The InstantCast Blog » Word of the Day http://blog.instantcast.com Your Source for Casting Calls, Tips, and Gossip Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:08:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Word of the Day: Academy Awards http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/22/word-of-the-day-academy-awards/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/22/word-of-the-day-academy-awards/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:08:21 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2692 InstantCast Word of the DayACADEMY AWARDS - Awards presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence in the film industry. The 1st ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood. The private dinner was hosted by Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. DeMille, with less than 250 people attending! The awards were publicly broadcast by radio and TV after 1953.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/22/word-of-the-day-academy-awards/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Second unit http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/21/word-of-the-day-second-unit/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/21/word-of-the-day-second-unit/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:15:48 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2675 InstantCast Word of the DaySECOND UNIT - A team that shoots footage which is of lesser importance for the final motion picture, like scenery or establishing shots. The second unit also shoots in expensive or dangerous locations. For example, when making The World Is Not Enough, a small team with a Pierce Brosnan body double filmed in Istanbul, then used a replica set in England to shoot Pierce’s close-up scenes.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/21/word-of-the-day-second-unit/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Political cinema http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/20/word-of-the-day-political-cinema/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/20/word-of-the-day-political-cinema/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:11:47 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2641 InstantCast Word of the DayPOLITICAL CINEMA - Film which portrays current or historical events or social conditions in a partisan way in order to inform or to agitate the audience. Political cinema exists in different forms such as documentaries, feature films, or even animated and experimental films. The difference from other films is not that they are political but how they portray a particular political viewpoint, whether positively or negatively.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/20/word-of-the-day-political-cinema/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Principle photography http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/16/word-of-the-day-principle-photography/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/16/word-of-the-day-principle-photography/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:08:05 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2613 InstantCast Word of the DayPRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY - The phase of film production in which the movie is actually shot. Principal photography is the most expensive phase of film production and marks a “point of no return” for the financiers. While films may lose their greenlight status during pre-production (for example, if a major cast member drops out), it’s very unlikely for finance to be withdrawn once principal photography has started!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/16/word-of-the-day-principle-photography/feed/ 3 Word of the Day: Scene stealing http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/14/word-of-the-day-scene-stealing/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/14/word-of-the-day-scene-stealing/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:31:31 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2572 InstantCast Word of the DaySCENE STEALER - An actor who draws attention from or overshadows other actors in the same production, as by charm or quality of performance. Scene stealing attracts attention from the person to whom the center of interest legitimately belongs. Actor Steve McQueen was legendary among Hollywood circles for his subtle scene-stealing, especially in cowboy flick The Magnificent Seven.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/14/word-of-the-day-scene-stealing/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Video window http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/13/word-of-the-day-video-window/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/13/word-of-the-day-video-window/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:18:01 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2558 InstantCast Word of the DayVIDEO WINDOW- The period between the release of a feature film to movie theaters and its release for the home video or DVD market. In the movie business, ticket-buyers now account for just a small fraction of the money earned by each film–Hollywood studios now get less than 15% of their proceeds from box office receipts! Other related “windows” include the pay-per-view window and the broadcast window.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/13/word-of-the-day-video-window/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Pre-credit http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/12/word-of-the-day-pre-credit/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/12/word-of-the-day-pre-credit/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:18:12 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2540 InstantCast Word of the DayPRE-CREDIT- The section of the film which is shown before the opening credits are shown. Many films have a short scene before the credits to introduce characters who may become crucial to the film’s plot. This sequence is often an event which is seemingly minor but will become significant later in the film. TV series also use pre-credit scenes, like (perhaps most famously) Law & Order.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/12/word-of-the-day-pre-credit/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Nichebuster http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/08/word-of-the-day-nichebuster/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/08/word-of-the-day-nichebuster/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:52:20 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2477 InstantCast Word of the DayNICHEBUSTER- A film that succeeds to a considerable degree within a certain group or demographic, as opposed to a blockbuster, which has mass appeal. Many people have already heralded niche films as the future of filmmaking. One popular example is the Warner Independent Pictures documentary March of the Penguins, which has grossed $120 million worldwide–the initial niche was nature lovers!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/08/word-of-the-day-nichebuster/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Title ruse http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/07/word-of-the-day-title-ruse/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/07/word-of-the-day-title-ruse/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:24:21 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2455 InstantCast Word of the DayTITLE RUSE – Using a fake working title to keep a high profile film’s production a secret, which can be essential when a film’s fans threaten to disrupt the filming process. For example, while filming in Chicago, The Dark Knight was given the false title “Rory’s First Kiss” to lower the visibility of production. But once the local media uncovered the ruse, the truth spread like wildfire and the set was flooded with fans!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/07/word-of-the-day-title-ruse/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Cold open http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/06/word-of-the-day-cold-open/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/06/word-of-the-day-cold-open/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:19:19 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2426 InstantCast Word of the DayCOLD OPEN – The technique of jumping directly into a story at the beginning or opening of the show, before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. In television, cold opens are used to capture the audience so they won’t switch to another channel. Cold opens are popular in films as well. A well-known example is the pre-title teaser which occurs in nearly all of the James Bond films.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/06/word-of-the-day-cold-open/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Method acting http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/05/word-of-the-day-method-acting/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/05/word-of-the-day-method-acting/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:23:52 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2414 InstantCast Word of the DayMETHOD ACTING – A technique in which an actors aims to mirror the personality of their character with the ultimate goal of the most believable performance possible. To achieve this, an actor may stay in-character both on and off the set and incorporate the character’s psychological and physical state (i.e. using a cane) into their own life. Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro are famous for their use of method acting.

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/05/word-of-the-day-method-acting/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Typecasting http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/04/word-of-the-day-typecasting/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/04/word-of-the-day-typecasting/#comments Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:55:53 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2396 InstantCast Word of the DayTYPECASTING – The process by which a film, TV, or stage actor is strongly identified with a specific character, or roles with the same traits. Sometimes an actor has been so strongly identified with a role that it is impossible to find work playing other characters. For years, William Shatner was always “Captain Kirk,” but his highly-acclaimed performance in Boston Legal has by now undone most of the Kirk typecast.

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/04/word-of-the-day-typecasting/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Call time http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/02/word-of-the-day-call-time/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/02/word-of-the-day-call-time/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:27:45 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2377 InstantCast Word of the DayCALL TIME – The time you have to report to the location you were assigned. This applies to any type of production set you step on to. You must always be on time. Be sure to figure out the exact directions the night before, there could be traffic or any unforeseen problems you should always take account for, you should be early and always know exactly where you are going and exactly where to report to.

By Jenny Rawdin, MTV Casting Director

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/01/02/word-of-the-day-call-time/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Period piece http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/30/word-of-the-day-period-piece/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/30/word-of-the-day-period-piece/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:06:34 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2366 InstantCast Word of the DayPERIOD PIECE – A work (film, stage production, television show, etc…) set in a particular and specific era. This informal term covers all countries, all periods and all genres. It may be as long and general as the medieval era or as limited as one decade. Some popular period films made recently include Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York or Ridley Scott’s Gladiator starring Russell Crowe.

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/30/word-of-the-day-period-piece/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Screen test http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/29/word-of-the-day-screen-test/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/29/word-of-the-day-screen-test/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:49:32 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2356 InstantCast Word of the DaySCREEN TEST – A method of determining the suitability of an actor or actress for performing on film and/or in a particular role. The performer is generally given a scene, or selected lines and actions, and instructed to perform in front of a camera to see if they are suitable. Different types of actors will have different types of screen tests – for example, a lead for a musical could be requested to sing, dance, and act!

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/29/word-of-the-day-screen-test/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Character actor http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/28/word-of-the-day-character-actor/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/28/word-of-the-day-character-actor/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:32:48 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2339 InstantCast Word of the DayCHARACTER ACTOR – Someone who predominantly plays a particular type of role rather than leading ones. Character actor roles can range from bit parts to secondary leads, but they often play supporting roles, such as characters who do not undergo a major change in the course of the plot. Character actors such as John Turturro and Steve Buscemi have built their careers around small, yet distinctive roles.

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/28/word-of-the-day-character-actor/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Blind audition http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/27/word-of-the-day-blind-audition/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/27/word-of-the-day-blind-audition/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:06:09 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2330 InstantCast Word of the DayBLIND AUDITION – An audition for an actor where there is no script for them to read from and they have to improvise lines. This allows a casting director to get a sense of the actor’s ability to improvise and his or her natural personality. Blind auditions happen at all levels of acting– for example, Eva Green’s first audition for the James Bond film Casino Royale was a blind audition!

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/27/word-of-the-day-blind-audition/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Seat filler http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/26/word-of-the-day-seat-filler/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/26/word-of-the-day-seat-filler/#comments Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:05:05 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2324 InstantCast Word of the DaySEAT FILLER – A person who takes up spare seats when the person allocated the seat is elsewhere. An example of this is the Academy Awards. When an audience member wins an award, a seat filler takes their place as they accept the award and deliver a speech. Seat fillers are primarily employed so that when TV cameras show audience shots there are not empty seats.

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/26/word-of-the-day-seat-filler/feed/ 2 Word of the Day: Overacting http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/23/word-of-the-day-overacting/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/23/word-of-the-day-overacting/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:31:17 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2308 InstantCast Word of the DayOVERACTING – The exaggeration of gestures and speech when acting, which may be unintentional, particularly in the case of a bad actor, or be required for the role. For the latter, it is commonly used in comical situations or to stress the evil characteristics of a villain (think Mike Myers as Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies). Overacting is sometimes known as “chewing the scenery.”

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/23/word-of-the-day-overacting/feed/ 1 Word of the Day: Acting age http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/22/word-of-the-day-acting-age/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2008/12/22/word-of-the-day-acting-age/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:29:09 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=2294 InstantCast Word of the DayACTING AGE – An age, or range of ages, that an actor lists on his or her résumé. It is not a claim to the actors’ actual age, but a suggestion as to what ages the actor considers themselves capable of credibly portraying, and it is very common for actors in their 20s and 30s to portray teens. For example, Stacey Dash played 17-year-old Dionne in Clueless at 28 and continued in the TV series until she was 32!

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

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