…

 :: It’s real simple: I just believe there is so much talent, that never gets a chance.  ::

I’ll even call Disney.  And Variety.

Best,

:-Dana

PS Have I mentioned that I really enjoy this community, here…And that I am so grateful that you came to my blog?  I really am.  

Thank you.

NEWS-TYPE  ALERT:

There’s An Even Bigger Reason To Galvanize Actors Now…

Something BIG and IMPORTANT is happening right now, and it will has to do with actors.

It’s urgent, now, because there’s lots of pressure regarding SAG, about compromising. As I said, I’d like to do something about making actors’ lives a little better;  I think we all can.

I will be letting you know, more, in the next few days. So please check back…

Acting Work Is Available

Really great news for actors. Film auditions, actively,  will start up very soon…Why?? 

The Hollywood studios have all started making movies again.  

Yesterday, in Variety, there was a list of 40-plus new movies, about to go into production…that’s more than FORTY new films scheduled for this Spring and Summer, 2008!  

All at once,  Columbia, Warner Bros, MGM, Miramax, New Line, Paramount, Disney, et al, announced that they are swinging, full-force, into making movies again.  No more waiting, no more Hollywood-on-hold. 

The announcement, dated Oct. 7 2008, revealed that each major studio is doing five films each, at least.  Big and medium budget-type films, which means lots of money; and, often…big casts.

…If you need catching up on background events: For months, the industry has avoided making “product”… This was due to a fear-of-SAG-strike; and, subsequently,  the contract stalemate between the actors and producers unions. For further depth, you can read my posts that explain:  the SAG negotiations, and who is involved, and the complex  actors’ issues…

Film Production List From “Variety”:

COLUMBIA

• Ruben Fleischer-directed “Zombieland” 
• Phillip Noyce-helmed “Salt” with Angelina Jolie 
• Stephen Chow-directed “The Green Hornet” with Seth Rogen

DISNEY

• Tim Burton-directed “Alice in Wonderland”; 
• “Tron” sequel; 
• Robert Zemeckis-produced motion-capture film “Mars Needs Moms”; 
• Jon Turteltaub-directed “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with Nicolas Cage; 
• Walt Becker- helmed “Wild Hogs 2″

FOX

• James Cameron-directed “Avatar” 
• Shawn Levy-helmed “Date Night,” with Steve Carell and Tina Fey 
• “A-Team” 
• “Ramona” 
• Chris Columbus-directed “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” 
• “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” 
• John Carney-directed “Town House” 
• “Alvin and the Chipmunks 2″ 
• Tom Bezucha-directed “Orbit” 
• Rick Famuyiwa-helmed “Family Wedding”

MGM

• Drew Goddard-directed “The Cabin in the Woods” 
• Kevin Tancharoen-helmed “Fame” 
• “The Matarese Circle,” which David Cronenberg is negotiating to direct Washington 
• Darren Aronofsky-helmed “RoboCop”

MARVEL
(Paramount distributing)

• Jon Favreau-directed “Iron Man 2″ with Robert Downey Jr. 
• Kenneth Branagh-helmed “Thor”

MIRAMAX

• John Madden-directed “The Debt” with Helen Mirren 
• “Man on a Train” 
• “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”

NEW LINE

• “Torrente” 
• “Sex and the City 2″ 
• Wesley Strick-directed “A Nightmare on Elm Street” 
• Len Wiseman-helmed “Gears of War”

PARAMOUNT

• Kenny Ortega-directed “Footloose” with Zac Efron; 
• M. Night Shyamalan-helmed “The Last Airbender” 
• “Morning Glory” 
• “Beverly Hills Cop” 
• “Us and Them”

UNIVERSAL

• Edgar Wright-directed “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” starring Michael Cera 
• Untitled Nancy Meyers-helmed comedy with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin 
• Peter Billingsley-directed “Couples Retreat” with Vince Vaughn; 
• Gore Verbinski-helmed “BioShock” 
• Nicholas Stoller-directed “Get Him to the Greek” 
• Ridley Scott-helmed “Nottingham” with Russell Crowe

WARNER BROS.

• Clint Eastwood-directed “Human Factor” with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon 
• Mark Neveldine/Brian Taylor- helmed “Jonah Hex” 
• “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the David Yates-directed final, two-part installment in the franchise, which begins production in February; 
• Alcon-financed “Book of Eli,” the Hughes brothers-directed Denzel Washington starrer 
• Louis Leterrier-helmed “Clash of the Titans” 
• Zack Snyder-directed “Suckerpunch.”

 

Dancing With The Stars

ABC and Dancing With The Stars 

Reality television was included in the Emmys for the first time, this year.

Last night, “Dancing With The Stars” got some very high ratings; in this brand new television season.

Is “Dancing With The Stars” classified as “Reality TV”? Is that because it doesn’t contain professional actors; or rather, professional-actors-that-aren’t-acting. 

What do you think it means, that audiences are choosing “Dancing With The Stars” over other traditional types of television shows, as far as popularity goes??

…Just  putting out the question… 

How Actors Think About Reality TV

For actors, reality television means:
Shows without actors.

The more “reality” programming there is, the less jobs for actors.

There is actually a “master list” of all the auditions television, movies, and some legit theater–it’s called “Breakdown Services“… It’s a “wire service”, an auditions roster, it comes out daily. In Los Angeles.

Only some people are allowed access to “The Breakdowns”; they are the agents and casting directors, and some managers.

Easy equation, though, huh? Reality TV casts real people, so the numbers of auditions for network television lessens as they increase reality TV programming.

In other words, less professional actor casting.  Less auditions, less jobs available…

What accounts for the popularity of reality TV?
Is “Dancing With The Stars” really reality TV?

I’ll give my opinion sometime in the near future, and I do wish to mull it over some, and gather some more information.
In the meantime, I’m asking around….
;Dana