Sharon Sorrentino is a London based casting director with over 13 years’ experience in the industry, responsible for casting multi-award winning films such as The Journey, Grandfather and The Storyteller as well as authoring The Audition Room,  a pragmatic guide for actors offering tips and inside knowledge on how to land the audition you want.

Tracey Street is a Birmingham based freelance theatre director, as well as an acting and directing coach, and has a show appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival called The Testament of Mary, that completed a sold out run at The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham, this April.

WHAT’S THE TYPICAL PROCESS YOU GO THROUGH WHEN CASTING FOR A ROLE?

SHARON: When we are the sent the script, we break it down into the characters. Once we’ve broken down the characters with a little more depth, we think about actors whom we think would be a good fit and an interesting choice for those roles, we don’t just want to go for the obvious choice. We check those actors’ availabilities for the production with their agents or directly if they are currently representing themselves. Most casting directors will also put a production and character breakdown out to agents via websites such as Spotlight and CastingNetworks so that they can suggest their appropriate and available clients, though not necessarily for every project we cast. We audition the actors for the roles, usually with the director and/or producer present, though not always at the first stages. Some productions will recall for chemistry reads where we pair up actors who would be playing particularly close roles e.g. spouses, work partners or best friends, if there is the time and budget. We are very involved and always on the actors’ side, fighting for the best actor, not the most famous or the prettiest.

TRACEY: After receiving CV’s and headshots from actors who would like to put themselves forward to be considered for the role(s) being advertised, The first stage of the process for me is to look through the headshots. I’m asking myself, does this person look like how I see the character? Do they have the essence or energy of the character being cast? (e.g do they have a vulnerable quality, kind eyes and smile, a vibrancy, soulfullness, a gutsy urban vibe etc)  If I feel they have a look that I like and connect with for that character then I investigate further into that person. I will look at other headshots they have and any showreel footage.

Also at this stage if I don’t feel like I connect with the vibe and energy of the person in the headshot I will rule them out for an audition. For example, if a person looks unfriendly or moody or might have a bit of an attitude – I am considering that I have to spend 3 to 5 weeks (sometimes longer ) working and creating with this person; I want to choose people I am going to enjoy working with and connect with. Sometimes a selection of headshots that are actors playing only mean and moody put me off – they seem to take themselves too seriously!  Personally I’m particularly drawn to pleasant smiley headshots as they give more of an essence of the person – so I look for the character I’m casting for and I’m looking for the person – the actor – looking for their heart and soul – their essence.

I know actors that have only mean and moody headshots but in real life they are the most pleasant, enjoyable, creative people to work with, but from just their moody headshots I would have ruled them out. Thus I feel it’s good to have a variety of headshots.

After this stage I will look at their CV to see where they trained and what other work they have done, what other companies they have worked for and often if I know particular companies or directors I will get in touch with them to get an informal reference. If a submission gets through these stages then I will call them in for an audition, to meet and work with them in person.

ON AVERAGE HOW MANY ACTORS APPLY FOR A ROLE / HOW MANY HEADSHOTS ARE YOU LOOKING THOUGH TO FILL A SINGLE ROLE?

SHARON: We usually have to look through hundreds of submissions from agents per role that we are casting, as well as thinking on our own ideas and sometimes when specific skill sets are needed we will do searches and they can be in the thousands.

TRACEY: This is impossible to say, there are so many variables.   Some roles I have had to cast I have had a LOT of submissions to get through, particularly for lead roles.  I’ve had up to 70 submissions for some castings.

“The headshot is HUGELY important. It’s the main thing that I look at. If someone doesn’t have a good headshot it really puts me off.  If it’s not a good professional quality headshot it makes me question the actor’s professionalism and quality of work.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS AN ACTOR’S HEADSHOT TO YOU?   HOW MUCH OF A PART DOES IT PLAY IN GETTING THE ACTOR AN AUDITION?

SHARON: An actor’s headshot is the first impression they can make with us and the director and producers. It is part of our job to always be increasing our knowledge base of working actors, so we go to see a lot of theatre and watch a lot of TV and films. We could see someone fantastic in a fringe theatre show somewhere and want to bring them in for a production. If their headshot is not an accurate likeness or is badly posed, lit, not their best side, etc, this can all work against them where the others on the creative team are concerned if they do not know their work.

If we are searching through Spotlight for example, to widen our searches, we are looking at thousands upon thousands of thumbnail headshots before we click on them to look at their CV, showreel and more headshots to investigate those actors further. Again if it is a bad likeness or you are not engaged with the camera you are holding yourself back and will be missing opportunities.

TRACEY: The headshot is HUGELY important. It’s the main thing that I look at. If someone doesn’t have a good headshot it really puts me off.  If it’s not a good professional quality headshot it makes me question the actor’s professionalism and quality of work.   I need to be able to see an actor’s face clearly. I need to be able to see what they actually look like – there’s nothing worse than an actor that you have called for an audition, turning up and looking nothing like their headshot.   If the headshot doesn’t grab me, if I don’t connect with it, then I won’t call that person in for an audition.

I have even gone out of my way to suggest to some actors (that I know and know the quality of their work) that they get better headshots done as the ones they have just don’t represent who they are as a person or as an actor.

WHAT MAKES SOME HEADSHOTS STANDOUT OVER OTHERS TO YOU?   IS THERE ANYTHING YOU LOOK FOR IN PARTICULAR?

SHARON: An actor’s headshot needs to be current, there are so many actors whose headshots are 15 years old. They come in to meet and they look completely different and sometimes not really appropriate for the role. They need to be engaged with the camera and thinking about something. Whether it’s a toothy smile, Mona Lisa smile or a determined and more hard/harsh a look is up to the actor. I would always say the main picture is the most important, a Mona Lisa smile works better for me personally because it’s more open to interpretation than the hard man look or the overly bubbly look. I won’t ignore the other photos though. On Spotlight you can have a number of secondary pictures, this is where you want to show your different looks and expressions as these cause different feelings to the viewer. Don’t use props such as glasses if you don’t normally wear them. Don’t wear distracting tops, frills, crazy patterns or colours which are too bright as these all detract from your face.  Don’t do any arty poses with your hands obscuring any part of your face. What I am looking for is an open picture with eyes very clearly in focus and where an intelligence is conveyed because the actor is thinking about something, not just grinning at the camera.

TRACEY: Some of the answer to this is in the answer to the first question. I like headshots that don’t look too ‘posed’ I want to see the person, the energy, essence and character of that person. I want to see a smiley one, a serious or more neutral one, a warm one, I don’t like to see ‘posed’ ‘acted / ‘playing a part’ shots.   As a director I want to imagine that myself, I can judge that from basic shots of them as serious, smiley, warm etc.

I like to be able to see the persons face clearly and lit clearly (no moody lighting) No distracting backgrounds.  I want to see the uniqueness of that person/actor. Their essence and energy. That’s what I will ultimately connect with.

HOW MANY HEADSHOTS DO YOU THINK AN ACTOR SHOULD HAVE ON THEIR SPOTLIGHT/ CASTING CALL / WEBSITE? DO YOU LIKE TO SEE A RANGE?

SHARON: I think 5 or 6 is a good number. Your main headshot and some others which show you in a different light, darker character looks if your main shot is smiley, or vice versa. A production still in the secondary photos is also a good way to see you in action before viewing the showreel, especially for actors who have not done that much screen work.

TRACEY: Yes I do like to see a range, maybe wearing their hair differently, in different colours and style of clothing also.  I think maybe 4 or 5 gives a good variety. But of course with that main headshot that is full of their character and essence to grab the attention first.

Interested in booking your next actor headshots? Find out all about my sessions along with prices, HERE. In the meantime, why not check out some of these useful links?

The post Interview with a Casting Director appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

An exciting new TV series is seeking people to share their problems
with experienced agony aunts

Do you have a relationship issue? A secret you’re keeping from a
loved one? A problem in the bedroom? A modern day dilemma you’re
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Whatever your problem, we want to hear from YOU!

Drop us an email, in strictest confidence, using the address below and
we’ll be in touch with more information.

problems@rdftelevision.com

Other stuff you might like….

The post RDF Television Documentary Casting appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

Casting Calls: Actor for Music Video

Filming: 12^th Jun 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: http://www.flickfactory.co.uk/
Pay: £75 p/day
Apply: graeme@flickfactory.co.uk

We need someone who can convey the energy, fun and fizz of a sixties/seventies inspired funk/soul lead singer.

Bit of a strange one this. Due to (a long story about) unavailability we are having to shoot a funk/soul based promotional video in June without one of the singers. So we need someone to act/perform in their place, lip-synching to the backing track and helping us “sell” the concept.

You DO NOT need to be able to sing. You do need to be able to move/groove well.

Please only apply if you can send a link to some relevant online video we can view.

Appearance Details:
Playing range: 25-35
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: Black / African American / Afro-Caribbean

Casting Calls: Actress for Horror Short

Filming: 12^th June – 15^th June 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: Walnut Pictures
Pay: £100 p/day
Apply: (must be a member of Shooting People)  https://shootingpeople.org/production/work/cast/role/19300

Bored Games is a psychological horror film set in the not too distant future about a disconnected family who come together to play a twisted game.

We are looking for a beautiful girl to play our sexy, deadly, elegant, brunette Scarlet. There is no dialogue in this role (in fact hardly any in the whole film). Nonetheless, Scarlet will play one of 6 suspects all alone in their respective rooms in a big house. She is the focal character in the film and will wear a gorgeous red dress.

Playing age: 25-35
Ethnicity: White/Caucasian

Crew Call: Script Supervisor

Film: Party Pieces
Filming: 2^nd Jun – 2^nd July 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: Global Watch Film Productions
Pay: £200p/day minimum

Apply: Julian.brown07@yahoo.com / 07795425055

Short Synopsis: Party Pieces tells the story of an extraordinary weekend in the lives of 7 university friends, reuniting after some years apart. Some have been successful, others have not, and with all of the frictions between them will they be friends when the weekend is over…?

Global Watch Film Productions are currently looking for an experienced Script Supervisor for the exciting, forthcoming feature film Party Pieces directed by the award winning Jonathan Gershfield and starring Burt Reynolds, Carmen Electra and John Hannah. Full details of the film can be found here on IMDB:

www.imdb.com/title/tt3464032/

We are looking for a script supervisor who can start pre-production immediately as filming commences on the2nd June until 2nd July 2014.

A lot of the film is set in one main location, a country house, however the challenge with this film is that the same story is told again and again through the eyes of different characters and therefore requires a lot of attention to detail and continuity.

The script supervisor will be responsible for: continuity, slating and liaising between clapper loader & sound mixer, script updates and notation and production reports.

This is a really exciting film with a killer script. Please contact me directly with a CV link or attached if you are interested in applying for this role.

Jules Brown
Assistant Production Manager

Crew Call: Director of Photography

Film: Georg (short)
Filming: 28^th-29^th May 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: Student Production
Pay: £150 p/day
Apply: (must be a member of Shooting People) https://shootingpeople.org/production/work/crew/role/19214

The video is a re-staging of a scene from a film that is famous for its use of implied violence. One of the original actors has been cast and will switch roles, this time playing the victim and not the killer. In the original there were five actors but this time they will act alone. There is a set being built and there will be an emphasis on reproducing the original shots but also exploring new moments. It would be good to meet, discuss the set and other details.

I am looking for someone with experience of shooting in a studio with handheld shots and use of a dolly key.
The project is a re-staging of a scene from a film and it would be good to find someone who is good with details.
Having your own kit or access to one would be ideal.

Crew Call: Production Manager for Short Drama

Film: A Distracted Man
Filming: 10^th-14^th June 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: Ten Films
Pay: £300 pro rata
Apply: (must be a member of Shooting People) https://shootingpeople.org/production/work/crew/role/19298

A Distracted Man will be a short film about a father dealing with his sense of guilt. Elements of reality will mix with the unconscious of the protagonist. It will be set mainly in a high street cafe. The script is 12 pages long, we are aiming to shoot it in four days + 1 of pick ups.

We are looking for a committed production manager to work on our short film titled “A Distracted Man”, to be shot from the 10th to the 14th June.
Please apply with CV.

Crew Call: Sound Recordist for Horror Short

Filming: 12^th June – 15^th June 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: Walnut Pictures
Pay: £100 p/day
Apply: (must be a member of Shooting People)  https://shootingpeople.org/production/work/crew/role/19299

Bored Games is a psychological horror film set in the not too distant future about a disconnected family who come together to play a twisted game.

We are looking for a reliable, professional and experienced sound recordist with their own equipment for a short film.
We will be filming in West Oxfordshire over a long weekend period in mid-June at a beautiful country house.

Crew Call: Editor for Promo Video

Filming: 11^th-22^nd June 2014
Location: UK
Production Company: http://catsnake.com/
Pay: £110 p/day
Apply: hello@catsnake.com

We are creating an online video for a non-profit organisation and looking for an editor to work with the director over a period of 2 weeks with 5-6 actual working days. We will be creating a model village with scale models of people for a public information video which will be used across the UK.
Whilst this has a low budget, it’s a really exciting, unique and dynamic concept which is going to be great fun to be involved with! A fantastic opportunity to work on something new and innovative which will allow your imagination to run wild!
We have a £700 flat fee. PLEASE NOTE: The chosen artist must be able to edit the grade and complete both an offline and online final edit. Working dates would be between the 11th – 22nd June (This is subject to change; dates to be confirmed with the director at a later date).

The post Casting Calls and Crew Jobs appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

Casting Calls: Male Japanese Samurai Warrior
Pay: 1000EUR per day
Apply: me@shakyradowlingcasting.com.

‘The Power of the Heart,’ is a very exciting feature film similar to “The Secret”. It is a self-help film. Production dates (eg. shoot, rehearsals)1 day rehearsal: June 1st 3 days shoot: 2 – 4 of June. Closing date for applications: 15/05/2014 : 23:59. Casting director: Shakyra Dowling submit to: me@shakyradowlingcasting.com. Casting details: Wed 14th or Thurs 15th May 2014

Shooting will take place in the Netherlands.

We need an excellent performer to play our lead ­ a battle­weary Japanese warrior who takes the journey from head to heart under the tutelage of an old sage. The Samurai will speak in English with a Japanese accent. He will move through a braod specturm of emotion from rage, to tears of gratitude. Fit body. Skills: PLEASE ADD TO NOTES SECTION ANY MOVEMENT, WEAPON SKILLS, HORSE RIDING SKILLS. Should be a strong improvisor. Height: Any. Appearance: Japanese. Pay category: Same as production (Above Equity). Agreements: Euro 1,000 per day to include all buyouts.

Casting Calls: Actor and Actress for Short

‘Daddy’s Girl’ is a short thriller funded by the BFI and Creative England as part of their iShorts scheme. SYNOPSIS: Vince, a prison guard and father of one, comes across an abandoned kid’s bicycle on an isolated stretch of moorland. With the sun setting and a suspiciously large set of boot prints leading from the scene, he sets off in search of the missing child.

Collectively as a team we’ve won awards, bursaries and scholarships from such establishments as BAFTA, BFI and PANALUX.

Director – Jed Hart: www.vimeo.com/jedhart
Producer – Misha Vertkin: www.third-eye-productions.co.uk/
Cinematographer – www.craigdeandevine.co.uk/

We’re planning to audition on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of May.

Roles: Daddy

Pay: £150 p/day
Apply: misha@third-eye-productions.co.uk

“Daddy” is a quivering, pale man with a patchy beard and receding hairline. He is feral and animalistic, but deep down there’s still trace of a decent human being. We’re looking for a slim actor with very well defined bone-structure and an interesting look that can be accentuated with makeup. 30-40 years old.

Roles:  Jessica

Pay: £150 p/day
Apply: misha@third-eye-productions.co.uk

Jessica is a sweet, naive girl who lives an isolated existence with only her diseased, dependent father for company. As a result she’s extremely independent and responsible for her age. We’re looking for a young actress who can portray a sense of innocence and inner sadness. Actress must have  playing age of 15 and under.

Crew Jobs: Storyboard Artist

Pay: £400 flat fee
Production company: http://catsnake.com/
Apply: hello@catsnake.com

We are creating an online video for a non-profit organisation and looking for a storyboard artist to work with the director for 2 days to visualise the production. We will be creating a model village with scale models of people for the video in order to illustrate the complex nature of reconfiguration. This should be a really fun and imaginative production and and one you can let your imagination run wild with! We have a £400 flat fee and the chosen artist would need to work between the29th May – 3rd June (dates to be confirmed with the director at a later date)

Crew Jobs: Director of Photography

Pay: £600 flat fee
Production company: http://catsnake.com/
Apply: hello@catsnake.com
We are creating an online video for a non-profit organisation and looking for a DOP to work for 2 days.  We will be creating a model village with scale models of people for the video in order to illustrate the complex nature of reconfiguration. This should be a really fun and imaginative production and one you can let your imagination run wild with! We have a £600 flat fee and the chosen artist would need to work either on the 4th – 5th or the 5th – 6th June.

Crew Jobs: Gaffer

Pay: £500 flat fee
Production company: http://catsnake.com/
Apply: hello@catsnake.com
We are creating an online video for a non-profit organisation and looking for a gaffer to work on set for 2 days. We will be creating a model village with scale models of people for the video in order to illustrate the complex nature of reconfiguration. This should be a really fun and imaginative production and a great project to be involved with. We have a £500 flat fee and the chosen artist would need to work either on the 4th – 5th or the5th – 6th June.

Crew Jobs: Production Designer

Pay: £1000 flat fee
Production company: http://catsnake.com/
Apply: hello@catsnake.com

We are creating an online video for a non-profit organisation and looking for a Production Designer to work on set for 2 days. We will be creating a model village with scale models of people for the video in order to illustrate the complex nature of reconfiguration. This should be a really fun and imaginative production and one you can let your imagination run wild with! You will be required to come in and design the model village and build the set before the shoot. We have a £1000 flat fee and the chosen artist would need to work leading up to the shoot dates and on set between the 4th – 6th June (dates to be arranged with the director).

Crew Jobs: Sound Designer

Pay: £500 pro rata
Production company: http://www.niceandpolite.com/
Apply: info@niceandpolite.com
 

DOG is a brutal love story in the vein of Oldboy and Leon featuring heavy fight sequences and difficult subject matter. Written and Directed by Robin Schmidt (Afterdeath www.imdb.com/title/tt2710826/) it stars Simon Wan and Sophia Del Pizzo. The project is mostly funded by MTA Records as a double music video project for their artist Dream McLean. So footage from the film will be repurposed into music videos for two tracks.

I’m currently entering the difficult final stages of post on my mammoth martial arts short, DOG and am looking for a Sound Designer to help me finish it off. The film has been fairly extensively temped and the fight sounds have for the most part all been done but it really needs a talented ear to bring it all together as the sound plays a fairly important part.

I’m looking for someone who can start pretty soon as I’m starting to get hassled for final copies by festivals and we’re having to scrabble to get everything together in time.

There are a couple of teaser trailers that give you an idea of the two shades of the film

BRUTAL: vimeo.com/79989738
TENDER: vimeo.com/80000963

The project has become a ‘proof of concept’ for a longer feature length version of the story so I’m keen for it to be as good as possible as it’s a proper sales tool now.

Now the downer: it’s 39 mins long. Ouch. If that doesn’t deter you then at least it’s out in the open!

If you’re interested I can send you a link to the locked edit on Vimeo.

Thanks,

Robin.

Crew Jobs: Camera Operator for black and white music video

Pay: £100 per day
Production company: http://phantomlimb.net/
Apply: hello@phantomlimb.net

Looking for camera operator, who can also pull focus, for music video. Will be shooting on Sony F5, so must be familiar with that camera.

Moody black and white music video for blues-based track from exciting new artist, shooting on location in North West London. Can see previous videos we’ve made here: phantomlimb.net

Shoot Date: 18^th May 2014

Shoot Location: London

The post Casting Calls and Crew Jobs appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

Casting Call: Brazilian Extras for Commercial (low paid)

TV commercial with a major celebrity and a world class Oscar nominated director to be shot on April 3rd, right outside of London. Rate for the day is £50. Please only apply if you are free on the specified date and look authentically Brazilian. The production company is Mango Films. More information to be disclosed to the successful applicants.

Apply: henrigold@MANGOFILMS.CO.UK

Crew Call: VFX (low paid)

Looking for a VFX artist for The Listener starring Dame Harriet Walter (Atonement, Babel, Downton Abbey) and Guy Henry (Harry Potter, V for Vendetta, Holby City).

Main task is helping create an invisible character (Harriet Walter) although only parts of body will be invisible. Other tasks are smaller vfx to sell world of the film, eg sky adjustments. You’d have plenty of space for your own input and suggestions too!

Pay: £300 p/week
Production company: www.goodshout.org
Apply: Michael.gilhooly@hotmail.co.uk
Shoot date: 5^th April 2014 – 11^th April 2014

Crew Call: Full Time Production Assistant

We are called Catsnake Film and we’re an online video agency based in Ealing Studios. We make creative online video, using the principles of storytelling, narrative and psychology to make content people want to watch. Some of our past films have been ‘A Love Story In Milk’ and our writer/producer Stephen Follows wrote the Virgin Media Shorts winning film ‘Sign Language’.

There will be some on-set days but most are spent in the production office. Main duties include research, pre-production, general admin and supporting the team. Useful skills would include a driving licence, experience in a production office and on set. None of these are vital as we are looking to train up the correct person. Essential skills would be a sense of humour, a love of storytelling and being a self-motivated hard worker.

The job will initially be for a four week probationary period, with the aim for it to become full time. Paid at the minimum wage and it’s based in our office in Ealing Studios so you need to be living within commuting distance.

To apply, please send an email to Sam (sp@catsnake.com) with the subject line ‘Production Assistant – [your name]’. Please write a short (under 400 words, although less is more) description in the email of who you are, what you’ve done and why you want to work for us. Please also attach a CV (max 2 pages). The deadline is 5pm Friday 28th March. No entries will be read after this date. Please don’t call the office or contact us through any other method.

Please read this job descriptions properly and follow the instructions. The last time we advertised for an entry level role in our company we had over 500 applications, so the only way we can handle this is via the method laid out above. (BTW, the person we hired for that job is still with the company and is now one of our producers).

(Please note: this job’s deadline has been extended by a day from when it was posted on other job websites because Shooting People have been so slow in accepting the listing)
Pay: £12,000 pro rata

Crew Call: Runners

TV commercial with a major celebrity and a world class Oscar nominated director to be shot on April 3, right outside of London. The production company is Mango Films.

2 Excellent Runner/Drivers with own car needed for 3 days, the week of March 31.

Rate of pay per day is £75.
Please only apply if you are free on the specified dates and are based in/near London.
More information to be disclosed to the successful applicants.

Apply: henrigold@MANGOFILMS.CO.UK

Crew Call: Steady-Cam Operator (low paid)

Short Film,’Stereotype.’

A teenage boy goes out into the night to avenge his brother death and finds himself in an unexpected situation that changes his life forever. It is a 10 minute film that is slick, fast based with a beautiful twist that will change the audiences mindset of street life.

We are looking for a newly qualified Steady cam operator that wants to work with a good quality team on high production value films. This job is an indie short however we do have more lucrative commercials that will offer better wages.

Pay: £100-£175 p/day
Dates: 16^th May – 19^th May 2014
Production Company: McGibney Productions
Apply: luke@mcgibneyproductions.co.uk

Crew Call: Production Designer (low paid)

“Abduct” is a low budget, horror, alien film that will be shot outside of the city of London.
We are looking for professional individuals with approachable manners and strong communication skills that will come and enhance the team with their presence.

Pay: £400 p/week
Dates: 28^th April – 24^th May 2014
Production Company: Abduct Films LTD
Apply: http://www.abduct-movie.com/#!form__map/c24vq

Crew Call: Various (low paid)

Horror feature, ‘The Door’ by production company, Mangotree Media.
Apply for all roles: info@mangotree-media.co.uk

Editor:

Mangotree Media are looking for a talented Editor to work with us.

There is one days’ shoot remaining 29th March – with the majority of the film ‘roughly’ edited. What we need is a talented editor to take the complete edit and make it better! Using their skills for pacing – bring the film in at around 85 minutes.

Your creative input will be desired to work alongside the director, but you will have a ‘free-reign’ – The film will be premièred in July week 18th to 26th – date to be confirmed.
Our intention is to find an editor whom we can also collaborate with on future projects. We have a trailer shoot for our new feature on June 14th & 15th 2014.
If you fit the bill and are interested in becoming involved, we ask you to provide a link to your portfolio and/or CV along with your expression of interest.
We welcome students (advanced/intermediate) studying film/editing to apply too.
There is a small payment along with a ‘back-end’ deal.

Pay: £7 p/hour

Colourist:

Mangotree Media are looking for a talented colourist and colour corrector.

There is one days’ shoot remaining 29th March – with the majority of the film ‘roughly’ edited. What we need is a talented colourist and colour corrector to match every scene and make the finished product ‘look’ great! Your creative input will be desired to work alongside the director, but you will have a ‘free-reign’ – The film will be premièred in July week 18th to 26th – date to be confirmed.

Our intention is to find a colourist whom we can also collaborate with on future projects. We have a trailer shoot for our new feature on June 14th & 15th 2014.
If you fit the bill and are interested in becoming involved, we ask you to provide a link to your portfolio and/or CV along with your expression of interest.
We welcome students (advanced/intermediate) studying film/editing to apply too.
There is a small payment along with a ‘back-end’ deal

Pay: £7 p/hour

Production Assistant:

Working with the producer on organisation and putting together a shoot for a weekend horror trailer.The trailer is for a new horror feature film entitled The Door. This will be shot in the Midlands in Telford. This is an original idea. Mangotree are an award winning company and we are looking for good reliable people. These roles are not highly paid, however there will be a back end deal for the right applicants.

Pay: £7 p/hour

Sound Recordist:

Sound recordist for Horror trailer. The trailer is for a new horror feature film entitled The Door. this will be be shot in the Midlands in Telford. This is an original idea.
Mangotree are an award wining company and we are looking for good reliable people. These roles are not highly paid , however there will be a back end deal for the right applicants.

Pay: £50 p/day

Cinematographer:

Weekend shoot for a feature film. Will need own transport. The trailer is for a new horror feature film entitled The Door. this will be be shot in the Midlands in Telford. This is an original idea. Mangotree are an award wining company and we are looking for good reliable people. These roles are not highly paid , however there will be a back end deal for the right applicants.

Pay: £7 p/hour

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Casting Calls: Actors for Viral Video

I’m a writer/director with a few successful online adverts under my belt. This film will portray a Mexican ‘Telenovela’, featuring a sad scene with a young couple, with the man on his death bed, saying goodbye to his lover, but neither of them can stop smiling/laughing. The director reacts – confused, annoyed, exasperated – until eventually the reason for their constant grinning becomes clear…

Role: The Director (Spanish-Speaking)

You will be the director of a Mexican soap opera. It’s a very sad scene, where the ‘Hero’ is on the verge of death, and he’s saying farewell to his lover.
But the 2 actors just won’t stop smiling and laughing, much to your annoyance. Take after take, you try to get them to act sad, but it’s no good…

There will be a few lines, which must be delivered in SPANISH.

AGE RANGE – Somewhere between 25 and 55, but preferably around 30-40.

Appearance details:
Playing Range: 30-40
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: Hispanic / Latino

Pay: £50 p/day

Production Company: http://chalkstar.co.uk/

Apply: TheTeam@chalkstar.co.uk

Role: Young Hero (Spanish-Speaking)

You will play the good-looking ‘Hero’ of this Mexican soap opera.
Lying on your death-bed, you and your lover will bid each other a sad farewell. Or you would, if you could just stop grinning…

No matter how many takes you do, or how much the Director pleads with you for a bit more sadness, you just won’t be able to stop smiling.

It’s preferred that you speak Spanish well, as there’ll be a line or two.

Appearance details:
Playing Range: 25-35
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: Hispanic / Latino

Pay: £50 p/day

Production Company: http://chalkstar.co.uk/

Apply: TheTeam@chalkstar.co.uk

Shoot Date: 27th March 2014

Casting Calls: Various for Feature Film, ‘Benny Loves You.’

‘Benny Loves You,’ is a dark comedy horror. It’s my first self-funded feature which follows good success with our short films in festivals previously. I’m obviously hoping this will be a film that gets attention, and you can check out my previous efforts and get in touch if you’d like to be part of it. The bulk of the film will be shot over the summer of 2014.

Role: Dawn:

Dawn is confident woman in a job dominated by men, and an important character in our feature film. The love interest of our main character, Jack.
I’m looking for someone energetic, flexible and fun to play her part. The bulk of the filming happens this summer with additional filming days late in the year/early next year, so flexilbity is key. Physcially I’m looking ideally for long hair, pretty/angelic looks, but more importantly I’m looking for someone who’s easy going, fun to work with and can bring their own personality to the role. Showreels links are very much appreciated.

Role: Vera Hunt

Our main characters Mum: Vera is in her late 50’s/early 60’s, very homely but with a dark sense of humour.
I’m looking for someone who wants to play a fun/comedic role, which will involve some Special FX/prosthetic work too. Should be around 3 days work this summer.
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more, and as always a showreel is a great help.

Role: Jack’s Dad

We’re looking for someone to fill this very small, but fun part for our feature film.
Ideally someone in their late 50’s/early 60’s for a comedy horror, who would also undergo a bit of prosthetics work.
If you’re interested, please get in touch and a showreel would really help.

Role: Bad Cop

As the title suggests, we’re looking for a male in his late 30/early 40’s to play the part in our comedy horror. It’s a fun role and an important part in our film.
Must have a good sense of comic timing/reading and be flexible with our work dates over the summer.

Richard:

Richard has a knack of insulting you without you even knowing it. Mid 20’s, hugely camp, but actually straight. He’s a very important role in our comedy horror. He’s the work rival to our protagonist. I’m looking for someone with a great sense of comic timing but also authenticity. More importantly someone fun and relaxed to work with. Flexibility is key and it would really help if you had a link to a showreel too.

Pay: £6.31 p/hour

Production Company: http://www.darklineonline.co.uk/index.html

Apply: http://www.darklineonline.co.uk/contact.html

Crew Call: Various for ‘Back in the Net.’

Spacey, gambling addict, travels back in time to stop Jared, an underground gambling syndicate owner from killing James Spring, a local college football player who will end up scoring the winner in the future, which will win Spacey loads of money and cause Jared to owe him. Shooting Dates 5th, 6th July, 12th & 13th July,19th & 20th July Location Greater London/Surrey Crew Gary Thomas as Director (www.garythomas.co.uk) Mark Lever as Producer (www.marklever.com)

Crew: Spark:

Application Requirement: Showreel/CV/Portfolio
Experience: Fiction Film, University Degree (Preferred)
Equipment: Own their own lighting is preferred and you can be paid extra for the rental of equipment. Otherwise, we can discuss with you what lighting to rent out from a store. Unless you are a university student and can rent some for free.
Payment: £100 (£150 with own equipment).

Crew: Runner:

Role: Shopping for food/drink, Driving equipment to and from location, Carrying Equipment, Preparing and Serving food and drink to cast and crew, Helping out on set, etc.
Requirement: Driving licence (preferred)
Payment: £75 a day 6 days), Travel & Expenses (Petrol, Shopping, etc)

Crew: 2nd Camera Operator

Description: 2nd Camera Operator for a weekend shoot of a football match.

Skills: Canon EOS50D
Shooting Dates: 12th & 13th July 2014
Recommended Experience: Fiction Film, Live Sports
Qualifications: University degree (preferred)

Shoot Date: 12th & 13th July 2014
Production company: Film on Film Entertainment – http://garythomas.co.uk/
To Apply: http://garythomas.co.uk/contact

Training Opportunities with BAFTA Crew

Partnered with Creative England and Skillset, BAFTA Crew offers a great opportunity for those looking to start out in the film industry or improve their knowledge through exclusive master classes, pod casts, events and more. For more information and to apply for your place, head over to https://www.bafta.org/about/supporting-talent/bafta-crew,3554,BA.html and register before April 11th 2014

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Casting Call 2014 – Actor for Online Advert

‘Work Day’

A 30-40sec online advert in which a man has a ‘relationship’ with a Laptop.

Appearance details:
Playing Range: 25-35
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian

Shoot Date: 13th Mar 2014 – 13th Mar 2014
Shooting: South East, Great Britain
Production Company: Instinctif Partners
Genre: Comedy

Pay: £300
Apply: inhouse@instinctif.com
Contact name: Daniel Grasskamp

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Casting/Looking for Contributors for US TLC docu-series: ‘Crazy Love’

The producers of Untold Stories of the ER are now conducting an international search for stories of sexual mishaps that have ended up in the hospital!

We are seeking funny stories from folks in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Did you have an oopsie while making whoopie? Do you have a funny story about a sexual misadventure that landed you in the hospital, doctor’s office or clinic? Have you had an intimate misadventure that tops all others?

Do you have an outrageous story that you and your partner(s) love to share?

We want to hear your stories!

Looking for fun, lively couples 18+ who are dating, married, or broken up…

Compensation will be provided for selected stories!

Email Us: CastingFunnyStories6@gmail.com

Call Us: 1+818.563.4131 ext. 216 (Ask for Erica)

Crew Training Opportunities with BBC Academy

The BBC Academy is set to offer six new Creative Skillset-funded initiatives for TV freelancers in the UK creative industries.
Aimed at addressing key industry skills shortages, all of the initiatives will run over the next six months and funding is available for up to 90% of the course costs.
The courses are:

High End Craft Training
A series of five day studio courses for freelance craft practitioners in studio sound, studio lighting, studio camera craft and vision mixing.

Comedy Studio Craft Skills
A comprehensive training initiative that includes an intensive three day studio course for studio craft freelancers wanting to specialise in studio comedy productions.

The course will take place in Salford on the 28 to 31 March and deliver high end craft skills in directing, lighting and sound. The BBC Academy is partnering with Dock 10 in Media City to deliver this course. Dock 10 is also co-funding this initiative.

The New Story
A series of different courses in storytelling delivered at various locations across the UK. The courses will increase storytelling confidence and abilities, offer a set of golden rules relevant to any genre, and show how to put storytelling at the heart of the production.

Courses on offer include Introduction to Storytelling, Story Structuring for Factual Short Form, Story Structuring for Factual Long form, and Writing for TV. The Academy is partnering withDV Talent and the Indie Training Fund to help deliver these courses.

Creative Pop-Ups
A one day course for freelancers working in the creative industries or in creative roles across the UK.

The course gives an understanding of how creativity works, different creative styles and ways to maximise creativity and creative collaboration. There will also be an insight into creative leadership methods to influence, persuade and inspire others to believe in artistic ideas. This course will take place across the UK.

Factual Showrunner Live Events
This is a unique and intensive four day course targeted at first time potential freelance series producers or day producers of live factual. It will also be suitable for those who come from observational documentary series or fixed format backgrounds and who have not worked on live output. The course will take place in London and Wood Norton.

Two-Week Shadowing Development Programme
This will offer freelancers the chance to work in sought-after genres and departments across the industry. The Academy will be working in partnership with the Royal Television Societyto place 30 freelancers with production teams across the UK. Individuals will receive a fixed fee of £500 per week during their placement.

The courses are open to TV freelancers who are either:

• Employed in the creative industry on a fixed term contract of less than 364 days;
• In employment in the creative industry but able to prove that they have been given a date fortermination of employment and will become a freelancer;
• Unemployed but have previous professional experience working in the industry within the past two years.

Other eligibility criteria may apply for the different courses. To find out if you are eligible, learn more about the courses or register your interest, please contact the BBC Academy course co-ordination team:

Our advisors are available to help from 09:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri).

Email: bbcacademy@bbc.co.uk

Telephone: Tel: +44 (0)370 010 0264 Fax: +44 (0)370 010 0265

Address:

BBC Academy

BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Room A16, BBC Wood Norton, Evesham,

Worcestershire WR11 4YB

Crew Development/Networking Opportunities with BAFTA Crew 2014

Last year, Creative England partnered with BAFTA and Creative Skillset to bring you the BAFTA crew masterclasses. Bringing you speakers such as Eve Stewart, Ben Davis, Anita Overland and Sean Bobbitt DOP of Oscar winning “12 Years a Slave”. This year the scheme is back, its bigger and is giving crew more opportunities to network and meet Feature HODS.

For more details and to apply please go to:

BAFTA Crew 2014 Info: http://www.bafta.org/about/supporting-talent/bafta-crew,3554,BA.html

BAFTA Crew 2014 FAQs: http://www.bafta.org/about/supporting-talent/bafta-crew-questions,3556,BA.html

http://www.bafta.org/about/supporting-talent/bafta-crew,3554,BA.html

Creative England Crew Night (Bristol)

Creative England Crew night – Thursday 13th March

Creative England are pleased to announce that the team will be returning to Brighton for one of their ever popular Crew Nights, on Thursday 13th March 2014 between 6-8pm.

As always it’s a great opportunity for your members to connect with other crew, production companies, facilities houses and filmmakers in your region as well as meeting the Production Services team. We are also delighted to announce that we will be joined by some of Creative England’s Film Team, so it’s also a great opportunity for them to hear about the Creative England film offer for Writers, Directors and Producers.

Our hosts for the night will be The Brighton Centre http://www.brightoncentre.co.uk/ and we will be supported by our Film Friendly partners Brighton and Hove City Council.

To book a place your members will need to visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-england-crew-night-presenting-the-film-team-brighton-thursday-13th-march-tickets-10510560369

The post BBC Academy, BAFTA Crew, Creative England & Casting appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

***DO NOT CONTACT ME OR COMMENT ON THIS BLOG REQUESTING FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR CASTING CALLS OR CREW CALLS – I AM POSTING THIS INFORMATION ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANIES BELOW AND HAVE NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. ALL ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS TO BE SENT TO THE CONTACT INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE POSTING. CONTENT ORIGINALLY POSTED ON SHOOTINGPEOPLE.COM***

PLEASE NOTE THAT TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM SHOOTING PEOPLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO SIGN UP!

Casting Call: Actress for Music Video

We are looking for an actress for an MV shot in Scotland in March/April. The MV will be for a single broadcast in Fast East region. We are specifically look to having someone from a Caucasian/Oriental mixed race background. No foreign language required though. You will be fully paid and all expenses covered for the period of the shoot. Pay is from £100 per day depending on your experience and portfolio. The shoot will last 3 – 5 days in a few locations in the UK. Only people based in the UK may apply please. Please contact the producer directly: Eddie Liu:  se.film.production@gmail.com / 07403791959.  Please send your CV and 5 photos for consideration. Thanks!

Playing Range: 20-30
Sex: Female
Ethnicity: Asian

Shoot Date: 1st Mar 2014 – 30th Apr 2014
Shooting: Scotland, Great Britain
Production Company: S.E. Film Production
Genre: Music Video

Casting Call: Actress for Feature Film

“Sophia Lazzati”

Film synopsis:

Sophia has finally decided to leave her violent husband and has one last look around the family home on the day of moving, she is leaving most of her possessions behind because her sanity is more important now. Her teenage daughter is very quietly gathering her belongings; she is acutely aware of the tension in the house and is unsure where her loyalty lies. Filming Mostly at WEEKENDS. We see Sophia try and move on with her life and the complications that follow.

Character: Jenny Blossom

Jenny teaches Sophia and Tony’s daughter, Catherine and calls the parents in to discuss Catherine’s recent poor grades. She soon becomes aware of the parents’ marital problems and has to intervene on occasion to get them to focus. Additionally, Jenny has a persistent habit that really annoys Tony. Improvisation skills required. Auditions: Monday 10th March 2014 in Eastbourne. 1 day filming in October 2015 exact dates TBC. Filming Location: Eastbourne. Age: 35 – 40. Build: Slim to medium. Caucasian.

Pay: £150 per day

Apply via Shooting People: https://shootingpeople.org/production/work/cast/role/17748

Crew Call: Camera Operators for Glastonbury

I can not say too much about this project just yet but it is a high profile and artistic film involving weather, politics and music… the film already has exhibition in place for 2015 in a major London venue and at the Prague Quadrennial.

I am looking for a few creative camera people for a project filming between June 25-30th. A few requirements other than being creative, experienced and able to think on your feet and laterally… You also must have been to the Glastonbury Music Festival before, not be opposed to camping in a tent for a few days nor be put off by a bit of mud and randomness. I am looking for creative flair, people who enjoy the collaborative process and would be willing to engage with some pre-production brainstorming in the run up to filming.

Pay: £150 per day plus amazing Glastonbury access

Apply: contact@indivisionfilms.com

Professional actor headshot photographer; Aimee Spinks. http://www.aimeespinks.com

The post Casting Calls February 2014 appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

***DO NOT CONTACT ME OR COMMENT ON THIS BLOG REQUESTING FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR CASTING CALLS OR CREW CALLS – I AM POSTING THIS INFORMATION ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANIES BELOW AND HAVE NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. ALL ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS TO BE SENT TO THE CONTACT INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE POSTING. CONTENT ORIGINALLY POSTED ON SHOOTINGPEOPLE.COM***

Cast Required for boyband music video

FEMALE ROLES:

We are filming a new music video this Saturday 1st February and we are looking for 2 female cast members to feature in it :

Pretty brunette, aged 18-23
Pretty blonde or red head, aged 18-23

MALE ROLE:

We are also looking for a male actor/model who can act as a sound engineeer in a studio with a boyband recording their music video we need one actor aged 30-35
Look : high cutting edge / tattoos / hipster

All roles £150 for up to 4 hours.

Please email  dtrometer@tarmakmedia.com with photos and if you are available.

Professional actor headshot photography by Aimee Spinks – http://www.aimeespinks.com

Full time video editor required

You will be part of a very small team producing high-quality video productions for businesses, charities and organisations based in lovely offices in Milton Keynes. Tasks will cover every aspect of post production (editing, effects, colour correction, audio, delivery, archiving). Please go to the link below for full information and how to apply.www.jumpoffthescreen.com/job.php

£20k – 25K pa dependant on experience per prorata

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