I'm thinking that I'd like to audition (hopefully be cast!) in some short films, just for fun.
I don't have an agent, but my friend who is an actress said that you can just look for them online.
The only problem is, I'm really careful about my safety and I would like to know if anyone has any experience of auditioning for/working on short films and how I can do this safely?
I used to apply to be involved in short films, i find them quite fun and a really good experience. Firstly you should probably look on sites like mandy and talentcircle. But in terms of safety, you should always be able to take a parent/guardian or friend with you to the audition and to the filming, or at least they should be able to drop you off and pick you up and speak to whoever is in charge. These are the sort of precautions i took, but i was usually about 16 or over when i really began getting involved in short films and unpaid work. So perhaps it also depends on your age. But somebody should always know where you are and the contact details of you and whoever is in charge.
Some other users on here probably have some better advice/experience of their dd or ds being involved in short films and will probably be able to tell you more about the legalities of them and what sort of precautions and such they expect for their children.
Good luck!
*The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. Stand your ground for freedom, beauty, truth, and love.* - Moulin Rouge
Totally agree with xeb. I would add one more tip. Check everything you can find about the people involved and their previous work. They audition you but you first decide if you like what they do in terms of quality and content of their works (usually they have some previous work uploaded on vimeo or youtube). I notice that usually good quality goes with reliable people, plus there is less chance of waisting time.
I definately agree with the other two posts. If you cant find anything on them though thats not neccesarily bad as most will be students and never made anything big before. I think its good to get an idea of how professional they are by looking at how well written the casting call is, if there are a lot of spelling mistakes i tend to avoid as, for me, it makes them seem badly organised if they dont check over what they have written. If you have any concerns call them, any good director/producer will be happy to answer any questions and will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. One other thing, you will probably be told not to go to a house but the reality is, short films are often so low budget that they cant afford to hold auditions anywhere else. As long as you have someone else with you though, you will be fine!
Assuming you are under 16, you need to have your parents onside then are best to register on the likes of StarNow etc.. but a parent will have to authorise and run the account for you.
We have not yet been asked to a house to audition but have been asked for video auditions or to attend a public building and a parent MUST be present both at the audition and at the filming. I would be very wary if they don't insist on that.
