ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

13 years, 6 months ago - Mark Withers

I have directed several actors without their clothes on over the years and never once even considered asking them to audition naked or topless if it was required for the role.

'Hardcore' a comedy feature film of mine is DVD released April 16th (youtube.com/watch?v=pUSU_I7tUos) and contains several nude scenes, but again I wasn't casting solid actors for how they looked under their clothes but how well they could deliver a believable character. Does it make a character more 'believeable' if they have an amazing (whatever that definition is) body?

I've had offers of actresses willing to SHOW me their breasts in auditions, which is nice but unnecassary. I know of actresses auditioning in bikinis to get a better 'sense' of their bodies, but then you need to ask just how relevant is all this flesh to the story?

You must also remember that auditions are usually video recorded, so if you don't end up with the role there will be a piece of floating footage of your bare boobies out there! (Happened to Cameron Diaz) Ultimately some people will exploit others for easy kicks because there is sometimes such an air of desperation from actors - this will interest you:

http://viewreels.com/video/meat-market-1

Good luck with it all, and keep your clothes on in auditions! Unless your director/casting director/producers are willing to disrobe too!

13 years, 6 months ago - michael wray

This sounds extremely dodgy be very careful. Depending on the type
of script it isn't unreasonable to ask to take a picture on the day
but it seems highly disrespectful to be asked to audition this way.
I'd be asking if I really want to work with these people.

13 years, 6 months ago - tinge krishnan

Hello I'm a female director who has worked with nudity and sex scenes etc
(junkhearts) and I was a little alarmed to see your post.

I would consider it a very innappropriate request to have you audition topless, even if nudity is involved. In fact especially if nudity is involved it is imperative that the director you are working with is respectful and careful.

Who is your agent? Their job would be to protect you from situations like this. I would really consider whether you want to work with this team.

In fact my very strong instinct is to avoid working with this team they sound too strange.

A sex scene is all about acting and really has nothing to do with how you look with your top off.

I'm sure others will agree.

This request is of theirs is unnacceptable. Get them to call me or email me if they have a problem with that! I will explain it to them.

Keep the faith trust your talent dont get your kit of unless it is with incredibly
trustworthy folks and after a lot of convesation and trust-building

Good luck with your acting, trust your craft , trust your instincts
Tx

13 years, 6 months ago - Andy Whitehead

My advice is to avoid this type of audition at all costs and highlight the ofensive director. My last film had a girl dressing for a date, I was 47 single man looking for a sexy girl! I started by searching Starnow for a lingerie model looking for film work, very carefully explained the nature and content and my concern for the actresses well being. She did an audition via Youtube in bra and pants, but I did not ask for and did not expect it. I also had girls on my crew from a previous project. The model was happy to take 1/4 of her usual day rate. Everyone was happy and we all got a great little film for our portfolios. It is called 'Date Night' http://vimeo.com/32963536
The main thing as a director is respect.

13 years, 6 months ago - Nat Nollid

Hi
I can't see what the big fuss is about auditioning nude actors given the society we live in where sex and flesh is in your face. Besides, there are thousands of naturists out there who love showing off their bodies so why not use them? I am sure there are secret naturists among the actor community on spotlight and imdb etc. Before anyone asks-no I am not a naturist.

13 years, 6 months ago - Katherine Reilly

Then why not interview anyone nude for any job?!

It's not making a fuss or being uptight to recognise that it is unnecessary and
inappropriate. If there is nudity in the piece then requesting that actors wear clothes that fit closely enough for those casting to be able to tell body type is fairly common - or as is the case with most commercial castings specifying body type in the breakdown and requesting that you say if you have any tattoos or moles or scars. As with any physical specifications for a role, if you're looking for a short curvy wholesome 50 year old with brown hair then a tall athletic blonde tattooed 20 year old wouldn't be applying for the role. If it is essential to the story that the character has huge muscles or large breasts then it's not unreasonable to ask that actors wear clothes that show this but I think it's absurd that people think they can only tell this by getting actors to strip.

The casting process should be to find the people who can best tell the story and I find it comical that you suggest that roles/auditions with nudity would suit naturists! I have never met an actor (however much of an exhibitionist or naturist) who sees nudity in a casting breakdown as an opportunity to revel in it! Especially in an audition setting where an actor's focus is on trying to convey that he/she understands the character, the relationships and the story, it is important for the director to do everything to help the actor connect to the role.

A director who would waste time in auditions analysing how bony your back is or how dark your nipples might be well-meaning but is completely missing the point of the casting process. Mis-guided and unprofessional! I would advise all actors to stay well away.