Acting : Auditions by Connor Sale

Connor Sale

Auditions

Would you let your teenager work with a 13 and 14 year old?

Rachael Saltzman

Would I let a teenager work with a teenager? Uh, yeah.

Llllllll Lllllll

Of course I would let them work together, I if I had a teenager anyways.

Connor Sale

Sorry it's a stupid question, but I'm going to start to audition for roles in my shorts, and I just wanted feedback.

Paul Sumares

Doesn't sound like a stupid question to me, perhaps better phrased, "Would you let your teenager work with teenaged film makers?", assuming I understand correctly. The question introduces an additional consideration regarding professionalism and quality work ... only in the idea that a younger person has less years than older persons in which to develop those characteristics. I think the answer is the same, though, regardless of their youth ... if the film makers present themselves in a professional way and clearly strive for quality, then the answer for me would be yes. That input could come from direct experience, references, previous work, etc. Besides your bio, the fact that you are here looking for insight regarding how people feel about the idea says a lot about your own development of those characteristics.

Connor Sale

Thanks Paul! So should I show some of my previous work? Also when you say professional do you mean looking professional with lights and boom mics, or call sheets and having a production schedule and respecting the parent's time?

Paul Sumares

Whether to show your previous work depends upon how good you feel it is, and what level of skill you are hoping to attract (to work with you). There is no formula, because for instance some highly skilled people may be convinced by your background that your potential goes way beyond the level of your initial work, and be willing to collaborate, even though they are much more skilled than you. Conversely, some of them may see early work with lots of flaws and decide that they can't afford to spend time on, or be associated with work of that quality. In general, unless you have nothing else to show, make sure you include just "killer, and no filler" ... meaning, only your really great stuff. One such sample is better than three, where two of them are weak. So that means, as you build your portfolio, concentrate on quality over quantity. Shorter, less grand, but really polished stuff, if you can. Highly creative and interesting, yet accessible, emotionally. By professional, I mean more the second type of thing you mentioned, for example: do your homework so that you've considered everything within your means and control (not overlooked the obvious, nor things that you could have found out by reading a few books by working professionals) ... and yes, most certainly a professional attitude and demeanor towards others, including respect. Always make it about (1) everyone enjoying the process, and (2) the art, and then if it is a goal of yours (3) the pay off. But always in that order. That's my take on it. Again, from what I can tell, you're already doing great in all respects. If you have not already checked it out, I highly recommend to folks here a series of video uploads on YouTube of the series called "Inside the Actor's Studio" (channel: SirPsychoFlea). It includes interviews with famous directors as well as actors. Just check it out. You will not be sorry. Looking forward to hearing about your work, here.!

Connor Sale

Thanks Paul!

William Bloomfield

Conner, My son, who is now 19, first began doing improv and funny film projects in a summer camp/workshop setting when he was about your age. That may be the best environment because you get some instruction on basics and structure, along with the freedom to create. At the end, you get feedback, not only from friends/relatives who say, 'great job' but from the instructors who can help you and your colleagues to learn and improve. If you have real experience, then the question is: "Are these kids going to help me advance my skills and add depth as an actor/film-maker?" What's the best outcome you might get? Food for thought, I hope.

Connor Sale

Thanks!

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