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

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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