Here are some definitions of terms you might hear in a casting office:
SIDES: this is what Casting Directors call the audition material that you will receive. It is usually some pages from the script of the project that you are auditioning for. For a commercial, it may just be a description of what they want you to do during your audition.
BREAKDOWN: this usually refers to a character breakdown, which gives you some information about the role you are reading for, or about the script. This might tell you things like: how old is the character, what is their background, what is their relationship to the other characters and what the Casting Director is looking for in the character (for example: funny, loud, blonde, young, ethnic, etc).
READER: Sometimes a Casting Director will have another person reading with you in the audition. Most scenes have more than one character, so often the reader will play all of the roles OTHER than the one that you are reading for. Usually a reader will sit in a chair a short distance away from you.
DAY OUT OF DAYS: this term refers to a shooting schedule for a film. This is a board which has the daily shooting schedule of each character in a film or television show. Actors don't always work for an entire movie. They may film a scene at the beginning of the shoot and then be on "HOLD" for a number of days until their next work day.
CASTING ASSOCIATE: This is like a junior Casting Director. An associate has had substantial experience in casting, and will help the Casting Director with auditions, with scheduling readings and to liaison with the Producers, Directors and Agents.
EXTRA or BACKGROUND: These are non-speaking roles in a film or show. The actors who play these roles are usually cast through an extra's casting agency and receive far less in salary. This can be a good way to get experience being on a set.
SAG: stands for Screen Actors Guild. This is the union that many actors belong to. Most movies and television shows hire SAG actors, and the actors deals are guided by the SAG union rules. Getting into SAG can be difficult. There are a number of ways to become a member, including working as an extra and receiving "vouchers" which are awarded to special business extras (who are focused on in particular scenes). Another way to get into SAG is through a Taft-Hartley request - which allows a production company or studio to petition the union to add an actor because their skills are unique and necessary to the production.
AFTRA: the other major actors union. (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). This union covers a number of television productions including Daytime (Soap Operas) and some sitcoms. This can be an easier union to join.
NON-UNION: Most actors starting off are non-union. The goal is to become a union actor, so that you will receive all of the benefits and protections of union status. Many commercials, cable shows and local advertising is done non-union, so this is a great way to work and get experience.
HEADSHOT: Usually an 8"x10" photo, this is an actor's calling card. Your resume goes on the back, and should list any acting work that you have done, and/or any related training that you have in acting. Your resume should also list any special skills that you have that might be important to getting acting work - like ability to do accents, or to speak another language fluently.
|
|
|
