Biz Studio: Vancouver Acting School for Kids and Teens » 2007

This one’s a bit unusual in that I don’t have many details about the gig. An agent emailed me today looking for a “dark haired boy 3-6,” I’ve attached her request below. If you’ve got a very young actor who’s thinking about signing with a local agency, this could be a good opportunity to get his feet wet. No experience required, just send a couple of digital pics to the email address below. -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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May 15, 2007

Hi, putting this out there to my collegues, as I dont have any boys on my roster to fit this bill. I have a great print job on the burner, looking for a dark haired boy to loosely match actor Gilles Tanguay (see picture). Shoots next Wednesday, May 23rd at Cultus Lake all day. Pay will be great, still hammering that out. I would need 2 digi snaps emailed to me by Thursday with contact info and age please. EMAIL: pamelamuse@canadafilm.com attn: Pamela Wise.

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It’s always a good idea to submit to these big US features as soon as possible. They’re throwing the net out as wide as they can so they’ll probably get at least a thousand submissions for a role like this one, and they’ll look more carefully at the first ones they receive then at the rest of them. So if you look enough like the 8-year-old self of the blond-haired-blue-eyed beauty they’ve already cast as the lead, submit yourself asap. -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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27 DRESSES
Feature Film (Union/SAG)

Posted to Actors Access on Friday May 11th, 2007

Producers: Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, John Glickman
Production Company: Spyglass Entertainment
Director: Anne Fletcher
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Revisions by: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore and Liz Tuccillo
Current Revisions by: Dana Fox
Casting Director: Amanda Mackey / Cathy Sandrich-Gelfond (Mackey/Sandrich Casting)
Casting Associates: Kate Bulpitt / Jocelyn Thomas
Auditions: Friday May 11 and Monday May 14
Start Date: May 21-22, 2007
Location: Rhode Island

STORYLINE: JANE, a “compulsive bridesmaid” who longs to be the bride in her own dream wedding, finds her hopes for happiness fading when her gorgeous younger sister TESS snags GEORGE, Jane’s boss and the man she adores from afar. However, when KEVIN, a funny and droll guy who happens to write the Vows column for the New York Times, enters Jane’s life, he winds up falling hard for her, and vice versa. But when Jane learns that Kevin has actually been exploiting her as the subject of a highly embarrassing cover story, she decides that enough is enough, and she acts out in truly spectacular fashion — at Tess’s wedding rehearsal, no less…

[ TESS AT AGE 8 ]
BLONDE WITH BLUE EYES, UNDER 53″, MUST BE BEAUTIFUL – we need REALLY STUNNING, COMPLETELY GORGEOUS – TO PLAY A YOUNG MALIN AKERMAN (see picture). Jane’s little sister, seen in flashback at age 8, she’s already a perfect looking little beauty who looks on Jane as a sort of surrogate mother…1 line, 2 scenes (1)

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Another US feature looking for the perfect girl to play Kevin Costner’s daughter, someone with an “old soul” who the audience will believe looks after her dad and takes her civics class seriously. It’s very likely that they’ll end up casting someone older (12-15) for the role who looks eleven. Note that in the “storyline” section there’s a link to an online service where you can purchase a copy of the script for $10–it’s not a good investment unless you’ve already been offered an audition. -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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SWING VOTE
Feature Film (Union/SAG)

Posted to Actors Access on Thursday May 10, 2007

Producers: Kevin Costner, James Wilson
Exec. Producer: Robin Jonas
Director: Joshua Michael Stern
Writer: Joshua Michael Stern, Jason Richman
Casting Directors: Mary Vernieu, Venus Kanani
Casting Associate: Lindsay Graham
Casting Assistant: Michelle Wade
Start Date: July 23, 2007
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

SUBMISSIONS: Submit yourself electronically via the Actors Access website. Signing up for a free account on the website, upload a photo and resume, go to the audition listings for Vancouver and click on the “Swing Vote” link to submit yourself for a role. Submissions via Actors Access cost $2 each. If electronic submission is impossible, hard copy submissions may be sent to “Betty Mae Inc, 1023 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Attn: Swing Vote”

STORYLINE: Unstable drunk / unreliable single dad EARNEST “BUD” JOHNSON has given up on life, on liberty, on the pursuit of happiness, on pretty much the whole damn thing. But when he becomes the swing vote on which a Presidential election turns, he finds it’s time for him to recapture a few lost ideals — and he pulls both candidates and a thick chunk of the country along with him, as the world waits to see for whom the great man votes. To download the script, go to www.screenplayonline.com and use script key code: 507vote12 (costs $10).

[ BUD JOHNSON ] KEVIN COSTNER

[ MOLLY JOHNSON ]
CAUCASIAN – 11 YEARS OLD GOING ON 20 – Molly is the daughter of Bud Johnson — but she’s the one who does most of the parenting. A responsible, socially aware, principled kid, who deserves her father’s name (Earnest) far more than he does, Molly is unhappy living with her unstable screwed-up drunk of a dad, and dreams of finding her long-lost mom, who left the family to pursue a singing career. The kind of kid who takes Civics class very seriously, she pressures her dad to vote in the Presidential election, and tries to vote for him at the last minute when he can’t rouse himself from his stupor long enough to pull a lever. When her disqualified vote (credited to her father) becomes the swing vote on which a Presidential election hinges, and her dad becomes the focus of both ferocious media scrutiny and equally ferocious political arm-twisting, Molly, to her amazement, sees her dad’s character deteriorate under pressure, something she didn’t think possible. Through all this, Molly sticks to her guns and tries to do the right thing — but has fallen into one of those adults-only universes where there might in fact be no right thing to do…SHOULD BE BELIEVABLE AS KEVIN COSTNER’S DAUGHTER…LEAD

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A very cool PBS documentary miniseries (i.e. television series based on real events) is looking for two young actors who are native, or can play native, and look like the stars they’ve cast for their series. Before submitting, click the links under the character descriptions below to see a picture of the lead actors they’re trying to match. -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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WE SHALL REMAIN (episode 2)
PBS Documentary Miniseries “American Experience”
Union (AFTRA)

Posted to Actors Access on Sunday May 6, 2007

Production Co: WGBH/PBS-Boston & Tecumseh Project, LLC
Producer(s): Ric Burns
Director(s): Chris Eyre & Ric Burns
Writer(s) Ric Burns
Casting Director: Rene Haynes
Casting Assistant: Joanne Brooks
Start Date: Late July 2007
Filming Location(s): Indiana
Union: This is a PBS AFTRA Scale +10% role.

STORYLINE:The Story of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and his brother, Prophet Tenskwatawa, during the early 1800’s. A powerful, brutal and deeply inspirational story about military and spiritual resistance at a time when white Americans were championing their own freedom while suppressing that of many Indian nations still struggling to hold on to their land. A major PBS prime time documentary series airing in 2008…

[ YOUNG TECUMSEH ]
(Male – age 12) Please submit Native American and First Nations boys age 11 up to age 14(who can play younger). Should be slight of build and a very good runner with athletic agility. This is a very important NON-SPEAKING Principal role (SUPPORTING). Should have a strong resemblance to actor, Michael Greyeyes, who is playing the adult Tecumseh. To see a picture of Michael Greyeyes click here.

[ YOUNG LALAWETHIKA ]
(Male – age 5) Please submit Native American and First Nations boys age 5 up to age 8 (who can play younger). Lalawethika is the younger brother of Tecumseh. A small little boy, he is an introverted and depressed child, who grows up to be the Shawnee Prophet, Tenskwatawa – being played as an adult by actor, Billy Merasty – there should be a resemblance. This is a very important NON-SPEAKING role (SUPPORTING). To see a picture of Billy Merasty click here

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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Open call audition for musicians who play guitar, bass guitar or drums to be in a US national commercial. It’s an “open call” which means there might be a LOT of people there, so go early and bring a book or PSP or something. This posting is only for actors without agents, it looks like there’s a casting director running another session for actors with representation. If you want to go out for this contact your agent and make sure they’ve submitted you. Looks like they’re offering a flat fee of $2000 for a one-day shoot, which is pretty good money for a non-actor but FYI is quite low for what you’d be paid to be featured in a US national commercial if you had representation. Good luck! -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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Kohl’s Commercial

Project Name: Kohl’s Commercial
Category: Commercial
Auditon Dates: Sunday May 13th 2007
Audition Location: Shoreline Studios (33 East 7th Ave, Vancouver)

SUBMISSIONS: To book an audition time, please email dylan_maher@hotmail.com. Ideally they are looking for teens without agents b/c there is another casting director holding seperate auditions for actors w. representation.

DETAILS: Kohl’s is a US clothing company, and is currently looking for new talent for an upcoming television commercial. They are looking for MUSICIANS–girls ages 15-18, boys ages 16-19 with a musical background in guitar/bass guitar/drums. All skill levels are welcome to audition, no acting experience required. It pays $2000 for a one-day shoot, and the footage will be used for Kohl’s upcoming advertising campaign.

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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The Vancouver Playhouse is an Equity (union) production company, and one of Vancouver’s largest and most respected theatre companies. This is a crazy opportunity to work with professionals, get some amazing experience and a killer credit for your resume. Plus bragging rights, don’t forget the bragging rights. It will require some singing and dancing, but they’ll also be looking for the best actors. If you’ve got the acting chops they might be willing to hire a dance teacher for you -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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OLIVER!

Posted to the Vancouver Public Library Audition List Tuesday May 8th, 2007

Company: Playhouse Theatre Company
Directors: Michael Shamata
Musical Director: Lloyd Nicholson
Production Dates: November 22 – December 15, 2007
Rehearsals Begin: October 22, 2007
Audition Dates: Saturday May 26th at 10a.m. Possible Callbacks – Sunday May 27th
Audition Address: NEW Playhouse Production Centre @ 127 East 2nd Ave., Vancouver

SUBMISSIONS: Email cmcpeake@vancouverplayhouse.com or call 604-637-3101 to book an audition time. Please come to the audition with a song and sheet music, and shoes/clothing comfortable to move in.

[WORKHOUSE BOYS/FAGIN'S BOYS]
Boys 8-15, no taller than 5′5″, non-professional to play various orphans and pickpockets. For more information see Oliver! on Wikipedia

[ARTFUL DODGER]
Boy 8-15, no taller than 5′5″, professional, to play charismatic London pickpocket. For more information see Oliver! on Wikipedia

[OLIVER]
Boy 8-15, no taller than 5′5″, professional to play the title character [LEAD]. For more information see Oliver! on Wikipedia

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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Here’s an interesting one, posted just a few days ago. Actors Access is a website operated by Breakdown Services, the company used by casting directors to notify agents of available roles. Breakdown Services is only available to talent agents, and AA is the public website offered by the company. Signing up is free, and there’s a modest fee ($2) to submit yourself for a role. Check the writeup in each audition–many of them will include contact information so you can submit directly to the production company and avoid the $2 fee. So if you want to submit for this one you’ll need to sign up for a free AA account online and upload your picture and resume. Note that it’s shooting in Conneticut starting in September, so that means a parent or guardian would need to come with you for the duration of the shoot (at least a month). It’s also a union production, “SAG” stands for the “Screen Actors Guild,” the union of professional film and television actors in the USA. Good luck! -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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MY GHOST DIARY
Feature Film (union; SAG)

Originally posted to Actors Access Friday May 4th, 2007

Producer: Wayne Beach, Parker Bennett
Director: Wayne Beach
Writer: Wayne Beach
Casting Director: Jory Weitz
Location: Connecticut
Start Date: Sept. 2007

STORYLINE: A boy discovers an old diary that tells of a ghost story that once happened in his old farmhouse – only to find that he starts living the days described in the diary…

[ SHEPARD ]
12. Creative, bright, original, bit of a loner. Just shy of his 13th birthday. Since his father died a year ago, he’s been living in his imagination too much. Partly why his mother doesn’t believe him when he starts seeing ghosts. [LEAD]

[ ALEX ]
12. Bright, quick, streetwise; an analog kid in a digital age. Fancies himself an expert on ghosts.

[ DAKIN ]
11. Alex’s brother. Witty, observant, a little uncool.

[ DORY, 5-7 ]
Shepard’s little sister. Sweet, imaginative, confident. Her imaginary friend is as real to her as her family.

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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I got a firm reminder today about asking clarifying questions while auditioning a “VanCity” commercial with casting director Sean Milliken. Halfway through the audition I suddenly realized that I’d been told by my agent to prepare the wrong role, and had to completely shift gears with the camera still rolling and hope nobody noticed. It surprised me, and rattled me a little, and it could all have been avoided if I’d asked a clarifying question.

It was a multi-character audition, and we were going in four at a time. Some of the characters had lines, some were “silent on camera” or SOC. Four of us went in and Sean gave us the quick rundown on what to do, and *that* is where clarifying questions come in. If there’s anything that you’re unsure about in an audition, or even if you just want to confirm what you already know, your opportunity to ask questions is right after the casting director finishes explaining what you’ll be doing. It’s your job as an actor to make sure you do good auditions, and so you have the right to ask appropriate questions. Read the script carefully, listen to what the casting director tells you, and if you still have questions ask with confidence “is XYZ what you want?” without apologizing for yourself or being pushy. Even if the casting director is rushed or a little grumpy, it’s better to ask a clarifying question than to do the wrong thing in the audition.

In the case of my audition with Sean this morning, I could have asked “Am I still reading for Doug?” and saved myself a lot of grief. As it was, the camera was on another actor during my ‘moment of revelation’ and so nobody noticed my surprise and it wasn’t an issue. But it served as a good reminder for next time.

Better to ask a question than make a mistake.

-Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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Another longshot, but they’re casting for the lead in this Comedy Network series for US Television. If it’s posted in the “Vancouver” section of Actors Access, that means that they’re throwing the net out as wide as they can for submissions, and they’ll probably receive 1000 or more. Still, for the right actor it’s an amazing opportunity, and if they like what they see in your headshot they might ask you to put an audition on tape. If you’re hired for this one it’ll probably mean relocating to Los Angeles while they shoot, make sure that’s okay with your parents before submitting yourself. Good luck! -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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BEN 10 (role of Ben)
Movie for Television (AFTRA)

Posted on Actors Access on April 30, 2007

Network: CN
Director: Alex Winter
Executive In Charge of Casting: Donna Ekholdt
Casting Director: Liz Paulson
Interview Date: TBD
Start Date: July
Location: Los Angeles
Pay Rate: Scale

SUBMISSIONS: Submit electronically via the Actors Access website, or send a hardcopy of your picture and resume to “Liz Paulson Casting, 1035 La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019″

[ BEN ]
MALE / 11 to 13 / Caucasian. 11-13 years old/Caucasian/a great actor! Good looking kid with a bit of a swagger. Confident. Smart. Funny. Fearless kid but fallible. Healthy sense of self. Good actor who has levels of emotion but can still be vulnerable! Ben needs to have “that spark!”…LEAD

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BIZ STUDIO | Professional Screen Acting Classes for Kids & Teens in Vancouver BC | www.bizstudio.ca
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A good speaking role in a paying indie flick for a young actor that shoots locally, and it was posted just over a week ago. A good chance to show off your acting chops–it’s notoriously difficult to find a young person who can do a credible job with emotional scenes, and that’s what this movie requires. Even if it just plays the festivals, if you do a good job with the role it could get you some really positive attention. -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

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SWITCH
Feature Film (non-union)

Posted to Actors Access on April 23rd, 2007

Producer: Shawn Angelski
Director: Randy Ross
Casting Director: Shawn Angelski
Interview Dates: Tuesday April 24th
Shoot/Start Date: Wed April 25th
Pay Rate: $100
Location: Vancouver (Grouse Mtn)
Casting Director: Shawn Angelski

SUBMISSIONS: To arrange an audition email picture and resume to Shawn Angelski shawn@twinenginefilms.com.

STORYLINE: Innocence lost, love found in the underbelly of professional snowboarding..

NOTES: Not accepting hard copy submissions, electronic only. Principals/Leads have been cast. All roles are actor or SOC roles.

[ YOUNGER BROTHER ]
Male Age 10 – 15. From a wealthy, but messed up family…2 Deep emotional acting scenes.(Dialogue)

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