movie audition?

Question:I helped as an assistant casting director a few times, in the semi-pro independent film world.

Every director does it differently. Some are downright rude idiots, they'll basically send you away within seconds because they are looking for a particular "match" to the pre-cast image in their head. These are usually really bad directors too.

But if it's a really GOOD director... they will ask you to read something from the script, probably a critical scene that tells them whether you will deliver what they are looking for. They might give you that script ahead of time (if they're nice), or you'll see it for the first time at the audition (which I never understood).

The director I did that work for on a couple of films was really great. He didn't do open casting calls, he had them come in on a schedule. He gave all the auditioning actors the script pages for 2 scenes from his film (about 3 pages), and he gave them an idea of what the character was about and asked them to make up their OWN 2-minute monologue from that character's point of view, about themselves. They came in at their scheduled times, read their monologues first, then did the 2 scenes. All of it was videotaped.

It was a really interesting way to audition them, and usually in the monologue you immediately saw whether they "got" the character or not. Then during the two scenes, he'd let them do the scene, then offer some direction and have them do it again. Again, you immediately saw who took direction well.

By the time the auditions were over, we all pretty much knew who got the parts. It was amazing.

The only downside to his scheduled auditions is that there were a lot of no-shows, and we'd sit around bored waiting for the next person to come along (about 10 mins later, but when 2 or 3 didn't show in a row... that was so boring.)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I helped as an assistant casting director a few times, in the semi-pro independent film world.

Every director does it differently. Some are downright rude idiots, they'll basically send you away within seconds because they are looking for a particular "match" to the pre-cast image in their head. These are usually really bad directors too.

But if it's a really GOOD director... they will ask you to read something from the script, probably a critical scene that tells them whether you will deliver what they are looking for. They might give you that script ahead of time (if they're nice), or you'll see it for the first time at the audition (which I never understood).

The director I did that work for on a couple of films was really great. He didn't do open casting calls, he had them come in on a schedule. He gave all the auditioning actors the script pages for 2 scenes from his film (about 3 pages), and he gave them an idea of what the character was about and asked them to make up their OWN 2-minute monologue from that character's point of view, about themselves. They came in at their scheduled times, read their monologues first, then did the 2 scenes. All of it was videotaped.

It was a really interesting way to audition them, and usually in the monologue you immediately saw whether they "got" the character or not. Then during the two scenes, he'd let them do the scene, then offer some direction and have them do it again. Again, you immediately saw who took direction well.

By the time the auditions were over, we all pretty much knew who got the parts. It was amazing.

The only downside to his scheduled auditions is that there were a lot of no-shows, and we'd sit around bored waiting for the next person to come along (about 10 mins later, but when 2 or 3 didn't show in a row... that was so boring.)

Same thing as if you were in there for a job interview.

...this might be different from mine but when i went in Boston they had it at a library (small) and i went in this small room and signed in and waited with a couple of other people not a lot just like 2 others and then when it was my turn i went in this bigger room (not to much bigger) that was like a ball room (not the size just looked like one)and they were at a long table and they had the actor that was playing in a scene with the part that i was auditioning for so me and him just read the scripts and one guy at the table was video taping this and the others were like producers or something, then after that scene was done they told me to be more like, then we went over the scene again, then they asked me a couple of questions then they said bye and i left

for a speaking part, you read the script with one of the casting people reading the other part(s). for an extra, they just look at you.
How did you get this audition? If from a radio ad or a contact in a mall, it is likely a fraud, be careful!

it depends on the movie it is and what the director's looking for.

They may take headshots, ask you to sing/dance/act a piece of your own or one they've chosen, and then once you have finished they ask you to fill some contact details and state previous experience you have had

If it's a legit audition, your agent made the appointment for you. Your agent told you where you need to be, who your appointment is with, what project and role you're reading for and any other info you may need.

When you arrive at the studio your name should be on the guard's list. Ask for specific directions on where to go and where to park! If it's at an outside office then there will be no guard, you just find parking and go in. There will either be a sign-in list or a receptionist. Do not sign in just yet. If you did not get your sides ahead of time, get them now and start breaking it down. When you are more comfortable with your material and feel ready to audition, go sign in.

When you enter the room there can be just one person or several, it just depends. You greet everyone pleasantly but no need to shake everyones hands if there are several people. Maybe just the first person or two (unless the casting director makes special effort to introduce you to a producer or someone else like that). The room at large can get a very nice greeting. If they are taping you, you will take you mark. They may talk to you for a minute (or not) then you'll slate your name and the role you're there for and start reading the scene. Give it your best shot and hopefully they'll be with you all the way.

If you did well and you're lucky, your agent will be calling you later with your callback info.

That's about how it usually goes. Sometimes they'll take poloroid pics to go along with your headshots. Sometimes they like to talk to you at length or even have you improv, especially if it's a commercial interview. You may be asked to wear certain attire (jeans if it's an ad for Old Navy or Levi's or Swimwear if the role calls for you to show your body, etc.). There are lots of variables, but for your everyday auditions that's about it.

Does that answer your question?
Marianne