Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

The Surprising Reality of
Film and TV Acting

Film/Web/TV Opportunities
• Film: movies, shorts, industrials
• TV: series, commercials, movies
– Length of shoots
– Locations
– Directors/Producers
– Funding and Pay

The Local Markets, or,
“Better Move to Austin”
• Houston: local commercials, industrials,
independent movies
• Dallas: state and national commercials, TV
Network Series
• Austin: state commercials, industrials, major
studio movies

Types of Production Budgets
• Feature Film (studio backed to $500 million)
• Macro Budget ($10M – $40M)
• Mid-level ($100,000 - $10M)
• Low Budget ($10,000 - $100,000)
• Micro Budget (<$10,000)

Production funding is usually reflected
in amount of equipment and # of crew

On Location Filming “Headhunter”
Downtown Houston – 2012
(Feature Film)

Trailers and Extensive Equipment

Microbudget Short - “Robyn”
<$1,000
Bring your own everything!

Writer/Director/Producer Griffin Yu
with Cameraman

Slo Mo Violence Special Effects

Thumbs Up from “Victim”…
No Actors Were Hurt in Filming this Short!

End of a great evening location shoot

No job too big or small for an
independent filmmaker

Types of Sets
• Natural
• Modified
• Green Screen

Natural Set – Star Furniture

Natural Set - “Headhunter”
Outdoor scenes are tricky and time-consuming

Modified Set – “Headhunter”
Downtown Houston Office Building

Changing the building’s name

Green Screen Set
• Yup, this is what it looks like…..

Who’s Who on Set
• Producer (s)
• Director
• Production Assistants
• Technical Crew
• Wardrobe and Make-Up
• Craft Service
• Talent

Star Furniture -
Observing Producers

Producer observing a run-through
on set of Anna’s Story (Industrial)

My Favorite Director -
On set at Star Furniture (Commercial)

Production Assistant, Ready to Roll
6 ½ hours later – Take 1

Technical Crew
Sound Check – boring but necessary

Gaffers, sound engineers, & techies

Wardrobe, Hair, Make-Up
…..and Food
• Depends upon
– Who is producing
– What is being produced
– What role you have
– Funding levels
• It’s OK to ask what to expect when cast
• Always have extra neutrals pieces, your grooming
kit, actor jewelry, and extra headshots/resumes
• Collect period pieces over time for your private
wardrobe collection

All bow to Queens of Wardrobe!
On set of Headhunter (Feature Film)

Actor’s Badge of Honor on Set

Make-Up Artist
Prepping at Make-Up

Make-Up isn’t all Beauty….

Putty, glue, dye, whatever works!

Hierarchy of Roles

• Extra
• Featured Extra
• Support
• Ensemble
• Lead

Movin’ On Up……is always the goal on set!

Notice the sweat….whatever it takes to
get the shot, right?

Talent Ensemble
Doritos Super bowl Commercial Contest

Biggest Surprise of All:
Talent -v- “The Look”
• Talent is always a good thing, but not
necessarily required
however…….

• “The Look” is critical for both film auditioning
and commercial casting

Sooooo…….

Are You Ready to Get Started??

Don’t Quit Your Day Job Just Yet
• Average US actor earns <$8,000 annually
• Expect $0-200 for a normal Houston gig
• National commercial residuals can pay >$100,000
• Commercials and Industrials usually pay the most
• Independent movies and shorts are usually for copy
and credits only
• Web series usually for exposure only
• Expect to be paid within one month
• Agents get 20%
• Always have your TDL/SS Card or Passport on first day

3 Things You Must Have
• Flexibility
• Patience/no time conflicts
• Understanding that rejection is never personal

3 Things You Should Have
• Headshot –professionally done, B&W or Color
• Resume – 8X10, stapled or double printed
w/headshot
• Classes and Workshops, especially helpful for
Auditioning

3 Things You Don’t Always Need
(Surprise!)

• Talent
• Experience
• An Agent

Sticking Your Toe in the Acting Pool….
• Audition Websites
www.southwestcasting.com

• Texas Film Commission Website
http://governor.state.tx.us/film/hotline-cast

• Join local film and TV network groups
www.southwestcasting.com
LinkedIn film and acting groups

• Sign up for workshops and classes
• Volunteer at Film Festivals
• Take unpaid intern or apprentice positions with small production
companies

Classes and Groups and Workshops,
Oh My!

• Always good to learn new skills
• Great resume filler until experience
covers the paper
• Excellent source of networking
• Shows your commitment to the craft

Auditioning
• Take at least one workshop
• Find out what works for you, then
over-prepare! Or don’t.
• Realize you are nothing special until
you somehow stand out in an audition
• Always be gracious and appreciative to
everyone involved
• Follow Up

You got the part!
Congratulations!!

Now what???

Location Survivor Kit
• TDL and SS Card, or Passport, if paid role
• Extra headshot/resumes and business cards
• Wardrobe if required (have extra pieces)
• Actor jewelry/props as needed
• Make-up and grooming kit with mirror
• Comfy shoes, flip flops, or house shoes
• Pillow or stadium cushion
• Plenty of reading material or project work
• Snacks, snacks, snacks
• Cash and change for vending machines
• Cell phone/laptop chargers if needed

On Location: Hurry Up and Wait
• “Don’t stand when you can sit, don’t sit when
you can lay down…”
• House shoes and cushions are your friends
• Don’t count on Craft Service
• Over-prepare for downtime
• No one cares about your personal situation
• Cherished to Ignored – all things are possible
• ALWAYS BE EARLY AND PREPARED!!!!

Protocol and Politics Abound…..
• Keep quiet on set
• Don’t voice opinions
• Don’t comment on any aspect of the shoot
• Follow directions of the PA while on location
• Follow directions of the Director while on set
• Always be ready – never make anyone wait
• Pee, drink, and eat any time you can
• Network, and have business cards ready
• Be nice to every person – very small industry

Now that you are on your way…
• Remember:
– It’s often about first impression and looks
– Don’t take anything personally
– Be patient, look at the experience as a whole
– Network, make new friends, and just enjoy it all!

See you on the Red
Carpet!

Behind the Scenes

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