Hollywood Terminology: What’s A Table Read?

When you begin working in Hollywood, there will be lots of terms that you’ll hear that you may not be familiar with. Terms like blocking (the physical movements by the actors and the camera in a scene) or dailies (screening of unedited footage) are constantly thrown around and you’ll have to quickly become familiar with the terminology of Hollywood.

Once you book a role, you don’t always simply show up to the set, film your scene and then wrap. There can be lots of other steps in the process, depending on the magnitude of the project. One term - and process - that you’ll want to become familiar with is the “table read.”

As a performer, it’s easy to become fixated on your specific role in a production. But it’s important to take the big picture into consideration. A production requires cooperation, teamwork and creative contributions from everyone involved in order to produce a successful project. A table read is a great way for the writers, actors, producers and director to make sure that the script flows, and to determine if any edits are required. It’s important that this process is completed before shooting begins in order to save money and time.

Once the script is completed, everyone gathers in a room to act the script out – typically while sitting at a table. It’s an opportunity for the writers to hear the script out loud, and see what works and what doesn’t. The actors read the entire script and after they’re finished, the writers can take the notes they’ve made and apply them to the script. The script is then revised and redistributed to the cast and crew!

Don’t you just love the creative process! Want to learn more? Continue to read my blogs and visit our online forums ( http://Forums.EliteCastingNetwork.com ) for helpful “How To” information and other industry tips.

So You Think You Can Dance

As the popularity of television shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars grows, more and more people are inspired to pursue careers as dancers. We’ve got tons of opportunities on http://www.StarSearchCasting.com for aspiring dancers, so don’t forget to take a look.

As with any career in entertainment, pursuing a career as a dancer can be grueling and competitive. Additionally, the rigorous work involved can take a toll on your body. But if it’s something that you really want, then give it your all and don’t give up.

It’s important that as you pursue your career as dancer that you:

-Continue to take classes and improve upon your technique. Whether you’re auditioning for a dance company, a role in a production, or even a music video, there will be lots of other dancers with as much experience or more. You want to make sure that you have what it takes to compete against the other dancers that you’ll face along the way.

-While your passion may be ballet, or modern, you should still become familiar with a variety of styles. You never know what opportunities may arise and you want to be prepared for any opportunity that presents itself. Even if a job isn’t your dream job, it may open the door to something bigger and better.

- Commit to a healthy lifestyle. Many dancers feel pressured by the weight requirements that accompany many opportunities in the dance community. While booking your dream job is important, your health is your number one priority and you shouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it.

- Consider teaching or choreographing as well to supplement your income in between jobs and auditions.

- Consider living in a major city where there are large dance companies and production companies with lots of opportunities.

There are lots of dance auditions on our website. Check them out today. You could be pirouetting on a stage near you much sooner than you think!

Preparing For Pilot Season

One of the most exciting times of the year for actors is pilot season. If you’re new to the industry, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about. Let me explain.

A lot goes into launching a new network series. So much so, that many series actually never make it to the primetime lineup. A pilot episode is an episode of a new series that’s taped so that networks can submit it to advertisers, test audiences and the media to begin gauging responses and building a buzz.

Pilot season refers to the time of year that networks begin casting for pilot episodes. While pilot season generally begins in January, some shows can begin casting even earlier. Casting for pilots is a huge deal for actors for several reasons. First, dozens of pilots are shot each season, so there are lots of opportunities to get in front of top casting agents and producers. Secondly, if you’ve ever dreamed of landing a job on a major television network series, pilot season is by far your best shot. And third, if you book a show that doesn’t get “picked up” (selected to air during the upcoming season), simply booking the pilot is a major career accomplishment! When you tape a pilot, casting directors and producers will often remember you when other opportunities arise, which often means a really great shot at other major roles in the future.

In 1999, Busy Phillips (White Chicks) booked a pilot entitled, Saving Graces. Although the pilot was never aired, she got a lot of great exposure and later went on to book a number of really great roles on various television series like Malcolm in the Middle, Dawson’s Creek, How I Met Your Mother as well as several roles in major motion pictures. Sure it was a bummer when Saving Graces didn’t make the fall lineup, but despite that one little bump in the road, Busy went on to become a popular, working actress.

Pilot season could be a great opportunity for you to get your foot in the door so make sure you’re ready! As casting directors gear up for this busy time of the year, be very vigilant about checking updated casting notices and audition information on our website. You never know, I might be watching you on a major network series next fall! Good luck!

Check back tomorrow, I’ll be talking about the reality of show business.