Parc Entertainment - A Video Production Company - Birmingham, AL

A majority of my first post on acting for the camera dealt with preparations the actor makes in order to find work. For the purposes of today’s post, imagine that you’ve landed the role. What do directors and producers expect of you throughout the production process?

1. A Strong Work Ethic - Whether you are getting paid for your time or you are donating your talents for the experience, you need to demonstrate an eagerness for the project. This includes: a) Arriving on time for all rehearsals and shooting dates, b) Memorizing your lines, c) Remaining courteous to everyone involved, d) Being mature and professional. We’ve all seen those “behind-the-scenes” documentaries of actors joking around on set. There’s certainly a place for that, but don’t let it hinder the process of filmmaking.
2. A Willingness to Listen - When the director critiques your performance, don’t get defensive. Listen and acknowledge that direction. Don’t make excuses. Don’t tell the director why he/she is wrong. Effective communication begins with listening.
3. A Willingness to Collaborate - As a director, I enjoy getting input from my actors. I expect them to come to the project with their own ideas and suggestions. I realize that not every idea fits with my vision, but I also know that some suggestions will make the film better. I welcome that creative collaboration. As an actor, you need to study the material. Be prepared to offer your opinions. It shows the director that you care about making the best film possible.

The process of filmmaking is extremely demanding, yet extremely rewarding. Being professional, courteous, and hard-working will go a long way toward landing you that next acting job.

I had the opportunity yesterday to speak before a group of young actors and share with them some important things about acting in front of the camera. The class was very productive and I think I left them with some valuable information.. So, if you are a young actor, new to the world of film production, allow me to share with you some of the things I shared with the students yesterday.

Getting Started

If you want to work in film and you live in a smaller market, be prepared to work for free. This is especially true if the project is a short film. However, you will gain some great experience and will be able to start building a reel. If you’re looking for paid work, I would suggest getting involved with a local agency. They will help you find commercial work that will pay.

As a young actor, it may be tempting to jump in with both feet when you read the words “Film Auditions.” After all, who doesn’t want to be in a movie? But I would suggest taking the time to find out more about the production company before you get involved. Look at their work. How’s the production quality? Would you be proud to have your name associated with the kind of work they produce? Maintain a sense of pride about yourself and your craft.

Consider being an extra in a production. This will give you valuable on-set experience and will help you get introduced to some important people.

Preparing for the Audition

Always have a headshot ready to go. It should be a single image with your resume stapled to the back. Your resume should be a single sheet and it should be attached so that a casting director can flip the headshot over read your resume. Don’t add on extra photos or extra sheets. Don’t paper clip items together, because your resume could get separated from your headshot. This means a casting director could have your picture without having any idea who you are or how to get in contact with you.

If you pride yourself on being a character actor and can offer a director a wide range of looks, you can always create a composite headshot. The composite would contain your main headshot and then two or three other images (on the same sheet) of you portraying particular character.

Auditioning

Every audition can be a little different, but you need to be prepared for the following:

1. On-camera introduction
2. Cold read
3. Informal interview
4. Improvisation

On-Camera Reminders

When you are on camera shooting a scene, remember that continuity is very important. This means that you have to do the exact same blocking in the exact same way for every take. This is to help the editor match footage together when the film is being assembled.

You also want to think subtle. In the theatre everything is big, because you have to project to the back row. Film is a much more intimate medium. The slightest change in facial expression can be read by the audience. If you play it up too big, you will be over-acting.

Finally, continue acting until the director says, “Cut.” Many directors want their actors to continue the scene and improv additional dialogue and action just to see what happens. Sometimes the best material can be found in these moments. So, don’t break character until you here the “Cut” command.

We went over a lot more material in yesterday’s class, so I might post a series of notes on acting for the camera in the next few days.

Parc Entertainment will be holding auditions for the short film “If Only” on Friday, February 6 from 6-8pm and Saturday, February 7 from 1-4pm. Auditions will be held at the Parc Entertainment office, located at 2309 2nd Avenue South. Please bring a headshot and resume when you come. If you have any questions, you can contact Clint at 205-588-4185, or clint@ParcEntertainment.com.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Cast:

VANESSA - Mid 30s. A classy woman who dresses smart. She’s not snobby or uptight. She suffers from emotional issues following a turbulent relationship. She has a close group of friends she relies on, and won’t really let anyone else in to her life. She’s guarded and introverted.

MATTHEW - Late 30s. Ex-boyfriend of Vanessa. Charming, but manipulative. Moderately successful. Moody. Insincere — will always tell you what you want to hear.

VANESSA’S FRIENDS - Three Women mid 30s-early 40s. Fun, sincere, trustworthy, just an all-around good group.

THERAPIST - Male or Female - Late 40s to mid 50s. Intelligent, academic. Soothing voice, calming effect on others.

We will also have some supporting roles including:

WAITER
POLICE OFFICER
MAITRE DE
RESTAURANT HOSTESS

And we will also be in need of extras to fill out a restaurant scene.

I’m excited to announce that we’re moving into pre-production for our next short film, tentatively titled “If Only.” We’re looking for talented actors who would be willing to donate their time and effort to help with this project. We will be holding auditions for the film around the first or second week in February. Please keep an eye out for the exact dates, times, and locations.

We did want to take an opportunity to make this initial announcement so you could be thinking about whether you would like to help.
Here’s what we’re looking for:

Cast:

VANESSA - Mid 30s. A classy woman who dresses smart. She’s not snobby or uptight. She suffers from emotional issues following a turbulent relationship. She has a close group of friends she relies on, and won’t really let anyone else in to her life. She’s guarded and introverted.

MATTHEW - Late 30s. Ex-boyfriend of Vanessa. Charming, but manipulative. Moderately successful. Moody. Insincere — will always tell you what you want to hear.

VANESSA’S FRIENDS - Three Women mid 30s-early 40s. Fun, sincere, trustworthy, just an all-around good group. Don’t think “Desperate Housewives” or “Sex in the City.”

THERAPIST - Male or Female - Late 40s to mid 50s. Intelligent, academic. Soothing voice, calming effect on others.

We will also have some supporting roles including:

WAITER
POLICE OFFICER
MAITRE DE
RESTAURANT HOSTESS

And we will also be in need of extras to fill out a restaurant scene.

Again, we will post the exact dates and times for the auditions at a later date. If you would like to go ahead and send a resume and headshot, please feel free to do so.
You can send it to clint@ParcEntertainment.com.

Last week on their website Sports Illustrated published their list of the top 5 best looking wives/girlfriends in sports movies. Here’s what they came up with:

5. Lynn Wells (Rene Russo), Major League

4. Lacy Underall (Cindy Morgan), Caddyshack

3. Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue), Karate Kid

2. Darcy Sears (Ali Larter), Varsity Blues

1. Tenley Parrish (Jessica Biel), Summer Catch

It seems to me that limiting the list to five is unfair as I believe there are several that should have been included on this list. However, Sports Illustrated did list two honorable mentions (Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham and Rosie Perez in White Men Can’t Jump). Here are a few that I would like to add to the list. What about you?

Kim Basinger in The Natural

Brooke Langton in The Replacements

Nicole Kidman in Days of Thunder

Kathy Ireland in Necessary Roughness

If you are anything like me, you tuned in every Sunday night throughout the mid-late 90s to watch Agents Mulder and Scully on Fox’s hit show The X-Files, and, thanks to TiVo, I have been able to get reacquainted with the two paranormal investigators. 1998 saw the release of The X-Files: Fight the Future, but its alien, government conspiracy plot had many newcomers scratching their heads, asking “What’s going on?” Since that time, there has been rumors of a sequel, but a lawsuit between show creator Chris Carter and 20th Century Fox over royalty rights kept the project shoved deeper into the basement than Mulder’s office at FBI headquarters.

However, now that the lawsuit has been settled, both David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have confirmed that talks are back on regarding an X-Files sequel. In a recent interview with Empire, Anderson (who played Dana Scully on the series) reveals that she keeps in regular contact with Carter. The show’s creator won’t reveal any plot details, but Anderson did say that Carter wants to create a stand-alone horror film involving the two agents and stay away from the alien-conspiracy-government cover-up plot. Fans may feel slighted if the filmmakers avoid the alien storyline, but I for one feel that creating a stand-alone film is the right choice. This is probably the best news I’ve heard all day.

During the wrap party for my short film “Collection,” a friend and I were talking and our conversation drifted to continuity errors in films we had seen. He mentioned a rather significant error in Star Wars: A New Hope where Mark Hamil actually says “Carrie” rather than “Leia” when addressing Fisher’s character. “There’s no way,” I said. I’ve seen that film several times and never noticed, so I immediately popped the movie in and went directly to the scene in question, and sure enough, it’s there.

At the end of Episode IV, after Luke has succeeded in destroying the Death Star, he returns to the rebel base where everyone is ecstatic over the victory. As Luke descends the ladder of his X-Wing, he’s greeted first by Han Solo. Then, Princess Leia comes up from behind Luke and yells, “Luke!” Now, right as Fisher is yelling “Luke” Hamil turns and (in a high-pitched shrill voice) yells “Carrie!” It’s unmistakable if you’re listening for it.

And so, that got me thinking about other goofs you’ve noticed in some of your favorite movies. I know IMDB has a whole database of goofs, so you can cheat and go over there to find some, but can you think of any that you’ve noticed yourself?

The following article is from MSN Careers and uses some celebrity slip-ups as lessons to better yourself in the workplace.

Celebrity Slip-Ups: Five Career Lessons

By Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com

OK, so you accidentally hit reply-all and now the entire department knows the steamy story of your tryst last night with the cable guy. To make matters worse, your less-than-professional language as you frantically tried to recall the message only drew attention to your dilemma. Still, you know you’ll somehow overcome the humiliation.

Celebrities aren’t always so lucky.

With the paparazzi documenting their every move, celebrities’ mishaps can easily explode into the national spotlight and seriously damage their careers.

The upside for you — aside from fodder for your favorite gossip blog — is that you can apply the lessons from celebrities’ mishaps to avoid wrecking your own career.

The blunder: Lindsay Lohan’s public scolding
While shooting the film “Georgia Rule” in 2006, Lindsay Lohan visited the hospital to seek treatment for dehydration. But the Smoking Gun reported that James G. Robinson, who heads the firm that produced the movie, sent Lohan a scathing letter blaming her off-set partying as the real cause of her dehydration and blasting her behavior. The letter was picked up by the mainstream media, causing Lohan professional embarrassment.

Lesson: The professional world is smaller than you think. When you display poor behavior at one company or leave dramatically, word can easily reach other employers and put the brakes on your job search.

The blunder: Tom Cruise’s couch jumping
In 2005, Tom Cruise became the object of public ridicule after he jumped atop a couch on the Oprah Winfrey Show to profess his love for his now-fiancée, Katie Holmes. Last summer, Paramount Pictures ended its 14-year relationship with the star, and many blame the split on Cruise’s very public relationship, embracing of Scientology and blasting of psychiatry.

Lesson: How you behave outside of work matters. You may think that what you do on the weekends is your own business, but your off-duty antics can still hold consequences. For example, when your boss sees you out on dancing atop a bar on Saturday night, he might be less likely to choose you for that business trip Monday morning.

The blunder: Dan Rather’s “Memogate”
Two months before 2004’s presidential election, news anchor Dan Rather came under fire for a report aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes Wednesday.” The report presented documents that were critical of President George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard.

Almost immediately, critics on both sides of the political spectrum questioned the authenticity of the documents, and CBS was forced to issue an embarrassing admission that the network had not properly authenticated the papers. Amid pressure to step down, Rather resigned as anchor of the network’s nightly news in March 2005 and left the network completely in June 2006.

Lesson: Check your facts and pay close attention to detail. Accuracy is crucial in almost all professions, and one incorrect number or false statement can throw an entire project off track, derailing your career in the process.

The blunder: Janet Jackson’s “Wardrobe Malfunction.”
Janet Jackson made international headlines for her halftime show at the Super Bowl in 2004. As she wrapped up a song with Justin Timberlake, he pulled on a part of her costume and revealed her bare breast on live TV. The public exposure resulted in a hefty fine for CBS, which broadcast the game, as well as increased FCC scrutiny across the broadcast sphere.

Lesson: While your own wardrobe mistakes might not carry the same impact as Jackson’s, what you wear — and how you wear it — can definitely affect how you’re perceived in the workplace. No matter how casual your dress code may be, keep your wardrobe professional — that means no wrinkles, stains or excess skin.

The blunder: Ashlee Simpson’s SNL appearance
Ashlee Simpson was scheduled to perform two songs on Saturday Night Live in 2004. She performed one without incident, but when the wrong track started for her second song, viewers heard Simpson’s voice before she raised her microphone to her mouth — revealing she had been lip synching. Simpson’s camp promptly issued an acid reflux-induced explanation, but the event still dogs her reputation.

Lesson: Don’t cut corners. Whether you’re tempted to plagiarize, ignore an e-mail or take credit for an underling’s work, remember that once you get caught, you’ll forever compromise your status.

The following article is attributed to the Associated Press.

The groundbreaking action series 24, which turns one dangerous day into a season, ended with a bang as it won Emmys for best drama series and best actor for Kiefer Sutherland.

One of the biggest winners of the 58th annual awards was HBO’s two- part miniseries Elizabeth I. The costume drama almost made a clean sweep of the category, taking best picture, director, actress and supporting actor in Jeremy Irons. Helen Mirren won her third Emmy for her portrayal of the 16th century English queen.

Sutherland said: “Every once in a while you’ll have an evening that just reminds you that you’re given too much and this is that evening.

“This experience on 24 has been nothing but remarkable for me.”

The three Emmys won by 24 Sunday, including a directing trophy, were vindication after five seasons of keeping audiences on the edge of their couches as stalwart agent Jack Bauer (Sutherland) saved America from terrorism.

The Office, the US version of the British television show of the same name, was honored as best comedy. Although Emmy nominations rule changes left some grumbling about snubbed shows including Lost, the revisions may have opened the door for an offbeat series like The Office, a smart satire about cubicle life, and for 24 to prevail.

Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Julia Louis- Dreyfus of the freshman comedy The New Adventures of Old Christine struck Emmy gold with lead actress awards for drama and comedy, respectively.

“Well, I’m not somebody who really believes in curses - but curse this, baby,” said Louis-Dreyfus, hoisting her trophy and making a veiled reference to the so-called “Seinfeld curse” that kept its stars from launching successful new series three other times.

The Emmy ceremony initially followed a predictable path as Tony Shalhoub won his third acting trophy for Monk and departed series Will & Grace, The West Wing and Huff earned bittersweet toasts.

Until the finale, the surprises in the ceremony were courtesy of host Conan O’Brien and his inventive comedy bits, including a running gag that had Bob Newhart’s life threatened if the show ran long.

Winning didn’t take the sting out of cancelation for at least one star.

“It’s not supposed to work this way, is it, when you say goodbye to something?” said Blythe Danner, named best supporting actress in a drama for Huff.

“I guess I have to thank Showtime, even though they canceled us,” said Danner, with a smile.

Megan Mullally was honored for her supporting actress work in the sitcom Will & Grace, which wrapped up its eight-year run.

Alan Alda was named best supporting actor in a drama for his role as a Republican candidate on The West Wing, canceled after seven seasons. Alda wasn’t on hand to accept the award. But he might have become blase. In recent years, he also had an Oscar nomination for his role in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, a Tony nomination for his Broadway performance in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, and another Emmy bid for West Wing - none of which he won. His win was the 26th Emmy for the White House drama, a drama series record. The show had been tied with Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law with 25.

Jeremy Piven of Entourage was best supporting actor in a comedy.

The ceremony honored producer/ host Dick Clark of American Bandstand fame, who has been recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2004.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the satirical newscast, reaped two Emmys, for best variety, music or comedy and the writing award for that category.

Stewart cracked after the first honor: “I think this year you actually made a terrible mistake. But thank you.”

American Idol, the blockbuster TV talent show, lost again in the reality- competition category as The Amazing Race picked up its fourth award.

Kelly Macdonald was named best supporting actress in a movie or miniseries for The Girl in the Cafe.

HBO emerged with the most Emmys - 26, including the awards given out at last week’s creative arts ceremony for technical and other achievements.

NBC, struggling in the ratings, got a shot in the arm with its cumulative 14 awards, the most for any broadcast network.

“The win for The Office is a particularly sweet victory,” said NBC Universal Television Group chief executive Jeff Zucker after the ceremony.

NBC renewed the series although its ratings have yet to match the critical praise.

ABC won 11 Emmys, while Fox picked up 10 awards, including its first best drama series trophy. CBS had 10 awards, followed by PBS with nine.

Lynn Elber

I had a thought this evening as I was watching Run Away Jury. Why is there always some poor pedestrian who gets knocked down in almost every foot chase? Can you remember watching a foot chase in any film or television show where someone didn’t get plowed over? Now, the setting may change, and the extras may change, but the action movie rules do not. And those rules state that if you have a foot chase in your film, someone standing on the sidewalk, escalator, or boulevard must be violently shoved out of the way by the two characters involved in the chase. It’s almost funny to watch the reactions of these people as they are run down like some poor football punter trying to make a touchdown-saving tackle. Ah… good times.