This Is My Pick Which May Screw Up Your Chances in Auditions
Don't do anything that isn't about the audition.
To arrive at an audition without thoroughly preparing the requested material.
Being late is another common mistake
Shaking hands: Don’t do it unless they approach you and offer their hand
Apologizing before or after your audition.
Whether you are attending auditions, barging in their offices or visiting production houses, you meet casting directors or directors or producers or may be their clients who are sitting with them. They expect a certain behavior and etiquette from you, which sadly they don't get from some of you.
So here is 14 Screw Ups and how to correct them
1. Behavior
Don't embarrass them in front of their producers / clients (occasionally they be present in an audition or a meeting) or other direction or production colleagues when you show up and still do not have a perfect preparation or the material memorized.
2. Clothes On And The Perfume Off
Keep your clothes on and the perfume off. If the role calls for exhibiting six packs or a nude scene, it will be done on set. Not in their office or in an audition room.
3. Don't Loiter
When your audition is over, please leave. They are not best friends and I don't want you hanging out in the waiting room or even chatting with their juniors or receptionists if you are calling them in their offices.
4. Meet Them Through The Proper Channels
If you have registered with coordinators or with an agent, they will submit. I suggest not to phone or email (only once) or tweet repeatedly.
5. No Unnecessary Questions
Don't question whether you are right for a project. If they call you after scrutinizing your portfolio and resume, they might have discussed you with other concerned people and think that you have a chance at the role. They won't call you in to waste your time or theirs. Go and be prepared.
6. Irrespective Of Consequences "Smile"
Be respectful. Even if you are having a bad day, put a smile on your face and be pleasant to them. 7. Thank them irrespective of an outcome. They appreciate that
7. Be Professional
Be professional. If you are called and likely to be out of town, inform them with regret while still thanking them for the invitation
8. Be Truthful In Replies
Don't say that you can do something you can't. For example, don't say Yes to 5 nights continuous shoot if can't. Or nude scenes or horse riding or bike stunts if you can't
9. Don't Mention Age
Never tell anyone your age if you're an adult . If you're an adult, it only matters how old you play in the room or on camera. You could look far younger than your years or you could look far older than your years. At the most, you can mention only in resume “Screen look range”
10. Strictly Avoid comments, criticism, change in script
Never comment, criticize or change the script or your lines in front of the writer or director or producer of the project or tell anybody else in their office, audition waiting room or while auditioning. However, you are free to have your choices in performance options.
11. Questions
Ask questions about the material if you are unsure about something. Only ask questions if you need clarity.
12. Request Should Be Appropriate
If you need more time with the material, it's OK to ask for a re-schedule or for another opportunity if it's a rush call. Better to do your best and be prepared than to go in and try to waste their time and your chances.
13. Be Flexible
Be flexible and be prepared for a change in your lines or performance.
14. Learn Relaxation Techniques
Invest in researching relaxation techniques so that you can overcome any nervousness previous to your entering the meeting or audition room. Based on Updated on 13 07 2017
Why The Names Of These Schools and And An Acting Coach Leaps Out At You?
Reputed
Good Teaching Faculty
Good syllabus
Extensive Scene Practice
Chance to Learn With Other Talented actors
For Beginners-An Award Winning Personal Coach
Note: However, check credentials before deciding
1. National School of Drama Delhi
Please visit the website to know eligibility to join. It's pretty tough! http://nsd.gov.in/delhi/ NSD Fee Structure The fee structure for three-year course in Dramatic Arts is as follows Fees: ₹8,560 Per Year Break up AdmissionRs. 50.00 /- Tuition FeeRs. 80.00 per month Costume for ClassesRs. 800.00 per month Caution Money (Refundable)Rs. 2000.00/- Advance for Makeup Kit (adjustable)Rs. 1000.00/- Students’ Union (membership fee)Rs. 24.00/- StationaryRs. 800.00/- Hostel Rent per seatRs. 110.00 per month Electricity and Water Charges (adjustable)Rs. 40.00 per month Hostel ExpensesRs. 14.00 per month Medical FeeRs. 1.00 per month Mess ChargesRs. 650.00 per month (likely to vary from one month to another)
http://www.whistlingwoods.net/ Subhash Ghai is the chairman of Whistling Woods International, Mumbai. The courses include a 2-year course in acting. Fees: Rs. 9 Lakhs
4. Berry John Acting Studio
http://www.bjas.in/diploma-in-film-acting/ MUMBAI Studio 301 Nanak Chambers, Opp. Fun Republic New Link Rd., Andheri West, Mumbai 400053 +91 9967977966/67, 022-26742192 bjasmumbai@gmail.com *Delhi NEW DELHI Studio 32 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV New Delhi 110024 +91 9716114466, 9999704455, 011-40578451 bjasdelhi@gmail.com Fees 4-Month DFA: DELHI STUDIO: 26 June, 4 September, 30 October 2017, 8 January 2018 Course fee: Rs 1,75,000 + 18% GST (total Rs 2,06,500), installments available. 6-Month DFA: MUMBAI STUDIO: 3 October 2017, 8 January, 2 April, 9 July 2018 Course fee: Rs 2,75,000 + 18% GST (total Rs 3,24,500). 50% at registration, 50% before course opens – we no longer offer installments in Mumbai.
5. Anupam Kher’s-Actor Prepares
The institute offers full time and part time course in acting. http://www.actorprepares.net Fees: Full-time course: Please contact Institute Other Courses A. Part-time Certificate Course Acting and Dance: Rs 25,000 Only Acting: Rs 20,000 B. Weekend Workshop Acting and Dance: Rs 12,500 Only Acting: Rs 10,000 C. Advanced Weekend Programme Acting and Dance: Rs 75,000 Only Acting: Rs 65,000
On Camera introduction and video introduction techniques
Why Am I Not selected In Auditions? How To Give Best Introduction For Auditions Or In Video Introduction?
Auditions
This applies to both-
Physically on camera in front of auditions
Prepared Video introduction submitted to casting directors or production dept.
Your introduction (slate, as it 's called) tells those viewing your audition if you can be selected and are “castable."
Video Introduction
Due to the pressure of time and the rents of hiring a place for auditions is expensive hence, much of that decision to watch your video or even physically in an audition is based on whether your physicality fits their requirements and whether the viewing public will convincingly identify you with the character.
In Audition
While in a live audition, how you introduce self (slate), your presence, and how you connect to the camera is really important. Though your physical appearance to the character is considered, your overall introduction is totally up to you and can be your strong asset for selection if done well.
Speaking out just your name seems so simple, which is why many give it no real thought. This can be a mistake because the intro (slate) provides important information about who you are. It depicts confidence or lack of showing your personality, and so much more.
From years of my own experience as an actor and teaching, I have seen most of the ways that actors make bad first impressions with their introduction.
7 reasons
How actors create a bad impression
When actors desperately try to fake an impression, overdramatize, and appear that they are working too hard to be likable, it may create an impression of insincerity, insecurity, or poor training.
If actors appear moody, sullen, uptight, or arrogant, it gives an impression that actor could have emotional issues.
If they are slick or monotone, they appear unbelievable or unlikeable.
If they don't hold eye contact with the camera, they seem afraid, shifty, or inexperienced.
If actors speak too fast or too soft, it makes them appear nervous, shy or inhibited.
If they speak too slow, it often is taken as patronizing like a saint or a priest.
if they speak too loud, it suggests they have done more theater than film work or that they are trying to reach the camera with their voice.
The above may happen as an unconscious act, habit, or a consequence of their anxiety and tension, which make them look 'one of those hundreds' and inexperienced.
How To Give Best Introduction (Video as well)
I suggest that you introduce (slate) as if it were an introduction to someone, not as a presentation, announcement, or to impress. When auditioning, I suggest that you honestly introduce yourself to someone in the room (usually the person running the session) while looking into the camera lens.
You should be positive and enjoy introducing yourself.
Smile, if it feels right, but if you smile just to smile, it will look fake and insincere. Smile because you are confident and having fun, then it will be relaxed or engaging.
Be spontaneous! Each time you say your name it should be just a little different. If there isn’t some difference each time, then it may convey you have probably memorized and it's just a “line reading.”
Add a “Hi, I’m" or a “Hello, my name is” and then your name. This will make it friendly and less like you are reporting for military duty.
When nervous, laugh a little bit (to relax) before you start. It helps to release the nervousness and quickly shifts you into a positive energy. If you have been told by auditioners that you are "not really you" in your slate, then you should give it some attention.
There is no second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true for commercial ad auditions.
Note: Sometimes actors want to know if they should slate in character. I suggest if you are unsure then ask the AD or audition session in-charge
"good-looking Bollywood Hero’ template is gradually wearing out, paving way for gifted newcomers"- Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Every day, thousands of actors attend auditions and interviews to land a role. As an actor, you are always auditioning and looking for the next job. You stand in front of -casting directors and their teams, producers, choreographers, and influential industry experts who determine whether or not you will get the part.
As an actor or and an acting coach for long, I can tell you:
Hope and hard work are not enough to win the job.
Even being a good actor and contacts are not always enough. Instead, you can increase your chances of getting selected by presenting unique and impressive characteristics.
To win every audition and interview, you must use the right set of tools and techniques.
Body language plays a critical factor in whether or not you will get the job. In order to stand out in a crowd of hundreds (if not thousands) of actors, you must take control of your body language so casting directors will remember you.
To audition or interview successfully, use body language to your advantage. First, observe how you currently use body language and nonverbal communication.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
How do I prepare my body and voice before an audition?
What facial expressions do I make in the audition room when I’m not performing?
How does my voice is when I introduce myself to casting directors?
What did I do in my last audition to get the role?
Did body language contribute to my last rejection? What did I do and how can I change it?
Once you have done some self-diagnosis. Use these body language hacks for actors
Bollywood Stars Who Believe A Good Body Language Is A Part Of 'Talent' To Enhance Success Chances
6 Talented Bollywood stars who believed in good body language than looks alone
Amitabh Bachchan
Aamir Khan
Shah Rukh Khan
Hrithik Roshan
Deepika Padukone
Ajay Devgan
Vidya Balan
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Improving Body Language
Body language isn’t a mere set of “techniques” or a show to put on for others. It is how you move in this film and TVworld. and how you move, In many ways, it dictates how you feel, what you say, what you strive for and what you allow to escape your grasp. It demonstrates your emotional state, your confidence, your vivacity. It is an important to create an impression in the industry, to the world who you are. Because you show what your body is doing.
Examples
For instance, when you hold your body with confidence, you will actually feel more confident. If you slump your shoulders and hang your head, looking down, your brain will read that as sadness and depression, and you will actually FEEL sadder and more listless
A weak limp-fish handshake, for example, will immediately create an impression as someone ineffectual, unconfident and untrustworthy.
By contrast, someone who presses your hand will immediately demonstrate confidence and power.
7 Body Language Secrets To Learn
1. Do your eyes say “Welcome!” or “I don;t like you!”?
Oftentimes the first form of connection with another person will be through your eye contact. Clearly, squinting suspiciously or looking with frowned eyebrows will convey that you are initially closed to another. By contrast, warm, relaxed eyes, and an easy slow smile when you encounter someone, will make them feel welcome and accepted.
2. Is your chest open to the other or closed off?
Think about a person with arms crossed tightly over their chest. Do they feel warm, receptive and friendly? Or guarded and judgmental? Uncrossing your arms, and not holding anything in front of you (like a drink, or books or folders) signals that you’re open to interacting with people and ready to face what the world brings, whatever it brings. However, when you block your chest (your heart) with folded arms or objects, it may seem like you’re trying to protect yourself from something consciously or not.
3. How is your posture?
Think of a posture of an Indian Military Officer. Think of a confident politician. Think a straight spine. Think eye-level. Think feet planted solidly on the ground, with your weight evenly distributed. This kind of posture conveys strength, solidity, alertness, and confidence. By contrast, if you hunch your shoulders and head is drooping down, if you’re weight is uneven, you convey a lack of sureness, a lack of solidity.
4. What is your voice saying?
You are an actor. Words matter, but the meaning is always dependent upon how you speak those words; tonality. In workshops, In an audition or in a scene, if you say “I love you” like a murderer, a schoolboy, or as if someone won a lottery in a voice with a tone whose wife has just died, what you convey will be absurd.
Remember, how you say it matters as much as what you say.
Start noticing the voice and tonality of your voice on a voice recorder. Join Voice improvement classes or ask your acting coach
5. Add a personal "touch".
When we communicate, it’s out of a desire to be truly friendly or to impress to meet our objective — even if for a brief moment. To raise the level of connection people feel with you, try establishing "touch". Now, there are many kinds of touch. One of the examples is, at a moment of agreement or laughter or sudden closeness or understanding you can briefly touch someone’s upper arm. A simple touch like that is usually not felt as intrusive and it can quickly deepen the connection that you’re having with another person. The other examples could be tapping shoulder or hand. Be careful — some of it can feel unwelcome like slapping buttocks, punching someone's chest with the clenched fist. To create a sense of being appreciative, start slow.
6. Are you standing far apart or close?
Whether you know it or not, the physical distance that you’re close or far away from a person influences the kind of impact you have on them. The closer you are to a person when you’re communicating, the deeper the connection will be felt between the both of you. If you’re farther away, the lesser the connection will be.
Here’s another special-intimacy trick of the entertainment trade. Instead of standing directly opposite someone, which can create a “confrontation” feeling (especially if you physically larger and or with lady casting directors/Female co-actors ), try standing to a person’s side and speaking with them, which half-looking out at the world together. It’ll have the both of you feel as if you’re a team.
7. Mimicking people who have impressed you
Have you watched great actors in their real life like award functions, or attending some public function? Or wondered why politicians impress public? Do you like someone you know who has immensely impressed you? Watch that person's body language again and learn to copy. Use them in your meetings and communication Or "Oh, we are alike!" When meeting and talking to a person, simply mimic the gestures, keywords, vocal tonality, and pace of speech of the person you’re talking to. Doing this will deepen the connection level between you two because we all have a similarity bias, which means that we tend to like people whom we find our similar to us. For example, if the person to whom you’re speaking speaks quickly, try matching that pace. If they use an unusual word like “Samzhain ne aap?,” or "Mere kehne ka matlab hai.."(In Hindi) or "Undoubtedly""What I mean is", find a way to put that into your vocabulary while talking with them. If they Tap (pound) the table while enjoying a joke, do the same. If they lean in to listen closely, then you lean in to listen closely to them.
Maybe for many actors, learning Body Language Techniques may be unimportant but research on Bollywood stars have proved, they create a tremendous amount of familiarity and comfort, and is one of the key success factors.
The Reason Of Why Are You Failing Among Lakhs Of Aspiring Actors Not Realized Acting Is A 'Business' And An Actor Is A 'Product'
All Top Bollywood or Hollywood stars had eventually realized that 'Acting' is not only just a dream and a passion but a 'Business' like any other and they are not only an 'Actor' but a 'Product'. Which requires a professional marketing and promotional skills of the highest level. It's like manufacturing a soft drink or a toothpaste in a highly crowded market of millions of similar products and trying to be a Coca-Cola or Colgate. They really worked hard on this aspect alone initially and later hired top marketing agencies to promote them. (TOI 239, 12 07 2015)
In simple words to be a successful actor, you have to create, market and promote your image as an actor vigorously and repeatedly.
How To Repeat The Message
In the worlds of publicity, marketing, advertising and elsewhere, one of the common term is“repeat the message.”
This is an important concept that has been utilized since the beginning. Any household name, whether we’re talking Samsung, McDonald’s or Coca-Cola, has employed this, and in no small way. Their message is repeated over and over again to the public.
But how can this be interpreted and used to your advantage in the world of acting?
In my experience, it’s through, as I termed it “Image Bombardment” or “continuity of Branding.”
But before you can repeat a message to film TV media
you first need to have one
This is where “branding” comes in.
What’s branding?
It’s essentially creating a unique name, image or identity for a product or person in the customer’s (Industry people) mind in order to establish a particular type of something that is significant and unique.
You Must
In case of relevance to the acting world, where you want to promote yourself (product) to casting directors, production houses, coordinators, producers and to all others related to the industryyou must-
Create a unique name for yourself
A clear image
For example- Romantic actor, Hot and Sexy actor, Action actor, Tough guy, Innocent actor, Sly actor or Villain, Finest and the great actor, Comedic actor, Simpleton (villager), Versatile actor etc.
The Two Bollywood 'Business' Concept Examples
If you think of Akshay Kumar, you immediately get a clear concept: action hero -type. You even have physical mannerisms come to mind—incredible stunts.
Shah Rukh Khan, finest and the great actor. Viewers love him because he’s so versatile, transforming into a character instantly and in totality. They don’t even need to say anything; they can just squint their eyes, start making “the face,” and you immediately get knocked out...just whistling and clapping in a cinema hall, that’s they are identified.
Similar are the examples of female actors like Bipasha Basu as a hot and sexy actor or Vidya Balan as a versatile or Priyanka Chopra as “ All in One” actor (Brains, beauty, action, a truly versatile).
These actors have become legends in this era. Their “image” or brand is unforgettable. Partially due to this uniqueness, and partially due to the persistent continuity employed in marketing and promotion. Their “message” of uniqueness has been repeated over and over. Their “brand” literally has gone unchanged for a considerable period. And once their “brand” was firmly established, you then saw them shift into comedies and other genres. Whether this was planned or not, just realize the result:
Their type firmly established, on-screen, personality repeated, and is NOW the household name.
Of course, they possess another uniqueness- persistence, and perseverance in continuously developing their acting craft and taking their career and self as a “Business” model.
Image (Branding) and maintaining a continuity in the image are two of the first things an actor must work for the success of his/her acting career as a business.
When I was younger, I used to wonder why iconic brands like Colgate and Bata needed to advertise. I mean, why spend so much when everybody already knows all about them? But that’s the point. And that’s how they reached and maintained their classic level: a clear message that defines and expresses the brand; message maintained and never wavered from; message repeated again and again. Regardless of whether you like or agree with these giants, you can learn from them. And you can’t deny their success.
Conclusion
Image (Branding) and maintaining a continuity in the image are two of the first things an actor must work for the success of his/her acting career as a business.
In a nutshell: Discover who you are. Find a way to capture and express your message to others. Be consistent with that identity and message. Repeat it.
