As I sat with a fellow parent watching our kids jump in a bouncy house, we knocked out the typical small talk. How long have you lived here? How do you like the area? What do you do for a living? He is an actor, as am I, but that’s not all he does or plans to do. Why is it that most actors in LA feel the need to take on so many different jobs? One is the obvious, to make ends meet. Acting doesn’t pay much unless you get a reoccurring role or hit it big. But there is also a bit of shame tied to admitting you’re an actor. Almost as if you expect the other person to say “Oh God, not another actor!” There are so many of us in this city, it feels like you’re just a number. Go to an audition, or better yet hold one, and watch the submissions climb to the thousands. It doesn’t feel good to be an actor in LA, which is the reason why so many leave the profession. Rejection isn’t the only thing you have to get used to. You quickly learn that most gigs don’t pay much if anything, so you’re either in it because you adore it, and would rather do it for free than not do it at all, or you only dabble in it from time to time because why not? It’s fun, and you just might win the lottery.

For those of us that are serious, you may or may not have an agent, but you’re not about to stop paying your LA Casting dues. You keep scrolling through hundreds of jobs a day with a flash of hope every time you click submit, no matter how many times you hear nothing. You just never know unless you try, try, and try again. And those who spend the extra time to make themselves stand out with a reel or extra head shots, do stand out. It may help them get the next job which ends up being another non-paying gig.

I too am not just another actor, or writer, director, editor, producer, etc. Because of my experience as an actor, I observe actors differently. My favorite actors are those who do it not because of the money, but because they HAVE to do it…just like a writer MUST write. There’s a test many producers use to weed out the not so serious talent…Post an acting job as “non-paying” even if it is a paid gig. Cast it from those who submit… and then pay them anyway. Mel Gibson doesn’t even audition his actors. He says all he has to do is have a conversation with them to know if they can pull it off. I know what he means. If someone can look at you, and you see a reflection of authenticity in their eyes, you know they can most likely bring that to a character. I still prefer auditions.

I’ve held online auditions for a few of my past projects and gotten really lucky. A reel will tell you a lot about an actor. Joel Abelson (who plays Barry) had an amazing stage performance on his reel. Having a stage acting background, I knew immediately this guy has what it takes. Performing on stage takes guts, stamina and presence. It’s a presence that comes through on stage and in person. When I met with Joel for rehearsals, there was no doubt in my mind that I had cast the role perfectly. Not only is he gorgeous, but he has an honesty that shines through when he is acting. It’s in the eyes. It’s ALWAYS in the eyes. NEVER hide your eyes as an actor. Make that connection, look the other person in the eyes, hold onto that, and you’re halfway there.

It was the same with Harley. I contacted Caleb Hoffman (Lucas) from his reel, where he actually came to tears at the end (and so did I). Then, coincidentally, I saw him at a live show the next week and knew for sure, he was right for the role. I was sold on Lars Slind (Harley) just from his beautiful pictures, but I knew if he couldn’t act, there was no way I was going to cast him. He sent me a long list of content, and I was sold, especially after meeting him. Looking someone in the eye as they become the character, you can feel right away whether or not their performance is authentic. With Hannah Elder (Kira), she actually taped herself reading the lines and sent it to me. It was a wonderful audition, and I knew immediately, I found Kira.

Live auditions are still my favorite way to cast though they’re not realistic for every project. It’s also hard on an actor because for every audition, you give your time, head shots and gas money all for a small shot at getting the role, which is why it’s all moving online now. Acting is a tough and judgmental industry where you don’t feel pretty, skinny, or young enough much of the time…but look around at the roles on TV and you realize, you don’t have to be perfect or even close. You just got to keep trying and stop caring what every one else thinks. They don’t know how serious you are about going all the way. Of course it helps to do everything in your power to look your best. That confidence shines through in your performance. It also helps to get paid. Actors deserve it. Everyone who works deserves money for their work… though its not always realistic. Most producers are in the same boat as actors, doing their shoots because they love it, and they have to do it to be happy…and that’s all that really matters anyway…to find something that makes you happy.

This entry was posted on October 12, 2013 at 3:29 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Production by Blinking Dog Productions No Comments Yet