Taped Auditions

With 10% of auditions being “go-sees” and the rest being submission or taped - looking good and delivering a great audition on video is a must! So how can you ensure a good take?  Borrow the scout motto – Be Prepared!

Be Mentally Prepared!

1) Read over the audition notes. Print out your scripts and practice. Don’t just be familiar with the script, but know it.

2) Become familiar with the product.  “The doctor office spot isn’t going to have the same approach as a grocery store spot,” says Laura Von Holle, National Project Coordinator, recommending considering what type of character will be selling the product.  “Is it going to be straightforward, funny or a serious sell?  Do some research!”

3) Have the script memorized. Practice in front of the mirror. “Practice out loud,” suggests Richard Hagerman, Audition Coordinator.  “Don’t just practice in your head, practice out loud.  Do some vocal warm-ups.” Speaking out loud includes more senses providing for muscle memory and clear inflections.

Be Physically Prepared!

1) Think about pre-existing commercials or spots for similar products. Laura suggests, “Picture yourself on the commercial and ask yourself, ‘How do I want to look if someone was watching me?’”

2) Come camera ready - no heavy make-up, no shine on your face, hair in place and appropriate clothes.  “Remember, it’s your first impression to the client,” says Laura.  “An audition at Heyman Talent should be treated just like you’re auditioning at a go-see.”

Prepared for Taping Success!

Once you’re ready to put your audition on tape Richard suggests having different deliveries prepared.  “Think of different ranges like fast/slow; loud/soft; warm/cold and be prepared for when the director says “brighter!” He adds, “Whatever you do – don’t make it monotone!  I like to tell people to think of a read as a rollercoaster – with a lot of variation in it.”

And what if the script just has blips, awkward and just not working lines? “Don’t be afraid to change a line,” says Richard, adding, “Still be prepared to deliver the script as written, but I have seen a talent fix the line and book the job because of their change.”

Once your lines are delivered, don’t immediately go out of character, looking at the cameraman and say, “How was it?” Richard suggests taking three to five seconds in character.  “What happens after that moment where the script ends? Stay in character.  Think about where it would go,” he cautions, “Don’t bail out too soon.  Wait for the director to say ‘cut’ or ‘good take.’”

Most importantly, Richard’s advice for a great audition is to be comfortable and relaxed. Don’t be uptight (especially standing with feet together or crossed with hands in your pockets!) Communicate you’d be enjoyable to work with!  Richard reminds, “Producers only have the video to judge you by.”

Remember, this whole experience should be a positive thing, not a stressful situation to add grey hair, wrinkles and sweat stains!  Richard sums it up with two words -  “Have fun!”

How to make the most of your photo session

Photographer is booked. Now what? No need to panic. Deep breath. Read on.

First, ask yourself some questions. What market is your look geared for? Soccer mom? Handsome dad? Athlete? Repairman? Decide and then ask yourself, “Who are my potential clients?”

Flip through magazines whose advertising fits your profile and potential clients. Notice the poses, the clothing, styles, colors as you study the magazines.  Are they conservative? Edgy? Make it easy for the client to see you in their project.

Next, head to your closet. As you’re choosing clothes our photographers offer some great advice!

“Don’t get so worked up over your wardrobe. We’re selling YOU!” She suggests clothes that offer a variety of colors, necklines and simple patterns that enable you to shine. “If I’m noticing what you’re wearing, I’m not noticing YOU.”

Once clothes are chosen, next is self-preparation. Here are more valuable tips –

Several weeks prior to shoot, hydrate by drinking lots of water so your skin gets in wonderful shape.

Avoid any drastic haircuts or coloring

Early to bed the night before your shoot for a good night’s rest

And for the day of shoot - relax and enjoy!

Following such sound advice will enable you to put your best face for the camera, Heyman Talent and yourself!

Frampton, as in Mia Rose, comes alive!

By Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY

Peter Frampton's Baby, I Love Your Way has served as a musical aphrodisiac for millions since its mid-'70s heyday, but it had the opposite effect when it was played on the New Orleans set of the movie That's What I Am.

Mia Rose Frampton, daughter of Peter Frampton, stars in the coming-of-age comedy That's What I Am.

"When I heard the song start, I was like, 'I cannot deal with this right now,' " actress Mia Rose Frampton recalls, laughing. "It was just weird and awkward."

She was also gearing up for a pivotal kissing scene, and hearing the classic tune written by her father threw her off. "They turned it off immediately," she says.

The budding starlet is part of a new generation of musical progeny breaking onto a new stage this summer. Among those joining Frampton on the A-list offspring roster: Phil Collins' daughter Lily Collins and Notorious B.I.G.'s son Christopher Jordan Wallace. All hope to make the transition Liv Tyler did, going from daughter of rocker Steven Tyler to in-demand actress. Her latest starring vehicle, The Ledge, also opens this summer.

But as history has shown, pedigree doesn't guarantee a second generation of success. "As a parent, you have to do the disclaimer," the elder Frampton says. "You have to tell them show business is a terrible profession to go into. Even if you have great talent, it's hard enough."

And while the musical world offers its fair share of talented crooners who never make it to the big stage, Frampton, 61, admits the rejection faced by actors is unparalleled. "It's much harder," he says. "It's like me auditioning for another band every other day ... and being shot down most of the time."

But the same drive that pushed him to the stage is pushing his daughter to the screen.

"I want to do something extraordinary," Mia Rose says. Besides, she has her dad's genes. "I just love being the center of attention," she adds. "I definitely get the ham part from my dad."

The high school freshman, 15, has a doubleheader this spring: She's the object of a young boy's crush in That's What I Am (opening Friday) and has a memorable verbal brawl scene with Kristen Wiig in the comedy Bridesmaids.

Naturally, any discussion of famous offspring brings up the topic of a possible unfair advantage. "Yes, I helped in the beginning. It helped for me to make a phone call, absolutely," Frampton says. "That's the fringe benefit of being where I am." Still, he adds, an introduction can take a career only so far: "When she enters the audition door, she's either right or she's not for the director. There's nothing I — or her last name — can do then." 

That's What I Am director Michael Pavone says the Frampton name was a non-issue as he pored over audition tapes and gravitated to the performance on the screen. "I said, 'I love that girl right there.' I had no idea. When I did read her name, I didn't think it was that Frampton."

While Pavone insists that "Mia Rose was cast since she was the best person for the part," the director admits the eventual revelation and frequent set visits by Dad were, well, "pretty cool."