{"id":4240,"date":"2014-10-25T20:00:05","date_gmt":"2014-10-25T20:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/playfighting.ca\/combat\/?p=4240"},"modified":"2014-10-25T20:00:05","modified_gmt":"2014-10-25T20:00:05","slug":"combat-auditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/playfighting.ca\/combat\/stage-combat-2\/combat-auditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Combat Auditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

You want to get action hero roles, so you’re going to audition. There are two types of audition in today’s industry for a casting director to get a first look at you: a live audition or a taped one.<\/p>\n

This week, we’ll discuss the difference between a taped audition and a reel, and some tips for live and taped auditions to get you the action hero role you’re aiming for.<\/p>\n

You should know in the first place whether you’re an actor<\/strong> or a stunt performer<\/strong>. If you’re looking to do stunts, then the process of getting jobs will be a combination of teaming up with a stunt coordinator who will hire you, and having a good stunt reel. You will likely not audition. If you wish to apply for an acting role, however, you may still make use of a stunt reel, but proper preparation for auditions (both live and taped) can give you that edge that will help you make the cut.<\/p>\n

The Stunt Reel<\/h2>\n

What you do in an audition is not the same as what is expected\u00a0of\u00a0a stunt reel.<\/p>\n

A stunt reel is a highlight video or compilation showcasing\u00a0your\u00a0skills and\u00a0expertise. Those skills may include stage combat, stunts of various kinds, and acting skills from previous jobs. It should be well edited, and you won’t customize it for each job opportunity.<\/p>\n

You’ll send your reel with your r\u00e9sum\u00e9<\/span>\u00a0as a first step towards being considered for a role. If you don’t have a reel, don’t worry, you’re still likely to get an audition on the strength of your r\u00e9sum\u00e9<\/span>\u00a0and headshot.<\/p>\n

If you’re a stunt person, put together video of as many different skills as possible, showcasing your versatility. Don’t worry about including acting scenes.<\/p>\n

If you’re an action actor, include acting scenes (preferably from professional credited films), and intersperse some well-filmed simple<\/strong> action shots, such as:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Sprinting and taking cover<\/li>\n
  • Aiming with a handgun<\/li>\n
  • Drawing a sword and adopting a stance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u201cWell-filmed\u201d means:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • the use of a high-quality\u00a0camera<\/li>\n
    • appropriate clothing<\/li>\n
    • professionally done hair and make-up<\/li>\n
    • a visually interesting location<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      If your camera can shoot at a high frame rate, slow motion is awesome for action shots.<\/p>\n

      Taped Auditions<\/h2>\n

      Casting Directors for film will often broaden their search in order\u00a0to\u00a0find the best performer regardless of where they live, so they can\u2019t hold auditions in person. Instead, they’ll ask candidates to film themselves performing a scene provided.<\/p>\n

      Bad auditions:
      \n