Preparing for a role

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

IN MY OPINION

BEING PREPARED, UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE, YOUR CHARACTER;

In an interview published earlier this year, Jamie Dornan revealed that, in preparation for his turn as a serial killer in the BBC series The Fall, he once followed a woman off a train “to see what it felt like to pursue someone like that.” He explained that the experience helped inform his understanding of his character. “I do honestly think I learned something from it, because I’ve obviously never done any of that,” Dornan told the Los Angeles Times. “It was intriguing and interesting to enter that process of ‘What are you following her for?’ and ‘What are you trying to find out?’” The Fifty Shades of Grey star is hardly the first to take his commitment to acting to an extreme level

The future of film

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

IN MY OPINION

The near future of animation and future film stars;

                                                                                                                                               Creating a totally realistic 

double is still fantastically expensive and time-consuming. It’s cheaper to hire even George Clooney than it is to use computers to generate his state-of-the-art digital double. However, the expense of creating a digital double is dependent on the costs of compute power and memory, and these costs will inevitably fall. Then, by all accounts, digital entertainment will enter a period of fast and turbulent change. An actor’s performance will be separable from his appearance; that is, an actor will be able to play any character—short, tall, old, or young. Some observers also foresee a new category of entertainment, somewhere between movies and games, in which a work has many plotted story lines and the viewer has some freedom to move around within the world of the story.

Teaching Methods

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

LEE STRASBERG THE GREATEST ACTING TEACHER 'EVER'

METHOD.

Quote< Johnny Depp >

Mr. Strasberg's teachings are an everyday companion.

What you get out of an Audition

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

WHAT DO I AND OTHERS WANT TO SEE ON AN AUDITION OR REHEARSAL?

When actors come in with confidence and rock the audition, we breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there’s someone for the job. When you come in nervous or desperate we still hope that your work will surprise us. Directors and casting directors NEED actors! We NEED you! We get bummed when you cancel your audition or come in less than prepared because you have the power to turn ouridea or, vision into reality. Let me say it again: Actors have power! Real agents or casting directors can’t do their job without actors.There have been times (and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this) when I’ve been in that casting room and been completely clueless as to what exactly I was looking for, where I couldn’t even answer the question “What do I want to see.” There have also been times when the idea I had in the morning about I wanted was completely upended by an amazing, confident, artistically exciting performance by an actor who showed me something I could never have come up with on my own  And then to top off them being ahead of the curve, they turn out to actually be reliable and focused. Wow! what a blessing. And then there are (unfortunately) those that have everything going in their favor and then somehow screw it up. I've got to work. I can't find a baby sitter. My cars in the shop etc., etc., and a hundred more of these. Guess who we remember? Guess who gets the job?

Atlanta & Growing

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

ATLANTA 2ND OR 3RD FILM PRODUCTION CITY IN THE USA AND GROWING;

Now that Atlanta has made it to the BIG TIME, not just on the way, but there now, if you are an actor

you must be diligent and patient.

There are way too many people giving way too much false or, motivated information as to how to become a 

part of all of this production. And while that is a nice thought, much of it is totally phony and not researched

at all. Just taken as fact by those hungry beginning or just barely begun actors dying to be see in tv or

on the big screen. Many companies will tell you basically anything you are wishing to hear, even to the point

of guaranteeing you that you will get where you want to go, just by paying for their classes or their school, or

going to a place in FL, that they recommend, Most times spending thousands of dollars and then still being in

exactly the same spot a year to two later. Admittedly many times this failure rests in part with the beginner 

themselves, but most times from the purveyor of hope and guarantees.

Bluntly, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES. PERIOD.

A short time back one of the best directors in the world, got one of the best actors in the world (Johnny Depp)

had finalcial support from the smartest producers in the world and made a movie that lost over 100 million dollars.

Why? Because no one wanted to go see Depp play TONTO in the NEW LONE RANGER MOVIE.

So, do you really think a modeling or acting school can GUARANTEE YOU SUCCESS? There are not that many

Johnny Depps on the planet, and the odds are that you are not one of them.  

Think about that before you JUMP>

Casting Director?

What does a Casting Director do?

In pre-production, Casting Directors work with and answer to, both the Director and Producer to assemble the perfect cast for the film. As a result, They also may enlist agents and other CD's to assist them. Casting Directors must have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of new and existing acting talent. They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role, based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability, reputation, availability and box office appeal. Casting Directors also work closely with Production Accountants to prepare the casting budget. They organize and conduct interviews and auditions for each part, and are also in charge of offering each Actor an appropriate fee to appear in the film. They also draw up and negotiate the terms and conditions of contracts with agents.

Casting Directors need a vast knowledge of a huge range of Actors and an extensive understanding of their abilities, as well as a thorough appreciation of changing trends within the film industry. This requires a strong instinct for acting talent and great dedication and commitment. Directors and Producers have to be highly selective, and may be extremely demanding, so it is vital that Casting Directors are patient, hard-working and diplomatic at all times. If it is the actors first film and it is a very important role, they may need to know more about the actor 'personally' (a resume showing adequate work experience, ie, extra, featured and principal roles), their family, their support, they want to know all about you and your responsibility.  Does the family or anyone else have issues with what they do? Personally I've seen friends and/or family completely screw up an actor’s chances and sometimes their biggest opportunity to date. For some Casting Directors this project may be their biggest opportunity to date as well and they 'certainly' don't want to be the one responsible for any kind of screw that could cost the entire production. It could cost them their credibility. On larger productions, Casting Directors may supervise Casting Assistants.

Reasons you did not get the part

YEAH, I GOT THE PART. SO WHAT, PUNK.

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY YOU DID NOT GET THE ROLE/PART?

IV'E DONE THIS ONE BEFORE BUT IT BEGS REPEATING;

Since this is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive and the one that hangs you up the most and twists you into knots as an actor and a creative being, let’s get into it.

Based on my years and years of experience in casting and booking for film and television, these are some of the reasons you didn’t get the part.

1. You’re too tall.

2. You’re too short.

3. You’re too pretty.

4. You’re not pretty enough.

5. You’re too fat.

6. You’re too thin.

7. You’re too blonde.

8. You’re not blonde enough.

9. You’re too old.

10. You’re too young.

11. You’re too serious.

12. You’re too funny.

13. You look too much like the lead.

14. You don’t look enough like the lead.

15. You’re taller than the lead.

16. You’re shorter than the lead.

17. You remind the producer of his sister, and he hates his sister.

18. You are too ethnic.

19. You are not ethnic enough.

20. You were the first one to read that day.

21. You were the last one to read that day.

22. You’re more like the best friend than the lead.

23. You’re more of a lead than the best friend.

24. You’re too character-y.

25. You’re not character-y enough.

26. You look like the director’s wife and he had a fight with his wife right before he left the house this morning.

Okay, this is a small sample of the some of the reasons you didn’t get the part. Have you heard any of these after one of your non-bookings? Can you tell what the one common thread is among this small sampling of reasons?

None of these are within your control.......NONE AT ALL.

SO GET OVER IT AND GO ON TO THE NEXT ONE.......

Be Brave, Have Courage

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

ACTORS NEED TO BE BRAVE, RISK TAKERS, GAMBLERS RIGHT? HAVE COURAGE, RIGHT?

You are brave, bold, and daring in your pursuit of a risky career that requires sacrifice, hard work, and financial investments WITHOUT the guarantee of success. Even during the necessary training you do to develop your craft and prepare to get to do professional work, I know for a fact how courageous actors must be. Week after week, time after time, it is challenging. you have to put yourself up in front of other actors and instructors and casting directors to get direction and critique about you and the work that is presented, allow yourself to be emotionally available, take chances, and be willing to fail (in order to grow). And then the actual auditions and working on the set, or onstage can be exciting, but for many, makes them fearful about failing. So, as I said, being an actor and living this life is challenging and takes real courage, but it is so worth it, because the work and personal successes produce such “highs” that are not found in many other professions.

And as Denzel says 'THAT I CAN GUARANTEE'.

Get Involved in your Roles!

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

Johnny Depp quote:

I speak of this to beginning actors quite frequently, sometimes they listen, many times they do not.

You have to GET INVOLVED IN WHATEVER ROLE YOU ARE PLAYING....EVERY TIME.

Staying Inspired

IN MY OPINION;

William Reynolds;

STAY INSPIRED;

If you are seeking inspiration, it is a BIG MISTAKE to sit around and wait for that to happen.

Very few of us slowing drag ourselves out of bed and head for the gym to workout. What may

inspire this person is the person that is looking back at them in the mirror.

1*  DO SOMETHING; React to what it is that you want or inspire to be.

2* START SMALL. If you think you know what it takes to become a actor or model, then write two

or three of those things down in your little book. Do one, then another etc.

3* WORK WITH OTHERS; Some that may actually know what they are doing, that have, or have had

similar goals. Maybe Google for some other ideas or references;

GET OFF YOUR FANNY;;;;;DO SOMETHING;;;;;

Who's In and Who's Out

IN MY OPINION;

William Reynolds

CASTING, WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT.

For our in-house castings (and we get tons each year), our Casting Director, Janet will have many people in mind for the roles that are being cast. She will go through a list of 'possibles' then we may go over them together. Normally there are more than one person that fits any given role or part. Some roles are very, very specific. For example it could be that they need a SAG actor, or someone that is bi-lingual, or big, or little, young or older. That alone narrows down the field. When you make the list you are already ahead of the game. If you make the cut with the Director but they don't believe that you are 'exactly' right, you have made quite an impression on someone that counts, and mostly they will remember those for future casting opportunities. 

Don't beat yourself up if you don't make it on every single audition, taping or interview. Why? Because no-one else does  either. Not anyone. Just hone your craft and keep your head up. If you get it Congratulations.

Video Reels

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS,

TAPED AUDITIONS;

It has become more and more common for directors/casting directors and producers to ask for a 'REEL" , a tape showing the actor performing, so that they may see and hear them perform a short script or a monologue or two. These reels are  normally not more than two or three minutes and are professionally filmed and edited and can be fairly expensive. 

However they are, in many cases essential. For example our agency just got a casting from Los Angeles for a new tv series to be filmed in Ga and other parts of the South. This is not a one shot wonder, it's a TV SERIES. Many, many actors have became famous from those series.

 Example, Johnny Depp on 21 Jump Street and Jennifer Anniston from Friends and many, many more.

Unfortunately when the producer and director has to run all over the USA auditioning actors for roles it can become a daunting task. This is where the reel comes in. Lets see that first. So they tell us from those they selected from our website to 'self-tape an audition from home in absents of a reel. And you can imagine what some of these look like. There it was, a chance of a lifetime came and went. You might entertain thoughts of getting something done so you will be ready when this occurs. Right?

Sacrifices of an Actor

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

SACRIFICES OF AN ACTOR;

Being an actor is amazing. You get to “play” for a living, embrace your creativity, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, earn a very good living at it. But there are also so incredible setbacks and sacrifices that an actor makes as they pursue the Silver Screen, the Small Screen.

*Social Life

*Leaving town

*Job Security

*Birthdays

*Health

Others>>>>>Changing your 'look' or 'attitude' to fit the role or audition, which is not always pleasing.

Giving up something you really want or need due to a conflict with what is necessary.

WELL, YOU GOTTA MAKE UP YOUR MIND, CAUSE FILM AND TV WILL GO RIGHT ALONG WITHOUT 'YOU'.

Actor Capability

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHAT DOES GETTING IN AND STAYING IN CHARACTER MEAN EXACTLY?

When the first Oscar promos premiered, Seth MacFarlane poked fun at Daniel Day-Lewis' ability to get lost in his film roles.

In each of his movies, Day-Lewis seamlessly transforms into his characters on screen, sometimes going to extreme lengths to prep for his parts and stay in character. 

And, it works. His efforts earned him two Oscar wins and another nod this year.

However, he isn't the only actor to go to extremes for his roles.  

Anne Hathaway was willing to do anything to understand the misery of her tuberculosis-ridden prostitute in "Les Misérables," while Rooney Mara and Kate Winslet found themselves taking their characters off set. 

From dropping acid to strapping their knees with belts, these actors prove they're willing do anything to play the part. 

Actor Limitations

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

SHOULD ACTORS HAVE LIMITATIONS:

Should we say "Well of course". We could but that would be false. Many do, some do not.

Very few roles in film or tv were written for YOU specifically. Actors need to develop the character

as best they see fit, and then hope the director thinks it's good enough, or at least the way he

see's it. It may not be easy to play a professional boxer, or marathon runner, or prostitute etc.

Some you may not even want to or show no interest, while this role may have been the one that

transformed your career.

Here is a quote from a person that we all 'should know' something about.

"The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse."  Helen Keller

Directors DO What?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

FILM DIRECTORS;

WHAT DOES A FILM DIRECTOR DO EXACTLY? IN ADDITION TO DECIDING WHO GET'S WHAT ROLE?

ALL OF THIS:

In addition to having control over nearly every aspect of the movie, film directors also have a large role in technical aspects. They read over the script to make sure that it makes sense, and they decide where the actors are going to stand and how they will move. Directors also help the actors to truly understand the characters. They might explain the characters’ motivation for a particular action or their back-story. One of the goals of a director is to push the actors to do their best work.

Once the editing team gets to work, the film director has the final say as to how the shots look and how they should be blended together. The movie director can also decide that the crew needs to do another take of a particular scene or scenes. They also decide when one scene should fade into the next.

A film director also has the responsibility of handling most of the budgetary concerns of a film. He or she will have to figure out how to make the movie work on the allowable budget. This might involve hiring actors who will work for lower pay, asking family members or friends to help out with some of the behind-the-scenes work, or coming up with less expensive strategies for executing an idea.

BUT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS WHAT IS IT YOU SEE?  THE ACTORS THAT'S WHAT.

STAYING in CHARACTER!!!

IN MY OPINION;                                                                                                                           WILLIAM REYNOLDS

BREAKING YOUR CHARACTER:

Breaking character when something goes wrong, wrong.                                                          Acting requires focus and concentration. Lose your focus and you can lose your place in the scene, lose your lines, and cause a silence hole big enough to drive a truck through. When experienced actors have these moments, they know it’s their job to get back on track. When beginning actors have these moments, the first thing that usually happens is they break out of character and say sorry to the director or to no one in particular.. This is a huge acting no-no. They are totally out of character!!!!

How do you solve this?                                                                                                                      Practice line exercises that purposefully try to throw you off your lines. Rehearse your lines out of sequence. Get in the habit of finding your way back on track, while staying in character. many times whomever you are reading with will have no idea you’ve forgotten your lines until you break character and this will certainly tell them. The way to get out of a sticky line situation is to stay in character and start talking. Never stand there in silence thinking someone else will solve your problem. Take it upon yourself. The more you practice this the easier it will become if something goes awry on stage. AND DON'T FORGET, ONLY THE DIRECTOR, GETS TO SAY 'CUT'.......NOT YOU OR ANYONE ELSE.....AND THE SCENE IS 'NOT' OVER UNTIL THE DIRECTOR SAYS IT IS.  STAY IN YOUR FRIGGING CHARACTER***IF YOU CANNOT, TRUTHFULLY YOU WERE NEVER IN IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.  

Timely Manner

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

BEING ON TIME FOR AUDITIONS ETC.

If you have ever been around me for more than a minute you will know I've 

talked about this.

Actors show up on time. Being prompt indicates a level of organization, commitment and responsibility that is necessary for long term success. Despite very busy audition, work, and promotion schedules, each of our most successful actors shows up to coaching and classes on time or early, fully prepared to dig deep and be bold. Of course, life can get in the way, but people who don't know how to plan for traffic, organize their time and respect other people's time, have a much harder time managing the hardships of a successful acting career. While the tabloids romanticize those one or two renegade actors who do whatever they want whenever they want, studios and producers are not likely to invest money in someone who isn't reliable.