Friday, March 27, 2009

Head Games


During a recent audition, the casting director commented on my footwear. "Nice boots," he said. "Thank you," I replied. Then he chuckled to himself for a few seconds and then began the scene. What the hell is that about? Obviously a private joke. He can't have been sarcastic. I mean, my boots were brown, very normal looking boots. You might laugh if they were clown boots, bright pink or very pointy. Haha. Very funny. Let's all take a moment and guffaw. But they aren't. They're common brown leather boots. So why the comment? Did he genuinely like them? And if so, why the laughter?

During another audition, I noticed, mid-speech, that the casting director was looking at a resume. (His assistant was reading opposite me) It wasn't my resume, mind you - which would have been nice. If he's not going to look at me in my audition, I'd rather he was looking at my resume than looking down his assistant's blouse. But no. He was looking at someone else's resume. I know this, because the headshot stapled to the back of the resume was very clearly not mine.

Now, to be fair, he could have made a mistake. The casting assistant did take 2 men in to the waiting area at the same time. (See? Some of you are confused already) Both of us gave her our headshots. (Stay with me) Then he called "Gideon" and in I went. (I know, it's dizzyingly complex) There's only a 50/50 chance of him picking up the correct resume. But when each actor's resume is attached to each actor's headshot, the odds have to improve, right? And when my name (like every other actor in this town) is printed in bold typeface on the front of the headshot which, coincidentally, also has a large colour image of, um, ME, you would think he could pick up the right one. Especially since the other actor had a shaved head! You would also think that he would quickly realise his mistake and either swop resumes or put the one down. But no - he continued browsing through the other guy's credits until I finished the scene. Sweet. Perhaps I was so dull, he thought he'd see who was next...

My other favorite is where I arrived to audition for a major series about a quirky detective. I arrive 10 minutes early, to find the office locked. I knock and knock but no answer. So I wait. In the sun. Slowly sweating in my "hitman black" sweater. After 20 minutes, someone saunters up and unlocks the door, but says nothing to me, the obvious waiting-to-audition-actor, brandishing my stapled sides (script). So, after a moment, I go through the door and sit in the waiting room. After another 5 minutes, the guy comes through with a sign-in sheet and says "I'll be with you in a minute; I have to make some calls". I sign in and wait a further 5 minutes, before he calls me in.

In the room, he asks what role I'm reading for and then pages through his file to the scene. Then he looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to start. I look at him. He looks at me. I remind him that he starts the scene. Oh. He starts the scene and remains, head buried in the script. I wonder where his reader is and where the hidden camera is for this "on-tape for producers" audition.

Midway through the audition, the door bursts open, and in walks a guy carrying a tripod and camera, no doubt for the day's auditions. He has a brief chat with the casting person, who suggests he comes back in a few minutes. The guy leaves. Then the casting guy says "okay. let's just take it back a couple lines..." And we finish the scene. Did I get the gig? No. Will I ever get back in to read for them? Unlikely. Because the guy won't remember me, as he didn't watch a second of my audition. However, my name will be sufficiently familiar for him to know that he brought me in - I just didn't make an impression, so he won't call me back.

Now, one could make the argument that I have every right to utter the following responses to the aforementioned behavior:

Scenario 1. "Excuse me. I'm glad you like my boots, but what's so funny? Do you think it will help my performance if you laugh at me for no apparent reason immediately before starting the scene?"

Scenario 2. "Excuse me. That resume you're looking at? It's not mine. I'm Gideon Emery. The name on the one you're holding is Not Gideon. He's still in the waiting room. Would you rather see him first?"

Scenario 3. "Excuse me. You're obviously a little rushed this morning. How about I come back later when you're all set up?"

Unfortunately, as an actor, you can't. Because if you do demand the same basic respect you offer them (being polite and courteous), you won't be seeing them again. Ever. Naturally everyone is entitled to a bad day. And not all casting people behave like this. Most are consummate pros. But it can be a challenge when you spend hours preparing for a casting, missioning through traffic, struggling to find a parking spot, only to have the person clearly sign the fact that they couldn't be bothered.

Sometimes I couldn't be bothered to blog. But I do. I suck it up and blog, people.

Why?

Because blogging is all that separates us from the beasts...

5 comments:

  1. How rude! It's not a full moon, is it? If it helps any, I've had my fair share of that same type of people this week, including the type that "have me by the balls." Like a Licensing department that denies my design for no logical reason, but I can't argue, because then they can easily pull our license for no logical reason.

    Basically, I feel you pain, dude.

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  2. I feel your pain too Gid. :( People in general were just rude today... everywhere. I find it hilarious that I went a 30 minute rant about "people" today and, as usual, low and behold I see a similar rant/topic from you. I had a day like you had a few months ago with the high-pitched noise today. Uncomfortable mattress, hardly any sleep (I think 3 at the most), annoying people all around, and a nice high-frequency ringtone that kept going off at lunch. *eye twitches* I think everyone has had a bad week. It's true though. You can't argue with the casting directors, they will get on you for it.

    Hope next week shapes up for you Gid. I was going to ask how you were but this pretty much answered that question. XD Hugs.

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  3. Next time someone ignores you...smile broad, look them in the eye (as much as possible)..and say nonchalantly: "I think the peanut butter crackers are migrating this way...what do you think?"

    It may not get a gig...but then again it will be memorable!
    LOL *wink

    Keep up the good character Gid! People who are worth respecting will respect you for your higher principles.

    The Magicians Owl

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  4. Unfortunately, it happens everywhere. I interviewed at a television station and needed to engage the interviewer so she would recognize that I could connect with the audience. She wouldn't even look at me long enough to ask her questions. Just kept reading her notes. . . .

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  5. Perhaps the guy who chuckled about your boots had a fond memory of boots like yours?
    Perhaps he once was little and brown boots were his best friends/imaginary playmate.
    Ok, no idea but many people are rude. I think The Magician's Owl has the right idea.

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