HD CASTING Course Director for Producing: Michael Wotherspoon “Spoon” X1623 &

Typically, a host style/talk show is built around the host(s) and/or around a theme or topic. Writers, Show Runners, Segment Producers, Crew and other production support are all brought on board because of our talents in support of the Host/Theme/Topic. At Full Sail, our HD class develop three styles of shows: Standard News/Informational Show “Entertainment Tonight” type of Show A “Tonight Show” talk Show HD CASTING

1. The Casting Flyer and Notice 2. The Casting Session 3. The Casting Team 4. Becoming a Good Host HD CASTING

The Casting Flyer Posted Casting Notice. (Only Post after approval) Casting Notice. (Only Post after approval) Mass database. Mass database. Myspace Casting site. Myspace Casting site. Craiglist.org Craiglist.org GreenroomOrlando.com GreenroomOrlando.com NOTE: Do not post flyers on Full Sail Campus. We discourage the use of Full Sail students and instructors as talent. NOTE: Do not post flyers on Full Sail Campus. We discourage the use of Full Sail students and instructors as talent. When posting on other School’s Campuses, please get the “permission” stamp first. When posting on other School’s Campuses, please get the “permission” stamp first. HD CASTING

THE CASTING TEAM: The Casting Secretary The Casting Secretary The Casting Runner The Casting Runner (2 Runners if possible so that you can have the break for lunch and provide lunch) (2 Runners if possible so that you can have the break for lunch and provide lunch) The Casting Cameraman The Casting Cameraman The Casting Assistant The Casting Assistant To be interviewed To be interviewed The Show Runner (Casting Director) The Show Runner (Casting Director) HD CASTING

The Casting Session: (Call time Noon) 1. Casting Secretary sign-in talent, hands out topics and show subject matter. 2. Give the host 10 to 15 minutes to absorb information 3. Casting Runner introduces host to team. 4. Show Runner introduces team. 5. Slate. 6. Show Runner asks about the host. 1. Performance background 2. Interesting relatable topic experiences 7. Show Runner discuss subjects & topic in the area of the show theme. 8. Host asks related questions. 9. Thank them for their time and move on to next host. HD CASTING

Have a teachable attitude. Be willing to learn about your surroundings, whether in the studio or on location. A good host is capable of reviewing scripts, understanding briefings and taking direction from the producer and stage manager, sometimes simultaneously. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Pay close attention to the stage manager and follow their direction when reading the teleprompter. A television host must also know their stage locations. The stage manager gets their instructions from the (technical) director. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Work closely with the producer. Producers are the ones to give you the information needed to successfully host a show. They will supply you with pertinent facts about your guests. Producers also give you specific questions to ask your guest, based on pre-interviews they have conducted. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Casting Director provides information Information provided should be: Basic Facts Basic Facts Dates: Important historical events Dates: Important historical events People: Who are major influences People: Who are major influences Current Info: What is currently happening? Current Info: What is currently happening? Questions Questions HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Begin your interviews with brilliant and descriptive words, especially if you are on location and are responsible for creating your own introductions. Pretend that your audience does not know much about the subject matter. Use vibrant details when describing people and events. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Have a conversation with your guests. Unless you are interviewing the president of a major corporation or the chief of police, make the interview more relaxed. When you warm up to your guests and talk to them with a sense of familiarity, it comes across well on camera. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Ask your guests intriguing questions. Your job is to ask questions that prompt more than a yes or no answer. If your guest is wearing a particular piece of stunning jewelry, you may want to ask, “Where did you find such an exquisite ring?” “Where did you find such an exquisite ring?” or even “When do you first…?” or even “When do you first…?” or even “Who has been a major…?” or even “Who has been a major…?” HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Talk with the Guests during the Commercials. This is a great way to make the guest feel more comfortable and relax. It builds towards a better conversation when the cameras are rolling again. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Always listen to your producer. They are hired to help you. Remember to keep your chin down when looking at the camera. If your chin is held too high, it gives the appearance that you are a “snob”. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Try not to offend your guest. If you sense that you have offended your guest, quickly move on to the next question. Spending time apologizing could lead to more of a hassle than it is worth. Simply ask the next question. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Thank your guest for appearing on your show. Pleasantries will get you a long way in this business. Once you have thanked your guests, offer them a chance to come back in the future. This will not only show your appreciation, but it will also build a working relationship in the near future. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host

Look directly into the camera lens. Staring anywhere else will not look professional. Keep notes handy. Always refer back to your notes, especially if you have time to ask a few more questions. HD CASTING: Becoming a Good Host