Self-test audition help!

Do you know what a self-test audition tape is? 

Recently we have had a few requests for talent to record their audition for us to send to the clients. 

This is a growing request, particularly with the expansion of easy to use technologies. These requests have also been popular in states such as Western Australia and Queensland as cities are relatively more dispersed and driving time to a casting can take longer.

To ensure all of our talent have the best opportunity possible when requested to send a self-test audition tape, we have compiled a list of essential tips. 

1. Film your audition on a plain background and ensure the actor is clearly visible. 

2. Get a family member or friend involved to read the other part of the script- they don't have to be a good actor, even if they simply say the words on the script it will bring the audition to life. 

3. Be wary of background noises while making sure you are clearly audible. Even the slightest background noise such as muffling or distant voices can detract from the audition. 

4. File must be in appropriate format: .mov .mp4 .m4v - you can convert a file to mp4 here simply by uploading your video.  

5. Label your file - most casting directors will alert us to how they would like the file to be named, but if they don't, ensure it is labelled with Name_Project_Role. A file named '12345audition.mp4' has the capacity to get lost or to be discarded. 

6. Shoot the audition in a medium close up, which means a shot from the actors shoulders up, followed by a long shot at the end where the actor must state their name, age and height to the camera. 

7. Upload to a free video sharing site like Vimeo or Hightail. You can find easy to use instructions for these sites here and here. Then all you have to do is send us the link and cross your fingers!

The above points are a guide, remember we are here to offer advice and further tips during business hours if your child is requested to cast for a self-test audition. The casting director will also have specific requirements relevant to their processes which will need to be adhered to, these will be sent to you with your audition request!

6 Key Casting Attire Tips

In a previous post, 'First Casting Jitters' we guided you through overcoming nerves for your first casting. We want to recap on the most important tips regarding a casting and appropriate clothing, whether it's your first or not! 

1. Bright colours - Bright colours are a must. Most casting agencies will want to take a photo of your child against a white wall. You want the photo to stand out, not blend in!

2. Clean shoes - Never underestimate the importance of clean shoes! Simply giving them a quick scrub over or wipe before a casting makes all the difference in your child's overall presentation... and it only takes a few minutes! 

3. Brand appropriate - Think of the brand you are going to cast for (if known) and try to dress your child in similar attire depending on the genre, e.g. sporty, high fashion, casual, professional. This will give the client a clearer image of what your child would look like in the campaign or advertisement. 

4. Age appropriate - It is essential to ensure your child is dressed to an age appropriate standard. This means no inappropriate language on clothing and for girls 14 and under: no make-up, excessive jewellery or high heels. Clients always want talent to be natural. 

5. Comfort - Don't dress your child in anything that they may feel uncomfortable wearing, this will minimise their ability to speak easily and they may not feel relaxed during the casting. 

6. School Uniform - Many castings occur after school hours, but we encourage parents to take a spare outfit to put on before the casting. There can be occasions where children are required to wear school uniform, generally if the casting is for a Government or School campaign - however you will be notified by us if this is necessary. Put simply, if we don't mention anything about school uniform - don't wear it! 

You can also check out or other posts on castings if you want more information:
Casting 101 Part 1 of 3
Casting 101 Part 2 of 3
Casting 101 Part 3 of 3

Brisbane & Perth Modelling Classes

We had a peek at our Perth and Brisbane members in action at their complimentary modelling class!

Members in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth receieve a modelling and acting class with their membership to ensure they are taught the basic skills required for photo shoots and castings. It's also a beneficial opportunity to gauge member's abilities while interacting with other children. 

Perth Modelling teacher and talent scout Gloria, says that her favourite part of the class is the fashion parade at the end. 

'To see the transformation and the look on the kids faces, the difference in the posture, and their confidence.. to me, is very satisfying.'

Children are taught Modelling 101 from stance, posture, gestures, walk, footing, turns to an array of poses and facial expression techniques. While scrubbing up on these essentials are crucial to display confidence in a casting, they are also skills that can be practiced at home and shared with friends. 

Gloria says the children 'come in shy and walk out with excitement and new friends, the parents love the fashion parade - it shows how much their child has learnt.' 

With a teacher and assistant present, stand out performances and unique skills are noted and passed over to the casting department to assist with the casting process. It's also a great way for us to meet with members and parents again to discuss new developments or extra-curricular activities. 

If you are a member and have not yet booked in for your complimentary class, please do so by emailing amg@bettina.com.au or calling us on 1300 888 611. 

Flashback Friday!

Flashback Friday for Chelsea, Beau and Mimi!

Between them, these 3 have been featured in campaigns for Mattel, Peter Alexander, Cadbury, Cotton On, Speedo, Moose Toys, Myer, Target, Kmart, Best and Less, Aldi and Dimmeys!

Big thanks to Mums & Dads for making the above possible.

Chelsea 2010 - current

Beau 2008 - current

 Mimi 2010 - current

Tom Morgan wins a trip to Hollywood

                            TOM MORGAN | 15 | MELBOURNE

 IF YOU WERE AN ASPIRING TEENAGE ACTOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BIGGEST DREAM?

Sixteen days shy of his 16^th birthday, Tom Morgan became one step closer to his.

On an unsuspecting Saturday morning, Tom and Mum Jo-Anne attended a Casting Seminar presented by Lilly Dawson under the impression they were due to attend an audition afterwards. The ‘audition’ was cleverly crafted to ensure Tom’s attendance at the event amidst a planned presentation by Lilly and Bettina.  

Lilly Dawson, from Lilly Dawson Casting and Hollywood Immersive, said Tom was chosen for the prize based on his brilliant attitude, talent, great look and ability to take on a challenge. ‘He is not afraid and tackles everything with enthusiasm and excitement regardless of his limited experience. It was a very emotional moment for Tom and his Mum and I think I may have even shed a tear or two myself!'

Hollywood, in the district of Los Angeles and globally renowned for its thriving entertainment industry and cultivation of celebrity careers, will be Tom’s destination in January as he packs his bags to jet off for a week long intensive Hollywood Immersive Acting course. The all expenses paid trip and course is courtesy of Bettina Management, the Kids in Showbiz Program and Hollywood Immersive. The experience will thrust Tom in the limelight to meet with key Hollywood agents, producers and directors.

Mum Jo-Anne, Bettina, Tom and Lilly

Mum Jo-Anne told us yesterday that 'it was absolutely surreal, this is a dream come true for Tom.'

We caught up with Tom after the excitement of the weekend to find out more about him and how he was feeling about the looming trip and future acting ambitions.

How are you feeling about Saturday, was it anything you could have ever imagined?

‘No, it’s not. I was completely surprised and shocked at what happened.’

How did it feel telling your family and friends?

'It felt good, mum told all my family but I told all my friends and most of them didn’t believe me so I had to show them proof!'

When did you first realise you wanted to be an Actor and Model?

'I’ve always loved acting because I love watching movies and TV shows, and I also realised that modelling leads into acting and if I was to be in the modelling industry it would improve my chances of being in the acting industry as well.'

Being an Aspire Entertainment student, Tom says that participation in professional classes have helped with his confidence in reassuring him that putting in the hard yards will ultimately be rewarding.  

A seasoned rover, having travelled to New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, South Africa and Hawaii already, Tom will be making his debut on the American mainland. He says he is most looking forward to see how professional actors go about things and also being able to experience what it would be like living in LA. 'My biggest goal is to become a professional actor, similar to actors like Angelina Jolie who do humanitarian work for underprivileged people.'

Tom’s advice to aspiring actors and models is to ‘not be put off by the thought of being rejected in order to get where you want to go, you will most likely be rejected many more times than you are accepted.’ While acknowledging many dream big and large, Tom says that exposure to the American acting industry would be an ideal outcome, but says he is happy to simply come back to Australia knowing much more about what it takes to be a professional actor.

Tom exudes calmness and determination even when wrapped up in the excitement of this life changing prize. Lilly admits ‘Tom wants this dream – there is no doubt and it shows.'

Look out, Hollywood!

Bettina Management Stories

'Mason really loved doing the Jeep commercial, this was his first job and all the people were fantastic! When I asked him if he would do it again he replied "oh yeah". We were made to feel so welcome and they all loved Mason and said he did really well, Mason was very proud of himself and this experience has given him more confidence. He liked meeting all the other children and playing hide and seek. Mason can't wait to see himself on tv!!' - Rebecca, Melbourne

'We were very excited to get the call to tell us that Charlotte had been selected to walk the catwalk at Pandora's new season jewellery release. Charlotte was so excited to go on stage and just couldn't wait for her turn. She did a fantastic job, smiling and interacting and showing off her jewellery. It was truly a wonderful experience. She was made to feel very special and comfortable. She can't wait for what else might be around the corner!'  - Michelle, Perth 

Why didn't I get the job?

Getting a casting is very exciting...

Whether you're a seasoned auditioner or it's your first time, there is always a chance that you may not get chosen for the role.

Ever wondered why this might be? 

There are many steps involved before we receive a brief for a casting from a client. Often, every detail included in the brief is carefully planned and considered for the advertisement, catalogue or acting role in question. Alternatively, the client could only have a rough idea of what they are looking for and open the door to different options; relying heavily on our opinion and skills to match the brief accordingly. Clients may realise upon receiving submissions, which type of child would add the right character to the role. 

Walking out of the casting feeling like it went really well is comforting, but it pays to remember that clients might like all of the talent, and still have to choose someone based on a collaborative decision. Mostly, we are not told why talent are unsuccessful, similar to adults auditioning for modelling and acting roles. However, experience has suggested that these are a few reasons that contribute to missing out: 

• If they have to cast for parents, one child could suit the 'family' more than others and create a more realistic look
• The child role could be cancelled at the last minute or changed to a different age group
• Your availability for shooting dates and flexibility may not suit schedule
• Another child may resemble more so, what the client has in mind for the brand upon meeting in person
• Personality is key. It makes the choice easy for the client if one child comes in rather shy, followed by someone who is excited to be there and confident in their interactions. 
• Experience can sometimes play a part, especially for older children in acting roles. This can be evident straight away with introductions and reading of scripts (this is where acting courses can help significantly to assist with scoring the role) 
• It's subjective to different photographers and different producers across the board - we could think someone resembles the role but the client will choose differently depending on a range of other factors
• Upon meeting talent, the client could change their mind about the type of child they would like for the role, nothing is set in stone!

So remember, every casting that you attend will help with confidence for the next one. 

Try not to get disheartened about these processes, chalk it all up to experience!