HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Carolyne Barry, long time actor and teaching guru, has just published her book "Hit The Ground Running". I'll give a more detailed review once I've actually read through the book, but in just looking at the website, and knowing Carolyne like I do, I can easily say this would be a great investment for actors... ESPECIALLY new ones.

Many of you know Carolyne already, through reputation or taking one of her many classes. I've had the pleasure to teach for her on occasion, and every now and then will actually sit in on a class to brush up on my directing skills. Her experience in the business, and teaching the business (both the craft and everything else that goes with it) is extensive to say the least. She has put 5 years into writing this book, and all of her vast experience, so check it out!

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel

AUDITION CREED

This is something I used to include in my seminar booklet... I thought I would post here. The idea was you could review this before your audition to get in a good head space. The biggest point here is something I've mentioned in previous posts regarding rejection. It says "I know the people making the decision are not rejecting me, they are simply picking someone else." Sounds so basic, but if you start taking this personally it will drive you crazy!

Here is it.. the "Audition Creed"

• I’ve taken the time to break down the script, make choices, dress for the part, I’M AS READY AS I CAN POSSIBLY BE.

• When I walk into the room, I need to let go of my preparation and TRUST the people I’m working with. They want me to do well because it makes them look good, so we are all working together for a common goal.
THEY ARE ON MY SIDE!

• I need to LISTEN to the people in the room first. This means not being rigidly attached to the choices I made in preparation and taking adjustments in stride.

• The reason I’m an actor is because I am passionate about it, I love to do it. I’m here to PLAY and BE CREATIVE. This is my time to block out the rest of the world, practice my craft, trust my instincts, and HAVE FUN.

• I’m grateful for this opportunity, because every time I go through the casting process I grow as an actor. Regardless of whether or not I get the job I know commercial auditions are the stepping stone to series and feature work.

• I know that there are many reasons I may not get this job that have nothing to do with my ability as an actor. I know the people making the decision are not rejecting me, they are simply picking someone else. Therefore I will not take their decision personally or dwell on things that are out of my control.

Hope this helps...

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel

YOU'VE GOT 10 SECONDS

Due to the fact I've thankfully been working a lot (directing/editing), the blog has been a little neglected... so I'm going to do some catching up the next couple of weeks.

OK, I say this at all my seminars, and people are usually not happy to hear this. I usually know within 10 seconds if an actor is going to work for my project or not, at which point I'll either watch it all the way through OR press "SKIP" to the next person. This makes your first impression critical. In some cases, you simply don't look right for the roll... other then being aware of your type and what you go out for, this is beyond your control. However what is in your control is the quality of your auditions. Moment Before (in commercial auditions anyway) is the life you create before someone says action. It could be a physical thing, or maybe even dialog if it feels right. It gives you the opportunity to be creative and collaborate a bit with the script.

When I teach, I show people a casting tape of 5 women who were auditioning for the roll of "ZOO GIRL", a girl who works at the San Diego Zoo ticket booth. The script says "It's nighttime at the zoo, and there is a party like atmosphere". Most chose to ignore this set up, and stood in their "booth" waiting for the dialog to start. a couple of women (out of the 80 who auditioned) chose to break into some kind of dance, as if at a party. One of these two got the roll (For that and other reasons), and is a great demonstration of how you can stand out if you create the right opportunity for yourself.

It's hard to give examples in writing... but I think you get the idea. Remember the first 10 seconds are critical, and try your best to create a life before the actual dialog starts.

- Scott Young

Commercial Success/ Shoot a Scene. Edit Your Reel