With open auditions for the new “Star Wars” film under way five veteran “Star Wars” actors share their tips on standing out from the rest of the crowd.
Do you think you have acting spirit to be in the new “Star Wars Episode VII” movie? Do you think you have the exact idea of what J.J. Abrams is looking for? Or do you just want to give it a chance and see how you do?
Open auditions for the new ‘Star Wars’ feature film started last Saturday in Bristol, England. The response was so overwhelming that only 50% of the talent was actually scene by casting directors and now Lucasfilms is accepting video applications via Cast It Talent Website.
The site reveals generic bios of characters that most likely will not be exactly the same in the movie (Abrams undertook a similar style of casting with his 2010 film “Super 8”).
Accoridng to LucasFilm, casting director for Marvels The Avengers, and Inception, Maryellen Aviano, will be looking for two roles:
- No.1: A young female, 17-18 years old, “street smart, independent, athletic, natural beauty… all ethnicities, multi & bi-racial.” (The character is named “Rachel” and was “quite young when she lost her parents. With no other family, she was forced to make her way alone in a tough, dangerous town… Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful…”)
- No. 2: A young male to play 19-23 years old (though the actor must be older than 18). The role is described as “athletic, smart, handsome, independent spirited.” (The character is named “Thomas,” and he has “grown up without a father’s influence. Without the model of being a man, he doesn’t have the strongest sense of himself.”)
CNET, recently spoke with several actors who previously worked on other Star Wars projects and here is their advice to actors:
James Arnold Taylor, Obi-Wan Kenobi in “The Clone Wars” animated series
“My advice for auditioning for ‘Star Wars’ is to tell them you really see James Arnold Taylor being a person they should reach out to play something in the movies, because you really love him. Also, remember it’s ‘May the Force be with you,’ NOT ‘Live long and prosper.’ Although J.J. Abrams has done both films so… If none of that works I suggest the old Jedi mind trick (said in an Obi-Wan voice): “This is the actor you’re looking for.'”Daniel Logan, young Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones,” “The Clone Wars” animated series
“Be yourself. A good casting director will be looking for small inherent traits within you that will lend themselves to the character. Also, learn how to swing a lightsaber and fire a blaster, drawn upon your imagination… the Force is within you! And the most important advice I can give: DO NOT talk about doing the audition to anyone, including, but not limited to: the press, on Twitter or Facebook. Keep it to yourself until you get the role and are given permission to talk about it. And remember if you don’t get a part in Episode 7, there are more bounties to come in Episodes 8 and 9!”Dee Bradley Baker, Clone troopers and various creatures on “The Clone Wars” animated series
“Avoid using words. Try auditioning your ‘Star Wars’ role speaking in bizarre alien utterances instead of actually speaking the lines as written. They can insert the subtitles later. If the role you are reading for is evil, be sure to incorporate some sort of breathing affliction into your audition. Or use a British accent. If you are reading for the most evil of all the evil characters, make sure to use a severely asthmatic British voice.”Meredith Salenger, Barriss Offee in “The Clone Wars” animated series
“When you choose your voice and character, be uniquely you. There is a reason you are special even if you don’t typically sound like what you envision voice actors to sound like.”Sam Witwer, Darth Maul in “The Clone Wars” animated series, Starkiller in “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed,” and Aidan in “Being Human”
“Watch ’40s movies. Then watch some ’70s movies. Speak loudly. Speak fast. Don’t wait for your closeup because it will never come. Less is more? Eff that. More is more. It’s ‘Star Wars’!”You can also study the perfect “Star Wars” auditions on YouTube thanks to rare, uploaded videos of a young Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia).
Another great way to understand what J.J. Abrams and Disney producers are looking for, is to look back at previous auditions. Visit Project Casting.TV for all of the Star Wars auditions, and acting tips to improve your chances. Click Here to learn more!
