Are you considering submitting to, auditioning for and working on “no” or “low budget” pilots, web series, spec commercials, shorts or features?

Well, without passing judgment too quickly on these opportunities by saying it is “just too much work” or “it’s not worth it unless I am getting paid”, you might want to consider the following:

	Can this project allow you to grow your credits for your resume and possibly for IMDb.com?
	Is the role "reel worthy" ~ meaning can you use any of the scenes you are in to develop or update your demo reel?
	Will the part allow you to create "Career Buzz" about yourself? Will you promote your role in the project by posting exciting updates to your Web site, doing quarterly newsletter campaigns to your contacts, mailing out postcards announcing your recent booking, etc.?
	Will you audition with and/or work alongside other people who are passionate about their craft? Are these people you can learn from, share leads with and hopefully work with again?
	Is the character different from any other that you've played? One that you can make memorable? A role that is challenging and will add to your body of work?
	Is this a project that will position you to network with newer Industry players that very well could become the next key Industry players?

If one or more of the above are true then go ahead and embrace it… become an “Indie Actor”!

An “Indie Actor” is a performer who isn’t afraid to take chances, ask questions and has the interest and knowledge to turn what might be a middle-of-the-road project into a fun experience, filled with bragging rights and brimming with new contacts!

In our “Going Indie?” series, we are going to touch upon three different (but very important) phases in the work experiences of independent projects. They are:

• Phase One: The Audition
• Phase Two: The Rehearsals & The Shoot
• Phase Three: Post Production

We will also provide you with valuable checklists to ensure that you truly get the most out of these projects that others are hoping to use as their launching pads, in an effort to help encourage, inform and inspire you for all that lies ahead!

You’ve been submitted, you submitted yourself, or maybe a contact referred you… at any rate, the phone rings or there's an e-mail in your inbox and “they” want to audition you for their project! Before saying “YES!” here are a few things to ask:

What Is The Name Of The Project?

Sure, you may be thinking to yourself “Duh! That’s obvious!” – but what’s not so obvious are the clues behind the project’s title. For instance, is there even a name? If not, perhaps this project is in its early, early stages of development. Is the title familiar to you? If so, is the project a remake ~ or is it a specific scene from a film that a director is shooting for his own reel?

When & Where Will The Rehearsals & Shoot Take Place?

Avoid conflicts - check your calendar! You’ll know if you can swing the time off of your “day job” or other commitments.

Also, are the rehearsals and the shoot far from where you are? If you are working for free can you afford your travel expenses (i.e. Mileage, Bus, Train, Subway, etc.) which may NOT be reimbursed.

Is There A Prodcution or Crowd Funding Web Site Available?

If so, go to the Web site to find the answers to questions like:

+ Who is involved?

+ Have they ever actually finished a project before?

+ Have any of them won any awards?

+ Have any of their other projects had distribution?

+ Is there a union contract?

+ Is anyone attached?

+ Have they had other projects in festivals?

What Character Are You Being Seen For?

Was it the one you originally submitted for? If not, do your headshots have them thinking of you for a different character? Ask them which headshot they received? Ask them something distinguishable about the photo (i.e. - Are you wearing a suit? Is it the one in the blue t-shirt? Is your hair up in the photo?) This way you know which headshot is working and how you are expected to look for the audition (remember to record this information in the Auditions Section of PerformerTrack!).

Is The Script Available? Are The Sides Available?

First, is this script completed? Are they hoping you can help offer some creative input to the story by improvising? Do you like the story? Do you connect with your character? Can you see yourself being happy giving up three weekends in a row to shoot for free, for deferment, or for a small wage?

It’s highly possible that these producers may be hosting auditions for their very first time… letting them know that you would really like to read the script ahead of time and have the sides in advance so you can prepare and walk in ready for the best audition experience is incredibly important. Having sides available in advance, or knowing that they will be expecting a monologue from you will help you be more confident!

So often the information provided over the phone/via e-mail, and the audition experience itself, are true indications as to how the shoot will go, how professional it will be and ultimately how respected you will be for giving your time and input to the production…all of which we hope will be positive.

Don’t be intimidated by asking questions. You NEED to know the answers so you can be prepared, avoid conflicts and any added stress or panic. The more you feel comfortable asking these questions, the more smooth the conversation will go and you’ll be left feeling self-assured so you can prepare to make the most of your audition and get cast!

COMING SOON:
"Going Indie? Phase 2: The Rehearsals & The Shoot"

Stay Tuned...