Watch this video and learn the easiest way to turn a Garageband file into an MP3.
I recently had a voice over audition, and needed to save the audition in an MP3 format.
I spent nearly 2 hours and couldn’t figure it out. Much time was spent on watching YouTube videos, but the videos were not helpful.
Frustrating not to find a helpful video on YouTube
So, I contacted a friend, David DeBoy, who does a lot of voice over work and narrations. He taught me how to turn the audition into an MP3 in 3 simple steps.
Watch this video to learn how to simple it is to make this change.
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TELL YOUR STORY: Let others know if you have some helpful tips for changing formats – like saving video files into audio files. Share your information below.
What should actors do if they aren’t paid after working on an acting or modeling job such as: a film, TV show, TV commercial, modeling or voice over job.
In this video actors will learn 2 strategies to use to help get paid for the job. Actors will also learn what they should do if they booked the job on their own without an agent.
1. The first strategy that actors should use is if the acting job is a non-union or modeling job. For commercial modeling jobs, you should always wait 90 days before contacting your agent about not getting paid. That is generally how long it can take to get paid for the modeling job. After you have waited the 3 months, and have not been paid, then email your agent with all of the job details.
1. Date of the job
2. The name of the photographer
3. The name of the client
4. How much you should have been paid
Then let the agent know that it has been 90 days from the date of the job and say that WE (NOT I) haven’t been paid.
Just by changing that one word from I haven’t been paid to we haven’t been paid for the job, completely changes the tone of your email. It is subtle, but an important message to send to the agent. You are working as a team with your acting or modeling agent.
The agent wants to get paid as well. Typically, for commercial modeling jobs, the agent makes a 20% commission fee from the actor or model and also receives a 20% commission fee from whomever is being invoiced. So, the agent wants to get paid for the job as much as the actor or model.
You will learn the second strategy to getting paid for an acting or modeling job by watching the video.
TELL YOUR STORY: Let others know if you didn’t get paid for an acting or modeling job and how you handled the situation. Did your strategy work? Share your experience below so our acting and modeling family and help and learn from each other.
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, click the notification button and LIKE the video. This will give you easy access to all of the videos on this channel and help spread the helpful acting and modeling information with others.
To help build a large acting and modeling family, with people helping each other, I am giving you permission to share this link with other through your social media platforms.
In the past year the acting industry has changed. Here is 1 way that will surprise you. There are quite a few new things taking place in the acting industry since Covid 19 entered our planet.
Another Industry Change
Not going to live auditions with a casting director and instead, shooting home auditions is one of the many changes to the industry.
Watch this video until the end to learn another way the acting industry has changed. I had never heard of this before, so it really surprised me. Hint!! This is very helpful to actors.
Watch This Video and Learn
1 way that the acting industry has changed
How SAG-AFTRA helps actors during Covid
The ways production companies are making sure it is safe to work on sets
How and when actors get tested to ensure everyone on sets are safe
THE VIRTUAL ACTOR AND MODEL PROGRAM: https://www.howtoactandmodel.com/virt…
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TELL YOUR STORY:
Let others know if you have experienced anything new in the acting industry. Leave your comment below.
Want to Know How to Book a Recurring Role On A Netflix Show?
It was very difficult for me to book a recurring role on a Netflix show. I had audition 15 times over two years before booking a recurring role on the TV show House of Cards.
DO YOU GET FRUSTRATED?
Have you had a number of auditions for the same project or casting director and never booked? If so, don’t give up. That means the casting director really likes your work.
I auditioned for the first Netflix show “House of Cards,” so many times.
After some auditions, I was placed on hold, sometimes there were callbacks, but I was never the perfect person for the role. Then, on my 15th audition, a recurring role happened.
In this video you will learn how I prepared to audition for the Netflix Show, House of Cards. And, the 1 question I asked the casting director that completely changed my read for the better.
Watch this video to learn:
Ellen Burstyn with Aaron Marcus on the Netflix show House of Cards
What is the first thing you need to do to prepare for your audition
Understand what the audition really means
How long will you wait before finding out if you got a callback/booked
Essential question to ask the casting director prior to reading
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PLEASE – LEAVE A COMMENT Let others know if you have asked certain questions or used an interesting audition technique that has helped you book a job. Share your comments in the comment section of my Quick Tips Channel
Help Your Fellow Actors
Feel free to share this link with all of your contacts. This will allow us to have a strong community of actors who will share information and help each other.
Your on-camera slate can make or break your audition. Slating is an important part of the audition process. Yet, many actors are clueless about techniques or strategies to use when slating at the beginning or end of an audition.
What and more importantly how you say your slate can completely change the perception the casting director or director has about you and your read.
Try using the 2 techniques shown in the video.
Follow Directions
Every casting director has specific requirements for what is needed in the slate.
Some require the slate happen at the beginning of the audition. Some prefer at the end. And some, want the slate shot separately.
Most casting directors want the slating information shot from the chest to the top of the head and sometimes request a full body.
Label Your Files
Once again, every casting director wants the files named a specific way. Here is a sample of typical labeling request for your file. : First Name_Last Name_Character Name_Agent.
This is a typical request as well: SC1 TK1 (Scene 1 Take 1)
Whatever you asked to do, make sure you follow the directions exactly as asked.
Some casting directors won’t view the audition if their directions are not followed perfectly.
You won’t always receive the slating details. In that case, ask your agent or casting director what to do.
Prepare For Your Slate
Like your audition, prepare for your slate. Always provide an interesting and well thought out slate.
Additional Videos You Will Want to Watch
How I Started Acting With No Experience: https://youtu.be/CMnSK54rwjg
Audition Strategy That Isn’t Taught in Schools: https://youtu.be/QCYkctJHPFY
11 Ways to Prepare Before an Agent Meeting: https://youtu.be/iAwLRItarDI
Find the Perfect Monologue: https://youtu.be/iAwLRItarDI
1 Way to Get Commercial Modeling Jobs: https://youtu.be/YTISear-SEg
If there are slating techniques that you use and find helpful, leave a comment below and let others know about other techniques that will benefit all of us.
Share This Link
I want to continue adding people to our acting and modeling family. So, please share this link with your friends and post it on your social media platforms, so more people can benefit from all of us: youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips
Can’t wait to talk again soon. Aaron
Many actors get nervous while acting on film, TV or commercial projects. This can happen even for famous actors. In this video I will teach you a way to get over your nerves, calm yourself and give you the opportunity for giving a powerful acting performance.
What Actors Can Do To Help With Nerves
A number of years ago, I made a huge mistake while working on a TV show. My nerves where out of control and I couldn’t calm myself down.
Instead of feeling calm during the shoot, my nerves caused me to have problems with my lines and take me out of the moment. This job turned into a very difficult and painful one for me.
While watching this video, you will learn one great way to prepare before you shoot your scene for a film, TV show or TV commercial that will help reduce your nerves and be calm during the shoot.
From this uncomfortable situation, I learn an incredible acting and performance lesson. Now incorporate this learning experience in every project I work on. It has made a huge difference for me.
This will allow you to relax, be confident and and give a great performance.
Share With Other Actors
If there is something you do to help you get over nerves during a performance, share this with others. Leave a comment below.
To help others also have success in the industry, share this link throughout your social media platforms. This is how we can continue to build a strong and wonderful acting and modeling family, with people helping each other.
I can’t wait to talk with you again soon.
Sincerely, Aaron
This is an audition strategy that isn’t taught in schools. Normally, when people think of auditions they only think about acting.
Commercial models have auditions as well, but they are called go-sees. This is because you go to a photographers studio or a casting office and you are seen.
I just had a go-see that needed to be shot in my home. This is why it is so important for both actors and models learn how to shoot great home auditions.
This pharmaceutical go-see was a bit unusual. Instead of only having a few still shots taken, the client wanted the model to share information about him/her self.
They wanted to know what the models like to do in their free time. Hobbies, TV shows they enjoy watching, etc…
Here is a Great Strategy to Use For Auditions
I knew for the type of medication I was attending the go-see for, the client wanted someone older who was active and in good shape.
So, when I had to share what I liked doing when not acting or modeling, I talked about jogging, taking hikes and long walks. This was to make sure that what I said matched the characteristics that was needed to book the job.
Actually, I am a very honest person, but in this situation, I would have been fine with making something up to make sure the client thought I was right for the role. I never would lie about having skills that I don’t possess. But, the model selected was not needed to run or do any activity for the job. My body type would be perfect for the concept of the ad whether I actually ran or not.
Another Example
Many years ago, I attended a go-see in New York. There were hundreds of people waiting in line. It took me over 2 hours to be seen by the photographer.
I knew what the product was, and that they were shooting people who liked being outdoors, in 3 locations. Three couples were being hired for the project. One would shoot in New York. The other in Texas. I will tell you about the last location soon.
An Unusual Go-See
This was the first time I ever experienced a go-see where the models were video taped during the go-see. I was able to hear what the models were being asked by the photographer. He wanted to know what the talent had done recently. All of the models/actors talked about recent projects. They discussed recent film, TV and commercial projects. Many were quite impressive.
My Audition Strategy
I decided to take a very different approach. Instead of talking about recent acting or modeling jobs, instead, since I knew these were outdoor, travel shots, I talked about how I recently went camping with my family.
This was not true, but I do love camping, and it seemed like the perfect thing to say during my go-see.
I guess, along with my look, the client liked what I had to say. I booked the job and was flown to Hawaii, to do the shoot. What an amazing experience.
How to Properly Use This Strategy
Don’t Lie to Others
I am truthful with everything I say to others about 99.9 percent of the time. And, I would never lie about a skill I don’t posses. But, if I need to portray myself as someone who really fits the character, I might slightly alter reality a little.
What Auditioning Strategies Have You Found Helpful
Share any audition strategies that you have found helpful. Leave your comment below.
Not Watching This on YouTube?
If you aren’t watching this video on YouTube, then you want to subscribe to my Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel. You will find over 225 free acting and modeling quick tip videos. Click the “bell,” the notification button so you always know when a new video has been uploaded.
Let me know if there are are any topics you want to me cover for future quick tips. Email me: aaron@howtoactandmodel.com.
Can’t wait to talk again soon.
Aaron
Most people don’t know how to break into the modeling industry and get modeling jobs. The biggest problem is that both actors and models don’t understand how to create eye-catching photos that grab the attention of agents, photographers and art/creative directors at advertising agencies.
example of a strong commercial modeling test shot
Ingredients for Eye-Catching Photos
So many actors and models spend a lot of time and money shooting test shots (not ads, but photos they create for their portfolio) that are only “nice pictures” and not effective shots.
Every test shot should look like an ad. When you look at the photo, you should be able to identify it as an ad for a specific company or organization.
The shot above could be an ad for 529 plans (college saving plans) or reading programs for infants.
Never use a logo or brand name in your shot. You could lose out on working for a competitor.
How to Have Success
What Types of Photos Should You Create?
You need to know “your type.” What characters will you realistically be considered for.
As you can see in the photo below, at that time, I wanted to be cast as the young business man and dad. I combined both ideas and created a shot that could be an add for life insurance, (the times you won’t be there,) or Big Brothers/Sisters.
It was not a coincidence that after creating that photo, I began booking more jobs in that category.
test shot that got me work as the young dad/business man
Techniques to Use When Working With Photographers
You want to use the “Aaron Recall Method.” This is a technique that allows you to use basic acting skills to show believable expressions and emotions.
Think of an experience in your life that will give you the emotion that is called for in the shot. Then, slightly turn your head away from the camera. Say a word or two, or make a sound that will help bring back the experience.
When you are at a go-see (the audition for models,) ask the photographer what emotion is needed. Then use this technique. It will make your shots have energy and stand out – avoiding that blank/model type look.
Thank Your Agent
After attending the go-see, send your agent a quick email thanking him/her for submitting you for the job. This is a nice way of letting your agent know how much you appreciate them working for you. Those little things go a long way.
Retain the Contact Information From the Go-See
I have a spread sheet with around 1,100 contacts. After every go-see or booking I try and get the names and contact information from those on the set.
This allows me to stay in touch with people I have previously met. If I met them through my agent, then I will always send any direct booking I may get through my marketing to the agent.
Market Yourself and Get Modeling Jobs
Even if you have an agent, I would recommend you market yourself. If you have an exclusive contract stating that your agent has to handle all of your jobs, then you certainly need to have your agent involved in any modeling job you find.
Even, if you don’t have an exclusive contract, it is still in your best interest to have your agent handle all of your bookings.
Although you will give up a 20% commission fee to the agent, it is a smart investment for 3 reasons.
1. Your agent will make sure it is a legitimate job. 2. Your agent will know if the fee being offered for the job is a fair offer. And, if not, your agent can negotiate much better than you. 3. When your agent sees you are bringing in income to the agency, he or she will submit you even more.
Who Should Receive Your Photos
You should send your new photos through the mail (not by emailing unsolicited attachments) to:
Photographers in your area
Art and Creative Directors at ad agencies
Directly to clients
Other Ways to Find Modeling Jobs
Research online to see if there are modeling Facebook Groups in your area. Sometimes job postings are listed there.
You can also look for photography groups. Some of the photographers might need models for upcoming projects
You will find more than 225 incredibly helpful quick tip videos on the channel. Click the notification bell, so you will told when I upload a new video.
Any Suggestions on How You Book Modeling Jobs?
If you have booked any modeling jobs on your own, please share the information here so we all can learn from you as well.
Share This Information With Others
My whole purpose in giving you this information is to create a large community of actors and models helping each other.
Share this link: How to Get Modeling Jobs throughout your social media platforms so we can continue to build an acting and modeling family who truly want to share and help others have success.
Talk soon. Aaron
While growing up, I had absolutely no plans on being an actor. Even as a college student, watching TV shows, commercials and films were my only connection with acting.
Political commercial I was cast in last year
I actually studied music in college and stopped attending in order to perform as a full-time musician and songwriter. I toured for 7 years.
Really loved touring and giving concerts
After 7 years, my brother decided he wanted to begin his psychotherapy practice and gave me one years notice to figure out what I wanted to do after my music career.
Physical Therapy
Not quite PT, but this is someone who getting medical help
After spending over 300 hours volunteering in physical therapy departments in a few hospitals and shadowing orthopedic surgeons doing rounds, I decided, PT was the job I wanted.
Being able to learn about the human body and help others felt great to me. And, after 7 years of touring, being home with a steady job sounded wonderful.
Major Change
I went back to school and began taking all the classes I avoided all my life. Biology, organic/inorganic chemistry, anatomy, statistics, etc… These were just some of the prerequisites I needed for physical therapy school.
While in school full-time, I needed a part-time job to support myself. I had 3 requirements.
1. It had to be a job that was fun 2. It had to be well paying since I didn’t have that much free time to work 3. The hours had to be flexible to accommodate my class schedule.
I Met an Actor
I was at a party and met an actor. He told me what he did. Mostly TV commercials and some commercial modeling work. What he did sounded fun and would be the perfect part-time job for me.
I did some research and found a local agent. I attended an open call and was told that since I didn’t have any acting experience, they were not interested in having me audition.
As I was about to leave, the agent said, “While you are here, why don’t you quickly read some copy for me.” I had no idea that copy meant the words to a TV commercial. I asked if I could look it over and went into the hallway to study the copy.
After doing the audition, she said that she liked my read and that I should get a headshot. I did not know what that meant either. Fortunately, she gave me the names of a few photographers to contact.
This headshot was not very good, but I didn’t know how to create an effective one at that time
My first few headshot sessions were a bit of a disaster. I had no idea what I was doing. Didn’t know what expressions should be used or how to prepare for the session. It took me years to figure this out.
Mentoring Others
This is one of the reasons why I love mentoring others, in order to teach them step – by – step, how to find the right photographer, ask the necessary questions, prepare and practice getting the right expressions, techniques to use during the shoot and what to wear for the session. Having this information would have saved me years of guesswork and a lot of money. And, it would have helped me get more work at the beginning of my career.
I was truly amazed that I actually started getting more and more work. And, I was loving doing these jobs. Whether it was extra work on feature films or TV commercials, I was having such a great time.
An extra acting job I had very early on in my career
Although I completed all of my prerequisites and could begin applying for physical therapy school, I found that that acting and commercial modeling is the job I wanted to pursue.
I began studying with some great teachers. Then, I decided to spend one year working as a full-time actor and commercial model, just to test things out. I needed to see if I still loved the work, could get work and deal with the uncertainty of being a free-lance artist again.
Can’t Believe This
After 34 – plus years as a full-time actor and commercial model and more than 1, 270 bookings, I know I made the right choice.
It isn’t always easy. Like with any jobs, it can be very difficult. But, I have been so fortunate to have worked in a profession that I love for more than three decades.
If you have not subscribed to my free Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel, you will want to do that now. You will find more than 220 quick tip videos there. Share this link with others so we can build a great community of actors and models helping each other.
How Did You Enter the Industry?
Let others know how you got started in the acting or modeling industry. Share your story below.
Can’t wait to talk soon. Aaron
Not the Airlines – The Faucet Company
You want to make your acting and modeling career like Delta. Not the airlines, – the faucet company.
I had a water dripping issue in one of my bathrooms. That drives me crazy. I hate the idea of wasting water. Fortunately, I had purchased and installed a Delta Faucet.
I have always loved this company. Whenever, I had an issue with their faucet, I simply call, ask a few questions, and they send me new parts.
They truly care about their customers and do whatever it takes to make things a wonderful and easy experience.
Actors and models should use this philosophy to run their careers.
When working on a film, you are a part of a large company. You want the experience to be great for yourself as well as those you are working with.
The most important aspect to making it a great experience for the director, 1st AD, and everyone on the set is to be great. You need to be prepared and give a strong and interesting performance.
Have Others Enjoy Working With You
When people love your work and enjoy working and being with you, they will re-hire you for future projects.
Runaway Bride
I remember doing stand-in work on the feature Runaway Bride. It was directed by Gary Marshall.
#Runaway Bride #Julia Roberts #Richard Gere #Gary Marshall
There were many extras who were upset because Mr. Marshall would hire a lot of the same actors for all of his films. Actors he had worked with in the past.
He would also fly in and give a few lines to his friends and people who worked for him. The extras believed that they could have read the lines and should have been cast. I am sure they could have read the lines well.
But, the director wanted to surround himself with people who he knew could do the job and people he liked and wanted to be around. That always made sense to me.
Be Like Delta
When you are on the set, if you do a great job and people trust you, enjoy being around you, why wouldn’t they want to hire you again and again.
Just like Delta, their products are great, the tech people are wonderful to work with, so I will always purchase Delta products.
Feel free to share this information throughout your social media platforms.
Looking forward to talking with you again soon. Aaron
When Shooting Home Auditions?
Do you have lighting issues when shooting home auditions? I did.
My home office was arranged perfectly for my home auditions. My lights were placed perfectly and I never had to move them.
old setup for film and TV home auditions
I used my MAC Book Pro and everything looked and sounded great. Then, I purchased a new MAC Book Pro and things looked really bad.
The built in camera began taking over and I had no control over the changes the camera made.
I tried moving my lights to a different part of the room. Separated the lights more. Bought umbrellas for the lights, but nothing seemed to work.
I purchased an inexpensive app (Iglasses) that allowed me to change the look and that helped. Still, I was not 100% happy with the way my face looked.
Visit a Camera Store
Going back to the camera store where I bought the equipment was very helpful. I showed the sales person the videos I shot on my MAC. This allowed him to see the placement of the lights and the issues I had.
He did not think that buying new lights was the answer. He thought it was the placement. Having the lights at 45 degree angles, moving the umbrellas as close to the bulb as possible, had a more direct coverage of my face.
I spent hours moving the lights as I watched myself on the monitor. This process is much easier if you have someone else move the lights for you. This allows you to immediately see what is and isn’t working.
The guy at the camera store really helped me solve my lighting issues for my home auditions.
If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover in the future, email me at: aaron@howtoactandmodel.com.
Take care. Aaron
Last year I realized that my running shoes might be like your acting career. No, I have not been drinking this morning!!
I have been a jogger for many years. Typically, I use to run around 3 or more miles during my jog. One day, I went out for a run and after 5 minutes, my legs felt dead. The next time I ran my legs felt tired after 7 minutes. Something was wrong.
I went to my running store where I purchase my shoes to ask if my shoes were shot. Perhaps, that was the reason my legs got tired so quickly. They said no, my shoes had a lot of life left.
I quickly realized, I could not blame my shoes. It was me that needed to work harder to run longer. I made sure my strides were correct and that I was jogging properly.
It took a month, but I was able to increase my times until I finally got back to my normal 30-35 minutes. After continuing to push, I increased my time to 40-45 minutes per jog.
Are You Blaming Others?
Are you angry and blaming others about your career?
If you have not gotten the auditions or jobs you expect, like with my shoes, are you finding yourself blaming others (agent, manager, casting directors?)
Perhaps it’s time to look at what you are doing to help your career move forward.
Are you taking new classes, signing up for private mentoring, learning/practicing new techniques that can give you better chances of booking more acting or modeling jobs.
The point is, you want to be proactive and not just hope for things to happen or magically get better. It is not a coincidence, that successful people work hard at being better skilled.
I truly hope this gives you incentive to push yourself forward. Keep adding that extra time/effort to your career. You can’t move forward by standing still.
Let me know if you are doing new things to help your career during this time.
To help share this information with others, feel free to send this link to all of your friends throughout your social media platforms.
Can’t wait to talk with you again soon. Aaron
You might be wondering what’s it like being on a set during the Covid 19 pandemic. Last week, I worked on a video shoot. Initially, I thought about whether I would accept this direct booking.
There were a number of safety questions I needed answered in order for me to feel comfortable and confirm the job. I found that many things were similar and some very different.
Acting on a video shoot
How Things Have Changed
When actors arrive on a film or video set, food is typically supplied to cast and crew. Generally, there is a “craft service” table filled with drinks, food and snacks. Bigger productions will also have a food truck where meals can be made to order. And, there are long tables filled with hot food. This is a (Union) SAG-AFTRA rule.
To keep everyone safe, on my set, we had individually wrapped items. This way no one was sharing from the same serving bowls. We were all contacted ahead of time and placed our specific orders for coffee or tea.
And, there were water bottles separated on a long table so we were not all hanging out in the same spot and sticking our hands in the same cooler. Everyone was given hand sanitizer to use throughout the day.
While crew setup, everyone wore masks. All of my lines were on a teleprompter, so when I first arrived on set, I stayed away from most of the people and asked the person running the prompter to give me a few opportunities to run my lines.
Before we began, there was this voice in the back of my head reminding me to be safe. It is easy to forget about reality while on sets. I had to be vigilant and always remember to take care of myself. Keep a safe distance from others, wear my mask and not touch things on the set that were not sanitized. There was a lot of additional energy used which can be draining.
Photo by Etienne Godiard – Unsplash
During the Shoot
During the actual filming, masks were taken off. Fortunately, I was able to sit 6 feet away from the other two actors I was interviewing. In between takes my mask always went back on.
Lunch Time
I typically don’t like to each much prior to shooting or in between scenes. I found that eating large meals makes me fatigued. So, I brought some energy bars, fruit and other snacks. Instead of sitting next to the other cast/crew on a set, I stayed away from most of the others. I did talk with a few people, but always kept my distance.
How Things Were Similar
The process of:
Showing up on set
Filling out my contract
Getting into wardrobe
Waiting for the crew to get everything set
Continuing to study my lines
Getting comfortable by talking with the other talent (although further apart)
Running lines
Having the director offer additional information to us while shooting (but now from a distance)
felt the same as pre-Covid. Once we actually began shooting, my mind went to its normal place during a scene. I no longer had any thoughts about viruses, safety or anything else. I was just locked into the material.
Wrapping Up
After my last scene was shot, I said my goodbyes, filled out the paperwork and told everyone how much I enjoyed working with them.
This was my first time on a set since January. In my entire 34 – year career, I never had to wait more than 5 months to be on a set. It was nice and exciting to be back.
More Work
I found that acting is acting, no matter what is happening in the world. But, I felt more pressure during the shoot. Along with concentrating on my performance, I also had to think about and be careful of my surroundings.
There was a constant radar going off in my head to make sure that I was being smart and safe. It would have been easy to just go with the flow and pretend that everything was normal. Whenever possible, I stayed away from others as much as I could. It was hard, but I am taking Covid 19 very seriously and will do whatever I can to stay safe on a set, for me and my family.
Prepare While Things Are Slow
While productions are slowly building up, this is the time to study, watch videos, prepare and stay sharp. This will give you the opportunity to be ready when the massive amount of projects begin shooting.
What I Learned From This Experience
Before accepting an audition or a booking, I definitely have some questions to ask.
I need to hear what production is doing to protect my and everyone’s safety. Knowing the location of the shoot is also a decision maker for me.
As of today, I most likely would not fly to a location. I just turned something down that was shooting in the Midwest. I live on the East Coast, and I would not drive there either.
Honestly, it is such a drag to have to deal with all of this, but our safety and the safety of our loved ones is something that all of us need to take into consideration before walking onto a set.
You will find more than 220 helpful quick tip videos. Share this link with all of your friends throughout your social media platforms. This will allow us to build a large community of people sharing information and helping each other.
Do You Have Any Questions or Topics You Want Me to Answer
If you have any questions or topics you want me to answer in a future video, just list them at the bottom of this video. You can also reach out to me through my site, howtoactandmodel.com.
Talk with you soon. Aaron
A few weeks ago, an actor did something pretty amazing and was very kind to me.
I received an email from an actor I did not know. He saw an image in an online ad showing two hands holding a residual check. When he enlarged the image, he saw that my name and home address was on the check.
This Was So Nice
The actor did not know if this was an ad I agreed to do, or if someone was using one of my images without permission. He was a little concerned since my name and home address could be seen.
This kind person began contacting some agents within a 3 – state area of where I live. The actor was hoping one of them knew me, and could get my email address to verify that I knew about the ad.
Here is a good example of a hand modeling job. We spent hours getting my hands and the money to look perfect in the shot
Shocked
I was really shocked when the actor sent me a screen shot of the ad. This national company did not have my permission to use my image.
Immediately, I went to the company’s website, got an email address and began preparing an email. I also consulted an attorney. She suggested I tell them to stop using the image immediately and delete all current ads running online.
This Really Upset Me
I felt very angry during this commercial modeling shoot
I decided that along with them not using the add, I wanted to be paid. Since I did not know how much I should get, I told them that I wanted to be compensated for the usage.
They came back with an offer that felt right to me. I signed a contract saying that the legal stuff was over and they promised not to use my photo anymore.
What a Nice Person
All of this happened because one incredibly nice person wanted to make sure that a fellow actor was not being ripped off.
Not long after this happened, an actor contacted me to ask me to help with an issue she was having. We spent a good amount of time with me offering advice on how to proceed.
The acting and modeling industry can be a competitive and cutthroat business, but it doesn’t have to be.
That is why I love surrounding myself with people who truly like helping others. To me, that is a great way to run my business and life.
So, if you are ever in a position to help someone out, I hope you take advantage of this great opportunity and help make this sometimes very crazy world, a little less crazy, and help put it back together, one small piece at a time.
Please share a few words here if you have been helped by someone else.
You will find more than 215 free acting and modeling quick tip videos. Feel free to share this link throughout your social media platforms and help other actors learn and have success in the industry. https://youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips
Let me know if you have a question or a topic you want me to discuss in a future Quick Tip Video.
Talk soon. Aaron
Watch this video and learn 11 Ways to prepare before an agent meeting and questions to ask. Below, you can learn a few suggestions that will help you prepare before an agent meeting.
The first of the 11 ways to prepare before an agent meeting is to study the agents web site to learn who works there. Know the names of the agents and learn something about them. If there is no bio information on the web site, check out their social media pages, including LinkedIn or Instagram. You might find that you have common friends or interests. This will be so helpful during your talk.
Always arrive a few minutes early. Give yourself time getting lost, hitting traffic or problems finding a parking spot. If you have a virtual meeting, make sure your Wifi is working properly along with your video and sound.
What Should You Wear When Meeting an Agent
In this commercial modeling add you get a good sense of body type
You want to wear form fitting clothing so the agent gets a good sense of body type. Your clothing could also give some clues as to the types of roles you might be considered for. If you are a successful business person, then maybe wear more upscale wardrobe. Mom roles could have you wearing more casual clothes.
The Most Important Question to Ask
The most important question you can ask during an agent meeting is how do they see you being cast. What types of roles do they see you being submitted for. Even if you don’t wind up working with the agent, this information will be invaluable.
If you hear the same “type” by a number of industry professionals, then you will get a great sense of the types of projects/roles that will be right for you. And, you will create a headshot that clearly places you in those categories.
Think About Questions You Might Be Asked
You might be asked, what do you like to do besides acting and modeling. Think of some interesting answers. The answers are not as important as how you answer them. Never give one word responses. Maybe there is something that you learned about the agent that you both like. Perhaps, you both like traveling, hiking, jumping out of planes, etc… Have a few interesting answers in case you are asked this question.
Don’t Ever Ask This
Don’t ever ask an agent when they think you will begin booking jobs, or how much money you can make. No legitimate agent can give you a clear answer. And, the agent wants to work with someone who loves the work, is willing to do whatever it takes to be great and has a wonderful attitude. Not someone who is only trying to make some quick money.
Think About This During the Meeting
Go into the meeting with the goal of having a great conversation, and learning more about the industry. Not getting a contract. This puts a lot less pressure on you and will allow you to be more relaxed. And the agent will enjoy the conversation and you more even more.
When you subscribe you will have access to 300 incredibly helpful quick tip videos Don’t forget to click the Notification Bell so you always know when a knew video has been uploaded.
Help Your Fellow Actors
Feel free to share this link with all of your contacts. This will allow us to have a strong community of actors who will share information and help each other.
Should actors accept extra work for film and TV projects?
There are a few different thoughts about this. Some actors will never do background work. They find it demeaning and believe it will kill their career.
Other actors think it can be helpful to be an extra for film, TV or commercial projects. Here are my thoughts.
photo by Jen Theodore – Unsplash Extras in a scene
If you are just beginning in the acting and modeling industry and have not had much experience on a set, doing some extra work can be helpful.
Advantages of Working as an Extra on a Film or TV Project
You will get an opportunity to see what takes place on a film or TV set.
Sometimes (not always) you can be close enough to the principal actors to watch and learn from them.
You can spend time networking with other extras. Learn about great agents in the area, head shot photographers, classes and future projects.
Sometimes extras get upgraded and given a line and become a principal in the project. That has happened to me a few times
Disadvantages of Working as an Extra on a Film or TV Project
You don’t want to do too much extra work. It will keep you away from auditioning for principal projects.
If you are established in a scene, you won’t get the opportunity to audition and work on that project as a principal actor
Doing a lot of extra work can be hard work. Long days, sometimes not the best conditions, and if you aren’t in the Union, the pay is not great (in smaller markets.)
If you are interested in doing principal work, you don’t want to be seen in the acting community as being an extra only actor.
You can subscribe and have access to 216 free acting, modeling and industry related videos.
Share your thoughts if you accept or turn down extra work and why.
Especially in today’s time, it is essential that you make sure that your acting or modeling job is a legit project.
First Suggestion
If you booked the job on your own, and if you have an agent, I highly recommend that you send the job through your agent.
You will be spending (in most cases for modeling and non-union acting jobs) a 20% commission fee. But, that will be a great investment in your career.
Your agent will know how much you should be paid and can negotiate a much better fee than you could. And, the agent will know whether this is a legitimate job or scam.
Second Suggestion
If you booked a modeling job on your own through a photographer, check out his or her web site. Make sure the photos look professional. And, that the shots are the types of photos you are comfortable being in.
If you booked the job through an advertising agency, check out their web site as well. See what other companies they have worked with in the past. If you recognize some of their clients, this will let you know the company is legit.
Third Suggestion
If there are other actors or models in the project, then reach out to them to see if they have worked with the people before. Knowing that other actors or models had good experiences on previous projects, will help you see the job is not a scam.
Fourth Suggestion
Actors and models need to be careful when being told things that sound too good to be true
Always trust your instincts. If something does not feel right to you, listen to yourself and leave. It is better to seem a bit weird and walk out of a situation, then potentially put yourself in danger.
If possible, bring someone with you to the project. The friend does not have to stand next to you during the shoot, but close enough to make sure everything is OK. At least, let others know where you will be, what times you will be working and when you should be done.
I am not trying to scare you in any way. And, the chances of anything bad happening are very slim. But, you do need to be careful when booking jobs on your own.
I want you to share my Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel https://youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips with all of your friends. This will help us build a great gathering place for other actors and models in order to share helpful industry information.
What does it really mean if you are auditioning for a film, TV show or a TV commercial and the casting director asks you to change your audition. If you are asked to changed your read, what does that really mean?
It is easy for actors to feel paranoid.
It is easy to feel paranoid when getting direction from a casting director
Some actors think that the casting director hated the read and that is why they are asked to give a different take. A casting director will not waste their time working with an actor unless they think the actor is good and is right for the role.
Knowing More About the Script
The casting director knows a lot more about what is happening in the scene than you. Normally, we are not given the entire script to study, only the sides (the short portion of the script that we use during the audition.)
We can learn a lot about our character by studying the sides. But, there is a lot more to understand about our character after reading the entire script.
The direction you get from casting will be much better since he/she has read the entire script.
Can You Take Direction
Sometimes the casting director simply wants to see if you can take direction. I have been on many sets where directors will ask for a different take, just so they have options. So, if you are given direction during an audition, that is a great sign. Instead of thinking that your read was not liked, it is just the opposite.
In my 33 plus years as a full-time actor and model, I have never experience anything as crazy as this time period. Hopefully, the video I created for you will help.
I have never seen everything shut down on such a large scale. Sure, I have seen weather related closings or projects being postponed for a short time period due to weather, but, I have never witnessed the closings on such a large scale.
I would never tell anyone not to worry, but I do offer a few ways to get through this tough situation.
This can be a time period to get a lot of things accomplished. Things you wanted but never had time to get done.
Continuing to study is a smart so that you will be even more ready when the industry begins to pick up again. I have more people contacting me for help with my private one-on-one online mentoring program. I think this is a smart thing to do. Stay sharp, get better at your craft and continue to feel connected.
While watching the video, you will also learn other ways to lead your life that can make you even stronger during this tough time period.
Let me and others know how you are coping. Share your thoughts here.
If there is one thing you got from the video that you found helpful, please share that as well.
We all need to stick together and help each other. We will get through this, and hopefully come out on the other side stronger, more talented and better people.
Can’t wait to talk with you again soon. Aaron
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