Since the previous article I wrote informed so many actors around me, I decided to continue my list of tips for actors. I have been in the business for over 4 years as an AD and Director while starting out way back when as an actor myself so I have always had a good view of both sides. See below for Part II tips!
Leave Your Hair and Make-Up Alone
Once you leave the make-up/hair chair, leave it alone, don’t touch it. The look you were given may have been researched for hours during pre-production and the actor is the last person that should mention any distaste. Last looks will become your best friend and most of the time you will be a happy camper when you see the finished film.
Another Vanity Note
Be courteous of the wardrobe you’re put in as well as prosthetics and hairpieces. I was an extra on the Catching Fire film shot in Atlanta and was put in a very elaborate costume including a large head piece and detailed make-up. That day their were over 300 extras, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one who messed up my look to inconvenience all of the artists who were more than busy. I ate delicately and peed before getting into wardrobe.
Stay Healthy
If you are an actor, you need to accept that your body, skin, hair, etc becomes a tool for your career. Take care of your inner and outer health so you are always feeling and looking your best. When I was acting I made this mistake too often. My agent would call about an audition for the next day and I would have a silly cold and sound like a man who has been smoking for 40 years. You must always take care of your instrument, your body.
Wear Proper Undergarments
Inevitably you will take modeling jobs when you’re an actor, even if you don’t want to, it’s an interchangeable business. Models learn that they show up with the proper undergarments and actors need to take the note. Most gigs provide wardrobe, but that wardrobe will not include panties and a bra unless you become a Victoria Secret model. I have had to send PA’s on bra runs often. My suggestion is to pack a few extra options before leaving for set. A nude color bra and underwear is usually the best, or something that is close to your skin color (most of the world is not the color nude). Seamless options, to reduce lines in tight clothing are good to have too. When wardrobe dept. is getting you dressed and your black lace bra is messing up the white silk top you’re in and she asks, ‘Do you have a different bra?’ Your answer ‘Yes.’ Will make you her favorite person in the world.
Hair and Nails
These tips seem to be a lot about hygiene but I am reminiscing in so many past production disasters that could easily have been avoided. I would suggest having all the right parts of your body shaved and clean before arriving at work. For example, if you are shooting in a bikini you should clean up your bikini line. If your armpits are hairy, shave them. And nails! You never know when a director will need a quick insert of your hand reaching for something. You don’t need to get expensive manicures, just a nail file. Keep them clean and even.
Don’t be an Interruption
Most actors sit around more then they shoot on set. It’s the nature of filmmaking. Remember, they are setting up shots for you to look your best, so let them light! We usually put actors in a holding area near set. When in those holding areas you should be quiet. We get you’re bored; I’ve been there too. This is where a good book comes in handy or you could be that actor memorizing a script for your next gig that everyone can drool over. I have had to tell actors to be quiet while they wait too many times.
I hope these tips are helpful to you! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!