I don't know if I should have auditioned for the Intern on Kyle XY before or after the casting session. I chose to do it before, which the Casting Director preferred, and that can't be a bad thing. Perhaps I would have had an edge after watching what the other guys did in the room, but I'll never know.
I was called back for a DRAGONSTEEL audition on Monday. I went in for a pre-screen for the warrior character and ended-up with an audition for another character:
A magical goblin that can turn invisible.
My agent told me to wear something to make me look taller. I had no idea what the heck that meant, and my acting coach agreed that this can be a note best ignored. Big guys never have to act like they're big guys. My acting coach told me to hit the gym before the audition to feel more connected to my body, and to relax all my muscles in the waiting room before the audition.
So, just what manner of goblins would I come across in this waiting room? How about twins with cut-off sleeves and boots with 4-inch lifts, curling and pressing a 20-lb. barbell? Looks like these guys took the tallness suggestion more seriously. Another actor asked them about their unique footwear and one of them told her,
"We got them because we need them for bigger roles. Ironically, we got them two-for-one."
The Casting Director came out and gave us an important note:
"No goblin voices guys. They're just a race of bigger people."
Notes like that makes me wonder how many people did that before the CD realized he needed to let the actors know not to do it. I was kind of banking on the fact that a bunch of actors would do it, giving me better a better chance. The twins told me they heard someone go in asking to read "all the lines." Like, their lines and the other character's lines. This is why the CDs hire a reader, or in this case, the CD himself was the reader.
I got in the room, and immediately my blocking was thrown-off by the CDs insistence on "tug-of-war"-ing him off the top of the scene. It fit the script (the story had the goblin arguing with a little girl over a giant chunk of DRAGONSTEEL) but I didn't expect to wrest with the CD in the room.
"OK, so off the top here, if you want to just, take my hand ... "
So I do,
"But don't crush it."
Looks like I underestimated my goblin strength. So we switched-up out grip to more of a "thumb war" style, which immediately made me self-conscious of the length of my fingernails. The camera-man calls rolling, and we go at it. Overall, it went well, and of course, I'll be the last to know how it went.
Either way, I'll be heading to that Casting Office again on Friday for a Scooby-Doo call back. We meet again, "Beefy Jock".
Talking to my agent afterwards, he told me once I get more confidence, I won't need coaches. I'm not ditching them any time soon. He said once I get more experience I could be booking 1 for 3 like his daughter's older clients do.
He sent us an e-mail letting his clients know he'll be going on vacation at the end of the month and, like every conversation I have with him, he just couldn't help but throw-in some lessons. First, empathizing with business being down, then wishing us all the best in our auditions, then telling us that even school and training, we're far from knowing it all. How inspiring.
The first VFS almuni class went well. I heard through the grapevine that the teacher was being a bit grumpier lately, and thus, I expected the worst. I feel I got by relatively unscathed, and the teacher's words, even though I've heard most of them before, was inspiring. Bottom line: I have to work harder, because like my teacher said, auditions are good, but jobs are better. I agree.
Because my roommate asked me to, I checked my actors gig book to see just how many pre-screens/auditions/call backs I've had since I've signed with my agent. I've discovered I'm about 1 for 30. Upon telling this to the head of the VFS acting department, he informed me that he's about 1 for 503. Great, only 473 to go.
After class, the teacher asked me and friend of mine what we've been up to. I told him I went out for DRAGONSTEEL twice, once for the warrior, and once for the goblin.
"Oh yeah? I coached the twins for that one. Those guys book a lot."
Showing posts with label Scooby Doo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scooby Doo. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Class Act
If I ever open-up an acting school, that's what I'm calling it. With a possible "With William C. Vaughan" attached to the end to make sure people know what's what and who's who.
When last we left our hero(?), I was auditioning for the Scooby-Doo Prequel. Well, the audition went well. Not much more to say than that.
After I did the "Doo", I was called to audition for the most far-off thing for which I've been sent-out for so far. A 35-year-old gay Russian geologist who is blasting-off 400 million miles away from earth. Yeah. I thought a coaching was in order.
Optimally, I'd get a dialect coach, but without a phone number for one and with limited time, I could only get an acting coach. I wanted a dialect coach for the accent, but after working the scene once with the acting coach it turned-out my faux-Ruski was acceptable. This is the first time I've coached with this particular teacher (another VFS instructor). His methods are a little different, but he really helps bring the character closer to the actor, to make the scene more real. I got a pretty good reaction from the Casting Director at Brooksbank, so the coaching paid-off. Whether I got the role or not, I gave a good audition, the most real and natural I've done thus far. Given the challenging role, I'll chalk that up as a success.
I was supposed to go back to set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" on Wednesday, when I received a called from the 2nd AD telling me they may need me instead on Thursday ... or not at all. Y'see, the 2nd AD told me that Chris (as in Columbus) has cut the scene together (as in "edit", not "erase" or "discard") and he found that the scene can work without my shot. So, Wednesday afternoon, before my first Cactus Club shift, I get the call telling me they don't need me anymore. And that's the end of that tale. I'm pretty disappointed, but hey, it's out of my hands. All that's left to be done is book the next role ... hopefully with more lines and, if I'm lucky, a shot of my face. Here's hopin'.
The worst part about not going to set is that I had to pay for my haircut instead of getting hair and make-up to do it for free. I got my ears lowered on Thursday at a place called "The Chop Shop", which has a kind of 50's car-motif thing going. It looked way too cool for me, but I excel at being a round peg in a square hole and fitting into places I don't belong. Or not.
Like I mentioned, I had my first Cactus Club shift Wednesday at the Ash St. location. It was trial by fire, and I certainly didn't expect to be walking with a tray and running food to tables on my first day, but aside from a handful of table-number-screw-ups, I did alright. I had a second shift added Thursday because I wasn't going to set (dang) and therefore I'd be missing the opening night of Indiana Jones (daaAAAAaang). I did better that night, felt more comfortable. It's way more hectic than security, which is a good thing, as two hours can pass without even noticing it when it gets busy. It'll be a hard-working, short-staffed summer, but I hope to be serving within a few months. It's all up to me. And them, part of it is up to them.
It's my last Friday at Black Box, tomorrow's my last shift. I shall miss it so. Paladin's treated me well, and the people at Black Box have been great. My Manager said there's always a job for me at Paladin, so I know that, even in my darkest hour, I at least won't be homeless. Not working graveyards has been a great choice, and the hours got worked-around if an audition came-up. I need to keep telling myself that once I reach server at Cactus, I'll be making more money. It's the name of the game.
To bookend on the acting class theme, I finally registered and paid-in-full for a Scene Study Class with one of my favourite VFS instructors, in a class specifically for VFS Alumni. I've wanted to branch-out and try classes with instructors I've never had before, but I know I can still learn a lot from this guy. It's been ten months since I've graduated and taken a real acting course, so this is way overdue. It promises to raise my audition-success quotient by 200%!*
*Results not typical.
When last we left our hero(?), I was auditioning for the Scooby-Doo Prequel. Well, the audition went well. Not much more to say than that.
After I did the "Doo", I was called to audition for the most far-off thing for which I've been sent-out for so far. A 35-year-old gay Russian geologist who is blasting-off 400 million miles away from earth. Yeah. I thought a coaching was in order.
Optimally, I'd get a dialect coach, but without a phone number for one and with limited time, I could only get an acting coach. I wanted a dialect coach for the accent, but after working the scene once with the acting coach it turned-out my faux-Ruski was acceptable. This is the first time I've coached with this particular teacher (another VFS instructor). His methods are a little different, but he really helps bring the character closer to the actor, to make the scene more real. I got a pretty good reaction from the Casting Director at Brooksbank, so the coaching paid-off. Whether I got the role or not, I gave a good audition, the most real and natural I've done thus far. Given the challenging role, I'll chalk that up as a success.
I was supposed to go back to set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" on Wednesday, when I received a called from the 2nd AD telling me they may need me instead on Thursday ... or not at all. Y'see, the 2nd AD told me that Chris (as in Columbus) has cut the scene together (as in "edit", not "erase" or "discard") and he found that the scene can work without my shot. So, Wednesday afternoon, before my first Cactus Club shift, I get the call telling me they don't need me anymore. And that's the end of that tale. I'm pretty disappointed, but hey, it's out of my hands. All that's left to be done is book the next role ... hopefully with more lines and, if I'm lucky, a shot of my face. Here's hopin'.
The worst part about not going to set is that I had to pay for my haircut instead of getting hair and make-up to do it for free. I got my ears lowered on Thursday at a place called "The Chop Shop", which has a kind of 50's car-motif thing going. It looked way too cool for me, but I excel at being a round peg in a square hole and fitting into places I don't belong. Or not.
Like I mentioned, I had my first Cactus Club shift Wednesday at the Ash St. location. It was trial by fire, and I certainly didn't expect to be walking with a tray and running food to tables on my first day, but aside from a handful of table-number-screw-ups, I did alright. I had a second shift added Thursday because I wasn't going to set (dang) and therefore I'd be missing the opening night of Indiana Jones (daaAAAAaang). I did better that night, felt more comfortable. It's way more hectic than security, which is a good thing, as two hours can pass without even noticing it when it gets busy. It'll be a hard-working, short-staffed summer, but I hope to be serving within a few months. It's all up to me. And them, part of it is up to them.
It's my last Friday at Black Box, tomorrow's my last shift. I shall miss it so. Paladin's treated me well, and the people at Black Box have been great. My Manager said there's always a job for me at Paladin, so I know that, even in my darkest hour, I at least won't be homeless. Not working graveyards has been a great choice, and the hours got worked-around if an audition came-up. I need to keep telling myself that once I reach server at Cactus, I'll be making more money. It's the name of the game.
To bookend on the acting class theme, I finally registered and paid-in-full for a Scene Study Class with one of my favourite VFS instructors, in a class specifically for VFS Alumni. I've wanted to branch-out and try classes with instructors I've never had before, but I know I can still learn a lot from this guy. It's been ten months since I've graduated and taken a real acting course, so this is way overdue. It promises to raise my audition-success quotient by 200%!*
*Results not typical.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I Saw Sara At The Audition
When I showed-up at the Casting Office, I found no people and the door closed. Did I screw-up the day again? Thankfully, no. A quick call to my agent alleviated any concerns, and a few minutes later the Casting Assistant came downstairs to open the doors and to tell me to come upstairs to get the sides. We were only auditioning one part, and it was a girl part. Awesome. And she's supposed to be hot. Double awesome. Doublawesome.
Sitting in the waiting room, I quickly learned that readers, much like the actors who work with them, also sit in the waiting room. While waiting, who should show-up first but my great buddy Sara. She blew a snot-bubble laughing.
"Who are you auditioning for?"
"I'm actually reading."
"WHAT?"
Well, who better to read with first than the girl I quite often read for? I helped her go over the sides (well, she helped me too), much like we'd do when I'd help her put stuff on tape.
There were only about seven or eight actresses auditioning, so I also took-over as a Casting Assistant, which just meant that I had to highlight the list of performers, and bring in the head shots and resumes in the right order.
It was very interesting to see the different actresses come through the doors, and to see their varying takes on the character. I didn't hear any "dirt" in the room, since I was relegated to waiting outside the door and being called in when the actresses were.
The whole thing went off without a hitch, so there may be a chance I'll get asked to read again. Here's hoping. I'll be getting paid for it and everything.
Afterwards, my agent called, laughing about running into Sara.
"I wanted to see if she could handle it."
So it was all a dirty trick! Why I oughta ... thank him for all he's done. I don't think it threw Sara at all, she's been through enough that this wouldn't be a big deal. But look at me, carrying-on.
The next Pre-screen is with the "Altitude"/"Revolution" folks -- wait a minute. OK, I'm starting a new Casting naming system. I shall name them by street name, so as not to name them directly, but it'll get too confusing to name them by projects. These Casting folks shall henceforth be known as Broadway (and for the record, my North Vancouver peeps shall be known as Brooksbank. Make a chart if you have to.)
So I'll go to Broadway tomorrow to pre-screen for a Scooby Doo prequel. This will be a made-for-TV-movie that they're hoping to make into a series. I'll be pre-screening foer the part of Fred, my lady roommate is going out for Velma, which she is perfect for. This is going to be fun, and I'm really glad I got that bleach-job yesterday.
Turns out losing that bet worked in my favour, however, this is the last time I pick Germany in an IIHF hockey game. I just thought Canada had to lose sometime ...
Sitting in the waiting room, I quickly learned that readers, much like the actors who work with them, also sit in the waiting room. While waiting, who should show-up first but my great buddy Sara. She blew a snot-bubble laughing.
"Who are you auditioning for?"
"I'm actually reading."
"WHAT?"
Well, who better to read with first than the girl I quite often read for? I helped her go over the sides (well, she helped me too), much like we'd do when I'd help her put stuff on tape.
There were only about seven or eight actresses auditioning, so I also took-over as a Casting Assistant, which just meant that I had to highlight the list of performers, and bring in the head shots and resumes in the right order.
It was very interesting to see the different actresses come through the doors, and to see their varying takes on the character. I didn't hear any "dirt" in the room, since I was relegated to waiting outside the door and being called in when the actresses were.
The whole thing went off without a hitch, so there may be a chance I'll get asked to read again. Here's hoping. I'll be getting paid for it and everything.
Afterwards, my agent called, laughing about running into Sara.
"I wanted to see if she could handle it."
So it was all a dirty trick! Why I oughta ... thank him for all he's done. I don't think it threw Sara at all, she's been through enough that this wouldn't be a big deal. But look at me, carrying-on.
The next Pre-screen is with the "Altitude"/"Revolution" folks -- wait a minute. OK, I'm starting a new Casting naming system. I shall name them by street name, so as not to name them directly, but it'll get too confusing to name them by projects. These Casting folks shall henceforth be known as Broadway (and for the record, my North Vancouver peeps shall be known as Brooksbank. Make a chart if you have to.)
So I'll go to Broadway tomorrow to pre-screen for a Scooby Doo prequel. This will be a made-for-TV-movie that they're hoping to make into a series. I'll be pre-screening foer the part of Fred, my lady roommate is going out for Velma, which she is perfect for. This is going to be fun, and I'm really glad I got that bleach-job yesterday.
Turns out losing that bet worked in my favour, however, this is the last time I pick Germany in an IIHF hockey game. I just thought Canada had to lose sometime ...
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