Casting Directors 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 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 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 Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Casting Directors, Headshots, Natural Light, Photography Studio, Studio Light

Natural Light vs Studio Light?

There is a question that many actors have in regards to their headshots – should my pictures be in natural light vs studio light? Many opt for the former, but there are advantages to both that should be noted. First of all, natural light is just the obvious- it’s natural. But depending on your eyes and energy quality, studio may have an advantage. If you have sensitive eyes and are straining to keep them open, it might be a good idea to consider shooting inside. A great headshot is about the eyes- they should be relaxed, open and engaging. Some actors think that natural light makes the eyes “pop” out more. This is true to a point. Natural light will reveal the color of your eyes and bring out a sparkle. But if the eyes are half closed it defeats the purpose. It’s also important to note that the pop of the eyes is also due to your energy behind them. This is what casting directors are looking for when quickly scrolling down a submission page. There is an intuitive response from the connection received from the photo. There’s no mistake that most publicity shots are done in the studio. […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Casting Directors, Headshots, Photo Session, Portfolio

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

I was reading an article by Casting Director Carolyne Barry and something stuck out that got my attention. In the article she mentions things to consider when choosing a headshot photographer. One in particular stood out- the importance of considering the personality of the headshot photographer when looking to book a photo session. We hear so much about bringing out our own personality in the shoot. For that to happen there must be a comfort level with the photographer to begin with. I’m glad she brought this up because it’s an important point. I suggest that you take the time to either meet, or at the very least talk to them over the phone. How comfortable do you feel with their voice? Are they taking the time to answer even the simplest of questions? How flexible are they with your schedule? How much time are you given in the photo session? There’s no mistake that your personality depends on who you work with. I always start by sitting down and talking with the client. I want them to express any concerns or ideas that would otherwise be on their mind throughout the shoot. Openness, the essential ingredient in a shoot, […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Actors, Actress, Casting Directors, Producers, Talent Agents, Talnt Agencies

Do’s and Don’ts of Your Actor Agent Search

I’ve been fortunate to work with many agents over the years. During that time I’ve always made a point to ask what they are looking for when an actor comes in to interview with them. I believe following these actor agent search tips can make a difference between landing an agent, or not. 1) The first and most important-Be prepared. Never just go into an agent’s office without a plan. It’s a mistake to believe the agent will be driving the meeting. In many cases, they will be waiting to see what you bring into the room. Do research on the agency and know the names of the department heads. Do they represent any big celebrities? What is their unique focus in terms of the type of talent they represent? What about the agent you are meeting with? You may not come across as being serious if you are not prepared – a big negative for most agents. 2) Try to make THEM comfortable. This is a point that many actors miss because they feel it is the agent that will do the talking. A great career is grounded in relationship, and as you find connection, the more comfortable both […]

The Real Hollywood

How Hollywood Works

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

The Positive & Negatives of Making Your Own Movie

What We Can Learn From Apple

Tips for Actors

Reinvent Yourself

Natural Light vs Studio Light?

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

Do’s and Don’ts of Your Actor Agent Search

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