GENERAL AUDITIONS
TIME TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR AUDITION!
We’ve changed the format and procedure for meeting new talent. We are now asking for you to submit self-tapes or send us a link to your reel.
We want to see you performing IN THE MEDIUM that you’ll be auditioning for- ON CAMERA. THIS IS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR PRINCIPAL WORK.
This format gives you, the actor, the opportunity to control how you present yourself and what we see of your performance.
Just some simple guidelines:
1. Your video is 3 minutes or less. Make it your “performance best”- how you see yourself as a professional, and where you see yourself in the marketplace. It doesn’t have to be professionally produced, doesn’t have to cost you anything. Just shoot a simple video on your smartphone, This is just meant to be a quick introduction of yourself and your talent. This can be a short monologue, a scene that really showcases you (not the other actor) or even your demo reel. Check the sound and the lighting- be sure to review it before you finalize it.
2. Please only send one link or if sending a video file, make sure it’s a .mp4 or .m4v.
3. Your audition should be filmed in a CLOSE UP (head and shoulders). You should have plenty of light on your face and be close enough to the microphone so we can hear your audition clearly.
4. IF YOU USE A SMARTPHONE: Please film with the phone tilted horizontally, not vertically. EVEN FOR YOUR SLATE (You'll have to walk backwards to get the full body shot, but that's the downfall to using a phone) - a vertical SMARTPHONE captures a rectangular image, which becomes squished when uploaded to sites that format video to 4:3 or 16:9. We will not watch or send a video that is shot vertically.
Make it your best, make us want to see more!
Once you have your video ready, just email to:
heerygeneralauditions@gmail.com
YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING IN THE EMAIL:
Name:
Phone number:
Email address:
City or nearest Metropolitan area:
ALSO, attach your picture (as a .jpg) and your resume ( as a .pdf) Handy hint: be sure to label your picture and resume with your name (johndoephoto.jpg or janedoeresume.pdf)
If your email is successful, you will receive a response that we have gotten your link or video file. No need to follow up, be assured that we have it.
IMPORTANT:
*Heery Loftus Casting, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any videos that contain inappropriate or offensive content.
*The submitted videos are for in-house use for Heery Loftus Casting and staff, and will not be shared, linked or posted anywhere for public consumption.
* This process is only for general auditions. This is NOT to be used for requested audition videos for a specific project.
BACKGROUND TALENT HANDY HINT
At booking:
Be sure that you are available for the day (and night!). Many times, a shooting day can be 14-16 hours long. Please don't commit to the day if you can't complete the day.
Many times, extras are booked on very short notice. Please be sure we have the best number where you can be reached at all times. Keep your cell phone turned on!
Know your union status. If you are non-union, you may receive a "waiver" for the day. But, you have a limited amount of waivers that you can receive. Be sure you KNOW how many you have already!
Have a pen and paper ready! You will be given:
• Wardrobe specifications - listen carefully, these will be specific. What season clothing should you bring? Are there any colors prohibited? Usually, Black, white, red, wild colors and logos are prohibited.
• Location to report - Be sure you know where you're going. Buy a good map of the area. (unfortunately, the internet maps are NOT reliable)
• Call time - Be on time! The production company has the right to dismiss any extra who is late for call time. Take into consideration if your call time is around rush hour or if there is construction along your way.
• You are not officially booked until you receive a call time. Call times are generally not released until the film finishes shooting on the previous day. You may not get that call until late in the evening. If it is a night shoot, we probably will call you the morning of the shooting day with your call time.
• MANY TIMES, booking info will be published on our WEBSITE, under "Special Projects'. Be sure to check it!
On set:
• Bring a PEN and your ID with you. Drivers License + Social Security card are standard acceptable forms of ID (according to the government). A valid passport is also good. If you are not a US citizen, you must bring your "green card" or valid US work permit.
• Leave your valuables at home, but bring busywork - there's always lots of down time on a set.
• Pay attention to your "wrangler". There is always a crew member assigned to background talent. He/she needs to know where you are at ALL times. Please don't wander outside of assigned areas.
• Cell phones and pagers must be off or on vibrate! Also, leave cameras at home.
• If they request to use your car in the shot, be sure it has a full tank of gas. You may also be asked to bring a specific prop ( briefcase, bookbag, etc.) Generally, you are reimbursed for use of these things.
Pay:
• You will fill out a pay voucher on set, receive a copy for your records and a check will be mailed to your home, usually within 2-3 weeks. If there is any problem with your check, please do NOT call us!
• All payroll issues should be directed to the payroll company listed on your pay voucher. Also, your employer for unemployment purposes is the same payroll company (not the production company.)
• Your money will NOT be released to you unless you have supplied the required ID. Be sure that you bring photocopies of it with you!
PLEASE NOTE:
Procedures for payment may be different on a NON-UNION project. In those cases, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for sending an invoice to the producer for your services. Be sure to get billing information when you are booked.