How to Get Film Auditions
Filmmakers are always seeking talent for their productions. Producers and directors need just the right person to fill a role, who looks "right" with other performers, and who is also willing to study and work the long hours necessary. Actors line up by the thousands for open calls, but having an agent can cut out a lot of wasted time and headaches. Get one and they will put out your info for various auditions when these are posted to industry professionals. Even without an agent, you can try to get yourself seen. Be prepared with appropriate audition materials and do your absolute best when before the camera.
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Instructions
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Get a head shot taken by a professional photographer. These are vital to being seen. They are usually black and white glossy images in 8 by 10 format. You want one that looks like you today -- not three years ago with a different haircut or a younger look. Producers want to recognize you from your image when you walk into the audition. That's part of why you will be chosen for a role in the first place: they liked your look.
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Attach your resume to the back of the head shot. Keep the combo with you at all times, such as in your car, briefcase, handbag or pack. You never know when you might meet someone who is working on a film project -- you can give them your head shot and resume immediately.
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Get an agent. Audition notices go out daily for all types of work through breakdown services. Be open to getting commercial or TV work, too, because those can lead to further auditions and film work. If you aren't sure how to get an agent, seek out resources through books or online to work toward finding one who will represent you. The smaller agencies sometimes put out notices that they are taking on new talent. Keep alert to all opportunities.
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Practice your audition pieces until they are perfected. Work with friends, acting coaches, student directors and so forth and screen-test yourself by having someone videotape you. Remain objective while reviewing the video -- what would you change, fix, add? It's a good idea to have at least two pieces in your repertoire: a comedy and a drama. These are best kept to around 3 minutes. Have a joke ready, too, and a song if you can sing, because sometimes a director or producer will ask you for one on the spot. Be ready without hesitation.
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List yourself on every actor's website you can find. Some of them charge a fee to get listed, others are free. Post your head shot and resume to raise the odds of being found.
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Make a reel. If you don't have actual footage from movie sources, use the best video footage you had taken in your audition piece practices. If you get work on any production, ask for your scenes so you can build a reel. You can always change it and improve it as you get more and better work.
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Contact student filmmakers at film schools or colleges. Most of them are required to make a short movie and these happen several times during the school year. Network with students to find out who is filming and who has projects coming up. You won't be paid for this kind of work, but you will gain experience and have some material for your reel, especially if you land a top role.
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Buy the trade magazines like Variety, Hollywood Reporter and Backstage to look for audition listings. These are not always held in Hollywood, but if you live in Southern California or New York, your odds go up a bit. So does the competition, though, so keep your skills honed. Contact the production companies posted in the trades. If they list emails or phone numbers, use them. Someone will usually screen your call, but you can also just mail in your head shot to the production company address.
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Attend acting and filmmaking workshops and film festivals to network as often as you can. Keep alert to who's already working on their next production and strike up conversations when you get the opportunity.
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Continue to work in any role you can get while waiting for an audition. Do theatrical plays. Get video of your performances for your reel. Keep the faith and never give up.
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Tips & Warnings
Some actors use the large clear-paneled envelopes for mailing head shots because your face is seen right away through the clear section and producers don't even have to open the envelope. If they like your face and feel you are suitable, they'll open it to read your resume. Movie companies go to different parts of the world to film on location. Check websites like craigslist or your city's art and performance websites. Submit your head shot and resume for all the ones you are suited for. Once you have been cast in a couple of productions, consider joining SAG (Screen Actors Guild) as you will be able to get information in other ways to support your efforts, plus you'll have higher odds of landing an agent. Always show up to auditions with courtesy and respect for everyone present, including other actors. If you are cut off midway through your audition piece, don't react and throw a fit, just offer your thanks for having had the opportunity and depart confidently. There's other work out there -- or they saw enough and knew you were perfect for casting.
Don't try the tricks of finding the famous producer at home or catching him at lunch time at a famous New York restaurant. These may have worked for a couple of people, but they are fairy tales and extremely rare occasions where a lot of factors worked in the actor's favor. You do not want to invade anyone's privacy or start out on the wrong foot by cornering a big-time director on the street. If you're the perfect person for a role on any film -- student or big box office -- you'll have better chances of being found by going through the customary routes.
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