CASTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

Hi der,

I know that there's some or a lot of you are interested in getting into show biz, whether it's soaps (sinetrons), TV commercial (Iklan), or the movies (Layar lebar). however, not everyone has the courage to go to a casting session due to low self-confidence or simply just doesn't have the access to a modelling agency.

Here's a few tips for beginners.There is a ton of freelance agencies out there!!However you must choose the ones you can trust.I dont recommend going to an established management yet if you are so new to show biz and haven't got the slightest clue as to how to "mingle" in the environment, especially if you dont have the necessary prerequisites (Read: GORGEOUS face and an almost PERFECT BODY) needed by those managements.Remember that prominent management will only PRIORITIZE the most "saleable" talents/models in getting jobs. So if you're just so so looking, don't bother!!You will only be wasting your contract period.

Here's a few of trusted freelance agencies in Jakarta:

- Contact
- Nico
- Rico
- Davy
- Cephan
- Foto Management
- Marina
- Lensa
- Angga 7 bintang
- Rosalinda


These agencies usually will direct you to cast in a production house. A few agencies will ask you to come to an advertising agency directly.Some of them are:

- Chiemot
- Wati Bunga

These guys have been around for ages and they have good, clean records so dont be afraid that you would be fooled into paying a large sum of money to them in order to get into a casting!!Castings are FREE!!Good agencies provide FREE services too.You only get to pay them some 20-30% commission AFTER you got the job!!

IN THE CASTING LOBBY AT A PH..

There's several well know casting places/PH/Production houses for TVC in Jakarta and the following are a few of them:

NAME LOCATION

- Casting room--> Kalibata Timur 1 No. 46, Jaksel
- 25 Frames--> Kemang Timur Raya No. 98, Jaksel
- Square Box--> Hang Tuah Raya No. 22, Kebayoran baru, jaksel
- Nefosindo --> Kotabumi No 29, behind Sizzler, Tosari
- Lynx-->Dharmawangsa X No. 20 A

If you fit into the criteria that the commercial is looking for, the agency will text you the address, time and the appropriate outfit to wear for the casting. Good agencies will tell you whether you should wear executive or casual costumes and for ladies, evening gowns, a tank top and miniskirt.

In the casting room, try to look for the agency who called you and ask them where you should find the forms to fill.If you can't find them, ask other models or anybody who knows.In the ATTENDANCE form, you usually have to fill in the following details:

- NAME
- AGE
- HEIGHT
- WEIGHT
- SHIRT/BLOUSE SIZE
- PANTS/SKIRT SIZE
- SHOE SIZE
- MOBILE/HP NUMBER (better not write your home phone number since this can be read by unwanted parties in site)
- TVC EXPERIENCE (If any)

There is usually another detailed form/contract form where you fill in the same details above plus some info concerning the scheduled workshop, fitting and shooting date which has to be agreed and signed by the talent/model.

After filling in those forms, WAIT for your turn,Plz be aware that this could take MORE than a couple of hours!!!

When your time comes, the casting manager or tha assistant casting manager will call you inside the casting room.Remember, DO NOT BE NERVOUS!!

You will be asked to stand still in a particular spot.When the casting manager says:" Profile, pls!!", say the following:

Hi, my name is.........My height is ...... My weight is.......My latest TVC is......

*Sometimes you have to mention your mobile number, too.Just do so, if required.

After that:

Smile-->Turn left, turn JUST your head to the camera and smile, return to starting position.Then turn right, turn JUST your head to the camera and smile and return to starting post.After that, you turn AROUND in place.

Profile finito!!After that, the casting manager will ask you to do the acting bit.If you come to a TVC for coffee, usually they will just tell you to drink coffee out of a cup nicely and smile afterwards.Sometimes, you have to DANCE, act like you're in a party, in a bus or at the beach mingling with your friends.Just do it naturally. Forget that there's a camera taping you so as to avoid nervousness.Forget the fact that there are other people present in the casting room.

After the casting manager says: "CUT", it means that the job is done.Smile and say thank you to the casting manager and the assitant casting manager (If present) and walk out of the room.CONGRATS!!You just attended your first casting!!