Open Casting Calls

Open casting calls seeking all ages and types for feature film 'Southpaw'

The major feature film Southpaw is seeking men and women of all ages and types to appear in the film as extras and featured background actors.

The Weinstein Company and Hope Films in association with Richie Productions, Escape Artists, and Fuqua Films are now prepping to shoot the feature film Southpaw starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, and Forest Whitaker. The casting directors have scheduled open casting calls on June 3, 4, and 7 in Indiana, Pennsylvania which is about 1-hour east of Pittsburgh. Film crew members can can submit resumes to the production office. Filming will take place in both Pittsburgh and Indiana from mid-June through early-August.

Southpaw centers on cocky, aggressive, volatile middleweight champion Billy Hope. He expects to ride out his career with his massive winnings, his adoring fans, his beloved wife Maureen and their 10 year old daughter Leila. When Billy's temper triggers a fight, and then a shootout that leaves Maureen dead, Billy finds his life spiraling out of control. He takes to drinking and doing drugs, ignores the heart-broken Leila, and ignores his finances. When he loses his house, his money and finally Leila, who winds up in a group foster home, he begins to find his way back to some kind of balance with the help of amateur trainer Titus "Tick" Willis, who has his own demons but who turns out to be the perfect trainer for Billy.

Starring in Southpaw is Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role of Billy Hope. Also starring is Screen Actors Guild Awards nominee Rachel McAdams, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o, and Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker. Black Reel Awards winner Antoine Fuqua will direct from an original screenplay by Primetime Emmy Award nominee Kurt Sutter, with rewrites by Richard Wenk. Producers are Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black, Steve Tisch, Alan Riche and Peter Riche.

Southpaw Open Casting Calls

All talent must be legally eligible to work in the state of Pennsylvania and in the United States.

The 2014 Pittsburgh Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in Pennsylvania and in the United States:

All 2014 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are available here.

The feature film Southpaw will be filming in Pittsburgh, PA and Indiana, PA from mid-June through early-August. The film is seeking adults 18 years of age and older, all types, any ethnicity, to appear in the movie as fully paid background actors. No experience is required, however all talent must be legally eligible to work in the State of Pennsylvania. There are NO FEES to attend the open calls or to be considered. The following open casting calls have been scheduled:

Indiana, PA

Where:

Indiana Mall
2334 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701

Please use the South Entrance. DO NOT call the venue, as they have no additional information.

When:

Tuesday June 3, 2014 – 4pm to 7pm
Wednesday June 4, 2014 – 4pm to 7pm
Saturday June 7, 2014 – 10am to 3pm

If you are unable to attend the open casting calls, you can download the following form, fill it out completely and mail or email it to the casting team:

Southpaw Extras Registration Form

Southpaw
Attn: Extras Casting
c/o Hope Films, Inc.
701 Rodi Road
Suite 102
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

southpawextras@gmail.com

You MUST include a clear recent color snapshot (against a white background, no hats or sunglasses, only you in the photo).

Principal Actor Casting

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit to casting directors for acting roles.

No phone calls or personal drop-offs.

Los Angeles:

Mary Vernieu
Lindsay Graham
Betty Mae, Inc.
13375 Beach Avenue
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

NOTE:

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.

Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.

Click Here to purchase the best resume and cover letter paper.

The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. IF the role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be written above the casting directors name.

Example:

"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Film Crew Members

Pittsburgh:

Experienced film crew members who are available to work in the Pittsburgh and Indiana, Pennsylvania areas can submit resumes to the following:

southpawfilm@gmail.com

In the subject line put the position you are submitting. Example - "FILM CREW: MAKUP ARTIST"

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

Hope Films, Inc.
701 Rodi Road
Suite 102
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Richie Productions
9336 W. Washington Blvd.
Above Stage 3 West
Room 305
Culver City, CA 90232

Escape Artists
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
Astaire Bldg.
3rd Floor
Culver City, CA 90232

Fuqua Films
12424 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

The Weinstein Company
99 Hudson Street
4th Floor
New York, NY 10013

Producers:

Jason Blumenthal
Todd Black
Steve Tisch
Alan Riche
Peter Riche

Writer:

Kurt Sutter

Director:

Antoine Fuqua

Starring:

Jake Gyllenhaal
Rachel McAdams
Lupita Nyong'o
Forest Whitaker

Story:

Gyllenhaal is set to play Billy "The Great" Hope, a left-handed prizefighter who wins a title but suffers a tragedy soon after and must put his life back together to earn the respect of his young daughter. Whitaker will play Titus "Tick" Willis, a former fighter who was forced to retire after losing an eye and now trains amateur fighters.

Open casting call scheduled for feature film 'Sing Street' produced by U2's Bono

The feature film Sing Street has scheduled an open casting call seeking a boy and girl to play the Lead Roles in the film.

Sing Street tells the story of Cosmo, a 14-year-old growing up in 80’s Dublin who must break free of a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, deal with his drop-out older brother’s antics, and survive a new public school where the kids are rough and the brothers are tougher. So he writes a song, forms a scrappy band with some school mates, writes more songs, and shoots some wicked music videos. How to shoot pop videos in a recession ridden country? Beg, borrow and steal. And steal. But when he realizes he can’t save his family, he must make a family of his own. What better way than to start than to run away with 15-year-old wannabe model girlfriend across the sea to London, the Emerald city, where their shared dreams might, or might not come true.

Open Casting Call Details

ALL talent MUST be legally eligible to work in London and in the United Kingdom.

The 2014 London Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in London and the United Kingdom:

• London Child Actor Information
• London Child Actor Chaperone Information
• London Bylaws on the Employment of Children
• London Child Stage Performance Application Form
• London Child Work Permit Application
• United Kingdom Foreign Actors Visa Information
• United Kingdom Entertainer Visitor Application Form
• United Kingdom Employment Application Form

In addition to the following London Actors Resources:

• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• London Casting Directors List
• London Extras Casting Directors List
• London Talent Agents List
• General Talent Agent Information
• London Actors Headshot Photographers
• United Kingdom Acting Schools
• London Performers Unions and Organizations
• Miscellaneous London Actors Resources
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Casting Director and Talent Agents Cover Letters
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• PDF Users Guides

The 2014 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are available here.

We are looking for the LEAD BOY and GIRL plus other supporting roles in a
MAJOR IRISH FEATURE FILM.
Director: John Carney (Once, Begin Again) is searching for the cast of his new movie SING STREET. It may be you!
We are looking for the following:
BOYS AGE 13-17 from Dublin and Surrounding Areas.
MUSICAL ABILITY IS A PLUS!
GIRLS AGE 14-18 from Dublin and Surrounding Areas
SUNDAY 18th MAY
11am till 4pm.
FILMBASE Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin.
BOYS: If you play an instrument, please bring it along and be ready to play. Otherwise, please have a short song prepared.
TEENAGERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN
NO ACTING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. FULL OPEN FILM CASTING – GET THERE EARLY & TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

If you are unable to attend the open casting call but are willing to work in London, please submit a hardcopy photo and contact information to the following:

Louise Keily Casting
25 Hampton Wood Avenue
St. Margaret's Road
Dublin, Ireland
UK

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.
Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.
Click Here to purchase the best resume and cover letter paper.
The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name.
Example:
"Point Break"
"Role of GENERAL ACTOR SUBMISSION"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

A Likely Story/Distressed Films
175 Varick Street
Second Floor
New York, NY 10014

Merced Media Partners
601 Carlson Parkway
Suite 200
Minnetonka, MN 55305

Palmstar Media Capital
14622 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 755
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Filmwave
27 Margaret Street
London, England
United Kingdom, W1W 8RY

Filmnation Entertainment
345 N. Maple Drive
Suite 202
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Producers:

Anthony Bregman
Kevin Frakes
Raj Brinder Singh
Paul Trijbits
Christian Grass

Director:

John Carney

Starring:

To Be Cast

Story:

Sing Street centers on a 14-year-old who must break free of a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, deal with his drop-out older brother’s antics and survive in a new public school. He forms a band and runs away to London with his 15-year-old girlfriend.

Talent search seeking overweight boy for feature film 'Weightless'

The feature film Weightless is seeking a boy who can play 8-12 years of age for the lead role starring opposite Jason Clarke.

Kingsgate Films and Smuggler are in pre-production on the indie film Weightless, which will begin shooting in August, 2014. The role up for grabs requires a boy who is very overweight. Weightless centers on a father whose quiet life gets thrown upside down when he answers a call to take care of his son Will, who’s affected by childhood obesity, after Will's mother goes missing. Filming will take place in New York with additional filming in Pennsylvania.

Starring in Weightless is Chicago Film Critics Association Award winner Jason Clarke, and 3-time Academy Award winner Nick Nolte. Canadian filmmaker Jaron Albertin will direct from an original screenplay written by BAFTA Awards nominee Enda Walsh. Academy Award winner Greg Shapiro will produce Weightless along with Smuggler execs Patrick Milling Smith and Brian Carmody.

Weightless Talent Search Details

The casting directors for the feature film Weightless are conducting a Talent Search seeking the role below. Submissions are being accepted from all areas of Canada and the United States. If cast, the boy and a parent/legal guardian will receive transportation and accommodations to the shooting locations in New York and Pennsylvania. This is a fully paid role at SAG-AFTRA scale, and there is no prior acting experience necessary to submit or be considered. No union membership is required. Shooting will take place in August, 2014. The deadline to submit is June 15, 2014.

[WILL] Male, must be able to portray 8-12 years of age. Weights approximately 150 - 250 lbs or more. Quiet and shy until you get to know him. No acting experience is necessary! LEAD ROLE

To be considered, submit a recent color photo along with the following:

Name:
Age:
Current Location:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Email:
Parent/Guardian Phone:

Send your submission to WeightlessAudition@gmail.com

Minors must be legally eligible to work in the states of New York and Pennsylvania, and in the United States.

The 2014 New York Actors Resource Guide eBook comes with free quarterly updates and includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in New York and the United States:

• New York Child Performer Information Sheet
• New York Child Performer Permit Combined Application
• New York Child Performer Trust Accounts Information
• New York Verification of Satisfactory Academic Performance
• New York Child Performer Employer Certificate Combined Application
• USA Child Actor Work Permit Requirements - State Statues
• USA Immigration Work Permits and Visas
• USA Non-Immigrant Visa Application

In addition to the following New York Actors Resources:

• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• New York Casting Directors List
• New York Extras Casting Directors List
• New York Talent Agents List
• General Talent Agent Information
• New York Acting Classes List
• New York Headshot Photographers List
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• Miscellaneous New York Resources
• PDF Users Guides

Both the New York and Pennsylvania 2014 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are available here.

Principal Actor Casting

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit to casting directors for acting roles.

No phone calls or personal drop-offs.

Richard Hicks
5225 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 736
Los Angeles, CA 90036

NOTE:

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.

Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.

Click Here to purchase the best resume and cover letter paper.

The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. IF the role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be written above the casting directors name.

Example:

"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Extras Casting

To Be Announced

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

Kingsgate Films
7024 Melrose Ave.
Suite 420
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Producers:

Greg Shapiro
Patrick Milling Smith
Brian Carmody

Director:

Jaron Albertin

Starring:

Jason Clarke
Nick Nolte

Story:

About a young boy growing up in difficult surroundings.

Independent feature film 'Marshall the Miracle Dog' schedules open casting call

There will be an open casting call this weekend, Sunday April 27, in Missouri for the independent feature film Marshall the Miracle Dog.

Day of Fun Pictures is prepping the film, based on the true story novel of the same name by Cyndi Willenbrock. Casting director Carrie Houk has scheduled an open casting call for Sunday April 27, 2014 seeking people to work on the film as both actors in speaking roles, as well as extras. She is seeking all types and ages, and no prior experience working as an actor or extra is required to attend the open call. Shooting will take place in the St. Louis area beginning in June, 2014.

Marshall the Miracle Dog is inspired by the phenomenal true story of Finn, a twelve-year-old boy who is targeted by bullies at his new school. Finn feels hopeless until he meets a kindred spirit in Marshall: a spirited dog being held by an animal hoarder in deplorable conditions. Finn rescues Marshall, but the adventure and the challenges are far from over. Marshall becomes spooked and bolts from the veterinarian’s office, with the hoarder still on the chase. Bullies continue to pursue Finn. In the end, it is Marshall who leads everyone to a place of forgiveness and friendship – it is Marshall who encourages everyone to never give up on the miracle.

Jay Kanzler will direct and executive produce Marshall the Miracle Dog from a screenplay adapted from the book by Cyndi Willenbrock, who is also producer and adviser on the film. Marshall the Miracle Dog will be released in late 2014.

Marshall the Miracle Dog Open Casting Call Details

St. Louis, MO casting director Carrie Houk is holding an open casting call seeking local people to work as actors in supporting roles, as well as extras. Aspiring performers of all types, ages, and ethnicities are welcome. There is no charge to attend the casting call. Attendees should bring an official state ID, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or United States passport. Chosen extras and supporting actors will need to plan to remain onset the entire day for all days booked in June (exact dates to be determined). Parking is free, and aspiring performers are asked to bring a headshot or a recent color snapshot.

Where:

Clayton High School
1 Mark Twain Circle
Clayton, MO 63105

When:

Sunday April 27, 2014
9:00am - 11:30am

Principal Actor Casting

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit to casting directors for acting roles.

No phone calls or personal drop-offs.

Carrie Houk Casting
6334 Alamo Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63105

NOTE:

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.

Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.

Click Here to purchase the best resume and cover letter paper.

The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. IF the role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be written above the casting directors name.

Example:

"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Extras Casting

St. Louis:

Carrie Houk Casting
6334 Alamo Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63105

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

Day of Fun Pictures
2001 S. Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63117

Executive Producer:

Jay Kanzler

Producer:

Cyndi Willenbrock

Director:

Jay Kanzler

Starring:

To Be Cast

Story:

Finn, a twelve-year-old boy who is being bullied at school, pulls off a daring rescue of an abused Labrador retriever named Marshall. When Finn finds Marshall, the dog is in the clutches of an animal hoarder, who has 60 dogs penned up at her desolate ranch. Finn discovers the hoarding situation – and witnesses some of the other dogs attacking Marshall – while running home from school after another frightening bullying incident. In an E.T.-like game of cat and mouse, Finn must hide Marshall from his stressed out, single mother, Cynthia, while he and his sassy 16-year-old cousin, Grace, try to get Marshall help before his wounds fester and he dies from an infection. Along the way, Marshall gets spooked and runs away from Finn. Marshall ends up getting lost and has a series of scary, funny, and heartwarming adventures – while everyone, including Cynthia and her love interest, the handsome veterinarian Doc Henry, desperately look for him before it is too late. Throughout the movie, Finn has to deal with scary encounters with the local bully and his mother, the hoarder who wants her dog back. In the end, Finn and his family are able to get Marshall to the vet hospital…but is it too late? It is the special bond between a boy and his dog that will ultimately save Marshall. Marshall has to have his front leg removed, but he is a fierce survivor and can outrun most four-legged dogs – while teaching everyone not to give up five minutes before the miracle.

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I have worked in the Entertainment Industry as long as I can remember. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists since 1985. I decided to create and maintain this blog in my spare time to help people who are interested in working as a performer in the Entertainment Industry. I hope the free information on this site can help you continue working as a professional actor, or help aspiring actors achieve your dream of working as an actor or extra in film and television. I hope my websites continue to help talent obtain employment in the entertainment industry.

Note: All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).

Sincerely,

Alan Baltes

Important information about uploading audition videos

A large number of casting directors and studios are now using Cast It Systems' ActorCast to allow people to upload audition videos for specific projects and roles.

When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.

Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!

How Films and Television Shows are Cast

The executives give the "green light" for movies and TV shows to be produced. Then the production company of the project hires casting directors, who in turn send out "breakdowns" of the characters being cast.

These "breakdowns" actually are sent out by a service called "Breakdown Services" and are only available to licensed Talent Agencies.

Then the agents at these agencies submit photos, resumes, and sometimes "demo-reels" to the casting directors. Then the casting directors call in the actors that fit the roles they are casting, usually many many actors are called in.

Then they narrow it down to the best actors who came in and "call back" these actors to read again for the director, sometimes the writer, producer, etc. Then they narrow it down further, and sometimes there are 3 - 4 "call backs" before an actor is finally hired.

Occasionally a casting director will call in an actor who sends a photo and resume on their own without an agent, however it is difficult for talent to find the addresses and casting directors. That is what this website is for. To help people get their photo and resume to the correct casting directors, and to find legit open casting calls.

Does it cost anything to audition?

NO! Never ever pay someone to audition. If they ask you to pay, then it is surely a scam. Legit casting directors, agents, and managers never charge any up-front fees whatsoever. You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.

Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company. The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.

So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for television shows and films.

Will casting directors consider me if I randomly send in my photo/resume and don't have an agent?

Here is what casting director Gayle Pillsbury of Zane/Pillsbury Casting said in regards to general submissions when asked the following question:

If an actor does not have representation by a talent agent, what is the best way for them to get noticed by a casting director?

"You can also try and send a general submission of yourself to a casting office – I’ve opened some pictures and just really liked the picture of the person and held onto it until an appropriate role came up so I could audition that actor. And while I don’t want to sound discouraging, general submissions are a long shot – you’re really bargaining on timing and luck. But again, it’s about being pro-active and creative-minded."

Read the entire interview here:

Gayle Pillsbury Interview

Click Here for Gayle Pillsbury at IMDb

Here is casting director Jeff Greenberg's response to the following question:

Do you ever cast actors who are without representation?

"We do cast actors without representation."

Read the entire interview here:

Jeff Greenberg Interview

Click Here for Jeff Greenberg at IMDb

These statements mirror what the vast majority of casting directors have told me over the last 20+ years. I have a separate website that addresses talent agency issues. It includes FAQ, scam alerts, and a state-by-state listing of all legit talent agents in the USA. Click Here to go to my Talent Agents information and resources website.

Gaining Experience - Background Acting

I personally feel that if a person does not have experience, doing extra work is a fantastic way to get used to being on a film or TV set. It gives you an idea of how things work and allows you to become comfortable on a set without risking "burning bridges" if you get nervous and a little stage fright.

I myself did extra work in the beginning of my career and it helped me tremendously. I had terrible stage fright, but I became very comfortable after doing background work for a while. It doesn't pay a whole lot, but the experience you get is valuable. Acting is like any other job, the more training and experience a person has, the better chance of getting the job. But at the same time, we all have to start somewhere!

Why You Should NOT Call Casting Directors

Unsolicited phone calls and personal visits to casting directors are prohibited in the entertainment industry. Not only does it display a huge level of non-professionalism, it is extremely inconsiderate of casting directors time. They receive hundreds, and even thousands of photos and resumes every week. They certainly can not accommodate being inundated with phone calls from actors, and aspiring actors.

Talent Agents who know casting directors can call them if it is for a very important reason such as rescheduling a client for an audition. But calling casting directors, production companies, producers, and studios is an agents job, NOT an actors.

The only exception to this extremely important rule is if you are RETURNING a phone call after they have contacted you first.

SAG-AFTRA

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is an American labor union representing over 150,000 film and television principal and background performers worldwide. The current organization is the result of the March 30, 2012 merger of the Screen Actor's Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

According to the SAG-AFTRA Mission Statement, the union seeks to: negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits, and working conditions for its performers; collect compensation for exploitation of recorded performances by its members, and provide protection against unauthorized use of those performances; and preserve and expand work opportunities for its members.

The Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933 in an effort to eliminate exploitation of actors in Hollywood who were being forced into oppressive multi-year contracts with the major movie studios that did not include restrictions on work hours or minimum rest periods, and often had clauses that automatically renewed at the studios' discretion. These contracts were notorious for allowing the studios to dictate the public and private lives of the performers who signed them, and most did not have provisions to allow the performer to end the deal.

SAG-AFTRA is the primary performer's union in the United States. The union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. SAG-AFTRA claims exclusive jurisdiction over motion picture as well as radio, television, Internet, and other new media. Internationally, SAG-AFTRA is affiliated with the International Federation of Actors.

How To Qualify For SAG-AFTRA Membership

A performer becomes eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership under one of the following two conditions:

1) Proof of Employment.

SAG-AFTRA membership is available to those who work in a position covered by a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement. Any person qualifying through work as a background actor must have completed three days of work as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement.

2) Employment Under an Affiliated Performers Union.

Performers may join SAG-AFTRA if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers union (ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and has worked and been paid for at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

All new members pay a one-time-only initiation fee, plus the first semiannual dues at the time of joining. The national initiation fee rate is currently $3000.00 (initiation fees may be lower in some states). Annual Base dues are $198.00. In addition, work dues are calculated at 1.575 percent of covered earnings up to $500,000.

Once you are a member, you must abide by the rules of membership, starting with Global Rule One and the No Contract/No Work Rule. And, whether you are a SAG-AFTRA member or not - NEVER accept work during a Union strike!

Becoming a SAG-AFTRA member is a very important milestone for every working professional talent in the entertainment industry. But you should not be in a rush to join unless you are absolutely certain that you are ready to compete for professional performing jobs. For actors, you should prepare yourself by studying acting and improv, doing live theatre, and perform in non-union on-camera productions in order to build your resume and gain extremely valuable experience.

Audition Guidelines

1. Always know what you are auditioning for.

2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.

3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).

4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).

5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.

6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.

7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.

Actors/Improvisation:

Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).

Singers:

Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.

Dancers:

Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.

Brand Yourself With Headshots

You should have two good color headshots (not "airbrushed", unless only to clean up a loose hair, etc), one "serious" and one "smiling". But it doesn't hurt to have 3-4 "looks". Try to portray the best possible image of your "brand". In other words, the type of personality and look that you would best portray.

Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know you, like teachers, friends, etc. Parents often do not correctly see their child as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:

Young Females:

awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter

Young Males:

bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass

What to expect at an Acting Audition

When you are called to audition, you are given "sides" which is a few pages of script to read. You can usually download these lines a few days before the audition. Sometimes they have you do a "cold reading" where you are given the sides right there and then. When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionists desk, wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If they like you, they usually call you back within a week or two to come back and read for the director and maybe writer, etc.

Important Safety Information

I always recommend using a PO BOX instead of your home address when submitting. This is another good reason that getting an agent as soon as possible is of utmost importance. Then your agents contact information is all that is listed on the resume, cover letter, and envelope. There is an earlier post about how to get an agent in my blog archives (or table of contents).

Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.

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