Notes From the Casting Couch
by Dennis Sakamoto
Some years ago, I received a call from a young lady who seemed to be very much in a hurry.
She asked me if I would give her private acting lessons. I explained that I only teach in group classes and that I only see real value in private acting lessons if it for a very specific reason. (A very necessary part of acting training is actually being in front of other people).
This did not stop the determination of the young lady and she stated that it was a lead role in an upcoming movie that one of the major studios was producing in Los Angeles. Against my instincts, I made an appointment time for her to come in and talk about this with no promises from my end. The young lady marched through my studio door and started off with "My father will pay you whatever you want for my lessons. Money is no object."
Now I really regreted this meeting. I let this offer go and told her before we go any farther, what exactly is this all about? Here is her story as best as I can recall it. "A Producer/Director/Writer in Los Angeles discovered me by spotting my picture in a "faces" book of talent and contacted me to audition for a lead role in his new movie. His new movie "was being considered for option" by a major studio in Hollywood. So in order to clinch the deal, he wanted to find and cast an unknown female to become a new starlet. All she had to do was come to LA and audition with him personally being the "Producer/Director/Writer that he is.
This personal audition would be acting out "the love scene" with him the Producer/Director/Writer. Since the deal was not yet finalized, he did not yet have his office at the major studio. So instead, they could perform the love scene audition in his apartment on his couch. It would be more private anyway." This audition she had already done willingly. She was also very proud of her performance with him on his couch.
I did not know what to say. Hoping for a way out, I asked "So what do you need me for?" She replied quickly "He wants me to come down again for a callback. Because of my performance, he rewrote the scene and wants to go over it again with me to see how it will work. So I want you to coach me on the new scene for the callback because I really want this bad."
After a moment of silence, I stated as politely as I could "I cannot do this." Her whole demeanor changed like the wind and she barked "My father will pay you anything you want!"
Curious, I questioned her as to what type of picture she put in the "faces" talent directory. She replied "It was a fully body shot. I really shouldn't have asked "What were you wearing?" Because I got back "A skimpy thing I wore laying on a bear skin rug."
I tried to be gentle but firm "I do not want to be a part of this. This is not how things are done in this business. I wish you the best-" She yelled "I finally get my chance and you won't even help me!" I forget the rest of how I was told off as she stormed out of my studio. I watched her drive off into the sunset in her new Porsche. One last thought. Don't think that the Casting Couch is always initiated by the powers to be in casting. It may well be initiated by the powers to be of those wishing to be cast. Female or Male. Respectfully yours. " |
