Ottawa Casting: Hiring Actors for Film & TV

This blog is dedicated to educating actors about the film & television industry.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Seeking French Speaking Teens for Commercial

URGENT

Commercial - 'Burger Joint' OWD (Government of Canada)
Auditions: Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Location: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. Ottawa, Ontario

Seeking a boy (age 13-18, must look 14-16) and a girl (age 12-17, must look 14-15)

Please send photos/resumes with your age/DOB to ottawacasting@rogers.com.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

AUDITION TIPS FOR FILM & TELEVISION

• Make sure to bring a copy of your photo/resume into the audition (stapled back to back is best)
• Always show up at least 10-15 minutes prior to your audition time so that you have time to get settled and focused before going in for your audition. (and sometimes the auditions are ahead of schedule so you may be called in sooner)
• Wear clothing that you are comfortable in and that you feel suit the character
• Bring appropriate props if needed (ie: cell phone if scene requires talking on the phone)
• Make sure that all your lines are memorized
• Before your audition, you may be asked to do a SLATE: you to look directly into the camera and say the following: Hi, my name is (first & last name), with (name of talent agency or phone # if self-represented), auditioning for (character name).
• If you stumble over your lines, don’t worry. The most important thing is to stay in character. Never let it show that you did not like what you did. If you mess-up, don’t ask to start again, just stay in character and improvise or make up a line to get through the rest of your scene.
• Stay in your scene until you hear the Casting Director say CUT. (Even if your lines are finished) We want to see that you can stay in character.
• It’s very important to have a moment before and a moment after.
• If you have any questions about the scene before you start, feel free to ask.
• Your entire audition will be videotaped.
• Always try to act as natural as you can. It must look like real life.
• Remember to breathe and to relax (keep your shoulders down and the muscles in your face relaxed). If you're not breathing, you're not acting truthfully.
• Don't rush - take your time, breathe - this is your audition and you can't do a good job if you're trying to get it over with.
• Once your audition is done, the best thing to do is forget about it. There are many factors involved in casting (ie: age, height, hair colour, look, matching with family members in film, etc.) You will only hear back if you have a callback (this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months). Never call a casting director to get an update.
• The best thing you can do is start to look for more auditions, the more you audition the better you’ll get. For more audition notices talk to your agent, visit the audition listings page at www.ACTottawa.com, www.ottawatheatre.ca, www.aactionauditions.com, www.mandy.com, www.canadianactor.com, etc.

One of the most important things to remember – HAVE FUN!

Best wishes,

Claudia Jurt
Casting Director
ottawacasting@rogers.com
www.ACTottawa.com

Tips for Background Performers on Set

1. ALWAYS SHOW UP AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR CALL TIME - IF YOU COMMIT TO A SHOOT - YOU MUST SHOW UP OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEXT ONE.

2. NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE CAMERA LENS!

3. SILENCE! Please keep quiet; it’s easier and nicer to work when no one has to scream. If you’re asked to talk while doing your action remember you must fake it. We shouldn’t hear any sounds unless specified by an AD that they do need sound for a shot.

4. When you come in or leave ALWAYS check in/out with the 3rd assistant-director (AD) or the person responsible for background performers. It’s the only way for them to know where you are and to pay you for your hours.

5. Once on set, always listen carefully to the instructions given to you. There might be a few rehearsals first. Remember your action and position as well as those around you. You’ll have to repeat that action many times exactly the same way. Be aware of what’s going on around you, especially in relation with the actors and their dialogue.

6. Start your action on “ACTION” or “BACKGROUND ACTION” and stop on “CUT”. Then get ready to go back to your “FIRST POSITION” and do the same action once again.

7. When shooting you’ll hear “ROLL CAMERA”. This cue is for crew only.

8. Sometimes you might be asked to “FREEZE”, just stay in place until given further instructions.

9. Always try to act as natural as you can. It must look like real life.

10. If you are given props; take care of them and remember to give them back to the props person before leaving the set.

11. Avoid talking to the director and actors they need their concentration.

12. Be alert and set-wise. There are a lot of people working on set try not to be in their way.

13. At the end of the day, return your wardrobe, props etc… to those who gave them to you, and make sure to sign your time sheet.

14. Have Fun!

Seeking Background Performers for "Framed for Murder"

Framed for Murder

Area of Media: Film
Union Status: Union (ACTRA Members & Non-Union talent may submit)
Production Name: Framed for Murder
Contact Name: Claudia Jurt
Production Company: Lance Entertainment & Sound Venture Productions
Director: Doug Jackson
Producers: Pierre David, Neil Bregman
Email: ottawacasting@rogers.com
Production Length: September 16-October 7 (Thursdays & Fridays OFF)
Production Cities: Ottawa
Submission Deadline: ASAP
Pay Scale: ACTRA (Scale), Non-Union ($9.00/hr.)
Send Photos/Res To: ottawacasting@rogers.com (word doc. & jpg. only)
Storyline:
FRAMED FOR MURDER
Synopsis by Christine Conradt

JUNE BRAUN was accused of murdering her playboy husband TONY. Knowing she was innocent, she agreed to serve eight years rather than chance a life sentence, hoping to see her young son KYLE again before he reached adulthood. Now, eight years later… June is out of prison and realizes she must prove her innocence before starting her new life. But what she doesn’t know… is that whomever framed her for murder before… is about to do it again…

CLAIRE GIBBONS, June’s older sister, is seemingly June’s biggest supporter. She cared for Kyle while June was behind bars and has allowed her to move into the house she shares with her husband JASON in an effort to help June get back on her feet. But Claire’s generosity isn’t without a price… June will soon fall victim to Claire’s evil plans… twice.

Understanding the June is the perfect patsy, Claire and her edgy boyfriend NICK have laid the groundwork to off Jason and inherit his estate and the fortune he’s made as a high profile investment banker. But the plan hinges on the fact that everyone believes June really did kill Tony. If anyone suspects that she might really have been framed, it’ll never work a second time around.

With June bent on proving her innocence, she begins to investigate Tony’s extra-marital affairs and shady business dealings, bringing her and her friend CHARLE, an ex-con she met in prison, to KAREN, Tony’s old secretary. Karen, indeed, has information that can put June and Charlie on the right track, but when she tragically commits suicide, it looks like the women are back to square one. Hiring a private detective, DIANE DISALVO, they attempt to continue the investigation, having no idea that Claire and Nick are only one step behind them.

As Claire’s plan to kill Jason continues to unfold, so do the steps that lead June to Tony’s real killer… and the question becomes... Who will get there first? Can Claire frame her sister the second time before she finds out the truth? Or will Claire and Nick’s deadly game make Claire the target?

Extras Needed:
(Dates & Number of Extras subject to change)
Parents, 10 yr. old boys, Junkies, Hookers, Children (ages 6-13), Passersby, Low-life Passersby,
Burger Joint Patrons, Diner Patrons, Female Prisoners, Prison Guards, Waitresses, Waiters, Waiting Room Folk, Secretary's, Homeless Guy, Well-Dressed Restaurant Patrons, Well-Dressed Party Goers, Valets, Taxi Driver, Joggers, Bikers, Forensics Detectives, Police Detectives, Uniformed Police Officers, County Jail Guards, County Jail Prisoners, Visitors, June's Baby (need a set of 1 yr. old twins), Movie Theatre Goers

Day 1 - Saturday, September 16 - 40 Theatre Goers (Ages 20-70)
Day 2 - Sunday, September 17 - 50 Extras (Burger Joint Patrons, Diner Patrons, Burger Joint Waitresses, 4 SCI Detainee's, Male SCI Prison Guard
Day 5 - Wednesday, September 20 - 12 Extras (People in Waiting Room, Passersby, Secretary, Homeless Guy)
Day 7 - Sunday, September 24 - 49 Extras (Well-Dressed Restaurant Patrons, Well-Dressed Party Goers, Catallini Waiters, Valets, Waitstaff, Well-Dressed Women, Taxi Driver
Day 8 - Monday, September 25 - 2 x Nick's Assistants - Mexican Yard Maintenance Workers
Day 9 - Tuesday, September 26 - Joggers, Passersby, 10 yr. old Boys
Day 10 - Wednesday, September 27 - Forensics, Police Detectives, Uniformed Police Officers, Ken's Friend, Taxi Driver
Day 15 - Wednesday, October 4 - County Jail Guards, County Jail Female Prisoners, Uniformed Police Officers, Visitors
Day 16 - Saturday, October 7 - June's Baby (1 yr. old twin boys), Police Officer, Passersby

CLOTHING FOR BACKGROUND PERFORMERS
- The time of year is now
- Always wear 1 outfit and bring at least 2 other options for wardrobe to choose from
- DO NOT wear black, white, red, stripes, small patterns, logos (unless otherwise specified),
also no hot pink or orange or acid green
DO wear: green, grey, brown, blue, yellow, soft pink

Other Comments:
Send photos/resumes (jpg. & word doc. only - small files) to ottawacasting@rogers.com
Please include telephone/cell numbers, measurements & availability during shooting schedule in the body of your email. Please also let us know if you have a VALID driver’s license and whether or not you can drive an automatic or a standard vehicle.

Seeking Background Performers for "Tipping Point"

Tipping Point

Area of Media: Film
Union Status: Union (ACTRA Members & Non-Union talent may submit)
Production Name: Tipping Point
Contact Name: Claudia Jurt
Production Company: Muse Entertainment & Sound Venture Productions
Director: Michel Poulette
Producers: David Patterson, Jesse Prupas, Neil Bregman
Email: ottawacasting@rogers.com
Production Length:
September 16-October 6 (Wednesdays & Thursdays OFF, except for Thursday, October 5)
Production Cities: Ottawa
Submission Deadline: ASAP
Pay Scale: ACTRA (Scale), Non-Union ($9.25/hr.)
Send Photos/Res To: ottawacasting@rogers.com (word doc. & jpg. only)
Storyline:
TIPPING POINT

Nina Patterson (Katheryn Winnick) is an amiable young woman, determined to become a doctor, despite suffering from schizophrenia for some time. The disease once forced her to be institutionalized and even pushed her to attempt suicide, but Nina has since rebuilt her life. Preparing to enter medical school, she currently works as a technician under the guidance of her uncle, Dr. Bill Strand at an MRI center. When the multi-millionaire, Michael Cooper, comes in as a patient – fearing he may have a brain tumor – Nina does her job and takes a scan. She is not yet a doctor, but from her experience, she is convinced that Michael’s scan is free and clear. Which is why she is especially confused when she learns, shortly thereafter, that Michael Cooper died from a brain tumor. Nina can’t be sure if she merely misdiagnosed the scan or if there is something more sinister at play in Michael’s death. With the help of an ambitious young man named Jimmy – who is smitten with her – Nina digs into the mystery of Michael Cooper’s death, the missing PET scans and how she could have misdiagnosed him. As the pressure mounts, Nina’s symptoms begin to flare up – hallucinations and paranoia – that have her questioning what is real and what isn’t. As the symptoms become worse, Nina races to find the truth before her schizophrenia swallows her whole.

Female Stand-in Needed for Katheryn Winnick for entire shoot
Blonde, Small frame, 5'6" late 20's to mid 30's
(will need to come in to meet DOP on Thurs. Sep. 14)

Extras Needed:
(Dates & Number of Extras subject to change)

Day 1 - Saturday, September 16 - 10 Extras (Rookie in MRI, Librarian File Clerks, Staff)
Day 2 - Sunday, September 17 - 20 Extras (Chauffeur, Hospital Staff, Janitor, MRI Tekkies)
Day 4 - Tuesday, September 19 - 10 Extras (Orderlies, Pedestrians, Transvestites, Uniformed Cops)
Day 5 - Friday, September 22 - 20 Extras (Business Associate, Cyclists, Jogger, Lawyers, Older Man w/ Bike, Passersby, Restaurant Patrons, Waiter, Woman)
Day 6 - Saturday, September 23 - 7 Extras (Nurse, Older Couple, Passersby, Receptionist, Visitors)
Day 7 - Sunday, September 24 - 20 Extras (Hospital Staff, MRI CONT. Tekkies, Hospital types)
Day 8 - Monday, September 25 - 10 Extras (Chauffeur, Passersby, Sales Clerk, Women Shoppers)
Day 9 - Tuesday, September 26 - Neighbor Raking Leaves
Day 10 - Friday, September 29 - 20 Extras (Coffee Patrons, Shop Patrons, CONT. Coffee Freak, Older Retired Couple, Pedestrians, Students)
Day 11 - Saturday, September 30 - 20 Extras (Librarian, Students)
Day 13 - Monday, October 2 - 10 yr. Old kids, Man Walking Dog (need large dog ie: Doberman or German Sheperd)
Day 15 - Thursday, October 5 - 4 x Uniform Police Officers
Day 16 - Friday, October 6 - 4 x Uniform Police Officer

CLOTHING FOR BACKGROUND PERFORMERS
- The time of year is now
- Always wear 1 outfit and bring at least 2 other options for wardrobe to choose from
- DO NOT wear black, white, red, stripes, small patterns, logos (unless otherwise specified), also no hot pink or orange or acid green
DO wear: green, grey, brown, blue, yellow, soft pink, rust, taupe, beige

MRI MEDICAL CENTER:
Technicians - wear civilian clothes, clean, professional, no holes in jeans, no wrinkled shirts
Young People (20-32) - dockers, slacks, t-shirts, blouses, collared shirts, soft shoe - running shoe style
Older - professional suits, shirts, ties for men, professional suits for women - lab coats will be provided

YALE CLASSROOM
Cross-section of looks - middle class, eccentric, money -- NO LOGOS!!!
dress accordingly to the time of year - avoid bright green - movie takes place at this time of year

HOSPITAL
Patients - Bring pyjamas, Bathrobes, Slippers, etc..
Visitors - Whatever looks good on you + 3 options
Doctors - Men - good pants, shirts, ties, blue, yellow, green - golf shirts
Nurses - will provide scrubs - Bring running shoes & light t-shirt for underneath

SWANK RESTAURANT
Classy dressing, good business suits, good suits or dresses - day wear for women

COPS
Standard Size 5'8"-5'10"
15½-16½ Neck
32-34-36" Waist
Bring own Boots

Other Comments:
Send photos/resumes (jpg. & word doc. only - small files) to ottawacasting@rogers.com
Please include telephone/cell numbers, measurements & availability during shooting schedule in the body of your email. Please also let us know if you have a VALID driver’s license and whether or not you can drive an automatic or a standard vehicle.

Welcome to Ottawa Casting

This is a blog dedicated to educating actors about the film & television industry.
Elements that you may find on this blog include:
* Tips on Auditioning, Self-Promotional Tools, etc..
* Audition Notices
* Industry Lingo/Links
* Do's and Dont's
* Agents & Casting Q & A
* Etc..

Feel free to comment on any blog entry and ask questions.
I will do my best to answer everything.

Best wishes,
Claudia Jurt
Ottawa Casting
ottawacasting@rogers.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm1393956/
www.actottawa.com