———————————————————————–

Happpy two thousand and seven, my actor friends! Here’s what’s inside this Hotsheet:

1. Confidence on Camera Class (4 spaces left)
2. Eyes: Three Rules For Looking Good On Camera
3. Auditioning for Independent Films & Student Films

All the best! -Michael Bean, Head Coach, Biz Studio

———————————————————————–

Biz Studio : Classes for Young Actors : www.bizstudio.ca : (604) 801-7050

———————————————————————–

1. CONFIDENCE ON CAMERA [[VANCOUVER]] STARTING JANUARY 27th

www.bizstudio.ca/classes/winter.html

Help spread the word! Biz Studio is a ’boutique’ acting school with a very specific focus on professional film & tv training for kids and teens, and we rely on word of mouth for our advertising. So if you have a friend who’s thinking about acting classes, we’d love it if you’d tell them about us! We’ve spent the last three years creating some of the best training around for kids and teens, and we’re proud of it!

Right now there are only four spots left in the upcoming Winter Session of our popular Confidence on Camera class. For info or to register call (604) 801-7050 or visit us online at www.bizstudio.ca

———————————————————————–

2. EYES: THREE RULES FOR LOOKING GOOD ON CAMERA

You may never have noticed, but anytime you see a picture of an actor or model, there’s always a light reflected in their eyes. It’s what makes the them look alive. That’s one reason that lighting is so important when you’re shooting a film. The lights make things look pretty, help indicate depth for the camera, and reflect in the actors eyes to make them look alive. In many ways the lighting crew on a movie are in charge of making you look good. So make sure that you’re always on your mark.

A Mark is a little T-shaped piece of tape that shows you where to stand so that you’ll be well-lit, in focus and on camera. Actors are expected to be able to hit a mark in auditions and on-set, so use a mark anytime you work on camera. Practice walking onto a mark, turning sideways on your mark, stepping out and stepping in, hitting three or four marks while doing a long scene, etc.

Because your eyes are shiny, the audience will notice whatever you do with them. This may seem really simple, but it’s a powerful tool for the actor. Where to look and what to do with your eyes becomes an important acting choice. As long as you follow these basic rules you’ll be fine:

(i) Always hit your marks. The mark is there to help you look good—use it.

(ii) Never look at the camera. The illusion with film and tv is that the actors don’t know the audience is watching. If you look at the camera, you’re looking right into the eyes of the person watching, and it breaks the “reality” of the scene that you’re acting out. The only exception is when a casting director tells you to look at the camera—which they will do for some commercial auditions and for the “slate”

(iii) Keep your eyeline close to the camera. “Eyeline” is a fancy word for the imaginary line between you and the thing you’re looking at. It’s an easy way for casting directors and directors to tell you where they want you to look. The camera needs to see your eyes to know what you’re feeling, so make sure that your eyeline is either just to the left or just to the right of the camera. The top of your head or your ear may be lovely, but we’d rather see your eyes.

———————————————————————–

3. AUDITIONING FOR INDEPENDENT FILMS & STUDENT FILMS

Q: “Can I audition if I DON’T have an agent?”
A: Yes you can! Independent films and student films are a great opportunity for actors to get some experience or build a resume before signing with an agency. Just send them a resume and a current picture of yourself.

Q: “Can I audition if I DO have an agent?”
A: Yes! Agents love it when actors take initiative and help to find work for themselves. Just make sure that you include your agent’s info on any resume that you submit, and if you’re with UBCP or ACTRA check with the film to make sure they have the right permission from the union. And if you book a part in an indie or student film, let your agent know right away.

Q: “So where do I find these auditions?”
A: Online. Check the Biz Studio Blog (right here), the Vancouver Actors Guide (www.vancouveractorsguide.com), the Actors Access website (www.actorsaccess.com) and Craigslist (www.craigslist.org).

Q: “What if I do an indie or student film and the film sucks?”
A: It doesn’t matter, as long as you’re good! It doesn’t hurt your career at all to be a good actor in a bad film, and especially when you’re getting started every chance to be on-set gives you valuable experience.

———————————————————————–

Have some great auditions, and thanks for reading the Biz Studio Hotsheet! -mb

Biz Studio : Classes for Young Actors : www.bizstudio.ca : (604) 801-7050

———————————————————————–