I drove way out of town on Thursday, almost to Santa Clarita for this one. It was stranger than any I’d done so far, as the film has no dialogue, so it would all be expressions, reacting to the situation and the other actors. The director seemed confident in his story, so it put me at ease, even though there wasn’t anything to prepare for him.
He asked if I’d done much acting, to which I wanted to respond, “only all my life,” but of course he meant film and plays. We had a friendly chat about the industry, my views on acting and why I was trying to move into on-camera work instead of just voice, and the sheer insanity of us both attempting to make a career out of all of it. He said, “even if I never make it in the Business, I think I’ll always make films. It’s such a collaboration, and I love that.”
I apologized for not having a monologue prepared, but he waved a hand at that, saying he didn’t ask anyone to do so because it didn’t quite fit what the film required.
We said our goodbyes, I thanked him and wished him luck, and left my headshot. I’m hoping for more auditions like that.
Not being in the Business, but having been through several interviews for jobs, I’m curious to know if the directors that talk with you about things (other than the specific part you’re going for) listen for specific answers during your chat When I’ve interviewed with principals, most of them use scripted question/answer sessions for the bulk of the interview and if they get the responses they want, the interview turns more casual. If not, um…not.
I don’t think it’s as calculated as job interviews, and I don’t think they usually have specific answers in mind, but want to get to know me a bit. It’s all individual, of course, but many are checking attitude and personality, figuring out whether, if they pick me, we can work together easily, or if I’m a prima donna. There are a lot of actors who think their way is the only way, and are therefore hard to work with.