NATURAL vs. STUDIO LIGHTING for HEADSHOTS

This is discussed quite a bit out there, I’m going to give my opinion from a slightly less technical angle.

Natural lighting (to me) means SHOOTING ON LOCATION, which means taking an actor OUTSIDE, moving around, planning and prepping a little more with wardrobe. It loosens an actor up, it effortlessly changes how they interact with the camera, the lighting is different... all natural, but each location will have it’s own strong points.

So the ENERGY created by a location shoot is very helpful to both photographer and actor... plus the locations themselves provide a variety of textures, looks, moments that enhance your headshot and the particular vibe you are going for.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, according to all the casting directors I’ve spoken with recently... the “in” look right now is Natural light, On location headshots. Not so much for models, but certainly for actors. Does this mean I don’t think you can get good headshots in a studio? NO... of course not. However there do seem to be a few advantages to location/natural light shooting at this time.

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel

IT'S JUST A COMMERCIAL...

This quick entry is especially for those of you just starting out, or perhaps the actor that doesn't take a commercial audition as being all that important in the big picture.

Commercials are the gateway to other work... primarily in your ability to do better cold reads and gain confidence in your auditions. All casting directors will tell you, if you can do a strong commercial audition, your TV/Film auditions will be easier, and you will do better. The main reason is because commercial scripts give you very little to work with, thus rely more on your instincts and experience to make something come to life, to create a vibe, to “make us believe".

Every now and then I enjoy seeing actors I've worked with pop up in movies and on TV shows. For example, I shot a San Diego Zoo commercial with "Big Loves" Joel McKinnon Miller, I directed a years worth of Del Taco commercials with "My Name is Earl's" Greg Binkley, A Yamaha commercial with Johnny Sneed... who is in too many things to name...(and the only actor to ever give me a "mix tape" as a thank you) Recently I saw actor P.J. Byrne in a scene trading lines with Tom Hanks in "Charlie Wilsons War", and there are many others. So the point here is, don’t underestimate the importance of commercials, or commercial auditions when it comes to your craft and career. It's a great training ground for opportunities to come.

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel

SPEAKING at the SAG CONSERVATORY

I spoke last weekend at a SAG event... this was my third time and it’s always fun to do. It's basically where I try and cram in 5 or 6 hours of information into 2. It’s kind of a “Best Of” version of a seminar I’ve taught over the years. Here are just a couple of ideas that came up during our discussion I’m happy to share with you.

Take an improv class. Any class will do at first... and it’s critical. Throughout your career you will be asked to adapt as an actor, not only in your audition, but on the set. In commercial audtions, sometimes you don’t have ANY lines... you are just sitting down in a chair, or pressing a button, or throwing a football... who knows. A lot of people ask me “Is it OK to improv”... and I often think if you have to ask, then you probably don’t have the confidence or ability to improv in the first place. An actor comfortable in their skin just knows if and when to take the material and run. Obviously if you are asked to stick to the script, then you do so, but even then... how you move your body, create an atmosphere, etc. are all sharpened by improv training.

Work for a Casting Director if you can, especially you 20 somethings who just rolled into town. An ad agency, or production company might give you the same knowledge as well, but the idea here is you get to see what you are up against. HOW people are chosen, the process of selection based on talent, politics, and a dozen other things you wouldn’t have thought of. By working for a casting director you are basically gaining a healthy perspective of the business you plan to be in, and that perspective has numerous advantages. A young actor told me “I don’t take it personal anymore” after she had spent a few months in a casting directors office, and I’m sure that knowledge alone will serve her well throughout her career.

Take a cold reading, or commercial audition class. Acting class is great, but taking a class that prepares you specifically for auditions is very valuable for obvious reasons. The ability to do a mean Tennessee Williams in scene study is wonderful, but the world of auditions move fast and follow certain rules you need to learn and use to your advantage.

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel

CAROLYNE BARRY

I did another guest spot for the great Carolyne Barry. She has me come in and teach a 4 hour class to her advanced students... and sometimes her beginners a couple times a year. I’ll make this short and sweet... I really feel every actor, especially new actors, who are seeking commercial work should take a class from Carolyne. (www.carolynebarry.com)

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel