Auditions can be Frightening!

FRIGHTENING:

Yes a new audition can be nerve wracking, terrifying and even spooky. So what can I do?????

a. Take some deep breaths. Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out slowly. Do this several times.

b. Whomever is auditioning you is also human, just like you. Not a person with a halo above their head, with

    monuments of themselves scattered around. They are doing a job just like you, just different. 

c. Maybe listen to some of your favorite music on the way to the audition. It can help relax you a little.

d. Always, always look directly at the person or persons that you are addressing. If you are speaking into or toward a

    camera, look directly at it and not glance over at the audition person to check their reaction.

e. Do some research on the project, or the character you are supposed to be, if you can. Knowledge goes a long way.

    And don't be cocky.

f.  Pray, Pray and Pray some more. For you atheists that may read this. I'm sorry, I can't help you

OH< AND DON'T FORGET WE WILL BE AT OUR NEW LOCATION NEXT WEEK, HOWEVER, WE PROBABLY WILL NOT

HAVE OUR PHONES AND COMPUTERS UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY.

IT LOOKS GREAT.

New Office

NEW OFFICE;

When we first started here in 1978 our offices were in the area where Atlantic Station now is. We were there for about 12-13 years and then

when the developers bought most of the area to build Atlantic Station and a bunch of highend condos, many business'es were kind of forced to leave. Crawford Post Production, one of the elite post (editing) companies in the country was one of them. Now they are about one block from where we are now. So, when we left we moved to current location (1930 North Druid Hills Rd) and have been right here for 23 years. Now another developer has purchased some of the buildings here. So we are moving about 1.5 blocks from here to 2751 Buford Highway into the 8 story DRUID POINTE BUILDING suite 285. Even though 285 sounds like we are on the second floor we are essentially on the 'lobby floor'. Our new offices are exactly that "NEW", and larger. We also have a training/class/film room one story down. We will be moving there this weekend and should have all the tech stuff ready to go by Monday, maybe Tuesday. Nothing else has changed.

Aside from moving, which absolutely no one in their right mind enjoys, we are VERY EXCITED. New building, new office, new paint, new carpet, new smells> everything. COME AND SEE US.

Oh, and by the way don't forget there are over 40 film/tv shows being filmed in Georgia this month. Then it's Christmas time. AND THEN 3 MONTHS OF PILOT SEASON. Why don't YOU give yourself a real chance to be a part of all this. Did you know that there are many new wannabe actors and models that come in to see us, have never done anything at all in the industry and then are in a TV Series, a film or something, sometimes in a week or two .Believe it or not it actually happens frequently.

William Reynolds

William Reynolds Agency

1930 North Druid Hills Rd. Suite 102

Atlanta, Ga. 30319

404.636.1974

Comments from a Los Angeles Agent

COMMENTS FROM A LOS ANGELES AGENT:

'Thought It would be fun to share some of the (actor) submissions I get and my 'real time' response as I read them"

The wannabe actor:

"We met at a workshop about 10 months ago and I wanted to check in to see if you would be interested in sitting 

down with me."

My thought to that: 

"Seriously? I don't even remember my sister's middle name. You think I'm gonna remember an actor I met 10 months ago?

Another wannabe.

My name is Anne Flanagan and I just appeared in the film "Grim Avengers" alongside notable actors such as Lou Ferrigno

and Casper Dien".

My thought to that.

Maybe it's me but when I hear notable actors I think of Edward Norton and Emily Blunt not the original HULK and the guy

from"Starship Troopers".

Another Wannabe.

"I can solve all of your problems"

My thought.

I'm sure my doctor, therapist and AA sponsor will be thrilled to hear that.

Another wannabe.

"I'm an actor that does characters'.

Me.

"As opposed to what".?

Ok that's enough for now, he goes on and on with a bunch more just like this. Funny as I was writing this, one of the above just

happened to me. "Hi Mr. Reynolds this is Eric!!!!!  My response. Hey Eric how can I help you?  Eric, " We spoke before".

My response> " Ok how can I help you"/ Eric, yeah I spoke with you a few weeks ago and you told me to call back another time

and I'm calling. Me. Yes? Eric " I'm the guy that wanted to be an actor".

In any profession don't assume that whomever answers the phone knows who you are and everything about you, even if you are 

already represented. Give your full name, not just "Michelle" or whatever. Try to state your business and the reason you are calling

to try to move the conversation along.

That's it for now. We just submitted a ton of actors for a couple of National Tv spots. These can actually pay more than a small 

part in a film. Don't take them too lightly. These commercials pay almost twice the going SAG rate for a days work, and are great

exposure if they are National. Some of the better known National commercial actors like "Flo" and " The most interesting man in 

the world make millions of dollars per year. Even the Geico Lizard voiceover guy makes a couple of million.

They are not beginners. Get prepared for this stuff.

William Reynolds

William Reynolds Agency

1930 North Druid Hills Rd. Suite 102

Atlanta, Ga. 30319

404.636.1974

Creating The Environment

WE CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT,

For you to become successful. Really, and just how do we do that and how?

To need an agent the whole process starts with you. First thing is that 'you'

have to really, really want to be a professional. By professional we mean,

you have what it takes to work as a professional in acting/modeling. And 

believe me that assumption is not your personal opinion, but a pragmatic

one based on how you have prepared yourself, just like you would in any 

other profession whether it be a bartender, carpenter or a lawyer. This is

where we come into the picture. New talent will have to come in for an 

evaluation by one of our staff, which shall include reading a short script,

walking and of course the verbal part of the interview. Your answers to a

series of questions etc.. This is to determine your true interest and your logic

for accomplishing your goals whatever they may be. If we are on the same

page with you, we believe you are serious 'and' your evaluation goes well, 

the agency most times will pay for a series of well constructed classes to

get you to the point where you can be marketed to our clients as a trained 

prepared professional. Next you are going to need very,very good photos

of yourself, Headshots. And not from some wedding or landscape photographer.

They have to be sharp, clear, in focus. We have a couple of industry photographers

that we recommend, 'and' we also pay for the photo session to assure

they are done properly. After all, we have an investment in your career. We receive

thousands of castings each year, over 30,000. We do many of those in-house

but also funnel through email, hundreds and hundreds to you to work on 

yourself thusly just about guaranteeing you work in the industry. Actually,

there is not another agency that does what we do.

Interested? Either email us or give us a call. We start ages with kids,

about 8 months of age and up until, well forever. The oldest person we have

ever booked on a job was 88, eighty-eight.

Good luck.

Career Choices!

WHEN YOU GO ON AN AUDITION WITH A CD, OR TO SEE AN AGENT.

Try not to be cocky. It is very likely indeed that to whomever you are speaking has sat down with some very well known actors/models

during their career and they are not easily impressed. If the person seeing you is not alone, treat everyone in the room with respect.

The guy sitting in the corner in jeans and a t-shirt could very well be the producer. So be safe, be nice to everyone.

When it's your time to audition, the agent or casting director has probably already seen many, many more wanting the exact same part,

that you want. He/she may be tired, irritable, or maybe even bored. Don't talk too much, but listen like you mean it. They may ask for a

headshot even if they already have one. Don't be afraid to hand out as many as you can. And you had better look exactly like

your photo.

On the actual audition they may say 'action', or 'point', maybe even just 'grunt'. That is your cue to begin acting the role. Expect the 

unexpected. Never say 'oh I wasn't expecting that', or whatever. You may also be asked to come back for a callback (see you again) and

you get a moments notice. JUST DO IT.

REMEMBER THIS WAS "YOUR"  CAREER CHOICE.

PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE!

I have talked about this many times before now:

A lot of actors, whether on the actual set or on an audition may prepare well for the acting part by trying 

to develop the character as they see fit. But, at the same time have no idea what happened along the way

to this particular 'moment'. What caused me to be upset and why? Why was I suddenly happy? Why was

I totally indifferent to my surroundings?  Is the answer "I really don't know?" Then you, the 'actor' must create

the events, or circumstances that led up to this 'moment'. You will have to make them up, Especially if you

don't have the full script but only a page or two for this particular scene. And this is not done spontaneously.

It has to be done long before you begin the scene. Create a scenario on you own that will set in motion the 

scene you about to perform. And when doing so, don't just go back a few minutes or a couple of hours. Go 

back several hours or a day or two. 

And remember this. Your character does not instantly fade away when the scene ends. Not 'if' you were 

actually in character.

Don't be that bad Actor!

BAD ACTORS;

It has been my experience, the way to cut around actors with a limited skill set is to film with that in mind assuming it's too late 

to audition more actors.  You really cannot edit around bad acting in post. So what does a director do? Maybe shoot at a lot of

different angles, cuts and lots of visuals and then get the actor (If you can) to do some short specific lines.

For the actor, a lot of strong pauses can divert a poor performance somewhat. Plus to take a little weight off the actors shoulders.

Actors that have had a lot of quality training from those that have 'been there, done that', listened, took scenes to heart, help the

director enormously.

This is one of the reasons that directors push so hard at auditions and rehearsals. The actor may have exactly what the director is

looking for physically, but just can't seem to get past that one hump. And that 'hump' may be one of the most important parts of the

scene. The bigger and better parts require a lot from all of those involved. If an actor comes up short in an audition or rehearsal they

are very likely to do the same thing when the cameras are rolling. Unfortunately for the director it is too late to find someone else, and

he fully well knows he has made a costly mistake in hiring this particular actor in the first place. So now is when the different angles,

more visuals come into play. He has no choice.

Agents are also partly to blame for submitting actors that they like, but know that maybe they are not quite ready.. But they also know 

that the actor fits the part perfectly and they want them to work, they want them to make money and succeed. But once again they died 

on the one yard line and the director had to carry them into the end zone. 

Getting Started

A FEW TIPS WHEN STARTING AN ACTING CAREER;

Know your type. We all don't fit everything. What do others think you are...cute, big, sexy, old, whatever. Also your photos should 

reflect what you are. Don't do a bunch of photo shopping to make yourself look better, or different.

The hardest time in the  beginning is usually the first year. It's not good to be impatient, lazy, arrogant etc. Work hard, study. Remember

this is a business. Work at it everyday. 

Casting directors, agents, directors are not your enemy. Real agents are going to look at you closely, vet you as well you should them if

you don't already know about them. For our 'in house'  castings, Casting Directors, Directors expect us to submit only those that fit the role, the part. And they have to be able to act, to perform, to at least have a strong chance on getting the job. Many times a casting person will only want to see a handful of  talent. Frequently  those are selected from our website.

Be a good person, not just a good actor. Be someone that others want to be around. Don't be all negative. "It's not me, it's them". Those guys that you don't like, or talk about are going to be around for a long, long time, while others come and go.

Good luck.

wr

So you think you are ready?

SO YOU THINK YOU'RE READY. 

READ ON.

Let's also say that you are a big strong male, but have little or no training or experience and you see a casting call that fit's you perfectly.

All of your friends tell you how good look. You feel good about yourself and you get the call. So you go. And you go in the audition room and the first five other guys you see look like Dwayne Johnson at his best. And they all have training and experience. You get this sinking feeling in your gut, as well you should, because you are dead in the water.

Or you are a hot female, you know because everyone tells you so. You get the same kind of call. You also have a short resume, but you look good. Right? You walk in the door and sure enough there stands a young Halle Berry, or a Giselle looking girl plus a few more drop deads. And just like the guy above, you fall a little short in the resume dept.

Are these type scenarios good for you. Absolutely!  When your are not picked, turned down, rejected, many times it wakes you up to the reality of the situation. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ACTOR.ACTRESS OR MODEL THAT IS BEING SEEN. 

Additionally there are times when you will not know that there were some really, really tough competition wanting the same job that you want.

Don't get your underwear in a wad. You are most certainly not going to get ever job, every audition, every opportunity that is out there. In fact it's not even close. 

First it is the 'look'. And that is whatever in the world the Director is looking for at this moment, for this scene. Then comes the hard part. The ability to deliver the character or situation like whomever the person in charge wants. And do it now. And sometimes the first time. You may not get a second chance. You can be on the one foot line, but still not score. And that one scene, that one role could have been the one that changed your life. But you were not ready. And the worse part is. You didn't even know it.

Remember the GODFATHER FILM. NEVER OVERESTIMATE YOURSELF AND UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ENEMIES  

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

#actors 

#models

WHEN YOU HAVE AN AUDITION:

WHEN YOU HAVE AN AUDITION:

If you are a parent of a child under the age of 18, they are still a minor and at least one parent should go with them.  But, don't take other relatives or friends with you because they "want to see what it's all about". In the beginning it's best if both parents go, but only those two. If the child is hired-booked for the job, then only one parent needs to go.

If you are 18 or over you are an adult. Do not take someone with you, because you are nervous or need moral support. That might be the absolute last thing a Casting Director wants to see or hear. If you were going for an interview with say, IBM you certainly would not take anyone with you. However if you are say, 18 to 21 and still live at home with your parents, at least with our agency I would recommend that you do take a parent with you to guide you and maybe give you some sage advice. This of course is if you have very little, or no real background in the industry. Also don't take friends, neighbors with you to a rehearsal or the actual filming. That is totally unprofessional and most likely they will just get in the way, and sometimes told to go away.  Can you imagine, you are going to your first rehearsal and you take a friend or two with you. Then when you get there the other actors there to work on their craft also brought a couple of friends with them as well. The set or rehearsal area could end up with 30 40 people showing up. It looks like the State Fair or New Years eve.

Don't do that> it could also cost you the job.

william reynolds

The Audition

THE AUDITION.

Show confidence!

Sounds simple right? Maybe not so much.

Sit up straight. Walk in with your head up. If you are nervous, do you think Casting Directors care?

Not even a little bit.Your interview audition began when you walked in the door. When you shook hands.

Show a little personality. Don't be 'bland', 'blah'.

Show some character, try to understand the script.

What are Casting Directors looking for? That's an easy one, ACTORS.

Walk the walk and not just talk the talk. That is wannabe stuff.

You may have a winning look, a great personality. But those assets are going to fall way short on your

audition without the proper training. And I do mean 'proper training'.

It is essential that all actors have the proper training. Without it, most of the above suggestions are also

going to fall a little short.

William Reynolds

William Reynolds

William Reynolds Agency

1930 North Druid Hills Rd. Suite 102

Atlanta, Ga. 30319

404.636.1974

Tips...

Tips on Acting, and Auditioning.

a. Have a good work ethic, Show up early. No ones going to get all hacked off because you were early. At the very minimum BE ON TIME.

b. Be prepared. Preparation is absolutely essential. Many, too many actors fail to do this, then cast blame on just about everyone, their agent.

friends, relatives even other actors. Be fully prepared and feel good about it. Believe me you will know.

c. Problems? Leave them at the door. Bills, financial issues, social problems etc.. Let it all go. Let it go. This is 'your' moment.

d. Don't complain or moan. Casting directors, Directors don't really care. They have a job to do. If you don't like something, then do something about it or shut the #$&* up. If you don't like what you are doing then quit.

William Reynolds

DO YOU NEED AN AGENT? HOW DO YOU GET ONE?

Agents play a vital role for actors/models that are serious about a career. Sure some work without an agent in both acting and modeling. But

this is not the same ones with solid roles that pay all the bills. Where you are recognized. Both usually begin the same way on the same jobs. 

But those without the necessary training, photos and proper guidance by an agent or agency mostly stay where they began. (BE CAREFUL IN THIS ARENA, MANY ARE NOT REAL AGENTS BUT SCHOOLS)

Real agents usually get actors in 3 ways. 1. They are discovered, maybe by calling an agent from their website or were referred by the BBB or a State office. 2. They were referred by another talent, actor or model  3. They were sought out from other agencies (stolen) if you prefer. Beginners or those with little or no resume usually come from 1. or 2..

Try to create these type of opportunities on your own. Do a little research. And, realize that you have to begin somewhere.

And, try not to get your feelings hurt if you are told no. You may not fit the part. You may not fit the agency. There is NOT one agency that is a fit for everyone. There are requirements, things that you are going to have to have. If you were to call an agency and they tell you everything they can do for you without seeing you, or seeing your resume if you have one. Don't bother with them any further.

Georgia is quickly becoming #1 in film production in the country, But it is NOT Hollywood, LA in the 1930's where you might get 'discovered' sitting on a stool in an ice cream shop on the corner of Hollywood and Vine.

William Reynolds

William Reynolds Agency 1930 North Druid Hills Rd. Suite 102

Atlanta, Ga. 30319

404.636.1974

Our Big Move!

Don't forget, we will be moving (after 22 yrs at this location) to our new studio and offices, bigger and newer, about 2 blocks away,  2751 Buford Highway at Druid Pointe in about (hopefully) 4 weeks.
THERE ARE 41 MOVIES, BOTH FILM AND TV TO BE FILMED IN GEORGIA IN NOVEMBER ALONE.
BE PART OF IT.

GO FOR IT

William Reynolds on acting:

When auditioning, work on booking the role. Try to work past the negative response's you are inevitably going to get on many, many auditions. Realize that all actors are 'not' the same. The casting director, the agent, is there to see you, that is why you are there. You may look at the script one way while you are waiting and then deliver it quite another way when you're up.  Breathe, and breathe from your

diaphragm. Try to keep your energy level up, while not bouncing off the ceiling in the process. Don't be flat, pay attention to whomever you are reading with or being interviewed by. Treat the audition as if it were a performance, because it is.

Don't just guess and why and what you are doing, Know why and what you are doing.

You probably have some 'gift' that you are trying to take to the next level. Please never be under the illusion that you are the only one that they are seeing or that they are interested in for either representation or the role.

Some many actors, especially beginning actors with little or no experience do not take advantage of what they have. Your skills have to be constantly cleaned up and polished. Do this and then GO FOR IT.

Get Your Career Started!

ACTING AS A CAREER;

Requires more than simply performing in movies. As actors start their careers many work at more than one job PLUS do  jobs as extras in Film or TV to support themselves.

Many actors live in large metropolitan areas where opportunities abound. Cites like LA< NY< and ATLANTA. These are the top three cities in the US for film/tv production. Many production companies are based in these cities and hire actors on a regular basis. {DID YOU KNOW THAT GEORGIA HAS OVER 40 PRODUCTION ON TAP FOR OCTOBER ALONE). Travel is sometimes necessary and there is certainly going to be competition for just about any role.Don't ever think that you are going to be the only one that wants the job, because you are not. Not now, not ever.

Acting can be a tiring, time consuming, frustrating career choice. But it can also be super rewarding. You will probably get sick going on last minute auditions, adjust your schedule and then not get the role. It happens.

GET PREPARED:

You don't have to have a degree in drama or theater. But it is very helpful.

As you move up the ladder of success you are going to need experience on your resume.

You, like just about everyone else are going to start on the bottom rung of the success ladder.

Your are not going to start at or near the top, no matter what you are your relatives may think.

Take acting classes/Gain experience/Get some additional skills.

And find an agent.

DON'T OVER ESTIMATE YOURSELF AND UNDERESTIMATE YOUR COMPETITION.

william reynolds