Expert: Phil Nemy - 3/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi
re:  http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2008/03/15/2008-03-15_hasidic_ac
i would like to audition and am wondering what steps ,and qualifications this actor had , or that  someone needs to  audition for  this role , that needs replacement or  other similar  or other roles? does one have to be a member of SAG? how can  i get hooked up for this or other lucrative  acting roles

ANSWER: Jeremy,

Thanks for writing. I read the article you attached by link. It's an interesting situation. Unfortunately, since I'm not involved in the making of that film, I don't know what qualifications the hasidic actor had to have in order to be cast, nor do I know if he was a member of S.A.G. or not. Your best bet is to contact the film's production office and ask how you can audition for the film.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Phil

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how would i  do that?
also, can we not assume that they (or any large production co) would have back ups and stand ins  already lined up form the inception of the filming  for just such a contingency?

Answer
Jeremy,

Producers usually do not hire "backup" actors. If an actor drops out for whatever reason, they simply recast the role. My guess is that since they were already shooting the film, as soon as the hasidic actor dropped out, they probably recast the role that afternoon or the next day.

As far as standins are concerned, filmmakers usually only hire standins for the lead roles. And even then, the standins aren't hired to act, meaning most times the standins aren't trained actors. Standins are used to assist the camera, grip and electric crew with lighting the shot. Standins are usually people who are about the same height, weight and hair and complexion coloring of the lead actor. They "stand in" for the actor during the time it takes to light the scene. This can often take an hour so rather than have your actor stand for an hour, the standin "stands" for an hour.

Phil