WWW.DRMELCAUDLE.BLOGSPOT.COM
FEBRUARY 28, 2013
Dr. Mel's Weekly Message
In just one week's time I have been so busy I cannot even think straight. Whew! My head is spinning now just trying to process it all in my mind. For starters, my new record label, Garage Band Record Company is official. Thank goodness it is just one of many of my companies as I have someone else running it. In fact, this person has also come aboard LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP as a Jr. Agent in charge of booking bands and musicians that Laca Nola represents including Tuesday Knight, Gypsey Elise and the Royal Street Blues, Bruce Simmons with 2 Fresh, and Rockin Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters. So, let me introduce you to him. His name is Noah Dreifus and he lives in Mississippi. He has already been busy booking bands and lining them up for a recording session.
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| NOAH DREIFUS LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP BANDS & MUSICIANS |
If you are a musician or a band and you are interested in a booking agent or a recording contract contact Noah at: Noahdreifus.lacanola@gmail.com. Be sure to send along a link or two of your music for him to review. We look forward to hearing from you.
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| LOOKING FOR A RECORD DEAL! SUBMIT DEMO REEL HERE |
Also this week Laca Nola Talent Group signed some very talented actors who will add to our current clientele. I already mentioned Tuesday Knight, who is not only a musician, but is also an actor. Tuesday is known for her role in A Nightmare on Elm Street, on General Hospital, and her role in the television show FAME. Tuesday also just released an album called "Faith" which is currently for sale. We also signed four male actors with a wide variety of talent. These men are Bill Pryor, Trace Schroeder, Phillip Trudeaux, and Jack Teague. Within one hour of signing Trace, he was submitted for a role in Vampire Diaries. Now, that is a fast turnaround that Laca Nola is known for and will continue to strive to meet.
Speaking of meeting standards, I have been preparing and putting together the AUDITION WORKSHOP, based on my new book, THUMBS UP! HOW TO NAIL AUDITIONS. I will be covering a great deal of topics in just a short time. I really feel this workshop will make a difference in your professional acting career as it already has changed many lives. "It's really is the best book on the market," Roger Molina says. "I read the book. Then I went to my first audition. Guess what? I got the role. Then I went on the second audition of my career. Guess what again. I got that role too." You can look for Roger in an upcoming new series to be aired in September.
The workshop is divided into two parts - Beginner's Level and Advanced Level. The reason for the division is that some actors don't need the introductory stuff, such as slating, formatting a resume, Actors Access, etc. Why make an advanced actor sit through that unless they just want a refresher course. Because, anyone who knows me, no matter your level you will learn something new.
Topics for the beginner's workshop include:
- SLATING
- Resumes
- Head shots
- Actor's Access
- Expectations of an audition
- A practice audition (with a cold read and feedback) and more.
Topics for the advanced workshop include:
- How to Break Down a Script
- Getting into Character
- Acting Through an Audition
- Nailing a Callback audition
- Cold Reading
- Monologues
- The Actor's Wheel and more.
For more information on the flier see the following flier. One thing you really need to know is that the class size is limited to 20 actors. And, all LACA NOLA CLIENTS SIGNED WITH US get a huge discount. Each actor also gets a one free copy of my new book as well.
WORKSHOP TITLE: NAILING AUDITIONS
DATE: MARCH 9, 2013
LOCATION: LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP (NEW ORLEANS OFFICE)
3500 North Causeway Blvd., 14th Floor Conference Room
Metairie, LA 70002
REGISTRATION FEE:
BEGINNER'S CLASS - 9:00 AM UNTIL NOON
$125.00 if not a LACA NOLA CLIENT
25.00 FOR LACA NOLA CLIENTS
ADVANCED CLASS - 1:00 PM UNTIL 4:00 PM
$125.00 if not a LACA NOLA CLIENT
50.00 FOR LACA NOLA CLIENTS
LUNCH NOON TIL 1:00 PM (ON YOUR OWN)
NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO TAKE BOTH CLASSES, ADD $50.00 DOLLARS TO YOUR REGISTRATION. ONLY ONE COPY OF BOOK PER PERSON
BOTH CLASSES - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (HOUR BREAK FOR LUNCH ON YOUR OWN)
BEGINNER AND ADVANCED CLASS REGISTRATION FEE
$175.00 of not a LACA NOLA CLIENT
$75.00 FOR LACA NOLA CLIENTS
If you have already purchased a copy of my book we'll discount your registration fee by $15 dollars. That way, you can start reading the book prior to the class. I strongly recommend that you do purchase the book in advance and read it. That way the information will really sink in.
TO REGISTER call Robby at 504-301-8000. You can pay the day of the workshop.
WORKSHOP WILL BE COMING SOON TO LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK, MIAMI, HOUSON, ATLANTA, GULF SHORES, AL, and many more cities. If you want a workshop in your city contact Dr. Mel's agent, Robby Cook Stroud or call 504-301-8000.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE CASTING DIRECTORS
By Dr. Mel Caudle
I can't think of a single profession that offers the potential to either make or break your career in the film and television industry than a casting director. That is how important they are. You never want to get on their bad side and you always want them to remember you for your GREAT performance. Often, it is very much the opposite - you are remembered by the bad performance or your attitude after receiving constructive criticism, or if you are not cast in a role and your beg and plead for the job. Actors need to avoid this at all cost in order to get ahead in this industry. That is how important casting directors are.
Here are ways to impress acting directors to get on their BAD LIST.
- Arrive late to an audition
- Don't bring a head shot or resume to your audition
- Try to bypass your Agent by putting personal information on your head shot, resume, the audition form, and during your slate.
- Interrupt them when they give you feedback
- Over selling yourself.
- Begging for a job.
- Bugging the crap out of them after an audition
- Calling them to find out if you got cast.
Do what you can to impress NOT distress a casting director. That is my words of wisdom for all actors.
PRONOUNCING LACA NOLA!
If you are going to be represented by an agent or agency make sure you know how to pronounce the name. Don't butcher the name of your agent or agency. So, here you go. Here is the proper way to pronounce LACA NOLA.
To pronounce our name correctly - All “As” in LACA
NOLA
are short “As,” as in the Christmas carol Deck the Halls. For example,
sing the following chorus:
“Fa… La… La… La… La… La…. La….”
Therefore, La Ca NO La.
It is not LACK A
NO LA because we do not LACK in
anything.
Our name LACA NOLA stands for something.
LOS
ANGELES (LA) CALIFORNIA (CA) NEW ORLEANS (NO) LOUISIANA
(LA)
We came up with the name as both Los Angeles and New Orleans
are the hottest film markets to book talent.
We have bridged the gap from L.A. to LA.
Get it? From Los Angeles to New
Orleans market. Maybe we should have a sing off and see who can come up with a THEME SONG for LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP. UMMMM?
CALL SHEETS
By Dr. Mel Caudle
As a crew member or cast, the Call Sheet for the production you are on, is considered your daily bible. The 1st A.D. is the one who completes the CALL SHEET and notifies actors of their reporting time and the
location of the set. Everything you need to know about what is going to happen on the set that day, is found on the CALL SHEET.
Get to know the 1st A.D. and any of the other A.D.s
working in that department. They will be your best friend or worse
nightmare on set when it comes to getting your CALL SHEET for the next day. It is also this department who will usually be handling
your paperwork once you arrive to set so it is that important.
Now, let's breakdown the components on a CALL SHEET. Take a look at the following example first.
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| SAMPLE CALL SHEET FROM THE SHORT FILM THE KEYSTROKE KILLER BY DR. MELISSA CAUDLE |
There are many sections on a CALL SHEET which includes:
- Producer, Director, and often the Screenwriter
- Day and date of the shoot
- Weather Information
- Lunch Time
- Shooting Location
- Call time for Cast, including pick up times, reporting to set, reporting to hair and make-up
- Crew call time
- Emergency Information
- Transportation
- Background Extras Needed
- Wardrobe Info
- Prop Info
- Scenes to be shot that day
- Number of pages that will be shot that day
- Upcoming scenes for the next day
Learning to read a Call Sheet is very important as it keeps you the actor or crew member from having to ask many "stupid" questions of the A.D. department and the director. Also of note, remember to always keep a copy of each day's Call Sheet so that if there is a discrepancy on your paycheck you will be able to verify days works etc. from an official document supplied by the production company. It is also very important for crew members to keep them if they play on getting into the union or DGA.
And so, “You” want to become a Film or TV Actor!
By Jack E Curenton
10 (NOT SO) Easy Steps to Becoming an Actor
Have you ever dreamed of one day becoming a famous Hollywood actor? If so, the first thing you need to realize is that this dream can become a reality if you're willing to put in the time, training, dedication, passion and patience required to make it in Hollywood….AND HARD WORK FOR LITTLE PAY, RECOGNITION AND ACCOLADES!
If you've always wondered how to become a film or television actor, then here are ten basic steps that may not get you the role of a lifetime, but they will help you to treat your acting career as a career and not simply as something you choose to do for fun….because it’s not always fun…some days are not a day at the picnic!
Keep in mind that if you're hoping to become a theater actor (a whole different kettle of fish), some of these may not apply to you. However, all ten steps are good to keep in mind no matter what type of acting you decide to pursue.
Step 1: BASICS….Learn How to Act...Duh!
Seems like a given, doesn't it? But I can't tell you the number of people that come here to Hollywood thinking that all they need to do is get a job as a waiter at some popular restaurant, meet an agent, get "discovered" and then it's nothing but champagne and caviar from there. Uh...nooooo!
Acting is first and foremost a craft. The best of the Hollywood/New York actors understand this and no matter how far they have come in their careers, they are constantly looking to improve their craft/skills. They take classes, work with acting and dialogue coaches; they study life experiences (those who come to acting later in life bring their own. I’m able to bring a lot more to the table now than when I was in my 20’s), etc. They know full well that even after a lifetime of work and study, they may never reach absolute perfection. But then again, I always say, “Acting Isn’t!"
So, it's imperative that you take a wide variety of acting classes, workshops, scene study groups. Work in a wide variety of styles with as many different groups of people that you can find. Try it all. From Shakespeare to comedy, from Improv to Cinema Verite -- the more you know, the more well-rounded you'll be and ultimately, the better prepared you'll be for whatever roles/opportunities come your way.
Step 2: Like Realestate, It's All About Location, Location, Location
I hate telling people this, but if you hope to work in film and/or television as an actor, you need to go where the work is. Now, that doesn't necessarily doom you to living in Los Angeles or New York. After all, there are plenty of acting jobs in Vancouver, Montreal, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, etc.
The newest BIG markets are Atlanta and New Orleans….the reason is simply ECONOMICS!! It’s easier for production companies to produce projects in these markets and a whole lot cheaper.
But, New York and Los Angeles are where most of the casting directors work and live(why do you think LACA-NOLA Talent Group has opened an office in Los Angeles?). So, many of the shows that are shot in Canada or other cities within the U.S. are still cast in LA or New York. So, even though you don't necessarily need to move here, keep in mind that it is where most of the action is.
Step 3: Be Willing to Do Whatever it Takes!
No, that doesn't mean what you think it means. Don't worry about the "casting couch." But you must be willing to do what it takes for the sake of your craft. You might ultimately have to sacrifice certain aspects of your life to ensure that you will have success as a working Hollywood actor.
You must take the time to master your craft. If that means sacrificing a relationship or a few friendships along the way, so be it. I know that sounds rather harsh, but acting is not a 9-5 job by any stretch.
If you're lucky enough to land a role in a major film or television production, realize that this is not the glamorous Hollywood job you might've thought it would be.
It's a lot of work, often 14-20 hours per day, in all kinds of conditions and at least initially, for not much money.
Even actors who make millions of dollars per picture still must "work" to earn their keep. They are on location for months at a time and every day they commit themselves both emotionally and physically to their roles. It can be extremely exhausting. You must prepare yourself both mentally and physically for this type of challenge.
It's one of the many reasons why Hollywood stars have trainers, psychologists, plastic surgeons, nutritionists and divorce attorneys at their beck and call. Their job is hardly an easy job on your health, psyche, marriage, relationships, Day-Job!
Step 4: Commit Yourself
I’ve actually heard people say to me that there are no bad actors, just actors who aren't willing to "fully commit" themselves to their craft. Hmmmm well, I’ll get back to "that" in a minute!
Just as I mentioned above that you have to make certain sacrifices to make it as an actor in Hollywood, one of those is your ego. If you're about looking cool, or trying to maintain a certain image, then acting might not be for you. Because your EGO will get you into more trouble than just about anything! It’ll Break Rule #3….”Don’t Piss Off The Casting Director”…or anyone for that matter!
The best actors are those who are willing to let themselves be 100% consumed by the role they are playing. They physically become the person they portray.
If you're in the middle of delivering your lines and suddenly you let yourself drift back into your own life, you are not fully committed to the role and your performance will show it. You have to literally "become outside of yourself" to help ensure the quality of your performance.
That doesn't mean "Forget" Yourself or "Lose" Yourself in the character....I feel that you should be aware and in control of who you are, who you are portraying and what you're doing at all times! Remember….Acting Isn’t!
And as for getting back to "that"....actually there are some who may be better off not pursuing a career in acting....but I'll never tell a person that, ....because their dream and persistence might just push their butt to do genius work. So, when you do an acting job, try to WOW yourself. If you don't, then you didn't push yourself. Whether you think you can, or you think you can't....You're Right!
Step 5: Be Nice, Karma is a Bitch!
Hollywood is all about helping those you know because they might one day be in a position to help you as well. So, you need to remember this steadfast rule -- be nice to everyone. From agents' assistants to fellow cast members to whomever you meet in Hollywood. Remember, that assistant you treated poorly two years ago might one day become a casting director, film producer, talent agent or whatever. And trust me, they'll remember those who stomped on their toes on their way up the ladder.
Conversely, they'll remember those who were nice the whole way up and they'll be that much more inclined to help them achieve their own goals.
I’ve recommended people who I’ve worked with in the past, to a project I’ve been on and they got cast. (NOT BECAUSE THEY WERE FRIENDS!! BUT BECAUSE THEY WERE EXCELLENT ACTORS) conversely, friends have done the same for me... and I got cast. We both benefited from the excellent work we brought to the projects and that reflected positively on us to the CD/Director who remembered our dedication to the project...REMEMBER THIS!!
Step 6: Focus On The Craft -- Not the Agent
There are many actors I know who spent years worrying more about getting an agent than becoming a well trained actor.
Agents are a necessary evil, but they do not make you or break you (as much as they like to think they do). As many actors will attest, simply because they have a powerful agent does not guarantee their success.
The happiest actors are the working actors. And just because you might not be getting paid for your acting, doesn't mean that you can't be a working actor. Every experience is experience. So, spend less time seeking out an agent and more time seeking out acting opportunities yourself. For the beginner, from small plays to student films -- you'll be happily surprised how many seemingly insignificant opportunities are the ones that make your entire career better.
Besides, when the time is right, an agent will come and seek you out. And if not…..GO HUNT ONE DOWN!
QUICK NOTE ON AGENTS: If any agent makes you pay for their services up front than don't walk, RUN away from these guys. Legitimate talent agents only get paid when they get jobs for their clients. After all, what incentive do they have to find you a job if you've already given them their share in advance? No matter what they try to tell you, or however they try to validate charging you up front (e.g., personalized service, guaranteed jobs, mandatory they take your head shots, mandatory attendance to their workshops and classes etc.), DO NOT under any circumstances fall into that trap. I repeat RUN! SAVE YOUR MONEY and don't pay these individuals a cent. Look for another agent that is above board.
STEP 7: Take Some Improv
Regardless of what you may think of Improvisation Theater, it is one skill that most actors that I've worked with count on in a time of need. Especially for you theater actors who might be stuck with someone who freezes midway through their lines. Trust me, when you’re across from someone goes up on their lines, you’ll thank me for telling you about STEP 7.
Beyond a crisis situation, improv is one of the few styles of acting where you have absolute freedom to discover what things you're good at, and which things could use some work.
Improv is a way to discover your range as an actor while at the same time, it forces you to explore new territory while having to commit wholeheartedly to the situation at hand.
So, where you can find an improv class, consider adding it to your repertoire.
Now, personally….I HATE IMPROV! The reason is I’m a stage actor from way back and expect the script to be the road map I use to impart the character/story to the audience/camera. Also, at that McDonald’s Commercial call I doubt they’re gonna spend a GaZillion Buck$ for me to make up something the day of the shoot!!
However, since I also like to WORK!! And over and over I walk into an audition and those folks behind the desk say….Uhhhhh….mmmmmm improv the scene…. I continue to hone my skills at being able to pulling something outta my ahh, err the "Air" to appease/impress them and you should learn to also! You're a salesman, you only have one product to sell YOU!! So make it so appealing that they HAVE to buy you!
STEP 8: Know Your Range, Then Break Through It…or Breaking Out of The Type Cast Mold
We've all seen those actors who seem to constantly be working in a particular range of roles. For years, Clint Eastwood epitomized the "tough guy" image, Meg Ryan, the "cutesy, girl next door" even Tom Hanks was once the "goofy, nice guy." These actors made their name playing certain roles because they found a range they made work for them and stuck with it.
But then, as many of the better actors will often do, they decided to challenge themselves and break through the mold that audiences, producers and their agents had put them in.
Initially, it's somewhat important to find a range that works for you. It helps people (meaning, casting directors) know who you are and often when you're starting out, it's those memories that get you paid work.
But that doesn't mean you stop developing as an actor. Use the character traits you've discovered to get yourself working. But continue to learn new facets of your person. From voice characterization to exploring a wide variety of acting techniques, you will find that everything you learn in the acting realm will be put to use someday.
STEP 9: Be Persistent
There is one general rule in Hollywood (as in LIFE) -- talent won't get you there, but persistence just might. If you are like a dog with a bone, then Hollywood and New York are the towns for you. Those who are gritty and willing to give it their all day in and day out will have a much greater chance of success than the Classically trained Diva who waits around in his apartment for opportunity to come knocking.
The trick is you have to get out there. Meet people and let them know what you are doing, how well you do it by taking action on stage or set. It's absolutely essential to your success. Don’t hide your light under a bush….nobody is going to beat a path to your door….until you have the cred’s of a Jack Nicholson or Meryl Streep!
STEP 10: Have Patience
Rare is the true "overnight success." Sure, there are those actors that seem completely unknown one day, only to dominate the limelight the next. (The American Idol Syndrome) But the reality is that there were years of hard work and preparation that led even them to that "sudden discovery."
Hollywood and New York are strange towns. There are actors who have literally been working for decades when all the sudden, they're in a role that gets a bit of attention and suddenly, they're famous.
Patience is not only a virtue in acting it's an absolute must to keep from going insane. So develop your patience and you will enjoy the process of rising to stardom that much more even if you never end up getting there.
I’ve been cast in a lot of work in just the past year, and have had fellow actors tell me how lucky I was to get this role or that commercial….I’ve found that the harder I work, the luckier I get. Daily, I spend at least 2 hours going over the postings in Actor’s Access, Backstage, LA Casting and Casting Frontier…hoping that those folks on the receiving end will call me in after seeing my head shot or Demo reel for the part they’ve posted. Today I went through over 57 on LA Casting alone…..and just before I started this sentence I received a call for an audition tomorrow. Trust me….It Works, If You Do!
DEAR DIARY
By Robby Cook Stroud
Dear Diary,
It has been a great week. I bought a new car for my birthday and I am packing boxes getting ready for the drive out to Los Angeles. I am still looking for a room to rent within 20 minutes to the office which is across the street from the SAG office on Wilshire Blvd.
We are on a roll here at LACA NOLA as we have submitted over 121 projects this week, so we are on track with that. All of my actors are doing a great job on keeping our spoke intact. We have also signed up several new actors. If you haven’t visited the website lately you should take a look at our new family members.
I am still doing a few inspections a week for FEMA. Which is crazy since it has been 6 months since the disaster was declared. Tornadoes and snow storms are everywhere. Luckily I have been able to work with FEMA and with LACA NOLA as well. It amazes me that some people can be so creative with their repairs as they wait on insurance and FEMA to help with there needs. One family I went to see this week had half of their house closed off and still manage to live there safely.
We are getting ready for our audition seminar and let me tell you, you will walk away with more knowledge on how to make your auditions right and make all of us look very professional. As you know we will not submit or send out any video auditions if they don’t meet our standards as each actor represents each other. Casting directors look for a continual quality from a talent agent and if we submit one sub-par audition, we all get a bad rap.
Lastly, I will be spending next week in Franklin with my mom and dog sitting for Caylen. I will need the time to get organized for the move to Los Angeles. I have started to mail boxes to the office so I don’t have to rent a truck. I will be traveling very light since my new car has minimal space. OH, did I mention that my new car is a Jaguar X8 two-door convertible. Dr. Mel keeps telling me that I simply couldn't stand it that she had a Jaguar and I didn't. Not! I'll just let her keep believing that. But, she does have one valid point - her Jaguar is bigger than mine, but mine is a convertible which is perfect for the beautiful weather that Los Angeles is known for. I can't wait to get there and take a drive along the coast, one small blessing in many my new state will offer me.
Until next time, take care, and go break some legs,
Robby
LACA NOLA ACTOR'S OF THE WEEK
This week we have selected two actors to be highlighted as our actors of the week. Both Vito Viscuso and Leah Stoltz are deserving. First, Vito was booked on Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy. Way to go Vito. And, do me a favor. I love that show. Please get me a copy of an autographed script for my script collection. I'll love you forever. Okay, I'll love your forever anyway. Congratulations to Vito.
