FAQs

Casting for Film and Television in Australia

Here are some questions I've been asked recently together with my answers.

Q: Do I have to study an American accent? I live in Victoria.

Sue: Unless you're specifically thinking of living near Fox Studios in Sydney or Warner Bros on the Gold Coast, this is not imperative.

Q: I have been doing community theatre work, schools tours and several short student films over the past three years in Queensland. I have been advised to go to Sydney or Melbourne to get further work. Should I go?

Sue: It depends on what further work you wish to do and whether you value your quality of life in Queensland and losing those hard-earned contacts. The high cost of relocating and living might add up to be not the right place at the right time for you. Perhaps explore the possibilities of working in Brisbane first. So what do your instincts tell you?

Q: At what point do actors need an Agent and how do you really know if Agents are good Agents?

Sue: It usually depends on what the definition of an "actor" is! If you are just starting out - auditioning for short films, doing extra work, taking local Acting classes, drama at University, and need professional work - an Agent will take you on only if there is some business return for them, they see some potential and can "sell" you. The best approach is to spread the word you are willing to learn your craft and get known in your local film/theatre community. The need for an Agent is when the contracts appear on the table - in some cases in Sydney and Melbourne Agents will not take you on unless you have a contract in the offing.

Good Agents are those whom you have a rapport with - they feel you do have something to offer - and you can trust them to attend to the monetary side of your business (negotiating contracts, helping your career ) Starting Out you will probably get an Agent who is basically a "Booker" - no nurturing there. Bear in mind Agents are not Angels - they are in Business and some charge above the ten per cent commission taken from each job. An Agent can sometimes be as good as you want them to be - but you always have to do your side of the Business.

Q: In America actors after a certain level have a Manager - is this different to an Agent?

Sue: A Manager in any country has a more personal involvement in your career; guides your choices of work; some Agents are "Managements" and it's what you bring to the table that decides whether you are just booked or nurtured!

Q: How does one either through an Agent or independently, find out what parts/roles are coming up for audition?

Sue: With difficulty- on both counts! Do you sing, dance, act or all? An Agent has many and varied client contacts but will then only put you up for a role that is thought suitable for you; and, they will not necessarily tell you that they have submitted you for selection. Independently - depends what role/part you are talking about - theatre, musical theatre, commercials, tv drama, short films, corporate video, role-playing; shopping centre shows...et al. Reading about auditions in newspapers is a good way of being involved - particularly in amateur theatre. Subscribe to the local theatre group, local film organisation, "Encore" and IF magazines, (for tv /film) to give you an idea of what you are ready for further afield.

Q: Is it necessary to attend acting/drama classes to establish credibility as an actor, or will experience suffice?

Sue: If you haven't put your feet in the water; that is - gain experience via school drama, amateur theatre, short films - you don't know what credibility is. Any form of advancement in training you can get is always valid. Just don't pay for the photographs first up.

Q: What traits should one look for when choosing an agent?

Sue: As you would a business partner; check em out !

Q: If I use an Agent to secure new work, does the appointment of an Agent affect contracts/employment already have within the Industry?

Sue: Depends what you bring to the table - negotiation the word. (See earlier Q's)

Q: Why didn't you develop this web site sooner? It's a great idea. Although I have fired a couple of questions from the hip, now I have an idea of the format, I will have heaps more coming your way see you soon.

Sue: I have been working towards writing the Ultimate Australian Casting Book for many years - this is one way of achieving my dream too! Thank you -I look forward to your enquiries.

FAQ Note

There are always so few real jobs for so many people and yet there are those who believe there's a "sucker born every minute" who capitalise on this premise by setting up talent agencies and taking a photograph for as much as $500 with promises of "exposure" and "work" - particularly on the Internet. Those most targeted are parents, especially those of young children.

When Internet-based Agencies boast of 5,000 or more photos online, can you imagine the ratio between the number of children and the number of actual jobs? Ask any Casting Consultant.

Q: I have worked with you on "McLeod's Daughters" in Adelaide as an extra but there is not a lot else in Adelaide for serious tv and film actors. Do you recommend moving to Melbourne or Sydney and getting an Agent over there?

Sue: Where do you want to live? If you read one of my first answers on the FAQ page with relation to Brisbane, the answer is the same. However, my impression of Adelaide actors is that they do not feel worthwhile in their home State - as though they will become better actors if out of it! This time of year (Dec 02) is the worst time for actors in all States - all the Graduations have poured out more hopefuls, and agents have had their fill. In most cases there is a break in producing commercials, features etc. including "McLeod's Daughters". Keep an eye on the web pages or subscribe to the South Australian Film Corporation ( SAFC) and the industry magazines (Encore, If) to see what is happening in other States next year. Being a serious film and tv actor still requires one to be working in theatre and working on student films etc. and taking refresher classes in voice, movement, improvisation - get a group together from within your Agency?

Q: Can you keep more than one agent - for example one in Adelaide, one in Sydney?

Sue: Ask one! If you want to pay two commissions perhaps! These days with such good and reputable internet systems such as The Casting Workbook and Showcast, casting people can find you and if you're what they want will follow thru, audition you, and if you're good enough you'll be paid to fly to Sydney or Melbourne! I do go on the premise that it's the best person for the job, not where they live, that's if a series or feature film producer wants to have the best cast.

FAQ Note

The more Adelaide (SA) actors leave town the less producers will want to even search for others - just bring in those from Interstate!! From what I understand, it looks like a good year coming up in SA. Ask your Agent. And by the way - working as an extra (in particular McLeod's Daughters!) is a great way to learn - by watching, listening and taking direction, talking/making contacts.

Q: I have been involved in t.v. commercials, corp.videos, extra work, 50 worders etc for 20 years as a hobby. I would now like to get my teeth into the industry seriously. I have an agent but I feel as though I'm labeled now as just an extra. How can I expand myself to audition for bigger roles? I really want to do this, I'm a young 46yr old.

Sue: You sound as though you are already expanding yourself for bigger roles - but remember there are less bigger roles than the ones you say you have been getting. You do not say if you have an agent - if you do, have you discussed your ambitions with him/her?

Q: Do I go and do more acting courses? I did one last year at On Camera Connections. I enjoyed it and felt I did well.

Sue: Is there no flow-on with On Camera Connections?

Q: What would be a worthwhile acting course you would suggest?

Sue: The only non-worthwhile acting course is one which does not give value for money. One can always learn something.

Q: Is it worthwhile getting new composites and doing the rounds again on the go sees?

Sue: It depends how your your composites are now; usually a good headshot is sufficient if you are wishing to be in this industry seriously. Do you have a showreel of work done? How long since you did go-sees? If you are known (as you say you have been doing some work for the past twenty years) there will be no need for go-sees - most people do not have the time.

Q: Who should I be going to see?

Sue: As I have no idea where you live, what you look like, who your agent is, I have no idea who you should be going to see.

FAQ Note

In reply to some queries about sex scenes as part of training in acting classes; one person has been concerned that her daughter (16 yrs) was required to kiss, on the mouth, another girl (15yrs) in an acting class; the theory provided to the embarrassed girls was that to be an actress one has to be prepared for anything. To add to the indignity - this was videoed and a copy kept by the teacher. My advice is to leave the course and demand a refund, and report the incident to their State's Child Welfare Department.

Q: My 15 yr old daughter has many acting credits in community theatre and school productions. She has great vocal ability somewhere between Diana Ross and Eva Cassidy. She's anxious to get real work in TV/Commercials/Film, etc. She has a "listing" with a major casting agency but nothing has come from it. We live south of Sydney. How can I ensure she gets more opportunities to audition?

Sue: Your 15 yr old daughter seems to be doing v. well so far. You say she is "listed" with a major casting agency: when was the last time she rang them to discuss her career? There are thousands of talented 15 yr olds. Has she a "commercial look"? But I would think that her school education is more important than auditions. She can still be involved in community theatre and school productions until year twelve is over. Then will be the time to see if she still wants to pursue a career in the Entertainment Industry. Talent without tenacity has a hard time.

Q: We have one good professional head and shoulder's shot. Should I pay for a portfolio and what would I do with it?

Sue: Look at your daughter's photos from the previous year. Has she changed? Of course! A regularly updated head and shoulder shot is sufficient - the natural look - until she is ready for the full time slog at her career.

Q: I have shunned internet sites. You do not seem to favour these. Am I right to ignore them?

Sue: I do not favour Internet sites that list thousands and require hundreds of dollars to upkeep. Over to you.

Q: Should I email my daughter's photo and resume to casting agencies?

Sue: You say your daughter is with a "casting agency" - so do you want to pay 10% more than once?

Q: How do you find out about auditions for major film work in Australia like Star Wars 3? I believe this has been cast but why is it that I never see advertisements for auditions?

Sue: Professional Auditions are rarely advertised; ask your "casting agency." If they really are only a "listing agency" get out the Yellow Pages and ring around, go and meet the agents, get their opinions on your daughter's looks and talent.