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Workshop #3

"GETTING THE JOB FOR FILM, COMMERCIALS, AND THEATER"

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

AFTRA and ACNO third joint seminar a huge success!

By Diana Boylston

After the initial and very successful workshops focusing on tips for auditions in front of the camera and the need to diversify your career in order to make it in markets outside of New York and LA,  AFTRA and the ARTS COUNCIL wanted to dig beneath the surface and come up with a more far-reaching informational program for performers and those who are looking for work behind the scenes as well. Thus the workshop "Getting the job for Film, Commercials, and Theatre" was developed.  Thanks to Gene Meneray, from ACNO, for making it all happen.  Diana Boylston, AFTRA N.O. Vice-President and Big Easy Award Winner, was moderator of an outstanding panel. 

The panel consisted of:

• Nina Killeen: Producer and co-owner of Robert Berning productions; as well as Owner of Target Media;
• John Anderson: President and co-founder of L.I.F.T. (Louisiana Institute of Film Technology); and
• Ryan Rilette: Artistic Director of Southern Rep Theatre.

Gene Meneray, Project Specialist  and Martha Little, ACNO Director, Arts Incubator opened the event, explaining how the council is an objective entity for the artists, performers and industry-minded professionals of New Orleans and should be used as a resource to raise the standards and professional levels of the market. 

Next to speak was Herta Suarez, AFTRA National Director of Special Projects at the time. Unofficially, she is a true Godsend to the New Orleans' market. Herta continues to be a voice of reason in reference to market issues with AFTRA’s  stated goal to educate and train the talent to help lift ourselves up to operating at a higher level of professionalism. 

Our faithful and fearless leader, Charley Ferrara, AFTRA New Orleans' President of 12 years, spoke next. He set up the meeting's purpose and gave some background to AFTRA's focus in our market. Charley was clear in articulating that though our local no longer has an office, we surely still have a board, which is available to deal with any member's concerns or questions.

Diana Boylston, who has been a Casting Director in the past, spoke on tips and insights learned from her experiences "behind the camera." Beginning as a casting assistant with the USA series, "The Big Easy," she was shocked to see talented people who she was sure would get the job, be turned away. That's when she first heard the adage "Never ask someone about your job. You don't want to know the answer to why you booked the job, and you don't want to know why you didn't book the job."

She shared multiple "war stories" of persons in power watching the same talent she would definitely cast, be rejected for something as frivolous as an exec saying that particular person reminded them of someone from a "bad relationship." This forever changed her approach to her own auditioning process for the better. 

Nina Killeen spoke on the significant change in the commercial market here over the last five years. Long time favorite retailers like "K&B" and "Schweggman's" have shut down and out-of-town agencies are handling more local spots, like "Popeye's." However, there is always a way to find work. 

One secret to survival is to be willing to change as the market changes. Nina feels strongly, however, that relationships in this and every market, are stepping-stones to building and establishing a career. "People are going to hire their friends. They're going to want to work with people they can trust. Maybe an executive started out as a receptionist, whom someone once learned they could depend upon and promote."

John Anderson was loaded with insight. Most crew hired by L.I.F.T. is now union because companies coming in town expect the best. He suggested contacting Jefferson Vocational Technical College in Metairie, which distributes applications for those interested in the course on training for work behind the scenes. L.I.F.T. representatives teach those classes. I.A.T.S.E. gives classes for those who want training and even technicians who haven't joined the union yet, can take them. In some cases, a job comes up and the local is running short on members to fill the spot. Occasionally a participant will be given the job, which facilitates both the trainee and the union. 

John said the film "Infidelity" is exciting because it's the first film Louisiana won over from Canada. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., the nation's largest independent motion picture producer, has moved this project to New Orleans and promises more will follow, if all goes well with the fulfillment of state tax-incentives and LA's ability to produce with the big boys.

Finally, and oh-so-not-last, Ryan Rilette concluded the workshop with lots of thoughts on Louisiana actors and stated that Southern Rep is not using the "guest artists" contract only in hiring Equity actors. In fact, Southern Rep is the only Louisiana theatre that is operating as a full-time Equity house. He holds auditions for ALL PARTS, as parts are not pre-cast. Many people become Equity candidates and the theatre needs and encourage those who want to train behind the scenes and learn.  Ryan says that unlike film and TV, theater does cast non-traditionally and anything goes, so never miss a chance to interview with him or any other theatre director. 

This was but a glimpse at a full night of sharing. But please know this...NEW ORLEANS AFTRA AND ARTS COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS ARE ON A ROLL! 


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