Casting Brief Q12: Any specific scene that the director wants to audition the characters?

For the entire list of questions go back to

Casting Brief

Question 12: Any specific scene that the director wants to test the characters?

This is as obvious as it gets. Does the director have any specific scene/s that he wants the person to act out in the audition? Something that he thinks would bring out the character, or a scene which is most important towards the film. 

There are times when more than one scene gets auditioned but that usually happens on callbacks. This of course is true only in the case of films. 

The reason for asking this question could also be at times most directors will not be willing to share a key scene with too many people as that could potentially jeopardise the project. To avoid this a dummy scene could be created or even a scene from an existing movie to test the actor's range of emotions.

In advertising, the actor is required to enact the entire part and sometimes in different tones.

A few examples of auditions:

Joaquin Phoenix Audition test footage 'Joker' Behind The Scenes

Sometimes the camera is kept running beyond the scene to test the chemistry of actors.

Outlander - Original Chemistry Test: Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) & Caitriona Balife (Claire)

It's not uncommon to do the auditions in mood settings, especially in callbacks. If there are more than one character in the scene then either one of the casting assistant or another actor is called to say the other lines. Most of the time the other dialogues are off-camera but sometimes they are used in the scene.

AUDITION TAPE: Robert Downey Jr. audition for Iron Man

TIP: As an actor look for audition videos of the characters that have done very well in films and you will see what was brought to the table right from the beginning or the improvement that came in the shoot.

You can also look for practice scripts to work on in your free time.

For answers to the previous question go back to
Casting Brief Q11: Reference of role

Read on for the next question
Question 13: Any specific props required for the audition?

For the entire list of casting questions go back to

Casting Brief

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Pro Tip#8 - Networking

Film schools never teach you marketing & networking and these are two of the most important things to learn in this industry. A lot of very good talent goes to waste as they lack these skills.

It does not matter if you're a director or a producer or an intern that's just starting out. Being a friendly person to work with will not only make your employers come back to you time and time again but those same people would also recommend you to others. Who wouldn't want to work with a person who is cheerful even at the most stressed-out times? 

Make friends with all, from the runner on your set to the client that is present. You never know when someone climbs the ladder or changes their path. An assistant from today could be your potential client tomorrow. Of course, you will come across people you don't like and never want to work with, even in such situations be polite and try and move out of the situation or job or project as quietly and quickly as possible. Never burn bridges with anyone. 

 

Besides the workplace how do you go about networking? start simple, by adding your peers on social media. See other people's work, say nice things about it if you like it. As and when possible make friends with others beyond your office network like when you are in studios and there are others around. Post-production studios are a great way to meet people from different organizations. Go for parties and events like award functions or film festivals, these are great places to build your network quickly if your good at it. Invite your potential clients, agencies out to drinks, or dinner. A post wrap party is always a nice time to bond.

But in your effort of networking, do not force your self on people by constantly messaging and chatting. Give people their space too. If it's meant to be you will become friends with that person. Don't keep asking people for work, see Tips When Applying For Work

Don't forget to leave your thoughts, tips, and comments below

Check out more professional filmmaking tips here

Don't forget to read,

Pro Tip #7 - Up Your Skills

Filmmakers Talk 19 - Voice Over Instructions

If you have heard any funny comments in the studio post it in the comments below and it might just make the Film-Makers Talk List.

Previous Talks:

Filmmakers Talk-18: Life of a freelancer

Filmmakers Talk-17: Sound PJ.

Pro Tip #7 - Up your skills

This post applies to all sitting at home during the corona-virus with no job.
The best thing you can do in your downtime, not just the virus time but every time you are without a project is to up your skillset.

You never know what you learn today will come handy tomorrow. It does not necessarily have to be related to your field. But if it is so, it might help you better when you apply for your next job.

A few film-related examples: 

For a graduate just out of college and wants to be an assistant in advertising or filmmaking, master the skills of PowerPoint and/or Pages. If you have done so move on the basics of Photoshop or Indesign these skills will come handy when you are preparing your PPM docket.

An actor who thinks that only acting is needed, think about learning to sing, dance, play an instrument or even something like martial arts. You never know when that skill is the reason you win a role over someone else. Why stop there, learn direction or scriptwriting these will give you insights into how and why people get cast.

Directors learn how to edit or compose music, you may end up with a disaster of a project but you might learn a few tricks which will come in handy later when dealing with the professionals on your project.



Some learning comes from watching behind the scenes, or a director's interview or anyone from your industry. You could learn just by listening to their experiences on the project.


Look to learn other soft skills, like a new language, patience, personality development, leadership, decision making, etc. All these will help you grow as a better human being, it does not matter which field you belong to.

Every day is a chance to learn something new.

Check out more professional filmmaking tips here

Don't forget to read,

Pro Tip #6 - Portfolio Sending