Acting Tips & Secrets Archives - David LaPorte Studio

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets 0 comments tags: Acting Classes, Acting Seminars, Acting Techniques, Casting Directors, Headshots, Hollywood, Talent Agents

The Real Hollywood

Hollywood is about mystique and hype. The studios and publicity machine set it up that way. I’ve had clients come in for their first headshot and now, as a A-rated actor, can only be contacted through agents, managers, entertainment attorney’s and publicists. Actors are drawn into the business not only because of the glamour, but because of the creative work. It is more than the parties, prestige, and media hype. To make it in Hollywood one needs fortitude, discipline, and a clear focus on where you are going. From the outside it looks so easy and carefree, but ask any actor, it’s hardly anything but. The Real Hollywood is hustling to get auditions, classes and seminars. It’s sitting in traffic for hours only to have the audition last only 5 minutes. The real discipline is sitting in the waiting rooms with group of actors and staying focused. It’s dealing with the nerves of a casting session with a casting director, director and producer glaring at you without expression. It’s replicating the same brilliant work that you did in a first audition for the first, second, third, and who knows how many call backs there will be. The Real Hollywood is […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Auditions, Breakdown Services, Call Backs, Casting Directors, Readings, SAG

How Hollywood Works

There is a way in which Hollywood works. It helps to know the mechanics of how things get done. With more knowledge you’ll be a step ahead of those that haven’t given it much thought. First of all, Hollywood is built on trust. Ultimately, it’s a small town relying on reputation and consistent good work. But there is a process that precedes the audition that you should know. For instance, if a TV show is looking to add a new character they put a call out through Breakdown services. Daily breakdowns then go through SAG franchised agents and managers. (Usually, it’s the early morning hours that agents go through breakdowns.) Some pick up the phone and call the casting office directly to make a pitch. If there wasn’t a call headshots are submitted. The casting director will then set up appointments for the actors to come in and read. There isn’t much time in a casting session so it’s very important to be well prepared and ready to work. Remember, you are judged the minute you walk in the room, well before you read the first line. How you walk in, how you carry yourself and the degree of understanding […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Auditions, Bobby McGee, Casting Directors, Headshots, Readings

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

Bobby McGee is a funny man and also happens to be great actor. He’s worked many years in the business in both comedy and drama showcasing his talent in both film and television. Some of his credits include: “Hollywood Shuffle”, “A Soldier’s Story,” “Harlem Nights,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Married with Children.” His successful acting career has naturally segued into producing. Having worked with legendary director Robert Townsend over the years, he’s now collaborating with him on a movie project. It’s the third feature that’s he’s produced and in this blog he shares 7 tips on booking acting jobs and what an actor needs to know when going into a casting session. These 7 tips are sure to help. 1.) Make sure your headshot looks just like you. The biggest mistake an actor can make is walking into a room and not being properly represented by the photo. The people in the room will immediately throw your picture in the waste basket because you have wasted their time. 2.) Don’t talk too much in the audition. If you’re there to do the work don’t get carried away taking everybody‘s time. Time is money and they have many actors to […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Actor, Actress, Casting Directors, Film Set, Movie Making, Movie Roles

The Positive & Negatives of Making Your Own Movie

In Hollywood there’s an adage that if you can’t get work- do it yourself. Nothing is handed to you in Hollywood. Success is the result of hard work and diligent consistency. Some actors make the mistaken notion that once they land an agent or manger their career will just coast – nothing can be further than the truth. An actor must be continually working on their career regardless if they have an agent or not. I’ve always believed that we should take charge of our career. Sometimes an actor can feel helpless waiting by the phone to ring. But the creative process is an interesting animal. As we focus on our craft we build more confidence in our ability to be more in control of the path we take. Making your own movie is one way to do this. I asked one of my clients Aylia Colwell to share her 5 positive and negative experiences in making her own movie. I was impressed by her resolve that I thought it might help other actors that wanted to be in control of their career. As you will see the experience is very rewarding but there will challenges that go along with […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase 0 comments

Passion For Acting – Not To Be Denied

I like working with actors. I understand where they are coming from because I was one myself. I know how difficult it is to stay motivated with so much rejection. Not only does an actor have to deal with their own doubt, but also the rejection from others. There are times when the word ‘no’ is all they hear. Because of this, many actors never fully enmesh themselves in their career. They may start off strong but opt out for something safer when things get tough. It takes discipline to pursue an acting career. Over the years I’ve talked with many actors about their career. Some are still auditioning and others have long ago left the business. I recently talked with my client Denise Woelpern about her Hollywood story. I first noticed a slight accent and asked where she was from. She smiled and said she grew up in small town called Jever, (close to the Baltic Sea) in northern Germany. As a kid she would organize theater skits with her friends for all the neighbors on the block. She knew back then it was something that she wanted to do. But the practicality of life took over in time. […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Headshots, Portfolio, Representation, Social Media, Talent Agents, Video Clips, Website Design

Does An Actor Need A Website?

Does an actor need their own website? This is a question that comes up now with the rise of social media. There’s no denying the fact that social media is the next wave taking over the world of news, shopping and entertainment. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube not only have tremendous outreach, but can make celebrities overnight. Justin Beiber is a perfect example of this. He was discovered as a kid on YouTube and quickly launched to fame with the right marketing. So participating in these sites is essential in terms of getting your brand the right exposure. What about a website? How does one go about doing that? How important is it? Does just having an agent or manager suffice when it comes to marketing? These are questions that need to be looked at. Just having representation is no longer enough. We need to create a clear and concise marketing idea of who we are and what we are selling. This not only applies to our headshots and videos, but to our website as well. Time is money in Hollywood and the people that are in position to hire you want to get as much information they […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Actor, Actress, Apple Computers, Casting Directors, Social Media

What We Can Learn From Apple

This was a big week for Apple. Not only did they unveil their new iPhone 6 models, but also the new revolutionary Apple watches and mobile payment system. Since its early days Apple has led the tech market with all of its innovations. For it to stay on top it needs to continually put out products pertinent in today’s fast moving highly technological world. Like Apple, we too, must stay on the cutting edge of our career. I always make it a practice to ask my acting clients if they utilize the available social media. Surprisingly, many have yet to tap into the potential of how it can benefit their career. What may not be realized is that social media is free advertising. It allows us a platform where we can shape and create a marketing advantage. Successful companies do not rest on their laurels, and neither should we. Our career, or marketing image, should always be evolving to stay in pace with trends and new ideas that are always flowing. Can we afford to rely on the old system of waiting for things to happen? Don’t we have at our disposal the very tools to make things happen? Our […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase 0 comments tags: Acting Classes, Acting Techniques, Auditions, Mad Men, Martha Graham, Peter Lewis

Acting Tips From Actor Peter Lewis

His slight southern accent and quiet demeanor exemplifies an actor from somewhere in the south; or just bordering it. Peter Lewis has had an interesting acting career. After growing up in Louisville Kentucky he was accepted and eventually graduated from the Yale school of Drama. Not only had he met and studied with many great actors there, he continues to maintain friendships today. One such actor is Edward Norton. Together they worked with Bruce Dern in the film, “Down in the Valley.” Other great actors include Robert Dinero from the movie “Stone” and “Untraceable” with Diane Lane. His Television credits include “Mad Men,” “30 Rock,” and “Law and Order,” to name a few. Apart from a successful career he’s had an interesting life. During our photo session he talked about the day he called in sick to work. That wasn’t an ordinary day. He was working on the 40th floor in the World Trade Center the day it was attacked on September 11, 2001. Fortunately, a stroke of luck (or destiny) had him call in sick that day. He was also fortunate in that he survived a life threatening illness. His life experience, from Yale, to being a survivor, all […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Actors Access, Commercial Shoot, Headshots, IMDB, Photo Shoot

How To Take Better Headshots

We all know the importance of a great headshot. When done right, it’s more than just good lighting, composition and brightly lit backgrounds. A great headshot is about capturing your personality. I contend that casting agents don’t see a photo, they feel it. I believe it’s more of an intuitive response rather than a sense one. Truth is what great acting is all about. When you are relaxed, open and in the moment, great things happen. But there are more things to consider in your headshots than just getting a theatrical and good commercial shot. Sometimes it more important to get specific looks. For instance, just this week I had a client shoot in a cheerleader outfit, workout outfit while another did a business, bohemian and quirky look. So you can see there are a range of looks to be added. There are also simple accessories that can be included like glasses for the business or quirky look. I always suggest being creative during a photo shoot. It doesn’t have to get carried away like one manger’s suggestion that her client shoot in 17 different looks. After a certain amount of changes it just becomes redundant. It’s a good idea […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Assistant Director, Call Sheet, Casting Directors, Makeup Artist, Wardrobe

Tips for Actors

Actors spend so much time looking for work that they may not consider what may be asked of them after getting the job. Professionalism is a big part of working on a set. With so many people involved in a project, it’s essential to build a great reputation with the Assistant Director for future work. An AD is responsible for everything to run smoothly. It is their responsibility to make sure all the pieces are seamlessly put together so that the director and rest of the crew can perform their jobs without complication. This includes making sure everything runs on time and talent is where they are supposed to be. Below, Konstantin Lavysh who has worked on three feature films, commercials (Nivea, Philips, Russian Telecom Provider), and music videos, shares his insights with actors on the do’s and don’ts of working on a set. Even before you get the job; it’s important to have an idea of what to do once on the set. I’m sure you will find this information as a valuable resource. Stay out of the Way – but Don’t Hide When we need you, we should be able to see you, so don’t wander off the […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Casting Directors, Headshots, Talent Agents, Talent Managers, Wardrobe

Reinvent Yourself

Life is not different from acting- everything is based on change. We get bored with seeing the same thing over and over again, and look for something that will bring freshness into our awareness. What was once so new and different, is now viewed as boring. So we have to look at acting the same way that we look at life-we have to continually reinvent ourselves. Casting agents and agents aren’t much unlike ourselves in that they get tired of seeing the same thing time and time again. They respond to something different. They like to see you in a new light, an updated version of your possibilities. The reflection in your headshots gives them that information. So it makes sense to present a side of yourself that you want the business to see. This includes thinking of ways to bring out more facets of your personality. This can be in a new look, change of wardrobe, specificity in terms of characters you can play, and most importantly a clear and concise headshot that looks like you today; not 5 years ago. Keep Your Headshots Current I’ve talked with casting directors and the number one thing that gets them upset […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Headshots, Makeup Artist, Makeup Tips, Parabans, Sulfites

Makeup Tips from Makeup Artist

Laurel Wiley is a professional and caring makeup artist. She see’s each client as an individual and applies makeup to highlight that individuality. One of the most important things that I look for in a makeup artist is how friendly they are with my clients. If the client is uncomfortable having their makeup done it will reflect when I start taking pictures. Also, if the makeup isn’t right, the photos won’t look their best. I always talk with my clients before we start makeup and make sure that we are on board with what they have in their mind. We always start with the clean, natural look and eventually (if the client wants) add more to match the various looks. First and foremost the makeup must look like you; always be aware when a makeup artist says that it will look different through the camera. If you’re not comfortable when you look in a mirror, chances are you won’t like it when you see the photos. Makeup Artist Laurel Wiley Laurel Wiley has been doing makeup and training makeup artists for 25 years. These are a few things she recommends. Photography has changed in the digital aspect so makeup has […]

The Real Hollywood

How Hollywood Works

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

The Positive & Negatives of Making Your Own Movie

Passion For Acting – Not To Be Denied

Does An Actor Need A Website?

What We Can Learn From Apple

Acting Tips From Actor Peter Lewis

How To Take Better Headshots

Tips for Actors

Reinvent Yourself

Makeup Tips from Makeup Artist

Here About Our Specials 1st

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