Some days you’re
just not in the mood for a commercial casting, and today is one of those
days.
BEFORE:
As I write I’m
sat in a coffee shop just a few yards around the corner from the casting suite
where I’m due to be seen in half an hour. Part of the reason for my reticence
is the fact that I haven’t had a casting for a fortnight or so; it’s very easy
to get out of practice. Also, the random nature of commercial castings – never
quite knowing what’s going to be thrown at you – means you often have to
psyche yourself up for it.
Ultimately, I’m
pleased to be being seen for something; it ups the chance of work and
money. It’s hard to keep positive, though, when the last few months have been so
full of ‘pencils’ and near-misses.
In a moment I’ll
finish up my Mint Humbug tea (sophisticated), close up my laptop (high-tech)
and wander over to the casting suite (legs), to fill in the usual massive pile
of forms (admin) and cast my eye over whatever script they thrust in my direction (reading).
I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on.
AFTER:
It’s an hour
later - and I’m sat on the train home as it pulls out of King’s Cross.
Despite my
doom-laden tone prior to the casting, I actually quite enjoyed myself. There was a little dialogue to deliver – which
you have to learn quickly before you go in – but it was nothing too taxing.
It helped that
the advert is part of a series that has already aired, so I had a bit of a
heads-up as to what they might be looking for. The style is right up my street
(naturalistic, ‘thrown away’ comedy), so it wasn’t too much of a stretch. It
would actually be an enjoyable little gig to get.
The casting
studio was full of mothers and babies waiting to be seen for something else, so
it was a little frenetic. I arrived, gave my name, filled in the various forms,
posed for a picture and then was given the script to have a look at.
The advert revolved
around a newly-married couple, so we were seen in twos. The girl had the lion’s
share of the dialogue, so I had the easier ride between us. Part of the script
called for very specific timing between the two of us, so it took a couple of
takes to get it right – then, before I knew it, I’d said goodbye to my ‘temporary
wife’ (no affection), picked up my jacket and umbrella, and was back out on the
street, heading for the Underground.
The trick now is
to forget about it. Getting the job would ease my finances and be a good
addition to my CV, but there’s no point in giving it too much thought. If I
hear anything over the next few days, then great. If not, it’s just another one
to chalk down to experience.
At least I learnt a couple of things today: (1) there’s such a thing as a Mint Humbug Tea, and (2) I enjoy
drinking it.