How Fun Are You to Work With?

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Casting Frontier

“Be nice to people on your way up because you meet them on your way down.” – Jimmy Durante

We’ve all heard the stories of enfant terrible movie directors storming on set and making it a living hell for the entire cast and crew. Or an A-list star who won’t leave the trailer unless his latte is foamed to perfection. We’ve heard about the sleazy producer who thinks sexual harassment is funny, and the drug addled DP who can’t show up for work without a morning bump. These stories have been around since movies were called flickers and since starlets were strictly under contract. Some of these stories may be accurate, and some have been inflated through word of mouth with a dose of magnificent hyperbole.

But, the reality of the day-to-day Hollywood machine is often quite different. For instance, The Descendants‘ newcomer Shailene Woodley says she was nervous about meeting costar George Clooney. “And then he came up to me, gave me a big hug, and said, ‘Welcome, sweetie.’ And immediately the intimidation factor went away…George is the least intimidating person on the planet. He’s always on the set hanging out with transportation guys or craft service guys or the dolly grips, playing basketball with the dudes. He’s just a normal guy…from Kentucky with a heart of gold.”

Hollywood is a very competitive and challenging place. Before one actor speaks a single line, there are writers, producers, development folk, research teams, and location scouts working around the clock to prepare for production. It takes an enormous amount of time, effort, resources, and money to turn the magical words on a page into magical images on the big screen. So, Hollywood power brokers have little time for actors who can’t show up to work on time and with a good attitude. It’s an enormous privilege to be cast in a feature film or TV show. If you are so honored, be sure to make the most of it. By greeting people warmly or making an effort to remember others’ names, you will not only be regarded as a pleasure to work with, but you’ll increase your chances of working with members of that team in the future. As big as it is, Hollywood is a small town, and people tend to work with those they’ve had good experiences with in the past. Empowering yourself with positive social skills could make all the difference in your career.

Submit your profile for commercial auditions, TV auditions (and more!) in Los Angeles, New York & nationwide. Get more auditions using Casting Frontier's online casting system and showcase your talent! Post your reel & plus get your Casting Card that includes your personal Actor ID Barcode. Visit us at http://castingfrontier.com.

A Weighty Commitment

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Casting Frontier

You’re certain you want to make it as an actor. You’ve known it since you can remember, and nothing’s going to get in your way. But, have you given thought to everything it will take to achieve immortality? Have you thought about the many sacrifices in store for you as an actor and budding legend? Robert Di Nero gained 60 pounds to play the volatile pugilist Jake LaMotta in Scorsese’s epic Raging Bull. And before he gained the weight, Robert absolutely shredded his physique by training constantly with the real-life brawler who inspired the film. He even went so far as to compete in three organized bouts, winning two. Now, you may not be asked to put your life and health on the line for an acting role, but make no mistake, the craft of acting is all about commitment. Take, for example Charlize Theron’s performance in the celebrated and controversial film, Monster. Before that film, much of her cache was in her beauty and smoldering sexuality. It was a real risk for Charlize to gain 30 pounds and be seen as an ugly, even hideous person. Taking that weight off and getting back into svelte, puma form was not easy, I’m sure. Was it worth it? Well, she won the Oscar for best actress and cemented her place in Hollywood as a serious actress. Oh, and did I mention Di Nero won best actor for his role in Raging Bull which was voted best film of the decade.

It is nothing less than frightening watching a skin-and-bones Christian Bale operating a table saw in the Hitchcockian thriller, The Machinist. Just the idea of someone that frail and weak operating heavy machinery is enough to make you formally place your hands over your eyes. He lost a staggering 63 pounds for the role that made him a legend in some circles. Now, am I saying you should go out and start starving yourself or pounding Krispi Kremes for your next movie role? Generally speaking, doing anything unhealthy for your body is a no-no for any actor. But, you have to be prepared to do what it takes to deliver a legendary performance if you want to be seen up there on Mount Olympus with the big boys. Or big girls in Charlize’s case.

Benefits of Karaoke

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Casting Frontier

Do you wish you had more opportunities to perform? Simon Cowell always uttered the karaoke word with insult, but let’s not let him be the judge to its worth.

As you know, any acting project you’re fortunate enough to be a part of requires a significant team of people to direct, produce, finance, acquire equipment, handle technical matters, costumes, make up, and the list goes on. The reality for actors is that the field requires a serious amount of manpower before any role can even present itself. So what about those times when you’re itching to perform in front of an audience? To keep your acting wheels well-oiled, something you can do on your own is hit the karaoke scene. While you’re belting out popular songs, think of what you’re gaining from the experience. First of all, you can fine tune your performance skills. How do you enter and exit your time up? How can you actually rivet the audience? Remember, unlike American Idol who claims their contest is about the singing, karaoke has no boundaries. Think Biz Markie singing Just a Friend. Make your presence all your own, and find out what is working for you. Get comfortable with an audience staring at you. Allow yourself to fail a few times in the process of landing on your own talent. Bring your own unique flavor to all you sing. And, are you studying a character? Perform as your character would perform in a karaoke bar. What would he or she sing and how would their performance go?

For those of you who actually are gifted singers, this skill is an excellent addition to your acting career. Think Gweneth Paltrow singing Cruisin’ with Huey Lewis.

And best of all, singing karaoke fun!

To see Jewel sing disguised as a mild-mannered business woman at a karaoke bar, click here.

See Cameron Diaz sing karaoke in My Best Friend’s Wedding.

What Actor Inspired You the Most?

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Casting Frontier

Can you remember the first actor who inspired you to become an actor? Were you watching TV, a feature film in a velvet dark theatre, or maybe it was a play? Was it an old black and white film or a CGI masterpiece? There is that exquisite moment in any artist’s life when his or her passion is awakened, and from that point on, the pursuit of that passion is their raison d’etre! Twilight’s Robert Pattinson gushes with childlike enthusiasm when he recalls seeing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest for the first time. “I wanted to be Jack Nicholson. I did everything like him, I acted like him, I dressed like him, I even tried to emulate his accent.” Marlon Brando, in turn, inspired Jack Nicholson; Nicholson has been quoted as saying, “Actors don’t normally discuss who the best actor in the world is, because it’s obvious – Brando is the best.” As much as he was The Godfather, Brando, in turn, had his own inspirations, naming Fredric March as one them.

With all the talk of being connected through social networking and by Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, we have a growing awareness of just how connected we truly are. Add to this list how an actor’s performance can reach us on such a deep level–enough to make us cry, even enough to change our path in life. Charlize Theron has admitted to being jealous of Daryl Hannah after seeing the movie Splash, and developed a crush on Tom Hanks. She said to herself that she could have played the role of Madison better than Hannah. Great great actors were once just humble fans trying to imagine themselves up on the big screen.

So, the next time you’re sitting in the theatre, the lights dim, and you’re taken by a brilliant actor’s performance, remember, there may come a time when someone you’ll never know is inspired by your performance! But the only way that will happen is–you guessed it–work, work, work, audition, audition, audition!

Seth Rogen: “I remember when I got my first Adam Sandler CD and it was the funniest thing I’d ever heard in my entire life, and continues to be.”

Twilight’s Ashley Greene adores Audrey Hepburn and, as a result, one of her all-time favorite movies is Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Comedian John Belushi loved Lucille Ball, was a fan of hers and knew every detail of her life and career.

See Brando scream Stella! Click here to see a Stella! Screaming Contest.

Handling Acne Breakouts on Audition Day

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Casting Frontier

What do Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, and Leonardo DiCaprio have in common? They’re flawlessly gorgeous superstars, of course…and they’ve struggled with acne. Certainly, having access to make-up artists who can conceal any blemish, and being able to regularly see a dermatologist helps manage the situation. But, such stars still feel the intense social and career pressure that emphasizes one’s appearance, just like anyone else.

Acne humor is prevelant in our culture, but those who struggle with the condition know it’s no laughing matter. Some of the potential psychiatric and psychological complications of acne are depression, social anxieties, impaired self-image and self-esteem, and reduced quality of life. Acne triggers include heredity, changes in hormones, and–despite ongoing urban mythology–diet does not appear to play a prominent role in its cause. But, one of the biggest acne triggers is stress, which can strike anyone at any time, disrupting the hormone balance, closing down pores, and allowing bacteria to collect. This means acne will most likely strike at the worst times.

As an actor, this could mean feeling less confident going into your national commercial callback audition–or even skipping an audition altogether. So what do you do if you don’t have time or can’t afford the dermatologist appointments you wish you had?

This week, a very brave and beautiful teenage model named Cassandra Bankson appeared on Good Morning America sharing make-up tips she acquired after hours of research and practice. Bankson has learned to expertly hide her own extensive blemishes covering her face and neck, and demonstrates her method in a before-and-after YouTube video that’s had more than 4 million views. She’s a true inspiration and role model in garnering confidence, poise, and strength in the face of adversity.

Here’s to never allowing a blemish to shake your confidence in an audition or in your acting career!