Acting and Modeling Quick Tip This Might be Why You Did Not Book the Film or TV Audition
If you went to an audition for a feature film or a TV show and did not book the job, maybe this is the reason why.
If you have an interesting story about why you did not book an audition, leave a note below.
About the Author: Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 36 years.
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Hi Aaron,
I received a call from one of the film makers shortly after auditioning for an independent project. In an unusual twist, I did not get the role, but he enjoyed my audition so much he felt compelled to reach out to me anyway to rave about my performance. I asked what made him decide on another actor, but he was very vague, ostensibly wanting to avoid offending me. Of course we should not take rejection for our line of work personally (unless they tell us specifically), but I appreciated his compassion nonetheless.
It was an odd sensation being praised for not getting the part, but it was clear one or more external factors beyond my control accounted for the decision. If it’s something you cannot control, it’s a waste of time, thought and energy to dwell on it. Sometimes it’s age, affect, style, delivery, looks or a host of other factors.
You are correct that it’s not always your audition that decides the outcome. My experiences have been when I walk out of the audition I’ll know if I was on my game or screwed it up. I remember noticeably botching my monologue for one audition a couple years ago. That never bodes well since unlimited preparation time should yield a top notch performance. Being prepared and focused avoids many pitfalls.
Dave, that is a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing it with everyone.
I agree, we have absolutely no control over the casting, only the audition.
The great thing was that what you did was clearly remembered by the film maker. Why
wouldn’t he or she call you back for the next project.
Congratulations on getting the audition and on your read as well.
Aaron
Please i need someone to help my dreams come throug, i want to be a model, i know i have all it takes to be a star.
What you want to do first is get the information so you can have success.
You can start by reading my new book How to Become a Successful Actor and Model.
howtomodel.com/book-the-job-book
This book will walk you through the process step by step and teach you the best way to get started and have success.
Take care.
Aaron
You are right on the mark Dave. You can’t take anything personally
in this business. Booking or not booking the role says nothing about
who you are as a person.
Aaron
Yes, Aaron, I did once learn the particular reason WHY I hadn’t gotten the role. The role was a “nearly drunk mall Santa” on a steamy soap opera a few years ago. I enjoyed the audition, it was opposite the desk of the network’s soap opera casting director, very comfy, very personal. She prepped me that she didn’t want a heavy slurred obvious drunk, that she felt most drunks are continually fighting against the inebriation, fighting for control. (I myself don’t drink, have never been drunk, but of course see that behavior in public now and then).
Well the CD said I did a great job of showing that fight for control and not over the top, I really thought I HAD the part (she genuinely seemed to like me, we clicked a bit)..
12 months later the studio was casting for a typical sweet mall Santa. Again, I am at the CD’s desk, reading the NEW part for her. She said – I really like you, Ricky. Do you want to know why you didn’t get booked last year? I nodded (not too over-EAGERLY). She said, although you did a just-right read as the drunkish guy, I could tell you are too nice a fellow, I wanted to save you for the sweeter version of Santa you do so much of your work in.
So Aaron, I’m happy I DID impressed her on our first meeting, AND learned the answer to one of the many mysteries we actors face: “NO NEWS after the audition”!
Hi Aaron–
There have been two times that come to mind immediately (would that be because I often don’t book the job? LOL). In one of them, the director said he LOVED my rendition of Mrs. Wilson, but that I wasn’t as old looking as he envisioned the character to be. In the other, the casting director told me that they had decided on a male in order to convey authority and power. One just can’t be all things to all men in this industry–sigh!
Becky,
You are right. There are some things we have no control over. I auditioned for a film role
as the mail man. When I saw the film, the part was booked by an African American woman. You
never know.
Thanks so much for the comments.
Aaron