I really want to be able to provide feedback to others who are taking the journey into making their first feature films. As part of doing auditions I think I learned a few things that I wanted to share to help actors and film-makers. This blog is some practical tips for film-makers that I came up with. Hopefully some will be useful!
Always film the auditions
You never know what someone will look like on the screen until you film them and review the details. There are some people who look great in person but move too much or just aren't comfortable on camera and also the opposite still applies.
Remind the actors to state their details
With conducting and filming 80 actors it can be hard to remember each actor when reviewing the tapes. Remember to ask the actor to say their name to camera before they start.
Film ALL of the audition
It is just important to go back over the parts of the audition where you are conversing with the actor so that you are reminded of how well you could communicate.
Always give the actors their own time and space
Remember that it is a nerve-wracking time for the actor and they are pouring out their emotions for you so the least you can do is to make the environment as nice as possible for them.
Give everyone the same attention
Even if someone walks into the room and you feel that they are not right for the part then I really believe that they should still be given the same attention as a potential candidate. They could have travelled a long way or put in a lot of effort to be there and they deserve to be heard.
Even if you know they aren't right you can still practice your directing skills and they can practice feeling comfortable in an audition situation. You never know, they could win you round or they might have improved and be the right person for your next film so treat them with the respect they deserve.
Get a second opinion
Get someone you trust in the room with you so that the energy levels stay up and also so you can discuss the merits of each after with someone. It can also be useful to get tips on how you come across to the actors and to help you improve your audition and directing skills.
Organise and record the results
I didn't do this and I wasted two days afterwards doing it. You should number each audition tape and put down the in and out times on each actor and a tick, cross, maybe against each of them. That way once the audition process is complete then you can quickly get the candidates that you want to review onto a DVD quickly so that you can review them all side by side.