Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 4/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been told, and warned many times over of something called the, "casting couch". It seems to be something that no one wants to admit to, nor talk about.
I have searched every where with no truthful solid information given.
Please I NEED this answered truthfully.
For my own safety.
Is it true, that in order to break into the business (acting &/or singing/music) and especially for females, one has to "put out" so say?

In other words, do you have to sleep with someone to get a good role, or even get a mediocre job in the acting (or music) industry?

I want to go into acting, but this warning keeps plaguing me when ever I think about getting a job in the field.

My sister has actually talked to a professional actor, and he said EVERYONE at one time or another in their acting career has had to do it just to get a job. Or if not just a job, then the "big break".

Please let me know if ANY OF THIS is the truth,in ANY way shape or form; or if I have been told a pile of lies.

Thank You,
Acting hopeful worrying my poor head off. *chuckle* :-)


ANSWER: Hi "S",

The "casting couch" literally refers to a couch that so happens to be in the casting room. I can't recall seeing a couch in any place I have auditioned, but that is just semantics. You can have sex anywhere, no couch necessary and it might just be at a producer's hotel or casting person's as well, after they invite you to dinner to talk about the part. Most of the casting directors I know of are women, BTW. That doesn't mean they might not "like you" too!

In "Hollywood Babylon" (the first book by Kenneth Anger)he wrote about Marilyn Monroe's signing her first studio contract and saying: "That's the last d**k I'll have to suck!" So, you can see, it has existed since early on. Of course it was supposedly a studio president that she had to do that with back in the day.

Years ago I spoke with Powers Booth ("Red Dawn","Philip Marlow", "Southern Comfort" and "Tombstone") who attended my same university when in the theater program and he talked about this.
He said he had been chased around the room by both sexes at one point or the other, but couldn't recommend one way or another if you should participate and whether it would further your career.

I don't think you HAVE to do anything. You can simply walk out. But there are people who see nothing wrong with using any advantage to get "there". Who knows? Maybe it could open doors. The thing is, it has to be something you can live with. In life, there are many women who live with, marry and sleep with guys who aren't exactly who they'd want to be with, but for security or to have the things in life they want, they decide to be with those guys for the perks that they get from the arrangement. Why else would you see so many "old guys" with "trophy wives"?

I was auditioning for a film about four years ago and heard there was a smallish part for a girl who could pass for high school age. I knew a college drama student from my town and under special permission from my agent, got her in to be seen. While not a porno movie, they did want her and a couple other girls to "flash" another girl who played a prude in the movie. Well, she would have gotten the part, but was afraid to do it. It's funny, because often times the women you see at Mardi Gras celebrations who do that are quite older women, very seldom younger ones. I guess that you get over shyness as you get older and in their case, appreciate the attention as looks don't last.

I believe Bette Page said something along the lines of that she thought when a woman is young she should have photos done of the way her body looks, because even if just for yourself, you can look back years later and see that you too, looked young and beautiful at one time. (reminds me of th old Rose in "Titanic". Bette refused to take photos toward her later years in life, because she "wanted people to remember her as she was, not how she became". I understand that.

If I were to get a role requiring nudity, I would not hesitate to do it, because I am comfortable with myself, and if there was a reason for it in the story, it would be justified. I am not a perfect looking 20 something guy, but people aren't perfect, generally. If it helps my career, great! It's not a big deal to me, and it's not just that I'm a guy. Once upon a time, if an actress had photos or forgotten footage leak out, it could be a disaster. That was the old days; now it might even help things.

Bottom line, you have to do what you are okay with. I guarantee that not everyone has "put out" to make it. But if you don't want to be in that position, keep your wits about you and trust your sense. If you become a good actor and have a unique look that stands out, and you put yourself out there to maximize opportunities to get a break, you may just do well. By put yourself out there, I mean doing student films, getting involved in the acting community, networking and auditioning for everything you possibly can. Even if you don't accept the role, the more you audition,the better you audition.

Best,

Taylor

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

QUESTION: thank You SO MUCH for your informative and in depth answer.
I just have a few more, if that's okay. I don't know if you'd know, but any information you could give would be GREATLY appreciated. :-)

So does this mean sex is expected for EVERY part? Just the Big parts? Or only when you're wanting to break into the business, like become a "star"?
Also, is this just for Movies, or for T.V. also?
along with this, and I don't know if you would know, but is this also for Christian films, T.V. Shows, etc.?

And what about the rest of the industry, if you know.
Would you have to sleep with some one just to say, be a cinematographer? Writer? Director? Producer? Make-Up Artist? Art director? or like the 1st A.C. ?

Also, how many people would you have to sleep with to get an acting part?
Would it have to be the Unit Production Manager (UPM) Director, AND producer?
Or just one of them?

Along with this, and I know you mentioned it, but I just want to be sure. If you chose to NOT sleep around, would you have ANY chance at all, of getting a part? Especially a BIG one say in T.V. or a Movie?  And would it be possible to get a big part in T.V. while still saying no, but NOT a movie?

Well, sorry for going so in depth,and being so nit picky. But I'm really needing to know.  And thank you so much again for taking your time to answer my questions.
It has laid to rest a lot of the rumors and half truths I've been told.
:-)
S. Olson  

Answer
Hi "S",


There really isn't any rhyme or reason to it if someone propositions you at casting or hiring. Of course if they aren't careful, they could be sued for sexual harrassment.

I really wouldn't worry about it. You just have to see.
Unless you are looking to figure out who to go to to do so, you shouldn't sweat it.

Best,

Taylor