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MAX News

Investing in Our Talent – Free Audition Technique Classes

MAX Agency prides itself on its ability to provide full training for its Models and Actors. All talent on our roster over the age of 8 years old receive full training in Audition Technique involving  monologue training and skits, operating with confidence and more. The classes are taught by prestigious acting coaches with extensive industry experience and are based out of The Talent Academy. Here’s a summary of what MAX Agency offers at no cost to you. These classes span 4 consecutive Sundays for two hours each class.

Week 1: Introduction to Acting

Basic script analysis (the W’s)

Acting is being / Introduction to improv

Slating, personality slate, hitting your mark, using the camera to your advantage

Overcoming self-conciousness / Learning to de-mistify “the room”

Learn how to break down a commercial script

Cold reading a commercial script with critique and re-direct

Week 2: Commercial at Performance Level

Learn why certain actors “book” consistently, and how to become one of them

Tricks and tools for “S.O.C” auditions using improv techniques

Tape and review “off book” (memorized) commercials

Working with props/products

Week 3: Scene Study

Work with a partner on a scene

Us the principles of intention/obstacles/tactics

Explore objectives

Tape and review monologues with critique and re-direction

Week 4: Performance Review

Perform both your commercial and your scene; receive feedback and a DVD of your best work

Teacher evaluation

Next steps: Reading lists, advice on resume, cover letters, etc

Insider tips

How to Pose for Photos – 6 Tips for Beginners

Here are 6 easy tips to remember for doing your first few photoshoots.  Simplicity is best. Don’t build up the session and over-practice in the beginning. An experienced photographer will give you some direction while letting you move naturally into poses that feel comfortable for you with only slight tweaks.  The most important thing to remember is to be confident. This will show and even amplify on camera.

  1. Avoid the Deer-in-the-Headlights Look: You may initially feel anxious as you embark on your first shoot. Beginners don’t know what to expect. Fear shows in the eyes first. So, try to avoid the scared look and soften your eyes. One good way to combat this is to squint your eyes until you begin to feel more relaxed. Your eyes will eventually relax as well.
  2. Move: Try not to get stuck in a pose for more than 3 seconds. A good photoshoot is like a flowing dance between you and the photographer. The truth is, the photographer will be capturing your transitions as well as your poses. Let them do their magic as you do yours. Move constantly and slightly, moving the angles of your head, shoulders, hips and shift your weight. Don’t forget to change your facial expression as well. Many new models produce photoshoots with the same default facial expression throughout the whole shoot. Let your photos show you in a variety of emotions and poses.
  3. Hand Placement: Keep in mind what you’re doing with your hands at all times. When you’re a beginner, your hands may be tense and this will show in photos as well. Awkward, stiff hands can ruin a photo when looking back at the details. If you’re holding onto something, like a necklace or jacket, make sure you are doing this gracefully and softly.
  4. Posture: Mother was right. And she still is. Make sure you have good posture to produce a model-like silhouette. This is one of the most important tenants of modeling.
  5. Asymmetrical Poses: Symmetrical poses are ok but often not that interesting. Include a few asymmetrical poses as well, as this looks more creative and artistic on camera.
  6. Don’t Always Look Straight Into the Camera: (There is an exception if you’re doing a photoshoot for your initial headshots or composite cards. Head-on angles are best for presenting yourself to a Casting Director in that case because they need to see your face clearly.) Otherwise, for an interesting shoot, looking away makes the viewer wonder “What is the model looking at? What is he or she thinking about?” It doesnt need to be dramatic and far off into the distance – it can be slightly off camera.

Insider tips

3 Quick Tips for Actors Starting Their Careers

  1. Learn the Craft. Study acting. Master the art of improv. Take multiple classes! The ultimate goal is to go before a casting director and nail the audition. That’s how you’re going to book work. If you really want to be a working actor, find the best teacher, the best acting coaches and then learn all you can from them.  Max Agency pays for free Audition Technique classes that incorporate monologues and skits because we invest in your success.
  2. Be Marketable. Often you need footage immediately, so go get some practice. Student films or independent projects will help you create some media to present to a casting director. It’s your personal commercial. There are millions of actors who don’t work, so try something new. Take risks. Don’t turn down work, but use it as a chance to get better and add to your experience.
  3. Surround Yourself With Artistic People. If you are with like-minded people, you will persevere and eventually get better. Fellow actors will fuel your passion – and likewise. You want to even surround yourself with people who are better-skilled than you are, because they will inspire you to push the boundaries.

All the best in 2015! Max Agency is here to help you realize your goals. You need to take the first step. Apply for an Evaluation with one of our dedicated Model & Talent Agents http://maxagency.com/application.php