Tag Archive for: #audition

special skills

Special Skills You Need to Succeed

There are plenty of people who grow up dreaming of Hollywood glory. Countless children watch award shows on television and see their favorite stars on the red carpet looking glamorous before movie premieres, and they think to themselves, “Someday, I’ll be just like them. Someday I’ll be a famous and beloved actor, recognized by my peers and fans for my skills.” 

But being successful in a business is as competitive as this takes more than just dreams, hopes, and prayers. After all, there are plenty of other actors that have the same training as you. There are even numerous people that have the same physical appearance as you? So, what is it going to take to make you stand out from the others like you? What talents must you have in order to prove that you have what it takes to make it?

Here are some special skills that young actors must possess today in order to be successful in show business:

Craft an Appropriate Resume

It’s hard to prove to a casting director if you are right for a part if they won’t even give your resume a proper review! Make it easy on them and don’t overcrowd your resume with irrelevant work or skills; remember, most decision-makers only have a few seconds to review your resume while you are in the room with them! Just be sure your resume is short and sweet and truly highlights the best parts of your career. 

Work on Your Accents

Now that you have an appropriate resume, it’s time to step into the audition with poise and confidence! Often, that means being able to perform accents of all sorts flawlessly. Having the ability to speak with a believable accent might save a production a lot of money, and it is a skill that can certainly be utilized on several projects in the future. Speaking a foreign language fluently is also potentially relevant when auditioning for a role. 

Think Outside the Box

You never know what hidden talent might be useful for a part, so why not include it (remember, briefly) on your resume? Do you have experience in cheerleading or gymnastics? Mention it? Have you ever played a musical instrument? Say it! Do you have formal training in fencing, martial arts, or stunt work? That’s something a casting director always finds useful. 

When it comes to standing out from the crowd and learning the skills it takes to become a star, trust CGTV to give you proper training and countless opportunities to let your talent shine. CGTV prides itself on providing exemplary customer services and in doing whatever it takes to make sure exceptional young talent is seen and recognized. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your high-level TV, film, and entertainment program needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients.  CGTV has been forming exceptional talent in the Los Angeles area; we pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can help you become the star you were meant to be, please visit our website today or call us at 818-206-0290.  Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on current events, tips, and specials.  

 

Sources:

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/special-skills-ones-actor-3893/

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/backstage-experts-answer-belongs-actors-resume-9089/

CGTV Canada

What to Know About CGTV Canada Auditions

Do you see your child under the spotlight? Do they dream of being on the big screen one day? Well now, calling all Canadians, CGTV offering auditions for young talent in Canada. Starting out in the acting industry is no easy task. CGTV can help you learn and answer the questions you may have about the industry itself from other actors. Read below to learn about CGTV Canada. 

CGTV Canada 

When you first start out in the acting industry some questions may arise. That’s where CGTV comes in. Here are some common questions you may need to ask: What do I need? How do I get to Hollywood? Do I need an agent? Do I have to move to Hollywood to audition? The talent and magic of CGTV will give you the guide to stardom. 

  • Caring & Helpful: CGTV will nurture and help you every step of the way, so you can learn at your own pace. So, don’t be worried about joining CGTV without prior work. 
  • Industry Advice: Real advice from professional actors in the industry from CGTV’s own talent pool. Workshops, demonstrations, lessons, and our 7-day talent event is another great way to find industry advice. 
  • Our Talent: World Famous Actors from CGTV can give you an exclusive look at the entertainment industry, by giving you a shot with a Live Stage in Hollywood, California and helping you meet Disney casting directors, talent managers, and Real-time agents, representing stars from popular networks like CBS, ABC, and NBC
  • 7-day talent event: This event allows CGTV talent to film on set with Disney stars, direct and produce at the World Famous Stage, take acting workshops with Celebrities, Producers, and Casting Directions. To top it off, your child star may get a chance to cast in their own scene with another famous Disney Star. 
  • Great Headshots: Headshots are included in the 7-day talent event. Professional headshots are a great way to show a network that you are serious and committed to the industry. Headshots can help you get noticed and remembered! 

Canadians and people living in the surrounding areas now get their shot at becoming a star. CGTV is a high-level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent to the industry. Talent is guided by top celebrities from ABC, NBC, CBS, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows including CSI, 24, Modern Family, The Suite Life on Deck, Disney 365, Drake & Josh, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Austin & Alley and Good Luck Charlie. CGTV: We have people on TV! For more information visit our website at cgtv.la or give follow us on Facebook

quality auditions

How To Find Quality Auditions

As a talented and experienced actor, you know that there are many battles you have to fight on a daily basis in order to stand out from the crowd. You constantly have to hone your craft, study new and innovative ways to get into character and be in touch with your emotions in order to convincingly play a part.

But in this competitive business, sometimes, even finding the chance to get in a room in front of influential casting directors and producers is the most difficult part of being a successful actor. What resources can you be using to ensure that you are always aware of the best auditions? Are you looking in the right places, or are you missing opportunities that can positively impact your career? Here are a couple of foolproof ways for you to find auditions in your area.

Hire a Talent Agent or Manager

According to WikiHow, a talent agent or manager is crucial to getting you noteworthy auditions no matter what stage of your career you are in; they will get to know your acting resume and search for parts and auditions that will work best with your skill set. If you have friends or colleagues that are in the business and that do have a talent agent, ask them to pass along your information. You can also find an agent through local community actors you may have worked with in the past.

“Backstage” is your New Best Friend

The Backstage publication, available both in print and online, is an exceptional source for actors like you looking for career-changing auditions. Backstage’s auditions for television shows include casting calls for a variety of exceptional opportunities, including TV network comedies and dramas, commercials, reality shows, web series and much more. New TV and video auditions are also posted to Backstage.com on a daily.

Pay Attention to Social Media

Facebook is a great resource for getting auditions. Wikihow also states that because event pages are often used to announce open casting calls and auditions, social media websites like Facebook are a great resource for getting auditions in film, TV, and even theater.

CGTV prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your high-level TV, film, and entertainment program needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients.  CGTV has been forming exceptional talent in the Los Angeles area; we pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can help you become the star you were meant to be, please visit our website today or call us at 818-206-0290.  Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on current events, tips, and specials.  

auditions

Sources:

https://www.backstage.com/casting/open-casting-calls/tv-auditions/

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Acting-Auditions

 

first audition tips

Enjoy Your Audience: Tips for Your First Audition

Al Pacino once said, “An audition’s an opportunity to have an audience.” The well-regarded actor cautioned actors not to expect anything tangible from an audition but to experience the process and the benefits of having an audience.  

AT CGTB we know the importance of an audience and while we believe acting is an art, we know the real process is in the practical nuts and bolts of auditioning.  Here are some tips for your first audition:

Always bring a headshot and resume. Oftentimes actors get caught up in the details of their audition performance and leave their stack of headshots and resumes at home. We can’t emphasize the importance of a head shot and resume enough.  Keep in mind that you won’t be remembered or be able to redo that first impression if you don’t have one.

Be the 3 Cs.  Be comfortable, charismatic and confident.  Actors must command attention. They must be the most interesting people in a 1000 seat theater.

Understand the Role.  Instead of looking at the audition through your eyes, as an actor – try seeing it from the perspective of the casting director. By understanding what they want and tailoring your audition technique to achieving that, you have the best chance at making sure they remember you.

Come Prepared. The only thing you can influence in auditions is your own readiness. Be prepared. This is the number one way to stand out from the crowd and show respect for a casting director and their project. Yet, there are still countless numbers of actors who turn up to auditions unprepared. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be – and this means you’ll be able to let loose and show off your skills.

Be Ready to Improvise. During the audition, you may be asked to do something completely different from the material you prepared for. All that matters is that you do exactly what you’re told to the best of your ability.

Believe in Yourself….and Breathe. Prepare for your audition starting with your mindset. Nerves and losing faith in yourself will show to the people you’re auditioning for. Take a deep breath, think positive thoughts, and believe in yourself.  Be totally relaxed in your first audition like this famous actor talks about in his first audition .

CGTV is a high-level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Los Angeles.

Learn more about the services we provide by calling (818) 284-6689.

Audition

https://cgtv.la/

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/7-tips-approaching-every-audition-performance/

http://www.projectcasting.com/tips-and-advice/impress-casting-directors

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/21-things-make-casting-directors-happy-audition-room/

https://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2008/12/10-audition-tips-for-actors.html

 

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/al_pacino_451560?src=t_audition

Improving Your Improv Delivery

Life is improvisation. And scripts are improvisation from our characters’ lives. If you embrace this, you’ll realize the roles for which you audition are just moments in the lives of the characters. This means they’re improvising their way through a movie and we are just flies on the walls of their lives. Taking this into consideration, you’ll see how the following can help improve your improv delivery and enhance your auditions.

Take Classes

Some people are born with a natural stage presence. Most aren’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn the skills necessary to be an awesome improviser. And as an added bonus to taking improv classes, agents and casting directors often scout at places such as UCB, The Pit, Magnet, National Comedy Theatre, etc.

Listen and Be Supportive

As simple as this seems, it is probably one of the most difficult skills to master. Listening will free you from having to think of what you are going to say ahead of time. Assuming you have listened, you will be able to agree with what was said AND add information (“Yes, And.”). The agreement is what allows a scene to progress!

Don’t Try So Hard For Laughs

The hidden riddle of improv is that the harder you try not to be funny the funnier your scene is going to be. Why? Because the very best kind of improv scene you can do is an “interesting” scene, not necessarily a “funny” one. When you do an interesting scene, a very surprising thing happens…the funny comes out all by itself. The best ways to go are to stick to your character, stick to the story that is being told, and to stay within the reality of the scene you are playing.

Understand Your Character

Be sure to read all the material that is provided for you so you fully understand what is happening and what your character wants. Familiarize yourself with the sides and script to better understand the relationship between the characters, as well as your characters’ backstory.

Have Fun

Even if the scene starts taking a weird turn, just relax, have fun, stay in the present, and go with the flow!

CGTV is a high-level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Los Angeles. Learn more about the services we provide by visiting the CGTV website or calling 818-284-6689.

Improv Delivery

Sources:

https://cgtv.la/

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/11-improv-audition-tips/

https://www.backstage.com/backstage-guides/everything-you-should-know-about-improv/

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1583&bih=758&tbs=sur%3Afmc&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=T0VfW_TJO8KZjwSrmp-QDw&q=improv&oq=improv&gs_l=img.3..0i67l3j0j0i67j0l5.59043.60296..60632…0.0…72.355.6……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….35i39.3owkHzEL98E#imgrc=xi862c2XCSM5QM:

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1583&bih=758&tbs=sur%3Afmc&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=T0VfW_TJO8KZjwSrmp-QDw&q=improv&oq=improv&gs_l=img.3..0i67l3j0j0i67j0l5.59043.60296..60632…0.0…72.355.6……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….35i39.3owkHzEL98E#imgrc=z3yuvFbMLdEb3M:

 

Audition Tape

That’s a wrap! How to Make your Video Audition Tape Stand Out

There are so many social media platforms that currently exist for actors and musicians to engage friends and followers on. Just consider for a moment the social media accounts you follow, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Your favorite pages are likely filled with staged or stylized shots, images of their lives that instantly make the person more appealing. It’s images like these that not only make you their devoted fan and follower, but that are inspirational to countless aspiring actors like yourself.

But posing for a beautiful picture, where you can determine and manipulate the lighting, angles, and background, is an entirely different thing than appearing on an audition tape. That is a whole other level when it comes to making sure you, an actor, are perfectly presented.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to make sure your audition tape is a powerful representation of who you are as an artist:

1) Get the Technical aspects right

Make sure that your tape is not only well lit, but that you have the proper sound equipment so you can easily be heard. There’s nothing worse than a casting director clicking on your footage, finding the sound is too low, and immediately dismissing you and moving on to the next actor.

That’s why you need to gather a quality camera with a built-in microphone, a basic tripod, lighting equipment (or use natural lighting), a solid background color, and a reader. Test your equipment properly before you push record.

2)    Get to Know the Script

Although you must know the script like the back of your hand during your audition tape, it’s still important to have it on hand. Doing this will signal to the casting director that while you are an actor that is prepared, that you are treating your performance as a work in progress. You must convey that you will never stop working on and perfecting your craft.

3)    Forget the Slate

This is a common mistake, but unless specifically instructed to, don’t slate for a self-taped audition. It’s another easy way to make your audition tape stand out from the rest.

Every actor knows how important it is to stand out from the rest, how there is never a time where their unique beauty and poise must be showcased in the best possible way. By following these best practices, you’ll guarantee that your audition tapes get you noticed and allow you to be successful in this competitive yet wonderful field.

For more helpful tips on making your audition tape stand out, contact CGTV at 818-847-6689 or email us at hollywood@cgtv.la. We’d be honored to help turn your dreams into a reality.

Self-taped Audition

How to Create a First-Rate Self-Taped Audition

Standing out in the mind of a casting director requires attention to detail, technical skill, and having the right combination of exactly what they are looking for. A self-taped audition allows an actor to get in front of a director in a more controlled audition setting. Creating the right tape is crucial in catching their eye and getting a coveted callback.

  • Technically perfect – Even the best acting can be upstaged by poor lighting, bad sound quality, a poorly framed video and technically sub-par footage. If the director needs to adjust their computer or television to hear or see your audition, they may just move on to the next actor’s tape.
  • The right equipment – In order to create a properly executed self-taped audition, there are a few pieces of equipment that are necessary. A quality camera with a good microphone is a must. Use a tripod so that your footage is steady and find an area with good lighting (or invest in lighting). Additionally, choose the background carefully. A busy or loud color can be very distracting to the viewer. Finally, take some time to pick out your wardrobe. Make sure it does not clash with the background or wash out your skin tone.
  • Know your part – While it is important to have your part memorized, it is also important to keep the script close by. Your part is a work in progress and is not a fully developed character yet. Having the script in-hand speaks to your ability to flexible and adaptable as an actor.
  • Skip the slate – Using a slate will make your tape look amateur. Unless you are asked to use one in your audition self-tape, plan to go without it.
  • Do as you are told – The quickest way into the trash bin is not following instructions. Self-tape requests often come with very specific details regarding what is expected by the casting director. A good rule is to do everything that is asked, no matter how silly it might seem. Failure to follow directions is the easiest way to get your tape rejected.
  • Preparedness – No matter what, being prepared for that moment, is ultimately the only thing the artist is in control over. How well you prepare prior to the actual tape is extremely important.
  • Keep your reader close – Keep your reader just off camera so that they are not seen, but their lines can be heard on the tape.

If you need more tips on how to create a call-back quality self-taped audition, Check out the CGTV website for helpful tips.  

Self-taped Audition

 

Audition

Want to Land that Perfect Role?

Want to Land that Perfect Role? Here’s How You Give a Winning Audition!

There are few processes in this world that are as joyful, complex, and carefully crafted as the audition process. No aspect must be overlooked—every component is crucial for success. And you, as the aspiring performer, have left no detail unchecked. Your resume and headshot are perfect, your performance piece perfectly showcases your wide range of talents, and even your wardrobe reflects your distinct personality as an artist.


You have planned this so carefully, but, as is the reality of show business, so have the countless other people auditioning alongside you.


Don’t let the part of your dreams slip out of your hands. There are ways to stand out from the crowd and make your talent heard at every audition you attend! It’s time you take control of your destiny as a superstar—focus on these helpful tips to keep you feeling confident at every audition!


Let your Confidence Shine
Do you feel nervous before an audition? Don’t worry—it’s perfectly natural! But the most important thing is to not let it show. Approach the casting directors with your head held high and with a smile on your face! Standing up straight and making exceptional eye contact are wonderful, non-verbal ways to express that you are confident and capable.

Audition
Show Your Personality
The industry is looking for performers who are passionate, curious and engaged in their material. It’s okay to ask a few questions about the part you are auditioning for—it shows them that you care about the material and how you present it!


Understand the Character
It’s crucial to understand the motivations of your character before you step in front of the casting directors.  Get a feeling for their personality, the impressions they make on the people in their lives, and what the author or playwright thinks about the character you are auditioning to portray.


A great way to do this is to not only be thoroughly prepared on the character’s dialogue, but to look beyond that. Think of what is being unsaid in a scene and how your character reacts to that. Think about if the character is getting what they ultimately desire in the scene, or if not, what obstacles stand in their way. It’s deep thinking like this that will make you stand out from the rest.


Never doubt or forget that YOU are a star—and we at CGTV know you have what it takes to make it big! Contact us at 818-284-6689 or by email at  Hollywood@cgtv.la to see how we can make your dreams of stardom a reality.


We look forward to hearing from you, and remember, break a leg!

 

agent

How to Find an Amazing Agent & Manager

Agents are busy people in an already fast-paced industry. They work tirelessly to get their existing clients in roles and scout for new talent at the same time. While finding an agent takes time and effort, they hold the keys to the acting industry and are an important component of just about any actor’s career.

Network

Cold submissions to agents are rarely successful. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send inquiries to your dream agencies. However, more importantly, cultivate contacts and connections within the industry. Many agents take interest in talent they hear about from trusted professionals and acquaintances in the field or from existing clients. Politely ask your friends, colleagues, and mentors who know agents for references, and to pass on your information too.

Do Your Research

Take the time to learn about which acting agencies are reputable and have a lot of client success. Find agencies that fit where you are in your career. Pay careful attention to professional standards in the industry about how to approach agents at events and on social media. The last thing you want to do is come off as an amateur or ruin your chances from the get-go. The agent-rep relationship is highly personalized and finding the right “fit” for your career, goals, and personality makes it work. For some great resources on this topic and research tips, see here!

Work, Work, WorkAgent

In spite of how busy agents are, they are also constantly on the lookout for new talent. It is, after all, how they stay in business! The best way to catch an agent’s eye is to keep perfecting your skills, and most importantly, keep acting. Agents not only attend tryouts and plays, they watch films and other videos, and frequent events where they keep an ear to the ground for new names. The more you put yourself out there, the more exposure you receive. The more exposure, the more people hear and talk about you. When you’re not on the set or taking classes, work on getting headshots, keeping an up-to-date presence on social media, and improving your website and resume.

If you are ready to take the first steps towards making yourself more marketable, preparing yourself for your breakout role, and finding an agent, CGTV’s success-driven curriculum includes

  • Developing confidence
  • Honing auditioning skills
  • Understanding how to market yourself
  • Preparing professionally and socially for stardom

all with the help and input of CGTV’s fantastic agency partners. Find out all about how CGTV helps young actors with training and networking on our site, or our Facebook page today!