O Canada!

Coming off of a fabulous Bastille Day celebration this weekend (shout-out to the Chez Stilts crew), I'm feeling a particular kinship to our partially French-speaking neighbors of the North: CANADA.

Canada is really an integral part of our American Film and TV industries. One that I feel is often under-appreciated and misunderstood. I think the lay person has no idea how much production is completed up there. Basically, Canada is the new Hollywood.

Its no secret that with location fees into the millions of dollars at times, it has become quite expensive to film in and around Hollywood, CA. While it is where all the finest (non-theatre) actors flock to each year, its not where most of the filming is being completed. Sure we cast the leads out of LA or NY, but what of the remaining 90% of a film or television cast? Well, all that casting is done on-location, and it is my experience that a lot of that on-location shooting is being done in Canada.
The cities of choice are Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax, depending on what scenery you want (city, rural, etc.) and whether you plan of having some semblance of a diverse cast (as ethnic actors are somewhat hard to come by in certain locations). While there are countless movies and popular tv shows that shoot in Canada like SciFi's "Battlestar Galactica," ABC Family's "Kyle XY," NBC's upcoming "Bionic Woman," and practically everything on Noggin, I think the biggest genre of entertainment being shot here are TV Movies. Canada is the perfect location for these. Quick shoots, lots of reasonably priced locations to choose from, English speaking, culturally and geographically appearing like the US. Not to mention tons of Canadian actors who are pretty cheap for hire compared to SAG scale rates.

So what am I getting at here? I'm not really sure, but I know that if I was an up-and-coming actor who was sick of LA and was looking for a new place to live to gain a little more acting experience than LA will allow...I might consider Canada. Especially with all of our political mumbo-jumbo b/w red states and blue states here lately. Plus they have national heathcare, don't ya know?

My Favorite Canadian Casting Director: COREEN MAYRS (Supernatural, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica, The X-Files, Kyle XY, Fantastic 4, Butterfly Effect, X2, etc.)

My Favorite Canadian Talent Rep: PACIFIC ARTISTS
#1404-510 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B-1LB
Canada
Phn: 604-688-4077
info@pacificartists.com

"What Not to Say!" Episode 1

Welcome to the first installment of "What NOT to Say!" brought to you by the world's most self-indulgent actors! Below is a list of real taglines and gimmicks used on headshot postcards that I found to be particularly abhorant in the sea that comes across my desk. Look, Laugh, and Learn people! These are guaranteed to keep you from getting the job!

Annoying Postcard Taglines

“Call me when you need to cast ‘short, pale, and stunningly average-looking'!” (Way to sell yourself)

“I’m holding my breath until you check out my new reel…please take a look so I can breathe again!” (Please refrain from theatening the casting directors...)

“Armed and Dangerous with Aspirations and tremendous determination” (Danger not so appealing)

“Agents and Casting Directors beware! This actress is armed, dangerously funny, and gunning for you!” (Again with the threats...)

“Think Cameron Diaz meets Scarlett Johannson.” (Ugh...where to begin)

“New Chinese Face” (Wow.)

“It’s Time to Meet!” (Oh Really...)

“Seeking Opportunity!” (I bet you are.)

“Jack of all Trades: The Actor, The Musician, The Reality TV Star, The Author” (Those are not pros...)

“3 Accents for the Price of 1: Buy Me!!” (Buy you, since when are people for sale?)

“I just have to stay on your mind…and maybe your desk too” (Creepy come-hither looking picture--I'm afraid)

“Remember, I’m here for your last minute day planner needs this season—Give me a call!” (Way to sell yourself short)

“J. Keane, the acting machine. Sidekick to the Stars Since 1952.” (rhyming, really?)

“You get me work. Humperdink suffers.” (Who?)

“I feel like my castability is perfect.” (oh really?)

“The Funny Girl Next Door.” (Good for you.)

“Available Immediately: Leading Man Ready to Take Career to Next Level!” (Sad)

The "Je ne sais quoi!"

What makes someone a star? No one really knows. There are a ton of extremely talented actors out there that just don't make it. Many who have the whole package: talent, personality, looks, everything. But those factors alone don't make a star. Its not a mathematical equation. Rather, it's an indescribable quality that separates them from the crowd. Something that pops when they enter a room, open their mouths, or begin an audition. It can happen at any moment, but its then that, as a casting director, you believe in them and know that they're the one.

So what incited this little rant? Well, frankly I'm embarassed to admit it. It wasn't a fabulous audition or moving encounter with an actor. Actually, it was me watching a TERRIBLE tv show. Worse, a REALITY TV SHOW. That show is The CW's"Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll." Wait, wait, don't close that window to never return to my blog again. Let me explain. I watched this show for the first time at my friend's house last week. It's perfect Saturday morning hangover television, mindless and entertaining. Since I had gone through everything in my tivo tonight, I decided to channel surf and came across it again. I'd been sucked in. I couldn't help but notice that one of the contestants has that quality that I just mentioned, that indescribable star quality that separates her from the rest. 20-year-old CHELSEA from Cooper City, FL just has it. She's sweet, she's cute, she's honest, and there's just something about her that you love. This was only further validated by the fact that her dancing skills are about as polished as mine (that's bad), her usually perfect singing was a little off, and yet she still didn't get eliminated (She's now in the Top 3). The girl who did have to "hang up her boa" (oh yeah, its all so very dramatic) did everything right, sang perfectly, danced hard, and yet, she's gone. Chelsea stays. Having this quality doesn't necessarily mean that she's gonna win, but it certainly means that she'll be difficult to forget. Anyway, I know it hurts my credibility a bit, but I just felt like it parallelled the casting process really well and was worth sharing. Its not that Melissa S. did anything wrong, but that Chelsea just has something more, and its not always about the craft. Skills can be improved, but bottom line is, if people don't see something more in you, then you're gonna end up falling flat. Have a great night!

PS, here is a clip of her singing with another girl (who actually starts the song). You can see how the other girl just pales in comparison.

Deal Memo Dictionary

So I've had a few actors express some concerns to me regarding their test option deals, deal memos, and other legalese that might as well be written in hieroglyphics. Its a complicated matter, that's for sure. So here is the cliff's notes version for the actors out there who want to know what they're signing up for...or anyone else that is curious as to what issues are discussed when hiring an actor for a job.

Test Option Deal--this is the document that an actor signs basically agreeing to the terms and conditions of the job, should the network decide to hire them. Once this is signed, there's no going back. An actor must work, if chosen; however, the ball is in the network's court and they may choose to pass.

Deal Memo--This document goes through many drafts. Eventually, it is given to the actor once a deal has been closed and the actor is hired. It includes all the elements of the deal that were negotiated, and lists what is expected from both the actor and the company hiring them.

So, what goes on these two documents? and what does it all the mean? Well...for that...See Below:

Pay--The MONEY. Everyone's #1 concern. This should be clearly listed. How much you should get paid is a topic I'll save for a later date.

Start Date--This is the date you're expected to begin working. While this date will likely get pushed back (happens all the time), you still must be available from this day forward.

Work Days--Usually you are guaranteed a certain number or work days depending your role. This number should be clearly listed on the contract. No matter what happens, you should be paid for the days that you are granted "Guarantee."

Shooting Location(s)--Where the film/show will be shot. Pay attention here, b/c if its out of the country (even Mexico), you're gonna need a valid passport so get on that.

Accommodations--You are entitled to some sort of dressing room for each production. Furthermore, if the shoot is taking place away from your current residence, they should be providing you with somewhere to sleep...and I'm not talking about the director's couch. Make sure all of this info is in writing as well.

Meals--Obviously,they should be feeding you...this is required per SAG regulations already, but if its a non-union production, make sure it mentions something about this on the contract.

Billing--This is how you will be billed (receive credit) for the production. Main Title billing is that listed in the opening credits. The Stars usually have a single card, meaning they're the only name listed at one time. Supporting actors have a shared card, and all other actors usually end up on the "crawl" (end credits). There are some instances where there is a cameo or special guest star. In these situations, it is typical to have "and" or "with" billing, which is where the notable actor is listed as a single card with "and" or "with" in front of the name, at the end of the main title credits.


Important things to note:

A.P.D--This phrase stands for "at producer's discresion" and basically means that you are not guaranteed the element that is listed before it, so be careful with this one. What you seem promised may, in reality, just be potentially offered (or taken away) at the wim of the producers.

Personal Information--Your personal information (real name, SSN, birthdate, address, etc.) will likely all be included on the final deal memo. This is standard procedure so that the producers, network, or studio can get in touch with you directly if any issues arise.

Favored Nations--Sometimes its necessary to ensure that no one is getting paid more than you for a production. In this case, you should request a line of "favored nations" which guarantees this...particularly in situations where you're not getting paid at all, because you would hate to be the only person working for free.

Likeness Approval/Consultation--In situations when you've become a recognizable face, you may request to have approval or consultation for whenever your image is used in publicity, etc. That way, you can always make sure that you're looking your very best. Approval is rare unless you're super famous...but it doesn't hurt to ask for consultation at the very least.

So there you have it, folks. That's mostly everything that an actor should be looking out for when they're hired for a production. Its important to make sure you're treated correctly in every situation...whether it be a huge SAG feature or a non-union commercial. Now you just gotta book that job...

Headshot Postcards--Friend or Foe?

Okay, so I seriously go through probably no less than 50 headshot postcards a day, and up to this point, I’ve kept my mouth shut about them. But its time to air some of my frustration out.

First of all, I understand that pretty much every actor (famous or non) has shamelessly solicited themselves via postcard submissions at some point in their career. I get it. It helps the business along. It gets your face out there. Sure, you’re just hoping that one day one casting director or executive will glance at your smiling face and go “Well, who is this person? I HAVE to meet them.” I won’t lie and say this doesn’t happen, sure it does…but not often. Even so, I’m not so much concerned with the action of sending your headshots via postcard, but more so WHAT it is exactly that you’ve chosen to put on that card because really people, you’re not cute, funny, or clever. Most of the time, you’re just plain obnoxious. Sometimes I wish I could hold on to those really bad postcards to keep a list of who not to hire based on their delusional ideas about what is funny. But alas, I would never do such a horrible thing because really, these are just people trying to find their way in this business through whatever means possible. So, in an attempt to maybe help you out on this topic (and in turn, make my life a little bit easier), I’ve devised a pro and con list of what REALLY could help you land the big jobs. See below.

PROS
-YOUR NAME—I cannot tell you how many postcards I’ve seen where I’ve had to search for this information…it should be very obvious and clear on the front of the card.
-ONE CLEAR PHOTO—normal headshot style, funny faces not necessary
-AGENT CONTACT INFO—this gives you validity as an actor. I know it sucks, but there are too many actors out there and we rely on the reputations of agencies to initially determine whether talent is good or not.
-SIMPLICITY—Keep your card to the point. The best thing you can do seems like the most boring and common…and hey, you want to stick out right? Well, take it from someone who goes through tons of these things daily…the normal ones DO stick out. Think white or black background, photo, name, agent contact info…Imagine that? This is really the most ideal. PS, the few people we have called in purely based on their postcards have been of this variety.
-THANK YOU POSTCARDS—These are always good. If you’ve actually met the person you’re sending your shot and are able to call attention to some detail about your meeting, it paints you in a favorable light in the mind of the viewer w/o being obtrusive.

ON THE FENCE (These things don’t really bug me, but don’t really impress me much either.)
-HOLIDAY POSTCARDS— “Wishing you a happy new year” with your face smiling back at me is okay I guess. I mean you don’t know me, but whatever works, right?
-YOUR ENTIRE RESUME on the front of the postcard—I don’t really get this. If I’m interested, I’ll IMDB you and find out for myself. Make me work for this stuff.
-“CATCH ME ON THE UPCOMING EPISODE OF…” I have to admit, sometimes this is good, and other times its bugs me. I think the key here is making sure that the postcard gets there BEFORE your episode airs…otherwise you just look silly.
-CRITIC QUOTES—Unless its Ebert and Roeper giving you two thumbs up, these just look long-winded and detract from you, your name, and your agent.

MAJOR CONS
-DON’T SEND YOUR UNSOLICITED FULL HEADSHOT. Unless you just graduated from a prestigious acting school or university, these just look tacky. Have your agent send it to us if anything.
-If I see one more CHEESY PHRASE that is supposed to make me laugh and fall in love with you….DON’T DO THIS. I’m talking about things like “Doctor Recommended, SAG Approved” and similar taglines.
-Please don’t put your normal headshot picture on the front and your cheesy “LOOK I HAVE PERSONALITY” PICTURE on the back. Just the front one is fine. The rest is assumed.
-Try to avoid saying things like “LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU THIS PILOT SEASON” because that is a bit presumptuous. Who knows if you’ll actually meet me.
-Don’t refer to yourself in the THIRD PERSON. I know its you, the actor, sending me these cards.
-Don’t use DESCRIPTORS like “With the charm of Brad Pitt and the humor of Adam Sandler.”…I mean, come on people. What are you trying to prove here?
-Don’t put MORE THAN 2 PHOTOS of you on the postcard. You’ll just end up looking vain. Again, I understand that you have personality…I don’t need to see 8 different photographic representations of said personality.
-Similarly, don't put MULTIPLE VARIATIONS OF THE SAME PHOTO. If you insist on having more than one photo, provide a little variety. Two photos of you in the exact same position in a different outfit are not acceptable.
-Don't use UNPROFESSIONAL PHOTOS—So you just decided to get into acting, huh? Well, step one is getting someone to take decent photos of you. That snapshot of you out drinking with your buddies is not solicit-able material. Seriously.

**On a similar note, people who send me pictures of their poor BABIES trying to get them into acting are just sick. I know your baby is cute. But seriously, they just popped out of the womb, and you’re already trying to exploit them for money. Shame on you.

Well, folks. That was my rant on postcard headshots. I want to again establish that I understand why these are necessary and some good does come out of them. I don’t resent actors for sending them. Just be wary that if you're gonna put your name and face on something, it better look good.