Wonder why it is so difficult to land a role in a major production?

The Hollywood Reporter, recently wrote an article on the AFM, American Film Market. In the article the described the shortage of big name actors available for major motion picture projects. “[S]ales agents at AFM, who are increasingly frustrated at the difficulty in closing talent deals as the pool of viable stars becomes overfished.”

For example, last may, movie distributors were rushing to buy a sci-fi epic Passangers featuring Witherspoon and Keanu Reeves. On the verge of signing a major deal, Witherspoon dropped out in order to accept another project. Consequently, Rachel McAdams was selected as the female lead.

Lisa Wilson, the co-founder of The Solution Group, commented that “There’s a handful of actors and actresses that we’ve made valuable. We’re all making the same offers to the same actors.”

The cinematic entertainment industry has focused on fighting for “bankable names” which has resulted in fewer high-profile projects introduced at film markets. Film Markets such as the Cannes Film Festival and the AFM, American Film Market.

The Problem

The problem: Because the theatrical release of an indie film has become such a risky proposal, buyers are only willing to bet on an actor who can open a film worldwide.

So essentially, many distribution companies and producers are afraid that by selecting an unknown actor, the project will not gain as much attention as a popular name, despite their acting talent.

Marsha Metz, senior executive vp business & legal affairs at Constantin Film said:

“Who is in the cast is everything, especially for international.”

“We would love to go with that great unknown actor, but when we go to our sales agent, they tell us, ‘No one knows who this guy is, we can’t sell him.’ So we have to pick someone from their cast list.”

Who is on the Cast List?

The list of actors on the cast list is getting smaller and smaller. To get an idea of the cast list, see the number of A-listers with multiple projects made in a single year.

Gerard Butler has Lionsgate’s Gods of Egypt and Nu Image’s Olympus Has Fallen; Tom Hardy titles include Elton John biopic Rocketman and QED’s The Outsider; ex-Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe is signed on to play a crime journalist in Tokyo Vice and British Olympic champ Sebastian Coe in Embankment Films’ Gold. Russell Crowe has Fathers and Daughters for Voltage Films and his directorial debut, The Water Diviner, which co-stars Olga Kurylenko.

But, with Disney’s Star Wars Episode VII International Open Casting Call, it seems that there may be a change in the way the cinematic industry finds actors?

Leave Us a Comment Below and let us know what you think!

To Become an On-Camera Actor it Requires Acting Consistently.

Since everything you do in front of the camera is recorded or captured on film or videotape, you have to deliver the best performance best performance once, right? INCORRECT!

In the billion dollar world of film and television, it will be extremely rare that you will ever perform a scene just once. You will most likely perform the same scene over and over again, so the director can capture that same scene from different angles or allow the actors the opportunity to try different acting variations. Most likely, the same scene will be shot at least 5 to 6 different times.

What do you do if the director asks you to do it again?

The director has a creative vision. He utilizes his imagination and amazing production team to put it to life. But, it requires the amazing acting talent to breathe air into the lungs of the movie or film. So, it is crucial for an actor to adjust to the critiques of a director. If a director wants to shoot the same scene over and over, don’t take it personal as if you’re doing something wrong. Most likely, the director is trying to capture several different versions and variations to the same scene, so he can edit and choose the best one later. There are some amazing directors that believe a scene cannot be filmed until the moment is just right, that includes the perfect sunset, the perfect windbreeze, or the perfect mistake. Either way, as an actor Don’t Take it Personal.

Consistency, Your Worst Enemy!

Since, everything you do on camera is recorded. It takes consistency from take to take. Therefore, you have to be extremely aware of each time you perform a scene on camera. This includes making sure your body movements and appearance are identical in every take. You may think that it is not a big deal to pick up the glass with your right hand in one take, and then with your left hand in the second take. But, it could definitely ruin a production’s credibility when there is constant inconsistencies between angles, takes, and scenes.

Now, in order for film and television actors to appear realistic, the actors must be trained and must understand how to act consistently each time they perform a scene, regardless how many times they need to perform it. For instance, if an actor is filming a heartbreaking-dramatic scene filled with bursts of anger and sadness, then it will take an amazing actor to portray each take with the same heartfelt emotion and acting style. Perfect, consistency and this is what will help you stand out!

To achieve this illusionary blend of reality, film and television actors must know how to act consistently each time they perform a scene, no matter how many times they need to perform it. For example, if an actor is filming a dinner scene and picks up a glass with his right hand, he needs to remember to keep picking up that same glass with his right hand and not suddenly do a retake of the same scene and pick up the glass with his left hand.

On any major production you will find a script supervisor to make sure that the actors perform, dress, and act as closely as possible with every take of a scene. That way, when the director is choosing between takes, the film or television shows gives the illusion that the entire scene was filmed in one take and at the same time.

Acting vs. Action

As an actor you are accomplishing two goals on camera, Acting and Action. Acting is HOW you portray a character. While, Action is What you do with your character’s body. When shooting takes, it is appropriate to lightly change your acting, but it is imperative that your actions remain exactly the same. If not, the script supervisor will be quick to remind you of your mistakes and that will not look good on any future projects.

4 Steps to See if you can Maintain Consistency in Front of the Camera.

1. Videotape Yourself
2. Shoot the same scene three to five times
3. Re-watch the same scenes
4. Analyze what you could improve and any mistakes that you made

By accomplishing these simple four steps you will be able to determine if you have the acting consistency skills in order to make it in the film and television acting industry.

photo credit: iwinatcookie via photopin cc

Have any acting tips or suggestions? Leave us a comment below!

‘Super Troopers 2’ will begin shooting before the end of the year.

For the last three years there have been reports of a new Super Troopers sequel in development. But, it was recently announced that the project is currently in pre-production development.

During an appearance on “The Bald Faced Truth” before a show at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Steve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan shared some fun anecdotes and then dropped the big news that their stoner fans have been waiting to hear since 2001.

“Once there was a line of kids waiting to take pictures and there was an old lady in line. When she got up to me she slapped me across the face and said, ‘you’re the reason my son dropped out of college.’”

Heffernan confirmed the rumors of a long-awaited sequel to Super Troopers.

“There is, there is going to be a sequel. It’s actually happening right now. We just sealed the deal with Fox, who owns the rights. The script is written, and later in the year we’ll do the shooting.” (Cinema Blend)

While it is not certain of the plot of Super Troopers 2 we will keep you updated on all news and stories as soon as they become available! Stay tuned!

What do you think of Super Troopers 2? Are you excited for the sequel? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think!

The AMC drama continues to beat all other TV programs including, NBC’s most popular show ‘Sunday Night Football’.

The Walking Dead continues to destroy the ratings competition.

AMC’s zombie drama averaged about 8.7 million 18 to 49 adults on Sunday night, with a 6.8 rating. That makes The Walking Dead the highest rated TV show this week, beating Sunday Night Football by 8 percent. This marks the second weekend in a row that The Walking Dead has outperformed one of America’s most watched sports.

Football has an obvious advantage in total viewers, however, The Walking Dead was improved from the previous week increasing their viewers by well over 300,000.

Overall, The Walking Dead is easily the most watched TV show and is destroying all other shows in their way.

What do you think of Season 4 of The Walking Dead? Best season yet? Leave Us a comment below!