NotaPushyMum.Com

Hiya

Our ds has been invited for 2 auditions for short films next week. We applied for these on Starnow and Talent Circle. Our ds is only 4 years old and feeling a little anxious as to what were walking into. has anyone any advice they can offer as this is our first audition?

Cut to the chase. i think what im trying to ask is i feel a little bit vulnerable walking into a place in the middle of knowwhere with my ds. does anyone know if castings on Starnow and Talent Circle are genuine and checked out before there added to the site.

I would ask for a copy of the full script and links to previous work the students have done so you can see what standard they are at before committing to attending an audition! DD has worked with some very good and able students and others who were definitely less skilled! Remember the audition is as much for you to check them out and see if you would like to work with them as it is for them to decide whether or not they want to work with you!

I would also say to ask for the full script and read it through with your ds before committing to anything. My ds has filmed 3 student films and is about to do his 4th (which he too had from starnow). He has gained so much experience from doing these and one film in particular even let him help out (behind the scenes ) with the filming and explained the different processes etc.. that they were going through in order to put it all together. He loves doing them and we have had nothing but positive experiences. Good luck to him.

Yes totally agree Mogs. The experience they get and the fun they have makes it worthwhile. Ds is filming with Gary Kemp this month through a student film!

thanks guys. one has sent through script and has explained in email that its a non-budget project so they can only cover expenses (food, local travel) on the shooting days, but the project is ambitious and well prepared offering you raw material for our ds showreel, invitation to the screening in June/July at the BFI, credit, and hopefully he'll gain some experience by the end of it.

Sorry to sound stupid but does that mean if he gets the part he will get a copy of the film? and screening,BFI, credit what does this mean?

It probably means that he'll get a copy of the film, though it may only be a digital copy.
The BFI is the British Film Insitiute and has a centre on the Southbank where they show lots of low budget/indie films, so your son will probably get to go and see it when it is shown at the BFI, and credit basically just means that he will have a credit on his CV. So he can say that he played a part in a film and put this on his CV :)

Lots of good advice from people about student films. I'd also add that they really are a mixed bag and that you can't always tell which are going to be good experiences and which are not. That said, I think if you get really good, clear information before you even audition, that's a good sign. Don't be afraid to turn something down if you don't like the look of the script or if they seem really disorganised or if you can't get the information you want about what your commitment would be, what expenses would be covered etc.

I would also say that it is not uncommon for students to be very ambitious for their films (understandably) and this can lead to them predicting success/prestige which they can't always deliver.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. feel a little more relaxed about it all now. x

Not sure re 4 yr old re licences but the couple we have done have required an afternoon off school and so I was only happy for her to to do them if we could get a licence in time. This we did but only because I explained what documentation was required and then the lady at our county office was fab and also because we managed to get a doctor's and headmaster's letter in 24 hours.The students don't seem to be aware of any of this and tbh I am not sure exactly what the rules are. It is alot of faffing about scanning and faxing birth certificates etc . As to projects themselves ...the one thing you can never do is predict how it will go. I had a really good vibe once and nothing came of it and another time both she and I, I felt, came across as totally idiotic and she got the part and we met some nice people. As to going for the auditions etc some of the locations are a bit odd and deserted campuses on wet sunday mornings can be a bit eerie and it can be a long train and tube trip sometimes all for 3 minutes. Also especially with a little one you have to stay in the room which my dd hates but obviously is necessary. A couple of times they have let me wait outside but because there was a window I could see through into the office/studio. If there is script it is easier as at least you don't have an ear shattering silence when they get asked something. We browse from time to time still and a lot of the student things seem to be a bit gruesome and often involve flashbacks (hence the child parts) and or deal with complex marital and family troubles.
If they get the part its is also good as you find out if your child (and indeed you) have got the requisite patient and phlegmatic personality for getting to some ends of the earth location at 8.30 on a freezing Sunday morning or battling through a rush hour boiling hot tube journey plus lots of hanging about and all for 30 seconds on camera. All we have appleid for have been genuine ads . If you are concerned you can always check with their tutors. Good Luck.

Hi Janey
our ds isnt at school yet so dont think licencing effects us yet, or does it lol.... we are just over an hour away from London where most castings are and i must admit its tempting to say just leave it. but ds loves the outings and the train so its all a big adventure for him. cant say if he'll enjoy the audition yet as its his first one but im sure he'll let me know if he doesnt. wether he'll participate now thats a different story alltogether lol.... oh noooo another thing to worry about!!! say he doesnt do as he's told arghhhhh.... oh my, what have am i letting myself in for

Hi sophiesocks i private messaged you. just checking to see if u have received it?