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The Audition

First of all, please ensure you read the email and any documents that we have sent you so that you are prepared for the audition. Please ensure you note the shoot and weather days in your diary or calendar.

So why am I going to an audition?

We received a casting brief for a commercial/film/television show, and based on that brief we make a submission of the appropriate people. The casting director has gone through our submission and selected the people that they think will suit the part and have requested (via KAM) to meet you for an audition.

The process:

  • Casting brief sent to Kam.
  • A submission is made to the casting director.
  • The casting director makes a selection.
  • Kam contacts you to check your interest and availability.
  • You attend the audition.
  • Shortlist is made.
  • Shortlist presented to client.
  • Call backs.
  • Final selection made.
  • Filming.
  • Payment.

The main reasons that you are going to an audition are

  • So the casting director, film director and or the client are able meet you.
  • To see if you have the right 'skills' for the role.
  • That you can 'act out' a scene.

Paper work:

When you arrive the first thing you will need to do is some paper work. Please ensure you complete the casting form correctly.

For some commercials you may be asked for some or all of the following information:

  • Drivers license number and/or a copy of your license.
  • Do you have any criminal convictions?
  • Do you have any drink/drive convictions?

The reasons for these types of questions is due to strict regulations for certain commercials and who and how they are represented to the public - they cannot have a person represent a product (for example alcohol) by some who has a drink/drive conviction.

Note: these questions should have been asked when we first contact you.

You will also be asked about your availability, so please note down any days that you are NOT available. Again, we should have discussed this with you before confirming your attendance.

You may also have your photo taken with your name for casting records.

The Audition - Casting

Now that you have completed the paper work, you will be asked to step in to the casting studio. There you will find some or all of the following:

  • The casting director (always).
  • The director.
  • The client.
  • A video camera.
  • A stills camera.
  • Appropriate props.

As part of the audition criteria, you may have been sent a script/scenario document or a script with lines to learn.  You will be stepped through a 'process' based on the script/scenario and then you will have to act it out with the casting director. They may run through a couple of different ways/scenarios and record them to video so they can review the footage later.

While at the audition, the casting director may also decide that you also suit another role within the same job, so they will repeat the process using a different scenario. If we did not send any script or scenario, then they may get you to role play or improvise a
situation.

Note: Although we have given you information regarding a specific role, the casting director can suggest a different role for you and the fee can differ from the one we quoted.

Once you have completed the audition, you will just need to wait. We will only contact you if we need to place you 'on hold'.

What does 'on hold' mean?

On hold means that you have been shortlisted for the role that you auditioned for. The 'hold' is for the shoot and weather days. Please note that shoot days are always subject to change and is beyond the control of Kam Talent.

If the casting director thinks that you are suited to another role, then they will check with us that you are fine with a different role. If you are fine with the different role, then we will place you on hold.

Call backs:

A call back is to help with the decision process and (maybe) to further test your skills or abilities. Sometimes they may wish to audition you for a different role or put you in a different situation. Usually 'on hold' and 'call backs' are an integral part of the
selection/decision process.

Once you confirm that you are fine being on hold, we will advise the casting director that you are on hold. From this point on, you cannot pull out of the commercial/job as your profile/casting video will be presented to the client and they need to know that you
are committed to the role.

The waiting period:

Depending on the shoot schedule, we may get back to you in a couple of days or in a weeks time. If you did not get the role, it is often the case, that they DO NOT tell us. Once you are 100% confirmed, a wardrobe fitting will be required.

So, I did not get the job/win the audition

There can be many reasons (and they are not personal):

  • Just not the right look or style.
  • Your acting skills not up to scratch.
  • Not fully prepared.
  • You were late.
  • Cannot take direction.
  • Need some auditioning skills.

Casting directors have a good memory. So if you are on time, professional and friendly, your chances of getting auditioned again have already increased.

If you need more help you can come to one of our Audtion Workshops run by Paulus Romijin.

Filiming

The filming:

We never know the exact location or call time for the shoot day(s). We find this information out one day before, and it is usually late in the day. In some cases the production company will contact you directly.

Location:

This can be anywhere, though for the most of the work, it will be in the Auckland region unless we tell you otherwise. You are completely responsible for getting to the location.

If the filming/shoot location is outside of the Auckland region, then transport will be provided or if you have to travel in your own car, the production company usually supplies petrol vouchers as reimbursement. This will be discussed with you.

Call time:

This is the time that you need to arrive at the location. We will contact you directly or via text. Please ensure that you respond to confirm you know your call time. Please be on time. If you get lost or are running late, please contact either Kam or the on set contact (if supplied).

Payment:

This can take some time to come through, so please be patient. If you have not received payment by five weeks, please give us a call so we can follow it up.