Film and TV CD Todd Thaler talks submissions and auditions:
"[On headshots]... photograph captures a moment that meakes me wonder what makes that person tick. My word is 'repose.' It means waiting. I like a photograph that captures the moment before the reaction, when the actor looks at the camera, listening" (Todd Thaler).
"On the resume, especially for newcomers... I'd rather see where the actor has trained and special skills... I prefer hearing about how an actor can touch his nose with his tongue or cry like a baby on cue. If you can cry like a baby on cue, I might be able to get you some voiceover work" (T. Thaler).
"Extra work can be mentioned parenthetically... 'Appeared as an extra in several projects including...' and then list those we might have heard of. If you have done extra work in a student film, listing the title won't mean anything to us. But if you've had a featured role in a student film, name the film and let me know if a video is available upon request or accessible on a website... DVDs can include clips from 'Law and Order' and also monologues taped in a studio" (T. Thaler).
"As for cover letters, I dont' want to see 'Enclosed is a picture and resume for review'... That's just redundant... I like cover letters to reveal something honest and personal... I like some kind of biographical information-- that's not drawn out of life stories-- that tells me something more than where the actor studied" (T. Thaler).
"TV and film work has to be subtle... 'When you think you're doing nothing, you're still doing too much'... that only comes with repetition" (T. Thaler).
"I like an actor who approaches an audition as a workshop... Actors who come in with smart questions turn me on... If an actor says before the audition, 'Is there anything you want to tell me ahead of time?,' I'll probably say nothing. But if the actor says, "Is there anything you can tell me about the scene before this scene? Did they just have sex?," that begs a response. I also like an actor who says I should feel free to interrupt him with an adjustment" (T. Thaler).
"As for actors coming in costume, I can take it or leave it... For TV, where they want camera readiness, it may be more important than for meeting me for a part in a feature film. But generally I don't think it helps. Of course, you can always ask..." (T. Thaler).
"Before and after the actual audition, actors need to be a good judge of the vibe. If I'm welcoming and curious about you, the door is open to have some conversation. But if I'm detached and clinical and strictly business, then you come in, do the audition, and leave. Of course, there are occasions when the actor is too closed down or nervous. I've had actors freak out and become speechless when they've found themselves readying with Robert De Niro or auditioning for Ed Harris, who was directing. That's the time to say, 'I'm freaking out and speechless'" (T. Thaler).
"After the audition, receiving a thank-you note is delightful. But again, those notes should be heartfelt, earnest, and sincere rather that boilerplate. Follow up postcards are fine too, but use them sparingly, only to brag about an achievement..." (T. Thaler).
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