I’m a Loner Dottie, A Rebel

I have a partial update from the auditions on Monday:
I’ve heard nothing from the second call. However, not surprisingly, the first call, where they really made me feel unwelcome, is going nowhere.
I talked with my manager about it, and he got some feedback from them: they found people they really liked on Friday, and I guess lots of actors left that room on Monday feeling shitty, like they didn’t even want them to be there. Well, duh. If they found people they really liked on Friday, why even bother to bring us in on Monday?! And why bother to bring in actors if they’re going to make us feel like they don’t even want us there?!
Now, I know I probably shouldn’t say this, because in the entertainment industry, nobody is supposed to say obvious and truthful things, like Tom Cruise sucks, or James Cameron is an epic A-hole and Michael Bay is a complete hack, but here’s some information from The Inside(tm):
This happens all the %$@!^ing time. Actors prepare their guts out for an audition, only to get there, wait an hour or longer (SAG says they’re supposed to pay us like 30 bucks or something if we’re there longer than an hour, but if an actor actually asks for that he will be blacklisted by that casting director, so nobody ever does), and go into a room where producers are on the phone, or looking through paperwork, or doing just about everything in the world except paying attention to the actor who is auditioning for them.
Most of the time, the person who is reading with you is so overworked, he or she doesn’t take the time to learn what the scene is about, and reads the other lines in the scene with a flat, monotone disinterest that throws off the best of us. I guess what most of them fail to realize is that the best acting is reacting, and it’s tough to react to complete and utter disinterest.
A notable exception to this rule is Tony Sepulveda, who casts at Warner Brothers. He is one of my absolute favorite casting directors to read for, because he ALWAYS makes me feel welcome and comfortable, and he ALWAYS knows the material he’s reading. The last time I read for him, he was totally off the script, and even improvised with me. Tony is an incredibly busy man, yet he still manages to find the time to make actors feel welcome. It’s a shame that there’s only one of him.
You know, if I were a producer or director, I would want every actor who comes into my room to feel extremely comfortable. I would want to create an atmosphere where actors are free to feel vulnerable and take chances, and where they are able to do their absolute best work. I would want actors to come before me, and not worry about anything, at all, except showing me their take on the character.
Oh, I’m so living in a dreamworld. That is just not how it is. 4 out of 5 times, I go into an audition, and the people I’m reading for don’t even stand up and thank me for coming in. Most of the time, I’m lucky if anyone other than the casting director even says hello, or shows a remote interest in my being there. I have experienced people taking calls on their cell phones and talking during my audition, taking calls on their cell phones and leaving the room while I’m doing my audition, reading the newspaper, reading their schedule for the rest of the day, talking to another person in the room…it goes on and on.
Good acting comes from an actor who is not afraid to stand there naked in front of a room, and bear their soul to the camera. You’d think that the non-creative philistines who run this bullshit industry would give a shit about that, and try to create an atmosphere where actors can relax and do their best work.
But here’s the truth: these days, most of the people sitting in that room know that their show is going to maybe make it three episodes before the equally-insecure and un-talented people at the network cancel it before it can find an audience, and put re-runs of some shitty reality show in it’s place. And because they know this, they are scared to death, and they don’t trust their instincts, and they project all their insecurities onto the actors who are in front of them.
You know, the audition process for Win Ben Stein’s Money was the most fun I have had in YEARS, and that was entirely because Andrew Golder and the entire group over there told me, from the very beginning, “We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed. We want you to feel free to make mistakes, and not worry about looking bad, because when you can do your best work, it makes us look good.” It made me feel likeI was playing before the home crowd in The Big Game(tm).
So the challenge for me is to somehow get over this terrible enviroment that pervades auditions these days. I have to be able to walk into a room, and not give a shit about them, because they certainly don’t give a shit about me. But that’s extremely hard! I do care about them. I have put time, energy and effort into creating this character for them, and I want to please them! It’s really tough to do my best, when I feel like the people in the room don’t care whether I’m there or not.
Now, maybe I’m insane, but wouldn’t it be better, and easier, and more cost-effective for the studios to put actors at ease, and make us feel like they do, in fact, give a shit about us being there? If they’d do that, actors would be able to do much better work, because they wouldn’t feel nervous and overly scrutinized. Shows would be cast much more quickly, and everyone would go home happy.
But, as I said, I am so living in a dreamworld.
Thought for today:

“If imagination is not set to the task of building a creative life, it busies itself with weaving a web of inner fears and doubts, blame and excuse.”
-Laurence G. Boldt

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116 thoughts on “I’m a Loner Dottie, A Rebel”

  4. I think it’s like this in most industries. The person hiring already has someone in mind, but they HAVE to list it publicly and HAVE to interview people, even if they have no desire to check out other people. I’ve had a couple jobs I didn’t get because, “we’ve already got someone in house.” Thanks for wasting my time.

  5. I just have to say that I’m digging the titles for the last two entries…I love the Get Up Kids! And both those songs are awesome. So yeah. 🙂

  9. Bummer, Wil. I’m not an actor and will probably never experience what you (and other actors) have to go through at auditions, but I do know the feeling of walking into a room and getting vibes from the guy running the show that he doesn’t even want to be there. It sucks a lot, and it must be ten times worse when you’re up there alone. Sorry again, but good luck with the other audition you had… try to have a nice day 🙂

  10. Yikes. They’re shooting themselves in the foot by not devoting full attention to the potential cast. Who knows how many nuances – nuances that might grow into memorbale characters – have been lost by inconsiderate casting? Maybe this is a sign that institutionalised television is in its death throes, and independent productions, which live and die on acting performances, are the way of the future?
    Gaving just received the ST:TNG Series 1 DVD set I am tempted to grab some sequences of Wesley’s most memorable facial expressions from the first season and put a montage together hehe
    Keep on trucking Wil, somewhere amongst all the crap is the role that makes it all worthwhile
    – Lucas

  14. God it pains me to read this stuff. It’s just so goddam rude! I work in production (not casting!) and am always as polite and friendly as I can be (unless someone is being a complete asshole). In fact, being nice to people and having a good rapport with everyone is what keeps you going when you are stuck in a production office for 18 hours a day, especially when everyone else has wrapped hours ago!
    Promise you this Wil – if I’m ever in a position to cast you or anyone else (not impossible I assure you) – they will be treated decently and with respect.
    Don’t let the bastards get you down – would you want to work with these people anyway??

  15. i feel for ya wil….it’s the same in my industry…i’ve been in advertising and design for about a decade, and when you work on the creative side, dealing with the bean counters, and brand police is a nightmare…
    but thats the way it goes….like some one else just posted, you put up with a ton of shit, and just when you’ve almost had it, there’s the role you were waiting for…
    don’t give up….all of us desperately want to see you in movies and on tv…
    surely we won’t be disapointed for much longer 😉
    oh..and i STILL think your movie December rocks….i was just watching it the other night with my wife, and damn, if that’s not a enjoyable film…

  16. This is my first comment, so I might sound dumb. I sound dumb half the time anyway. But wow, I didn’t realize that’s how auditions go. I don’t have anything to do with the entertainment industry except that I’m a…consumer, I guess you could call it, but that sort of treatment isn’t acceptable anywhere. I’m not claiming to be a perfect person myself, but it’s sad how many people in this world don’t understand common courtesy. (Am learning this more and more now that I’m in college and am meeting people from all over.) Hang in there! We’re rooting for you!

  17. It’s so tempting to stop caring just because others don’t seem to care while you’re auditioning. Fortunately for all of us, you can’t stop caring because your sensitivity and vulnerability is part of what you bring to your characterisations. Never let anyone drag you down and take that from you. Just keep being yourself and giving it your best.
    Rob

  18. That’s both surprising and not surprising. I’m surprised that these people could be so insensitive and superior, but at the same time, it’s Hollywood. I always saw Tom Cruise as an asshole, but it’s really true? I was so cheering for Nicole Kidman when she came on Letterman after the divorce and took a shot at Tom (even if it was just a shot as his shortness).
    I didn’t know you auditioned for Win Ben Stein’s Money, Wil. Did you make it? I love that show! 🙂

  19. Wil said:
    …nobody is supposed to say obvious and truthful things, like Tom Cruise sucks, or James Cameron is an epic A-hole…
    Wil, you’re my new hero 😉
    Sounds like those people are just petty little men/women that feel the need to use what little power they have over your faith to make themselves feel bigger. Sadly you can find those everywhere it seems… in a studio in LA or a hotel in Las Vegas. Tell yourself they probably have a miserable life. Cheer up, the role of a lifetime is just around the corner 😎

  20. Just like any industry out there, making things simple is just too simple to think of. Yes, it is easier to do those things the way in your dream, but it’s too easy. It’s so easy, that the higher ups probably haven’t even thought about those ideas. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for you on that second audition. Don’t give up hope.

  21. I like that little dreamworld you are living in. I know you are not the only one there. I bet all the actors called on Monday are feeling the same way. Who knows, one day you may be on the other side of the table and boy won’t those actors be lucky.

  23. “I guess what most of them fail to realize is that the best acting is reacting,”
    … and by that I don’t mean acting *again*.
    😉

  24. *adds self to the posse* ^^ I remember purring over you when I was a wee one. What a treat to have my eyes opened to the fact that you’re not Wes Crusher. *lol* Apologies for getting caught up in the usual actor/character mental-merge.
    Good luck to you! May you ever be doing what you love, and love what you are doing~ (despite epic a-holes and ignorant feeb casting crew)

  25. Hey Wil, I see that your hosting Arena on G4. Just wondering how much you really know about online gaming. Do you follow the Pro gaming scene, tournaments or even actually play online games? Will Arena cover any of the this type of gaming? Will there be any coverage of big lan tourneys like the CPL,WCG, or any of the big euro tournaments? I like the idea of G4 and your show on that channel, I just hope “Arena” won’t end up binge a documentry on Evercrack!
    BA

  26. Wil
    Thanks for sharing that with us. I had inklings about how auditions are, but not the truth. I’d say you should do a documentary about this, but if that’s the way the industry goes, they probably wouldn’t appreciate being shown a mirror.
    I wish you luck with the second audition. Here’s hoping that you’re eventually in the position that you can change the industry for the better.
    MOJO!

  27. Thks Wil for an insiders view to the audition process.
    It is too bad that casting people do not invest themselves into the process as much as people like you do.
    My belief is that you don’t get the things you are not suppose to get, and get the things you are. Guess I believe in Kismet!
    Cheer up – other opportunities are always around the corner!

  29. What you need to do is just walk into the room and do your best.
    And then finish with a full moon!
    Don’t forget the smiley face.

  30. Sounds like it’s time to get Jonathan Frakes in there to open up a can of whoop-ass!

  31. Wil,
    We know Tony Sepulveda, do you mind if I pass along your kind words to him? He’s doing a lot of casting for the West Wing now, which my housemate is the Key 2nd on. She knew him before that, and is thrilled to be working with him also.
    I think that on the business side of Hollywood, everyone is constantly being reminded that they aren’t as big a shot as they were hoping, and they take it out on the actors, whom are the only people they feel they have power over. I worked as a casting assistanton a movie several years ago, and just cheered for everyone. You auditioned for that movie (your polaroid was on the wall), but it was before I was working there.
    As for the bourgeois farts sitting behind the table, I say, “Noli nothis permittere te terere.”
    Latin for “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”
    Anne

  33. Wil
    Sorry to hear that your auditions were just like (in my experience) most interviews these days.
    You’ll get that part, all this mojo should be able to beat even Hollywood eventually…..

  35. Oh man, it is amazing to see someone in your position saying this outloud. My partner is in the business and I have always been apalled at her acceptance of the way the ‘business’ works. I am in industrial sales and I have walked out of customers offices if they are unable to respect the fact that I am a professional and they have no right to disrespect me by wasting my time. I do the same for them. I have talked to many actors and they all basically accept it… but I guess they all secretly hope they will make it big and then be in a position to step on these same people…Well, kudos to you Will.

  36. I’m an editor in Atlanta, and even down here I’ve seen the same sort of thing. Even worse for commercial auditions. The creatives (what I have to call my clients, wrong word if ever there was one) are frazzled, working on four hours sleep, and trying not to show it. They are trying to cram 48 hours into the day, because the sponsor totally changed the script two days ago, etc. etc. etc. Also, in two days they will audition 30 people, so if you are number 1 then ‘wow, that was great, thanks’ if you are number 25 it’s ‘great, we’ll be in touch, next’.

  37. I’ve been on auditions and I know exactly what you are talking about. Knowing how the game is played is part of winning at the game. Part of the reason why I haven’t worked as an actor in years is because I got tired of the indifference and turn-downs. Part of the situation with the industry is there are SOOO many people who want to MAKE it BIG, so many fish in the sea, and being the one with the pole, they can be choosey as to whom they select.
    When you go on an audition with the attitude, “I’m gonna do the best I can because that’s what satisfies me.” you will walk away satisfied regardless if you get the job or not. Of course, that attitude won’t for sure put money in your pocket, but you got to live with yourself and build your own self esteem, which will allow you to project confidence in the face of adversity.
    Want it sooo bad, it probably the bane of an actor looking for work, but its part of the process, part of the game. How could ya go on if you didn’t want it sooo bad?
    When you find your “flow” and stay in it, you will be at the right places at the right time, and when you are in the “flow” nothing can stand in the way of the fulfillment of your dreams.
    “It’s a matter of Mind, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” quote from a sugar package.
    Break a leg!

  38. My god, casting people come from the same pod as HR drones interviewing for IT support specialists.
    “Hello. I’m going to ask you a completely baffling question, and then completely fail to display body language which might indicate that you’re doing okay or not okay, so that you feel like you’re bouncing these nonsense replies off of a brick fucking wall. Incidentally, these questions won’t be on any standard ‘how to cope with an interview’ list or in any class on how to handle an interview or anything. We cooked these up just to fuck with your head, and we patented them.”
    One company even asked me to /roleplay/ a manager with whom I’d had a nontrivial conflict and tell them what he would have said about me. There’s a teensy problem with going into character mode when the only manager you’ve ever had that conflict with hated you because you were a technically competent female.
    I know I’ve lost jobs due to a complete inability to deal with this kind of approach. If I don’t dissolve into a pile of wisecracks, I… uh, dissolve into a pile of honesty. I admire anyone who can put up with the brick wall multiple times in one day. Hell.

  39. Hi Wil,
    Like everyone else here I am sorry that in general casting people suck so badly. We all know that you are the best and could probably do just about any roll well if given the chance (though I think I would leave the female ones out, it’s funny in Monty Python, but I can only watch so much of that at once). Some people, actually most people do not know the meaning of respect even though they expect it from everyone. Being in Sales I know what it is like to have to be nice to everyone no matter how much of an a-hole they are (I actually have had a person trying to sell me something on the phone hangup on me because I was being so polite they couldn’t take it). I think my face as been forced into smile that will never go away whether I want it to or not. Some one else mentioned early and I will repeat because it is true, do you really want to work for people who will treat you like that? I know I wouldn’t. Here is hoping that the other auditions went well, and if not, here is to hoping that one well come along soon that will. I can’t wait to see you can either on tv or in a movie, then maybe my dad can get over his dislike of Wesley and finally admit you are a great actor. Good Luck.
    Eppy

  40. Hmph. If I were giving an audition and some idiot was on a phone or people were coming in and out I’d have a fit.
    Doesn’t anyone speak up? It’s ridiculous. Don’t just rant about it on your web site, make a fuss at the audition! Don’t let them just walk all over you.

  41. Wil,
    Thank you for sharing that inside view. It is, I have to say, a lot different from what I imagined in my girlish fantasies when I was a young teen who imagined herself as being the next Julia Roberts or something…
    Hang in there and good luck with your second audition.

  42. Damn That Sucks-
    Dude I am way sorry that it didn’t work out for you man!
    I am still praying for you-
    One thing is for sure I am glad that I am not an actor- ya’ll go through so much crap!Just to keep on acting!
    We Still love you Wil!

  43. Wil isn’t alone:
    Orson Scott Card points out that James Cameron is a dick every chance he gets. He said that he wouldn’t let James Cameron direct Ender’s Game because “life is too short”.

  44. I’m sorry to hear that your first audition didn’t go well. I’m also sorry I missed going to your site on Monday to know to send good vibes your way. However, I wish you the best of luck on the other one!
    Anne

  45. Dude! I hear what your saying and I agree….
    It’s a waste of everyone’s time and money.
    Buttholes!

  48. hi! first of all, i’m impressed that you have commenting. i’ve been noticing how your website is getting all of this great positive attention and links, which makes me happy. so it’s great that despite all of the traffic, i can put my two cents in here.
    second, i read through some of meisner’s book on your recommendation and am now in acting 1 with roger babb (who acted with joseph chaikin) here at swarthmore. we’re learning stanislavski technique right now, of course, and so i just wanted to say that it’s awesome reading how your references and explanations of what makes good acting corresponds directly with what we’re learning.
    my motto for academia is, “you have to choose your bullshit.” so i guess the same applies to choosing to be an actor. i’m glad you’ve got such a vice grip on acting chops and theory (but practical theory, not worthless theory). i’m sure if you ever come to philadelphia to do improv or anything else, we’ll come out to see you in force.

  49. Soo sorry for what happened, Wil! I’m not involved in the industry, but that attitude of inconsideration pervades all industries now. Just keep being the great, funny, and sensitive guy you are. Voted lots of times for Good Things. And, as I said before, Nolan and Ryan have a great stepdad! Chin up, dude ;)! Karen

  50. Wil, I know that we keep saying this, but, there will be a part that kicks ass for you some time.
    You never know when, but you’ll get it. I hate people like that. When did you put the comments on? I was here two hours ago and it wasen’t on. Oh well. Wasen’t there another audition for you today? Or was that cancelled?
    Either way, I’m still sending you mojo.

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