How to Get Lead Roles in Feature Films

Getting a lead role in films is no easy task. Everyday, thousands and thousands of people audition for "big" roles, very few get call backs and even fewer will get cast in roles. They say the formula used to cast leading roles is 10% looks and talent, 90% who you know.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Headshots
• An Agent
• Time
• Patience
• Talent or some special ability
• Other things that may help:
• Established reputation
• Contacts within the industry
• A reel

1. You HAVE to have an agent to get auditions. There are VERY rare circumstances and occasions when someone will just "land a part."
   
   You may go on 20 auditions and not book a single film. It doesn't have as much to do with your talent as it does YOUR look and the specs (what the director is looking for). Adults MUST, MUST, MUST, MUST have professional headshots.

2. Once you are booked on an audition, your agent will send you the information- sometimes you may be asked to memorize sides, other auditions may be improv (where in they will give you a scenario and you will act it out right there, without planning ahead) or cold read (they will hand you the script and expect you to read and act it out there on the spot. You may get a minute or two to look over it, or they may hand it to you when you get into the audition).

3. When you first get to the audition, sign in. There's usually a receptionist to help you fill out your paperwork. Always have at least two headshots and resumes on hand (sometimes they need more than one).

4. Note any signs and obey any rules that are posted (don't talk, no eating or drinking in the lobby, etc.) ALWAYS turn off your cell phone BEFORE you walk into the audition. I've seen people get asked to leave because their cell phone went off. When the casting director is rolling film mit sound, a cell phone or talking in the background may be picked up. You wouldn't want anyone to ruin YOUR audition, so don't do it to others! You also don't want the casting director to call your agent and tell him/her how unprofessional you are or to request that you don't audition for him/her anymore (it happens).

5. Be professional (especially when waiting with other actors). When waiting for your audition, don't talk to the other actors. Get into YOUR zone (they will likely be doing the same thing) or reread your lines.

6. When you get into the audition room, take a deep breath. Sometimes the director or producers will be at the audition, other times a casting agent may just make a tape. Be prepared for either scenario (it shouldn't affect your audition). LISTEN to instructions (when to slate yourself, how they want you to slate, etc). Sometimes there are last minute changes, suggestions (based on mistakes other people made), or directions. Be open to directions, sometimes they're just trying to see your adaptability.

7. If you have questions about the scene, ask before they start rolling film.

8. Thank the casting director as you are leaving, this should be the ONLY verbal exchange from you. She/he may tell you that you did a good job or he/she may not say anything at all. NEVER ask the casting director on your way out, "Do you think I got it?" or "Did I do ok?" or "How much does this pay?" Any questions about shoot dates, pay rates, or concerns should be directed to your AGENT (NOT the casting director).

9. Remember to sign out when you leave. Then you wait. There is nothing else YOU can do. You may get a call back, you may not.

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER try to contact the casting agent or anyone involved with the film to find out the status of your audition. (This is very basic industry knowledge). THEY know how to contact you and they will if they want you.
• Never put any personal contact information on your headshot or resume- only agency information. To put personal information is the mark of a novice and this can get you in trouble with your agency. There is no reason to have personal contact information.

[Glencap]

on 7/4/2009 Interesting post. I've always wondered what actors go through to get parts in feature films. Thanks for enlightening me. It sure is a tough business.