CASTING TEEN TYPES

'THE OUTSKIRTS'

FEATURE FILM CASTING FOR BACKGROUND TALENT 

TEEN TYPES ONLY 18-20 years old (must be over 18)
Filming in July in Great Neck, New York (must be able to work local to Great Neck).

Jodi and Mindy have suffered years of torment under the thumb of the school's alpha female. They plan to ride out their senior year under the radar, but when they become victims of a humiliating prank, the two hatch a plan to unite the outcasts of the school and start a social revolution.

Starring: Victoria Justice, Eden Sher, Avan Jogia, Ashley Rickards, Peyton List

We are looking for ALL TEEN types from Goths to Steam Punk, Fantasy Kids, Skaters, K-pop, EMOs, Twihards, Poms, Hipsters, Sci Fi, Techies, Jocks, Marching band, Popular Kids, etc, etc. 

BRING OUT YOUR MOST 'ALTERNATIVE' SELF!!!! 

Paid participation SAG/AFTRA and NON-UNION. If interested, please complete the Casting Registration by clicking the link below and carefully filling out the form!  While you are filling out the form, please indicate which types of clothing you have that fit into our groups!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rF_KQTa_YQueaDSZ9cTZTSR7xpPcHDhUIQu8NuASKHU/viewform

PLUS, Please send 2 CURRENT PHOTOS (face and full body) that have all the following...
1. jpg photo files 
2. We need to see your face and what you look like. (If you can send us a photo as one or more of the types that would be great! We don't mind really nicely taken cell phone shots as long as they aren't cluttered or blurry.)
3. Label the photo file clearly with YOUR NAME 
4. NO PDF photo Files
5. SEND TO: [email protected] (please only send to this email, no Facebook communication, please)

We look forward to your submissions!

I feel it important to be upfront about things and I had someone ask me a question that sets off alarms in my head and my heart.  Someone had cancelled a photo shoot he had set up with a photographer I was working with to provide discounted head shots to those in need of an update.  He was afraid that because he had cancelled with me, that it would have an impact on if I would cast him or not.  The answer is that whether or not you take up offers from Hudson Valley Casting, it has no bearing on your being cast in something or not.  The important thing is that he wasn't a NO SHOW (I don't like no shows) he cancelled with plenty of notice.  It makes me sad to think that an actor is thinking that they should spend the last money they have on head shots so I will cast them. NO!  Head shots done well can help, but if it is a choice of eating or head shots, please EAT!

 Another thing that I want to share openly is that my husband, Wayne Pyle, is  the coach I work with at Hudson Valley Casting.  WHY?  Because he is great!  Because he has a MFA in acting!  Because he has taught acting at colleges and universities!  Because  he  knows what he is talking about!  We met as actors long ago playing Romeo and Juliet.  Two professionals came together and started a family.  We wanted to work together, so we are.  We have a son, and  he actually got me my second casting job as extras casting because they needed someone for DOVID MEYER and they knew I had the skill.  I was just the stage mom for my son before that. My son was cast BEFORE I had anything to do with the project, not the other way around.  

Yes, there are times when I cast my son in something, but that is because I have written that something for my son, like the Doritos commercial.  That was a self produced project,  a family affair.  No one was paid for that, either.

I submit my family members, with the same pile as everyone else and only if they are right for the project. My son was NOT in MI AMERICA.  And believe me, they are often NOT chosen for parts. WHY?  Because they don't fit the directors vision... plain and simple!

My point is, that we care about finding the best people for the part, regardless of which coach you use, or where you get your photos taken, or who you are related to.  We will offer you things and you partake if you would like to.  When we work with make-up artists and photographers, we do this because we can offer a discount and get it for you reduced. It is a gift, NOT a requirement.

I know lots of other coaches: Denise Summerford,  Shona Tucker, Darrell James.  All good as well!  And when Wayne is away acting up a storm somewhere, I might invite one of them on as resident coach for a while!

Currently, I am working with two photographers.  Kelley Van Dilla and Richard Hutchings and Robin Weisel for make-up. Also I work with Candace Schuster for make-up.  So there is no exclusivity here.  I just want to work with good people.  SO ... help me out!  Help me remember you!  Teach me that you are reliable!

Tips for being Cast-able and other things to think about:

1. The director makes the decision (and sometimes the producer).
It is rare that I get to make the final choice of an actor in a shoot.  I WISH!  
We, as Casting Directors just bring you in the  door, the rest is up to you and then chance.

2.  You need to have your tools ready
A. Head shots.
B. Resume
C. Reels
D.  DO YOUR HOMEWORK  (read the script, find out the producer, director, other talent attached to the project, work on the script, make bold choices, rehearse, dress appropriately, get coaching if you feel you need it, work from the top of your intelligence).
E. Be a good person to work with: no complaining, don't chit chat too much, no gossiping, be helpful and grateful and gracious, be kind, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS (especially submission directions), don't apologize, be humble with confidence.
F. DON'T be a NO SHOW and if you can avoid being a 'last minute canceler,' please do, because that is truly annoying.

3. BRING the goods to the audition.  DO GREAT WORK! Breathe, Relax,  HAVE FUN! Make me laugh, make me cry!
 
4. Know that casting is SO random.  It is based on the Directors Vision (or the Producer). Some people have that look and quality that fit A LOT of roles, and others, like me, don't.  Be happy for those who do, and don't waste time complaining about that.  Get better at acting and you will book more roles.

5. LET IT GO!  Don't think about it again.  If you get the call, GREAT! 

6. PLEASE know that Hudson Valley Casting will never require you to purchase anything from us directly to get roles. To be honest:  We may  suggest that you need better photos or that you need to work on your acting skills to up it to the next level, but  you can choose how and where you take care of those things.
If you aren't booking, you have to assess where you need improvement.

AND RUN AWAY FROM ANY AGENCY OR CASTING DIRECTOR THAT REQUIRES MONEY FROM YOU!

A lot of parents ask me how they can get their child into acting.  Then they ask if they should go to the city and get an agent.  Most of the larger agencies will want you to go to every audition they want to send you and your child to.  If you live up here in the Hudson Valley, that can be a trek and quickly drain your wallet and your energy.  
There are many things you can do with your child up here BEFORE you decide to get the big agent in NYC.
One is to let Hudson Valley Casting know that your child is available to work by signing up in our talent submissions.  /experienced-talent.html
The next is to familiarize yourself with the process of obtaining a work permit (or working papers) for your child.  Please follow this link to begin to get to know the process. 
_https://www.labor.ny.gov/secure/welcome.asp
 You will need a special bank account called a UGMA or a Coogan account (this protects your child's earnings).  The account is probably the most challenging part of getting the application.  But breathe, and read, so you can prepare yourself for the process.  
Obtaining the permit is doable and once it is done you just have to renew once per year.
Stay tuned for more information about how to give your child the opportunity to be a child actor.