25th - 28th SEPTEMBER 2008 at AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is running this event?

• The Australian Screen Tests is a division of The Australian Institute for Performing Arts Pty Ltd. ACN: 093 235 057 ABN: 55 093 235 057
• AIPA is dedicated to the development of the performing arts. For further info or testimonials, please go to the website. www.aipa.com.au

What are the advantages to me as an actor if I enter The Australian Screen Tests?

• The aim of the Australian Screen Tests is to give actors aged 3+ the opportunity to be seen by casting agents, directors and producers. You could say that it is one giant ‘go see’.
• It is your chance to be seen by the best of the best from Australia and a selection of casting personnel from Los Angeles, New York and London.
• If you have not had the opportunity to audition or attend a ‘go see’ in the last twelve months – this is your opportunity.
• We have invited professionals regarded as the top consultants in their field. They are actively working in the industry and are just as keen to meet you as you are to meet them!
• For freelance or un-represented artists, this weekend is an opportunity to be seen and possibly scouted by an established and reputable agent.
• The top agents from Sydney have been invited to The Australian Screen Tests. They will be provided with the official AST book and a complimentary pass to come and view the sections. At the conclusion of the event they will give us a form with the names of any actors that they are interested in meeting with. We will provide all the details directly to you via e-mail, within ten (10) days of the event’s conclusion.
• Check out the success stories from 2007 on our website www.australianscreentests.com.au.

Anything else I should know in regards to agents and casting directors?

• Agents and casting directors have been asked to go through a strict process of contact for child protection reasons and to uphold the standard of the event. There is no cost to agents or registered performers to use our connection service.
• This method of communication protects reputable agents representing artists at the event from having their clients ‘pilfered’, which is highly unprofessional and intolerable.
• If an agent approaches you or someone claiming to be an agent we ask that you let one of our staff know. We will do everything in our power to stop unsavory individuals from attending, but we may miss someone.
• The scouting process will be run and followed through as part of the service to you as an actor. People who decide not to follow the process will be ejected from the Australian Screen Tests. Remember, if they can’t follow these simple guidelines, do you really trust them to represent you?
• Individual ‘go-sees’ will be held at the conclusion of AST after the Top 100 on Sunday 28 September 2008. Entrants offered a ‘go-see’ will be notified by lists posted on the website and at the AST venue. Entrant number only will be displayed on each list. It is the entrant’s responsibility to check the list and to be available at the given time.
  When will I know which directors, casting directors and other professionals are attending?
• We will post the list of judges on our website (www.australianscreentests.com.au) as they confirm their attendance. As this industry is ever changing, we have booked these professionals with the understanding that if a job comes up we will release them from their agreement with us. At the beginning of each competition, our MC’s will introduce the judges to the audience so that you know who they are and which company they represent.

What do I do in between my sections?

• This is one of the best times for you to learn. Some of our judges have agreed to run free seminars on such topics as “what casting directors are looking for”, “cracking the US market”, “tools of trade”, “a good headshot versus a tragic one”. These seminars are available to all registered performers and observers. The speakers will be a mix of Australian and International industry professionals. Please see the ‘Seminars’ section on our website for more information.
• Industry-relevant products and services will be on show in our exhibition space. See the “Exhibitors’ section on our website for more information.

What are the sections?

• Each section has a different focus; so if you want to show us exactly what you can do and you can prepare each piece to a high standard, then you may enter more than one section.
• Junior Actor section is for dynamic young performers with an interest in the Film and Television Industry. Actors must be able to memorize lines and take direction.
• Commercial Actor section is open to actors who wish to further their career in the TV Commercial Industry. The emphasis is on the ability to promote a product, service or cause.
• Screen Actor section will enable actors to showcase their comedic and/or dramatic talents and ability to take direction.
• Presenting is a specialized field that ranges from TV journalism to variety shows to everything in between. Presenter section will highlight the individual’s unique style.
• Professional Screen Actor section is a highly selective section for industry professional screen actors only. Entrants will showcase their talent in a closed forum in front of a panel of international casting professionals.

Which sections should I enter?

• Performers aged between three and seven years as of 24 September 2008 may only enter the Junior Actor section.
• Performers aged between eight and 16 years as of 24 September 2008 may only enter Commercial Actor section and Screen Actor section.
• Performers aged 16 years and above may enter Commercial Actor, Screen Actor and Presenter sections.
• Professional Screen Actor section is only open to recognized industry professionals aged 16 years and above. Professional actors may also enter Commercial Actor and Presenter sections.
• There is no right number of sections; it will differ for each performer. After your first one, it is up to you!

Are there finals or just heats?

• Technically - there aren’t either. You are auditioning for these casting personnel. They are screen tests - thus the name of the event. Each time you perform you are recorded and marked. There will be a ‘Top 100’ show where the top 100 scoring actors from across all the sections will perform again on Sunday 28 September 2008. We strongly encourage everyone to come along and attend this session.
• If you qualify for this event, your entrant number will be posted on the notice board and on our website, which will be a hub of continuous information. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS & CONFIRM WITH US.

What happens if I don’t get any interest from agents or casting professionals?

• The reality of the industry is that for some entrants, this will happen. You have two choices – you can quit or you can do what we advise. Take classes, participate in local theatre companies and come back next year.

What are the costs to enter the Australian Screen Tests?

• Entry cost includes section fee, official AST book, entry to seminars and one Observer’s Day Pass (for a friend or family member).
• Pricing schedule is as follows:

Early Bird (entries submitted prior to 30 April 2008)

1 Section: $225
2 Sections: $150 (total: $375)
3 Sections: $100 (total: $475)

Standard (entries submitted 1 May 2008 – 30 June 2008)

1 Section: $250
2 Sections: $200 (total: $450)
3 Sections: $150 (total: $600)

Late (entries submitted 1 July 2008 – 31 July 2008)

1 Section: $300
2 Sections: $250 (total: $550)
3 Sections: $250 (total: $800)

Are there any extra costs?

• You will need two professional photographs. One must be a headshot. The second must be either a headshot or full-length body shot as per section requirements. If you need the name of a good photographer, please visit the website.
• Each entrant will get one free Observer’s Day Pass for each section entered.
• Observer’s Day Passes are available for sale at the venue on the day of registration. Observer’s Day Passes are $15/day per adult and $10/day per child/senior/student (with appropriate ID). Children under four are admitted free.
• Observer’s Day Passes must be shown to enter each venue.
• Transport, food and accommodation are the responsibility of the entrant and are NOT included.
• Australian Technology Park is in easy walking distance from Redfern Station which is serviced regularly. There is also plenty of parking (hourly rates, day rates and meter) in and around the venue grounds.

It will cost my family a lot of money – how do I know if it is worth entering?

• The decision to enter is yours. We believe that the entry fees are very reasonable. It is call ‘show business’ for a reason. This is an investment in your career and training.
• If you are unsure, check out the success stories from 2007 on the AST website, ask your teacher or agent, or call one of our team.

When will the scripts be available?

• Original scripts written exclusively for AST 08 will be available in late July.  We will notify all entrants via e-mail when the scripts are ready to be downloaded from The Australian Screen Tests website.