Okay, here’s your homework, folks…when you have an audition or a booking for a product you’ve never heard of or barely know, I strongly urge you to ‘Google it’! (What’s the point of having the Internet at our fingertips, if we don’t access it? Go to www.google.com.
Make a habit of becoming familiar with what the product is, the direction of the current ad campaign and show some interest in the subject. It will certainly reflect in your read! If you are interested, you are interesting.
And if we’re recording your demo here at Sound Advice, we expect you to take responsibility for making
yourself familiar with not only the script, but the subject of each script by ‘Googling it’ so you know what you’re talking about at the session. This is a great way to better familiarize yourself with the product and overall concept. After all, you’re never selling the product you’re selling the concept.
Additionally, use www.imdb.com (‘imdb’ stands for Internet Movie Data Base) when you’re given a reference such as “this character should be a cross between David Morse and David Strathairn”, especially if you have no idea who they are referring to! If you do you’ll know precisely the feel those auditioning you are aiming for and be more prepared to deliver.
In fact, check out the two actors I just mentioned on imdb. They’re pretty remarkable and so are their
careers. Also, look up actresses, Lili Taylor and Amanda Plumber, director Spike Jonze and screenwriter, Robin Swicord.
You’ll only BROADEN your industry vocabulary and knowledge by doing so! Besides, it’s fun.
