Conducted by Casting Director Angela Heesom (Wolf Creek; Danger 5; Beautiful Kate) and one of Australia's most respected actresses Simone Buchanan, the TEXT to SCREEN TEST program has been meticulously shaped to guide and encourage students to work on their specific areas of weakness when SCREEN TESTING FOR DRAMA & FILM.

Simone will work with actors both individually and as a company, assisting students to POP from moment one of an audition. Please see below for a breakdown on what to expect from this fantastic program. Scenes are assigned to students each week (one week prior to their next class) along with an outline on the course content and prep work for each session.

For actors who participated last term, they have another opportunity to work in this on-going manner with Simone, who is increasingly familiar with them and the areas in which they need to develop further. Continuing across the two terms with Simone ensures stability in training & rehearsal, and consistency in terms of the guidance & feedback offered, with scenes selected to target specific areas of weakness and strength.  

The studio does welcome actors to the program who did not participate last term as they can begin this process, leading to a stronger understanding of the requirements of screen testing. In the final weeks, students will be able to put their hard work into practice during their one-on-one screen testing session with Casting Director Angela Heesom

8 Week Program I Tuesdays I  7:00pm - 9:00pm I Commencing 5th of August, 2014

Casting Director Angela Heesom is quickly becoming one of Australia's most influential casting directors, with her choice of interesting and varied projects.

Angela Heesom Casting is SA’s only fully serviced and independent Casting company, having cast hundreds of award-winning commercials, TV series & Films. The Head of AHC, Angela Heesom, was a recent recipient of the AADC’s President Award; “The Watering Can” for her outstanding contribution to the industry.

After starting our her career as a producer, Angela turned to casting, starting as a casting associate on such projects as December Boys; Hey Hey, it’s Esther BlueBerger; Anzac Girls; Power Rangers & Rabbit Proof Fence, before making the move to Casting Director. Angela is best known for her work as Casting Director of Wolf Creek and it’s sequel Wolf Creek 2 and has also cast Beautiful Kate; Danger 5 (SBS) & Sam Fox (Network Ten) among others.

We are beyond thrilled to have Angela join us in our Melbourne studio, giving our actors insight into the world of casting in Film & Television and providing constructive feedback into nailing that all-important screen-test.

WEEKS 1 & 2:

From the first class; students will be performing their assigned scenes to camera in a simulated screen test environment for evaluation by Simone. From your live performance she will gage your strengths and weaknesses and offer direct and constructive feedback on the spot. Playback of all work will be offered.

WEEK 3:

As a result of the feedback given and scene analysis completed in Weeks 1 & 2; students will be once again working through a simulated screen test, where they will be offered one rehearsal and two final scene performances. This will mimic a real screen testing environment and challenge the actor to deliver a solid performance within only a few takes, as often required. At each stage Simone will be supporting you with more detailed direction. The emphasis here will be on how well you are listening and taking direction.

WEEK 4:

New scenes and partners will be assigned to work with; moving forward, as of Week 4. As a company, you will playback all directed and completed work while constructive feedback will again be given for the advantage of the entire company to consider and take notes on (this will exclude the initial evaluation recording). The key focus for these weeks will be working on the elements needed to unblock you as an artist. In a high pressure environment such as a screen test, it is imperative that actors have the creative freedom within themselves, which allows them to alter their performance and take on feedback, as offered by the casting director. Simone will take students through a series of practical on screen exercises that she has found helpful, leading to scoring the role.

WEEKS 5 & 6:

Prior to Weeks 5 & 6; students will be assigned additional scenes. This will be your time to collaborate with your trainer and find that perfect screen testing scene. We will provide a large genre of scenes from various television dramas and feature films to choose from. Simone will conduct a vigorous and highly focused rehearsal workshop over these weeks preparing students for a screentest with invited Casting Director Angela Heesom.

WEEKS 7 & 8 (SCREEN TESTING SESSIONS):

These will be your weeks to shine in front of invited casting director; Angela Heesom (Casting Director: Wolf Creek; Wolf Creek 2; Anzac Girls; Beautiful Kate; Hey hey it's Esther Blueberger; Sam Fox; December Boys; Danger 5).

The screen testing sessions will be facilitated by a member of Film & Television Studio International. Casting directors will welcome your show reel, headshot and resume submissions. Your work will also be offered to our guests for all future casting purposes. The Film and Television Studio International will also make your casting work available on DVD as a part of the program.

Simone Buchanan is best known for her stunning portrayal of Lizzy Curtis on internationally acclaimed feature film Shame starring alongside Debra-Lee Furness. But it was her years on Sitcom Hey Dad that hold the fondest of memories in the hearts of most Australians when she played wacky Debbie Kelly. After many years of stage work Simone returned to our screens in various guest roles on almost every Australian television drama until once again taking a title role on iconic Australian drama Pacific Drive. Simone’s more recent fans would know her as Samantha Fitzgerald on Neighbours, a role she has been enjoying playing for many years. She has also just completed filming on the much anticipated Australian feature film Patrick, starring Rachael Griffiths, which was released in Australian cinemas in 2013.

To enrol, simply book via our website.  It will automatically be sent to enquiries@filmtv.com.au.  We will then process your application. If you send your application form and all placements have been filled we will be in touch to notify you.  If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on 1800 FILMTV (1800 345 688).

Melbourne Studio I 390 Clarendon Street I South Melbourne I VIC 3205