Tips for Film Auditions: The Slate and the Q&A

Josie is a seasoned theater performer breaking into the acting business. She's a huge fan of Dr. Who and Harry Potter. Drop by her UBC page!

17 April 2010

So, I auditioned for this local film today, and there was a Q&A about what kind of movies you like, who your fave actresses/actors are, etc. Well, I completely blanked out and failed. I was so surprised by the questions that I ended up saying Harry Potter stuff for all of them. Major facepalm. 

Moral of the story? Be prepared for ANYTHING. Formulate a list of answers to questions such as your top five favorite movies and favorite actors/actresses before heading to an audition. (Those were several of the questions I was asked during the audition!)

The aftermath: I ended up becoming the safety/understudy (if something happened to the girl casted, I was supposed to take her place) for an 19-y/o who got the part. It was a really cool opportunity.

22 June 2012 Update

Since 2010, I have auditioned for numerous films, and although each Casting Director does their casting differently, there are some things that are the norm in the casting world. They'll always ask you

• about the film you're auditioning for, 
• what you like about it, 
• how/if you relate to the character, 
• why you're auditioning for that character

In every film audition you audition for (whether it be for commercials, television, indie films, casting offices, etc), you have to have a slate. Your slate is what the director is going to remember about YOU when he/she watches the film back, and should communicate essential information about you as well as a glimpse at your personality. For example:

"Hi. My name's John Lennon. I'm a part of Here Comes the Sun Casting Agency, and I'm 72 years old!"

You always want to bring your personality to the slate, NOT the character you're auditioning for. Bright smiles, quirky head twerks, giggles, whatever it is you do naturally, is good for the slate. If you're already in character or if you're deadpan serious, you'll come off as boring and they may not want to work with you. You also always want to give your slate while looking directly at the camera. 

When you start to do your sides, look to the person you're reading with and snap into character. If you're told to prepare the sides, try your hardest not to look down at them at all. Getting nervous is fine, and if you do have to look down, make sure it's only momentarily. You never want to stare down at the paper while you're auditioning. Ever. Even if the person you're reading with has a paragraph to read (then it's not a very good side to audition with, but that's not your fault), you want to be able to react to and interact with everything they're saying.

Questions? Let me know here or on my UBC page!