When I first appeared on the auditioning circuit, I was young, inexperienced and eager. While I had spent several years at this point working with film acting coaches and performing in stage productions, I wasn’t sure what to expect entering into the highly competitive world of film auditioning. Although I learned a vast array of tidbits regarding acting styles and techniques, one of the most surprising new elements of my career is the importance of appearance.
Your appearance in the realm of film acting is vital for your success as an actor, and mastering your personal appearance helps you stand out and appear professional to casting directors.
Definition of Appearance
When I speak of “appearance” I’m not referring to “beauty” or getting in shape or anything of that sort. Rather, I’m speaking of your personal style as well as your personality that shapes your outward impressions.
In the film industry, appearance is very important. While it certainly doesn’t hurt to be in excellent shape and have good looks, that is not what is actually important when caring for your appearance.
As a film actor, you must understand what character’s you are able to portray. This ability to take on specific character appearances is solely based on your body type as well as how you carry certain types of clothing.
Once you narrow down the roles you’ll be considered for, you must then maximize your chances of a casting director seeing you as this type of character by fully adapting your appearance.
For example, if you are a 6’4″ 240 pound man with a bald head, you may likely be cast as “tough guy” roles. To maximize this potential, arrive at an audition for such a character wearing clothing that fits this personality type. Physically prepare yourself as this character while still maintaining your own unique sense of style and fashion.
Auditioning is all about showing your ability to not only ACT like a character, but to also LOOK like a character. Of course, the bulk of this is done by the wardrobe department; however, you can enhance your appearance by ever-so-slightly adjusting your appearance for a particular character.
