Blog Stage - Acting in Film, TV, Theatre - Backstage

Found Footage

There seems to be an epidemic of leaked audition tapes lately--most notably the disastrous Chris Klein "Mamma Mia!" tape, and now Sam Rockwell's screen test for "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." And even though this isn't new, yesterday I just happened upon Dan Fogler's screen test for the Sam Kinison biopic "Brother Sam." I can't seem to find current word on the status of this project, which was announced back in 2008, with a script from "American Splendor" writers Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini.

I happen to be a big fan of Fogler, who won a Tony for his work in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" but has stumbled on the big screen in flicks like "Fanboys" and "Good Luck Chuck." I actually enjoy the hell out of "Balls of Fury," his critically derided lead debut. (EW actually gave it an "F" rating! They gave "Human Centipede" a "B+" for crying out loud!)

Anyway, I was awed by Fogler's ability to physically transform himself into the late comedian. But I'm not sure how I feel about his cadence and delivery as Kinison. A friend pointed out that Kinison, through usually screaming like a madman, always projected a certain amount of joy, whereas in this clip, it's just dark and depressing. This may not matter, as I have no idea what the status of the project is. But judge for yourself.

--Jenelle Riley

Heidi Montag Hasn't Heard About Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Yet

Heidi Montag continues her campaign to launch her acting career with a starring role in Michael Bay's Transformers 3 -- even though recent news suggests that Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has already landed the gig. The star of The Hills has now posted an audition tape online.

Watch Montag's audition tape (which is introduced by her trainer as her audition for "Transporter 3" and consists of 28 seconds of Heidi running around in a warehouse shooting a pistol at paper targets) on her Facebook page.

Victoria's Secret Model is New 'Transformers' Star?

Rumors have been circulating wildly around Hollywood regarding the new female lead in Michael Bay’s upcoming Transformers 3, after Transformers and Transformers 2 star Megan Fox was dumped from the franchise due to multiple reported conflicts on the set and with Bay. But Victoria’s Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley now appears to be the front-runner for the role, according to Deadline.com.

Michael Bay was also reportedly interested in Sarah Wright and Brooklyn Decker, both of whom are also Victoria’s Secret models and the only two other casting choices remaining on Bay’s short list. If cast, Transformers 3 will be Huntington-Whiteley’s first time on the big screen. (While she has made appearances as a model on The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show television special, she has no prior acting experience.)

This move by Michael Bay comes as both a shock and somewhat of a joke for me. While the firing of the smoking hot Megan Fox was necessary, replacing her with a beautiful but completely inexperienced model just does not make sense as anything but self-parody. It is quite confusing to me that Bay would search for models over actual actors, to play a central part in his film. There are many other actors capable of filling in -- and even doing a better job than Megan Fox did. However, Bay’s decision to cast the gorgeous but inexperienced Fox over more established actors did contribute to fanboy buzz and box office success for the Transformers franchise, so maybe Huntington-Whiteley will attract her own audience too (like, those who found the first two Transformers films too cerebral?).

Julie Benz Resurrected by 'Dexter'?

Dexter fans, take note: One of your favorite characters is about to be resurrected. According to EW's Michael Ausiello, sources have confirmed that Julie Benz will be returning to the Showtime series as Rita for the first episode of season five this fall -- an amazing feat, since her character was killed off in last season's finale.

According to Showtime, Dexter’s late wife will be used to “help Dexter deal with his newfound feelings of loss and grief -- emotions he has never really felt before.” Producers confirm that she is not coming back from the dad, though, so don't expect a supernatural ghostly apparition in the form of Rita.

New York Auditions at a Glance – May 27-June 4

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.

California Auditions at a Glance – May 27-June 4

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.

Regional Auditions at a Glance – May 27-June 4

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.

West Coast Casting Highlights - 5/25/10

Every week Back Stage publishes hundreds of notices -- casting notices, entertainment-industry job notices, and calls for submissions to talent contests and film festivals. Back Stage is the premier resource for actors, dancers, singers, comedians, and all performing artists -- plus those talented individuals working behind-the-scenes, including writers and crew -- looking for quality opportunities.  BackStage.com's casting database includes all of the notices from  the  popular weekly Back Stage publications, plus hundreds of additional items.

WEST COAST:

Below are a few highlights from this week's West Coast notices, compiled by West Coast Casting Editor Cassie Carpenter:

Friendly Fox

In all the hubbub about the "Lost" finale last week, I completely forgot to post this link to our current cover story on star Matthew Fox. I first spoke to Fox in the show's first season, and even then I was convinced he was one of the most underrated actors on TV. I know that sounds strange, considering he headlines a hit show, but in all the mystery and conspiracies on "Lost," I often think people forget about how great the acting is. And though my reaction to the big finale is mixed--I'm irked I wasted an entire season on the Sideways storyline--there are no complaints about Fox's beautiful performance.

I was actually able to moderate a Q&A with Fox last week at the SAG Foundation, where he spoke at length before a crowded, rapt audience. Fox was a very thoughtful speaker, really taking his time to think through his responses, and came across humble and grateful for what he called his "extraordinary luck" in the business.One of the highlights was when he revealed he had gotten his pilot's license and loved to take friends flying. To which I joked: "I don't think I'd want to get on a plane with you." He admitted that he was recently on a flight that had terrible turbulence and "a lot of people were giving me dirty looks.

--Jenelle Riley

Now Casting: 'Dance of the Mirlitons'

FMW Casting is casting "Dance of the Mirlitons," an independent feature film from producers Joel Michaely and Daniel Dubiecki (executive producer of "Juno" and "Up in the Air"); writer-director Evan Greenberg; casting directors Barbara Fiorentino, Rebecca Mangieri, and Wendy Weidman; and casting associates Danielle Aufiero and Karina Walters. Shooting begins mid-July 2010 (location TBD).

According to an article on IMDb ("Save this 'Dance' for Wip"), the movie is a dark comedy "about an ambitious yet overweight ballerina with an overbearing mother who will stop at nothing to become a star." Although that article was published in 2007, casting for the lead role has just begin, and Back Stage has the scoop:

Seeking—Jesse Urchin: female, 10-15, lead role.