Always here to help, Insider Tips!

My dear Actors,
I have put this on my blog for extra information for you, to assist you after you read THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS AS AN ACTOR E-Book ($9.95 for over 100 pages)

FREE ARTICLE
What do I need to know about call-backs?

After all candidates have auditioned for a role, casting directors may hold one or more additional rounds of auditions, called call-backs. If you receive a call-back, it means you’ve made the director’s shortlist for the role. For each call-back you attend you’ll be up against fewer and fewer people until someone has the part. Since call-backs have their own purposes and procedures, you should treat them somewhat differently to your initial audition…

To continue reading, go to: http://www.myactingcareer.com.au/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-call-backs/

WORK ALERT!
Shallows – Feature In Development

Whales have always been the life-force of Angelus, a small town on the south coast of Western Australia. Their annual passing defines the rhythms of a life where little changes, and the town depends on their carcasses. So when the battle begins on the beaches outside their town, and when Queenie Cookson, a local girl, joins the Greenies to make amends for the crimes of her whaling ancestors, it can only throw everything into chaos. Based on Tim Winton’s novel about the end of the whaling industry in Albany, WA.

Members can see the full listing at: http://www.myactingcareer.com.au/production-listings/

MEET…
James Laurie (Agent)

Prior to the formation of his agency, James Laurie was a successful performer and a casting director both in Australia and overseas. James Laurie Management (JLM) represents high profile clients who have established careers in the entertainment industry in Australia and internationally. The agency also has a strong tradition of nurturing young practitioners in its theatrical, creative and voice artist divisions. The agents at JLM have over 100 years combined experience in the arts industry, having worked in casting, public relations, theatre management, television production and publishing. The agency has affiliations with management companies in London, New York, Los Angeles, Frankfurt and New Zealand.

Members can get contact details at: http://www.myactingcareer.com.au/contact-lists/

FEATURE INTERVIEW
Making Mistakes: David Parker

What are some traps actors should avoid?

“The real trap for an actor lies not in their actual work place, but in the outside world.

What constantly fascinates me in this industry is the media reporting on actors, not so much for their performances on camera or on stage, but their performances off camera or off stage. There are actors who can give the finest of performances – they may be well-critiqued, audiences may love what they do on film – but if they put a foot wrong out there in public, all hell breaks loose. An actor’s behaviour off screen is great food for the press – if it’s a girlfriend scorned, an extra-marital fling, a drug bust or a drink driving charge. We can all think of notorious examples. And studios are renowned from wiping actors off their A-list after indiscretions have marred an otherwise stellar career.

What the media hype does is to elevate an actor to a point where their picture on a cover will sell more magazines; and the elevation is to the person, not the actor. Their last role may be outstanding, yet if a fickle public perceive that the actor has done wrong, then their star meter rating will plummet as they are dropped like a hotcake.

There is a very blurred edge between the actor as a person and the actor as an acting professional. Do we like seeing Toni Collette in a film because she’s Toni Collette or because she’s a great actor? Really, it’s a mix. The simple fact is that every actor brings some of themselves to a role. We, the audience, understand that Toni is playing Sheryl in Little Miss Sunshine; we know it’s really Toni, but she’s a good actress and for an hour and a half she transports us into believing that she is Sheryl.

Films come and go, and actors move onto the next movie and the next. Actors sometimes choose a particular role that just doesn’t turn out well on screen. They may have needed the work and took on a role that they aren’t particularly drawn to. Perhaps the director had diametrically opposed views as to what this character is; sometimes the script changes; sometimes a co-star may be vying for screen time and presence to the detriment of your character. There are lots of variables that can curtail an actor’s best intention.

So the vital question is this – how do you navigate through this melee?

You read the script. You like it. You’re going to audition. Learn the lines well. Directors and producers aren’t generally open to the ‘Oh, she’s dreadful at auditions, but great when she gets the role’ notion. Auditions are tough. You could be taking the character in the wrong direction; you’ve dyed your hair blonde but they’re after a redhead. Try to relax; be open but focussed; find out as much as you can about the film, the part; be well versed in the director’s previous films. Bring as much depth as you can to your read – don’t heighten it, keep it energetic but natural. The director can always ask you to bring it up or down…”

Members can read the full interview at: http://www.myactingcareer.com.au/interviews/

INSIDER SECRETS
Getting to the Top

I was like a sponge in accepting good advice from people. You’ve just got to be careful you don’t get a lot of silly advice. Bud Tingwell

Believe in yourself – if you don’t, no one else will. No one achieves greatness by thinking they can’t. Annie Murtagh-Monks

Getting a good agent, that’s vital. Tony Knight

It’s advice I got a long time ago and it has worked for me: Whatever your agent tells you to do, do. Don’t argue. Bud Tingwell

You need the right resilient temperament. Chris Edmund

Members can read dozens more insider secrets on this topic at: http://www.myactingcareer.com.au/insider-secrets/