Dolphin Talent’s Acting + Industry Guide

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyone here at Dolphin wishes you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

New Dolphin Project

Here is one of many articles about Dolphin Entertainment’s new announcement with Warner Premiere: http://www.acedmagazine.com/component/content/article/65-television/4206-warner-premiere-serves-up-two-new-entertainment-flavors

Movie Scheduling

Most people know that when shooting a movie, the scenes are shot out-of-order to help save time and money.  It is the role of the person doing the scheduling to determine which scenes to shoot on which day.  However, there is a lot of time spent creating the schedule to dictate when the actors should arrive on set, when production begins and also to help create the budget. 

Here is a brief list of some of the steps involved in scheduling a film:

1. Read through the script and highlight particular elements of the script that will need to be prepared for each scene.  Some of these elements will include: cast members, background actors, props, vehicles, wardrobe, set dressing, art department, sound, camera, visual effects, etc.  You will want to designate a different color for each element, and then go through and highlight each element.
2. Once everything has been highlighted, you will begin with the first page and enter each scene into a separate page in the scheduling program.  Movie Magic is one program that has both a scheduling and budget version.
3. The default template will already be set up for you, so you will just have to enter the appropriate information into each category.  Each sheet will get a scene number, and you can designate each new scene based on the capital letter that clarifies each time the location changes in the script.  As a general rule, each time the location changes it will be a new scene.
4. It is important that you indicate whether it is day or night and then choose how much of the page the scene takes up.  Scripts are broken down into eighths of a page, so you can just guess about how long you think that scene is on the page. 
5. Then you will need to provide a short synopsis of what transpires in the scene and indicate which pages of the script you are referencing.
6. Next determine which day it is in the script or the fictious world created by the movie and also the location.  The location will be slightly more general than the set.  For example, Danny’s house could be a location and Danny’s bedroom could be the set.
7. You will then proceed to continue filling in each field and entering all the elements you highlighted in the script.

These are the first basic steps to highlight the script and enter the information, but the fun scheduling part is what comes next.  It is with the strip board that you will determine which scenes are shot when.

-Jenn

What to Eat (and not Eat) Before Auditions or Castings

Even Lebron James’ mother (You HAVE to know him by now!) told him when he was little to eat correctly before he went out and played basketball. All athletes need a healthy diet, especially before games or practices. This is no different with actors. Here are some tips on what you should and shouldn’t be eating and drinking before your next audition and casting:

Do’s:

- Drink plenty of water beginning the day before your casting. Stay hydrated!  This will also help keep your skin clear!

- A light snack before auditioning should mean some fruit or a small sandwich or even some nuts for energy.  A foot-long sub and a bag of Doritos is not recommended!

Don’ts:

- NO GUM!  You might be asked to leave before you even get started.

- Speaking of fresh breath, do not eat any products with garlic or onions, as you don’t want to stink in front of the people watching your audition.

- No high sugar products including candy or soda. You may get a spike of energy but you are in for the infamous sugar crash.

- No dairy products. Dairy products tend to cause a mucus build up in your throat, which will obviously affect your voice during the audition.

-  We all know how our bodies’ react to the things we eat. Don’t eat anything the day before or the day of that you have never eaten before. You never know how you will react to it.

- Avoid eating greasy foods before the audition, as this can cause you to break out or feel bloated.

There are many ways to prepare for an audition: Know your lines, stretch, do voice exercises, etc. What many people forget to do is prepare themselves with the food and drinks they consume. Keep this list handy!

-Rob

How to Use Everyday Opportunities to Practice Your Craft

Often between auditions, school and extracurricular activities, actors can find it difficult to find free time to work on their craft.  Though nothing can truly be as beneficial as training, there are several opportunities in everyday life where you can squeeze in some extra practice.

1. Use moments with long waits to memorize.  Doctor’s visits and waiting at the bus stop can be a perfect time to learn lines.

2. Practice facial expressions in the mirror as you get ready for the day.

3. When watching television, study the actor’s reactions and try to determine if it is believable. Practice a similar response that comes naturally to you if you were fed the same line.

4. In typical conversations with friends or family, sit back and just observe the interactions that take place.  How do people in specific relationships interact with each other?

5. While walking down the street or eating outside, watch people  for a while.  What are some fun habits or quirks that you notice which could bring a character to life?

6. Try to be more mindful of your own emotions and what prompts different feelings from you and others.

Just a few tips that can really help you prepare for your next role, regardless of what it may be.

-Jenn

Q&A with Josie Loren from ABC Family’s “Make It Or Break It”

Clearly, we are all very proud of Josie and big fans of her show “Make It or Break It” which airs Mondays on ABC Family. For more insight into this former Dolphin acting student, click on the link below for a Q&A with Josie.