Working time vs. Screen time

October 31, 2008 at 8:34 pm | In Ask Manny | 1 Comment

Hi guys, today I’d like to discuss the time that it take to film certain types of shows.

Let’s talk about 3 types of productions:

1)     Soap Operas – Like All my Children or  Bold and the Beautiful.

2)     TV Shows – Like Gossip Girl or Grey’s Anatomy.

3)     Films – Like The Notebook or Mean Girls.

Let assume we are talking about 45 minutes of finished film. So with Soap Operas and TV shows this would be a completed weekly show that we would watch because there are 15 minutes of commercials. For the sake of explanation, we will talk about 45 minutes of a film since most films are longer than 45 minutes.

Ok think about which would take longer?

Which would actors have more time to prepare?

Well, for a 45 minute Soap Opera it would take 10 to 12 hours on an average. For a TV show 5 to 7 days of 10 to 12 hour days, and for a Film we are talking 2 to 8 weeks depending on the film.

Just as a side note when working on Soap Opera you might be working 2-5 days a week  365 days a years with 2 weeks off. On a TV show up to 23 shows per season and for a film once the movie wraps your done.

In my opinion being a soap start is the hardest because often when you get to work, they give you script changes for that day, and they like to give you no more than 3 takes per scene.

Hopes this help you look at the different genres differently and appreciate the time that goes into acting for the camera.

- Manny

The Biz: How Movies Are Shot

October 17, 2008 at 4:42 pm | In The Biz | Leave a Comment

Scenes are organized according to the location of the scene’s setting and the actors involved in the scene. Whereas, a play is performed in the sequential order that the script is written, the screenplay is divided up and sectioned by where each scene takes place. So if ten scenes total throughout the movie take place in a specific restaurant, it makes the most sense to shoot those ten scenes as close together as possible, so that you could rent the restaurant for a few consecutive days and you don’t have to spend money 10 different times throughout the filming of the movie. It cuts down on the amount of time you spend setting up and shooting.

You then want to make sure that you are only hiring actors for the needed amount of time, especially if you have a celebrity that costs quite a bit of money for each day that they have to be on a set. If you can shoot the three scenes that the actor is in one day then you only have to pay them for one day instead of paying the individual for 3 separate days. Shooting films out of order helps save producers time and money, but it does expect an actor to be able to switch from one scene to another and change emotions rather quickly. It just makes acting for film and television more exciting and fun!

The Biz: Movie Sponsorship

October 17, 2008 at 4:40 pm | In The Biz | Leave a Comment
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You mean companies PAY for their product to be in the movies?!

Over the past few years product placement has infiltrated media at a rapid pace. Long gone are the days when logos were blocked out of products used on TV shows and non descript items were worn by actors. Instead, actors are wearing Addidas shirts, drinking Vitamin Water, and using Verizon Wireless phones on screen, not just in the candid paparazzi shots.

Product placement is just one of the many ways a corporation can participate in a movie through sponsorship. Sponsorship is when a corporation funds a portion of the movie budget and in return the movie producers create a variety of ways for the corporation to be recouped via product placement, advertising opportunities, movie credits, etc. The challenge for the producer then is to make sure the corporation is integrated seamlessly so they have a prominent presence without viewers feeling like they are watching a 90-minute commercial instead of a film. A producer may also sell the ability to create sweepstakes to companies as a way to be involved in sponsoring the movie without their logo or product actually being used in the film thus helping to not only supplement the movie budget but create publicity for the film.

The next time you are watching a movie, on the silver screen, or your TV screen I challenge you to see how many products and brands you see in the movie. An easy way to start recognizing product placement and sponsorship is to see what types of beverages the actors are drinking. Are they drinking a cup of coffee or is it Starbucks coffee, or are they in a Starbucks? The only downfall to this exercise is once you start you just cant stop, you’ll see product placement everywhere!

We’re all a bunch of characters!

October 17, 2008 at 4:38 pm | In Acting Techniques | Leave a Comment
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What is Character?
To be a “good” actor you have to stop acting and become your character.  If you don’t believe you are the character, then the audience sure won’t!

Dissecting a Character
Detail is key when creating character.  All professional actors and screenwriters created detailed biographies and legends on their characters in order to create as much personality as possible.

As an actor, you must always be able to answer the following questions (on the spot) for every character you are to ever play (whether it be in a scene, monologues, commercial, etc.):

•    Who are you? (Name, age, back story, etc.)

•    Who are you speaking to?

•    What is your goal?
•    In EVERY scene a character always has something they want to accomplish or somewhere they want to end up, otherwise the scene would serve no purpose and would not advance the plot.

•    Where are you? (Date, season, location, etc.)

•    Why are you speaking? Why are you here?

Common Casting Questions

October 17, 2008 at 4:36 pm | In Ask Manny, Casting 101 | Leave a Comment
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Now that you know the do’s and don’t about castings … let’s talk about the actual casting. Here are some frequently asked question and answers….

– When does the casting start?

Most say is when you walk into the  waiting room or the casting office. But I would say it the moment you get in the parking lot.  Example: let’s say you’re having a fight on your cell phone and your come across as crude … what if the casting director is walking behind you and heard you talk like that. The casting director would already have an opinion from what he or she heard.
Does it matter what I wear?

Yes, it’s very important that you look the part. The moment you meet the casting director he or she will form an opinion about you. So looking like the character or the person in the commercial is very important. Also dress age appropriate with the character … if you have questions ask your Agent what they think … they are there to help you get the job.
- What do I do if I am gong to be late do I call the casting agency?

The first thing is don’t be late always give your self extra time for traffic and parking. But things happen.  If they do call your Agent and have him call the casting director … you never want to call them yourself.

- What is a call back?

A call back is when they are narrowing the talent pool and want to see a few actors again.

- Should I wear the same thing to a call back?

Absolutely, unless you are instructed to do other wise.

- Show I be in character the minute I get in the audition?

I would say be yourself as you walk in the room and do the slat. Once action is called stay in character.

- Can I ask the casting director questions about the character?

Absolutely ask questions, but make sure that are important questions and not something that you should have asked your agent.

- Should I have my sides memorized?

Yes, the better you know it the less nervous you will be and the better you can perform.

Hope this helps you out on your next Audition. Remember to be prepared when you go in. You only have one chance for a first impression.

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