Thirty Seconds on the Screen
FSU’s film school audition process and tips for making your best audition. Auditions for summer films are going on now.
Every semester FSU’s well-known film school offers auditions for parts in their films. The audition process doesn’t take very long, only about one hour to two hours. Finding out whether the role is won, however, takes a bit longer. The FSU film school uses a database to do their casting. So, whether or not a call is received soon, or in a month or two, they will save the photo, and notes on the auditions on file. If a role comes up that you happen to be perfect for, they will call or email you.
At a first audition, it is always best to have a little experience, even if that is just a monologue (excerpt of a play, dialogue) prepared to show them. If not, they usually give scripts from the films they are casting for, or maybe a famous film to take a scene from. Reading over the script for a second or chatting with whoever is tabling can ensure that you are assigned to a film and script you are suitable for is a good choice. Getting some context can really help when deciding how to play a character, but is not always an option, so go with your opinion.
Musical Theatre major Erin Wasmund has had experience with auditions in the past.
“Don’t pick a scene just if it’s funny,” she said. “If it’s wrong for you don’t do it.”
At your audition, after your photo is taken and some paperwork is filled out concerning hobbies, schedules, and special skills, it’s time to wait. But don’t turn in those forms too quickly. The special skills listing is actually pretty important for casting.
“If they’re looking for a juggler,” said Rachel Boone, another musical theatre major. “You want to put that in your special skills, just in case.” Your juggling skills or moderate knowledge of Russian may seem inconsequential, but they could set you apart and get you a role.
During the wait, it is time to look over your sides, or scenes. Then when they call names, it is into the audition! Being in front of the camera can be intimidating, but after familiarizing with the lines, focus can help with finishing. You sit down and begin the scene, possibly with a partner to read corresponding lines. Normally, you will do the scene twice, the second time with the directors input.
The director may make suggestions for the second scene, like “okay, this character can’t control her voice, sometimes she gets really loud and sometimes she gets really soft so play around with that,” said Boone. They give you a few minutes to practice before the second run-through, expect results and the audition is over.
Then it is just more waiting. They will call if they want to. Sometimes it can take a while; sometimes it can take just a few weeks, but remember, the database never changes, so patience can be very important.
FSU Film School Graduate Carrie Hunter said, “We look for all types of people because we cast over 120 films each year that have a wide variety of characters.” So don’t give up!
Tips for a Great Audition:
v Dress to impress. Don’t get too into it, but don’t look like you just woke up. Whether it’s for a film done by students or not, it is still an interview. Try neutral and solid colors.
v Be polite to everyone. Don’t be rude to anyone on set, even the camera crew. Everyone will take part in the film so they all have to work with you
v No trash talk! This might seem obvious, but not even within range of the building. If you have anything to say wait it out until you are at home. You never know who’s listening.
v Ask where to look. Sometimes they won’t tell you, but looking into the camera or away from the camera can make a difference in your audition.
v Don’t ask about the motivation of the characters in script. Do your own interpretation, which will highlight your skills. Which brings to the next point…
v Make decisions. When reading the script, decide what this character would do or not do in the presented situation so you know where you’re going before you start to act.
v No accents. It might be a special skill, but it’s usually annoying and it’s not worth sacrificing the audition.
v Listen to the director. When he/she starts to tell you what to do, that is when film acting begins. Adhering to their ideas and showing flexibility is key.
Former FSU Film School student, Carrie Hunter, recounted a few important unspoken rules about auditions, for film or for theatre:
v Don’t stop reading. Keep acting whether you mess up or not.
v Be consistent with your character.
v Never argue with the director.
v Don’t chat about the scene you just did with others. It shows disrespect for the director.
v Make eye contact, if you can. Facial expressions are very important with film (especially for close-ups)
v No cursing.
With so many rules, it seems a difficult hurdle to succeed and land a role. Sometimes the roles are based on look, so don’t be offended if you aren’t cast for a 5 ft blonde girl with a bounce in her step and you’re a tall brunette. What is most important is to be yourself. Let your personality shine through. Be passionate about your audition. If you don’t want to be there, no one else sure does, so throw inhibitions aside, and get into it!
