Francesco Nencini's Lounge Discussions

'don't read from the script- never do that. Get into character,' Huh! If you're not doing a reading (or portraying the character from the movie) which character should you get into?

Fair point, Wayne, except I saw the comments Ali had made and assumed he meant: “don’t JUST read from the script” as in don’t be glued to the script in the audition as you, the actor, just reading the lines! And he did then add “i.e.: don’t hold it in front of you during auditions.” I’m only pointing that out because Ali’s now taking these comments down, sadly! They were good points. It may seem obvious but in fact I’ve seen SO many experienced actors in screen castings ruin the only record of their audition that the director / producers (if absent) may ever see – their audition tape – by looking down at their sides throughout or waving them around in front of their face. In auditions where you haven’t been given time to get off-book, don’t forget those basic ‘how to hold your script’ techniques. It’s easy to forget them when the adrenalin kicks in!

Gillian, my post was asking for clarity as to Ali comments, not condemnation. One thing that you'll learn about me if you follow my posts is that I'm always trying to learn (in everything that I do), I'm not a know-it-all. I'm sorry to see that he removed his posts as well. Apparently my post was poorly worded.

I had an acting teacher tell me to have a prepared monologue for every audition. I was wondering if that was where Ali was going.

There are two things that show on film that casting agents don't want to see, fear and desperation. Nothing is worse than an actor who is desperate to get a role or one who is so fearful that they won't get it. Relax. Have fun. Be prepared for sure, but remember it's not oh so important in the big scheme of life. I always go in assuming I won't get the role for what can be tons of reasons, from the color of my eyes to the way I part my hair, to the fact that I look like the director's cousin that he hates. With this in mind, I go in and have a blast. I ignore the camera and embody whatever character I'm reading for, smile, thank whoever's there, and walk out. I don't think about it afterward or worry about whether I got it or not. What I first decided to go with this attitude I got the next NINE parts I auditioned for in a row. I don't do much acting anymore because I'm enjoying a ton of success as a writer now, but if I do go to another audition sometime, I'll relax and have fun.