The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

RATIO MATHEMATICS (CASTING TO BOOKING)

All of that persistence and commitment to your record keeping will pay off in the long run.    At first, your numbers might look dismal or astonishing – but it’s not safe to trust statistics until you’ve collected data for a reasonable amount of time – since you’re just getting started, we’ll say that time frame is 6-12 months before you’ll start seeing numbers you can relatively rely on using.

After you’ve been tracking your business on paper for a while, you can figure out what your casting to booking ratio is by simply adding up the number of BOOKINGS and dividing it by the number of CASTINGS.  Obviously, you will get a very low number followed by a point.

Let’s use our previous worksheet image as an example.  Based on the image in the BLOG #153, I have booked two jobs.  This is my BOOKING number – 2.  It also states that I have auditioned in the CASTING room twice, with two callbacks completed.  This is my CASTING number – 2.  If we divide 2 (Booking) by 2 (Casting), we get 1.00.  Transfer that 1.00 into a percentage by moving the decimal point two spaces to the right and we get the statistic that I booked 100% of the jobs I audition for.

You can see I have been up for three jobs, however, so that statistic is misleading since I haven’t been working but three days.  Maybe I started off strong and think I’m amazingly talented . . . it’s obvious, right?  After six months, we’ll say my BOOKING total remains at 2, but my CASTING total has gone to 30.  If we divide 2 (Booking) by 30 (Casting), we get 0.067.  Move that decimal over two spaces to the right and now my Casting to Booking ratio has dropped dramatically to 7%.

A year later, I refigure the numbers when my castings total 50 and my bookings total 5.  If we divide 5 (Bookings) by 50 (Castings), we get 0.10.  Move the decimal two spaces to the right and our new Casting to Booking ratio is 10%, which is actually pretty average.

Based on this information, I now know that I can expect to go on 10 castings before I will likely book a job.  Sometimes it feels like forever when a talent has only been seen 5 times, and knowing how far you have to go is very encouraging to some personalities.  Even if it doesn’t affect your emotions or give you encouragement, the statistics are helpful to your agent, manager, and coaches.  Over the period of 3-5 years, which is the amount of time on average it takes to launch a new business and begin to turn a regular profit, the casting to booking ratio can help a talent find trends on which they can capitalize!

How else can these numbers help you with your career?

SOUND FAMILIAR? [FUN FACTS]

The February 2011 issue of Psychology Today focused on the senses in the article "Sound Familiar" with the sounds that affect our perception of movies and television specifically.  The article written by Richard Restak, MD, and Scott Kim is below.

Vision is our primary sense, judging by the great expanse of brain devoted to conveying info from the eyes.  But sound is the primary conveyor of emotion.  Talk to someone who's witnessed a horrifying event -- [s]he'll describe the noises.  In movies and on TV, sound also carries more meaning than images.  Watch a sitcom with the sound on but the picture off and you'll probably follow the story line just fine.  But making sense of a muted program is much trickier. 

In the 50s, a film editor named Jack Foley assembled a studio to create movie sound effects using readily availabile sources.  Even today, TV and movie "Foley artists" (as they're called) employ substitute sound effects that are often more convincing than the original:  the real sound of a fist striking a face isn't that dramatic, but the Foley substitute will make you squirm.  Some effects are straight forward (a door sounds like a door), but others [like the ones below] are less obvious.

Your Mission:  Guess which Foley prop mimics the sounds of each object!  The first commenter to leave the correct full list wins a $5 gift card to Starbucks!  We're working on the honor system!  (Check back in one of next weeks blogs for the answers and the announced winner.)

Cinematic Sound Effect:

1. BONE CRUSHING        
2. RUSTLING CLOTHES         
3. BICYCLE
4. CAR SUSPENSION
5. BOAT
6. FIRE
7. ICE CUBES

Folley Substitute:

• A) Newspaper being crunched up
• B) Squeaky Chair
• C) Pen Caps Floating in Glass
• D) Celery
• E) Creaky Floor
• F) Pillowcase
• G) Luggage Cart

 

THE NETWORK COMMUNITY FEATURED BLOGGER

The talented musician and actor, Joe Mosley has been chosen by The Network as their newest featured blogger!  Congrats, Joe!  Check out Joe's blog for inspiration, ideas, or just good old-fashioned entertainment with a musical and modern twist -- http://www.networktalentcommunity.com/articles/_/talent/actors-journal-joe-mosley-r189.

Joe is currently featured on The Network's talent community home page.  He is on tour this summer with various artists, but we're looking forward to having him back in the southeast and in front of a camera again soon!

THE DIVA - NAOMI CAMPBELL

Naomi Campbell is a household icon in the world of fashion and rarely agrees to sharing her personal thoughts and life with the public.  But recently, photographer great Francesca Sorrenti sat down with Naomi for an intimate interview.

Francesca reminisces the first time she met Naomi.  It was via her son who was dating Kate Moss at the time.  The first thing she noticed about Naomi lead her to the thought, “Here is a woman who exudes glamour from head to toe”.  In Naomi's first season of shows in Paris and Milan, Francesca accounts that when Naomi appeared on the runway that the crowd gave a collective gasp and the room began to buzz.  She is still captivating people today.

Fearless and confident, Naomi's images have also been known to create a buzz.  One image in particular was the cover of LOVE Magazine in 2010.

Growing up have you always loved Fashion?
I think so, you know growing up in London you got to see so much happening all the time, Rifat, Body Map, there were so any others all around me.

How do you view the Internet and fashion?
Well that’s how the world is today, isn’t it? It’s a great tool for corporations and sales. People get to read what’s going on in the world of fashion and give their opinions right then and there.

Do you have any aspirations in fashion going forward?
One day I would like to display all that I have collected through my career, like a time capsule up for the viewing. It will speak for itself.

Didn’t you do a special edition for Russian Vogue last year?
Yes! It was my 25th Anniversary in the business and I worked with the Editor in chief of RV on that issue. I worked with Steven Meisel, Solve Sundsbo, with Russian photographer, Danil Golovkin, Matt Owen. We really had so much fun putting it together.

Who is your favorite designer?
Now that’s a very difficult question to answer, I’ve grown with so many people, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Azzedine, Karl, there’s Gianni Versace, Ozbek, Dolce & Gabbana, and I love so many of the young new designers. This again is a very difficult question to answer. So many of them have been so supportive of me and my growing and great to me in my career, I have also created so many great personal relationships with any them.

Favorite photographers?
This is another hard question, there’s again so many I have worked with that have been there for me from day one since I came to New York. I love how each and every one of them has depicted me differently; it’s a different side of your persona that they have captured. I like when I don’t look like myself.

You are involved in many charities, what’s your latest endeavor?
Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italia and I will be sponsoring Fashion for Relief Japan Appeal 2011 on May 16th at the Cannes Festival.

Do you have any advice for the young “new faces” in the business?
Try to stay true to yourself and stick to your roots and your friends that you have come into the business with you and who have stayed true to you. Try to stay focused on your goals and not be deterred from them.

The Met Ball, how was it?
It was fun, in the beginning it was a bit sad but than I thought Lee would be very proud. I felt it was a definite celebration of him.

What is your favorite perfume?
As you know I have my own fragrance for the past 12 years, and I love Molecules.

What do you most dislike about yourself?
My feet.

Who is the person you most admire in the world?
Nelson Mandela.

What is your biggest regret?
I haven’t got any. I think that everyone needs to take their path in life.

What personal possession do you most value?
Crystals.

Your favorite color?
Purple.

What is your biggest fear?
Roller coasters, jet skis.

If you could change the world?
I would free the world of AIDS and cancer.

 

Alberta Ferretti by Steven Meisel

One of the worlds most famous photographers and coveted creative cohort of every aspiring model, Steven Meisel is known for capturing some of the most amazing covers and campaigns.  This campaign for designer Alberta Ferretti is just one example of his creative genius.  Perhaps you know Steven Meisel's name, but are you familiar with his work the way you should be?  Knowing and studying the most brilliant minds is the only way to join their ranks!

Image credits include -- Hair: Guido, makeup: Pat McGrath, stylist: Edward Enninful. 

The models to note?  Magdalena, Siri, Viktoriya and Anna J. are all key in Alberta Ferretti's campaign

What makes the images captivating is the marriage between a bit of reality and our idealistic hopes.  The things one would naturally see on the subway (trash, people sleeping, coffee drinkers) are trumped by the hopes that we could look so flawless on our daily commute.   So who are the sirens that make us wish for that idealistic world?

Magdelena Frankowiak (on the cover of German Vogue)

Siri Tollerod (on the cover of Mexican Vogue)

Viktoriya Sasonkina (on the cover of Italian Vogue)

Anna J (on the cover of our very own Vogue)

What do all these women have in common aside from exciting careers?  You tell me!

A STUDY ON VOGUE ITALIA

What we see in hard copy print matters to both models and actors alike.  Obviously for the model it is important to study the current trends, other successful models, and the industry's best and brightest photographers, just the same as an actor must study taped auditions and character development.  Studying the hard copy print is also beneficial to the actor when it comes to putting together the marketing materials that will set them apart.  And what better place to study all these things than Vogue Italia. 

The latest spreads here show a varient of expressions, beautiful angles, and some noteable new fashionistas.  Photographer Tim Walker and model Stella Tennant put their creative powers to work in "this simply stunning tribute to color and shape that takes its cues from fashion's past."

REAL ADVICE ON DEMO REELS

Casting Director Ivy Isenberg and Manager Ryan Glasgow discuss having credits on your reel – the good, the bad, & the ugly!

http://www.virtualchannelnetwork.com/channels/reel_deal/ep105.cfm

Is your demo reel professional enough to get you into the casting room or booked on the job?

HOW DID YOU BECOME . . . ?

Working behind the scenes, industry professionals are frequently asked the question, “How did you become a [agent, casting director, director, producer, etc]?"

Everyone’s story is different, but here is some insight into one casting director’s history who attributes her career to “luck and gumption”.  We might all say that was the starting place!

Geralyn Flood, CSA, tells her story as she is currently casting Big Time Ruth on Nickelodeon, but also has a resume that includes television series like Frasier and Meet the Browns to movies like Spiderwick.

Click on the link to view Geralyn’s story from The Virtual Channel Network’s “Inside Casting”.

TAPED AUDITION 3 – Gabourey Sidibe

**Note – the content of this taped audition contains strong language and adult situations.  Not everyone will appreciate the subject matter, so view taped auditions from previous blogs as study material if this video could be offensive to you.  Be advised before watching the embedded video**

Gabourey auditioned for the role of Precious in the self titled movie that got her nominated for an Academy Award alongside acting greats like Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock.  How did a green talent rocket into superstardom to join the ranks of the most powerful faces in the business?

Her story is compelling, her role is heart-breaking, and her performance will no doubt be legendary, but the emotional life she brings to Precious and the raw truth of her communication on camera might be the things to note in her taped audition.

What strengths does Gabourey showcase that you need to add to your skill set?

   

WHOOPS! MISSED THE AUDITION?

Missing an audition can be a hairy situation and the actor will most often avoid confronting the issue or alerting their agent or manager for fear of the response, but not many actors can tell you WHY it's a big deal.  So WHY does everyone hype it up when you no show?  After all, it's not often that it happens and it's not unreasonable to overlook a mistake, right?

Here's one Casting Director's response to "Why should I never miss an audition?"

Los Angeles CD, Laurie Records says . . . and I quote:

*TRUTH #1: You can’t book a job, if you don’t go to the audition.  Yes, yes, yes… I know direct bookings happen.  I’ve booked a small handful of actors (in emergency situations) with no audition, over the last five years.  But I think we can all agree that isn’t something to bank your career on.  If you want to be in a commercial, you have to go to the audition every single time.  If you don’t want to be in commercials, focus on your theatrical, voiceover, or hosting career.  Whatever it is you value.  A half-hearted pursuit at any career is never going to cut it. Success requires research, focus, diligence, evaluation, and showing up every single time. If that’s not the level of pursuit you are interested in, you are wasting time that could be better spent elsewhere.

*TRUTH #2: You can’t get the audition if you aren’t in town.  Sometimes dedicated actors feel that as long as they are diligent in booking out, they can leave town at their leisure.  You certainly have that option.  And, you won’t frustrate too many people (with the possible exception of your agent) as long as you follow protocol.  Booked out actors aren’t a part of the no show/cancel list, but let’s be honest.  There are plenty of actors who don’t book out so as not to anger their agent, or out of curiosity of what auditions may come in.  Either way, what’s your goal?  If it’s to build your career, hone your audition skills and book work as an actor, you have to be in town to do that. Where does your acting career (and more specifically, your commercial career) fall on your list of priorities?  There is no right or wrong answer, but you owe it to yourself to be honest.

*TRUTH #3:  Attend the audition when you are under the weather/not feeling fantastic.  I know, I know… I’m asking for it.  Use discretion, of course.  When a doctor says you are contagious, cancel.  If it’s a struggle to last 5 minutes without running the bathroom, I’m not talking to you.  But force yourself to go to the audition when you aren’t 100%.  Nerves can leave you feeling queasy, and it’s an easy excuse to cancel.  Go anyway.  A cold or a headache, a hangover(!), being under inspired or having low energy in general shouldn’t keep you from your audition.  I’ve heard about and experienced first hand the increased focus required to get through an audition when under the weather actually working to your advantage.  It’s entirely possible it will be the time you book.  Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and go.  And avoid touching anyone.

*TRUTH #4:  You were picked from 1000’s.  It’s a hard sell to say you should attend a commercial audition because it’s not “fair” to the bazillions of actors who would love to have your slot and weren’t selected. Nevertheless, you should know that you were chosen out of the masses, and the casting director wants to see you because they think you can book the job.

TRUTH #5:  Online submissions are only getting more sophisticated, making it easier to track flakey actors.  Negative reinforcement isn’t my favorite, but it works for some, so I’ll use it.  In years past, it was far easier for an actor to skip their commercial audition, and not get “caught”… meaning, the agent wasn’t the wiser, and the CD probably didn’t notice it, or certainly didn’t make a note of it.  Those days are virtually gone.  There have been more and more improvements in the online casting revolution, and tracking no shows is a breeze.  Don’t be known as an actor who cancels or doesn’t show, because immediately, you are the actor who doesn't book (see TRUTH #1) the role, and sooner or later, the one with no auditions.

TRUTH #6:  You probably didn’t move here (whatever market you are reading this column from) to pursue a career in commercials.  At the very least, we can all agree, it’s a heck of a day job.  Pay the commercial process the respect it deserves, or for Pete’s sake, quit complaining about never booking one.  When you are fortunate enough to be getting auditions (which means you, your tools and team must all be in order and working to some degree), commit to giving it equal importance to your theatrical audition.  That doesn’t necessarily mean preparation time, but importance.  You don’t blow off your theatrical auditions, do you?  Even if you are a believer that booking a commercial is a numbers game (an idea with which I firmly disagree), you can’t miss commercial auditions and expect to book one.  So, figure it out (whatever it is!) and get there.