I just saw a trailer for a movie that I bet will be a hit. I only saw 3 females in the entire trailer with what looked like over 100 males. It is typical of the industry, dozens of male roles for every one female role. That is why I am glad New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) exists.
The real world is more equal in numbers as far as male/female ratio and films should reflect that. I have seen at least 10 guys get into SAG in less than a year of work and one female get into SAG after many years of work. I’m happy for these guys, but I think there should be more balance to reflect the real world.
I am a Script Supervisor and Actor. I am not an acting coach, but I wish I had these tips when I first started as an actor. After watching many new actors this weekend I decided I should share.
Here are a few tips…
Do not look at the camera. It’s hard to do in the beginning, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Do not call cut. That is the director’s job. The director calls the shots. And do not try to explain what the director is telling other actors. Do not tell the rest of the crew how to do their jobs either.
Do not sit in crew chairs or crowd the village. The director, script supervisor, producer, and many other crew member must be in there and must be able to concentrate on their jobs.
Do not take photos or videos on set and post them online. Many productions warn that you may be fired or even sued for doing this. You cannot give spoilers!
Listen to the wardrobe rules, usually no logos! So bring what the wardrobe department asks you to bring. And bring a pair of comfortable flats or slides for walking to set or in between shots. Who wants to wear high heels for 15 hours?!?!? Bring a comfy hoodie during cold months while waiting to go to set. And bring hand warmers and adhesive body warmers to put inside your coat for exterior scenes during winter.
Be on time and ready to work. Do not disappear right before you are needed on set. And expect to be there ALL day, even 15 hours if necessary. Filming often takes longer than expected.
Be prepared. KNOW your lines and your body language. Do not show up to set after having a script for three months without knowing what to expect or your lines! And do not try to change lines or improv if you have been given a script.
There is often plenty of time during camera changes. bring something to read to keep yourself occupied during down-time.
Bring water and a snack. You never know when you are going to eat, especially if you are non-union. It’s worth carrying the extra weight in your bag!
Bring toiletries that you may need. With wardrobe changes you will need to refresh the deodorant. And maybe some mints!
Again, I am not an acting coach. This is just a list that I wish I read when I first started, especially the one about shoes. I see alot watching a monitor all day long as a script supervisor. I hear the director and see the actor’s behavior all the time. I figured those just starting may appreciate a few tips.
“How do you deal with all of the rejection?” Many people have asked me that question in the past 6+ years I’ve worked in the industry.
Actors go to many auditions before the right role comes along.
The casting directors are not necessarily harshly rejecting actors. They are just quietly choosing the right person for the role. I think there is a difference between not being chosen and being harshly rejected. The door is not being slammed in my face and casting directors are not being mean during auditions.
Did you know that sometimes the casting director keeps an actor in mind for a future role, sometimes an even better role?
So, when people ask me how I deal with “all the rejection” I tell them, in my experience, it does not exist. Maybe I just have a good attitude. I sometimes see the person in the roles I auditioned for and I find myself saying, “yup, they were right for that role.”
Of course, there is some disappointment, but the last thing you want to do is not fit into a role and ruin a project for everyone. It takes patience and perseverance, just like building a career in ANY industry. Most people do not start out in their industry as stars or as the “go-to” person. So, no, I do not think of it as “rejection.” I just continue to apply and audition for roles and eventually, I’ll be cast in something worthwhile. Check out my imdb page, www.imdb.me/karengoeller.
Visit Karen Goeller’s imdb page to see videos, photos, and her film industry credits for acting and crew positions.
Karen said that her “January schedule is not full yet” and reminds fellow film industry people to keep her in mind for film, tv show, commercial, industrial, business video, and voice-over projects.
Karen is not just an actor. She is also a Script Supervisor. Script Supervisors are part of the camera department. They make sure there is continuity with the script, actors appearance, and scene set-up. They take notes and photos to refer back to for continuity and then give the notes to the editor at the end of filming. Karen said, “I think I could be happy making a living as a script supervisor. The more I do it the more efficient I will become. I love being part of a film project team.”
Besides being an actor and script supervisor, Karen has been a PA-Productions Assistant and an instructor/producer for an Incrediflix-children’s production. She has also enjoyed doing staged readings for a theater in NJ.
And Karen is very comfortable with public speaking. She has done lectures for the NSCA, USAG, and Chamber in addition to many radio and tv interviews. When she owned a gym in NYC she hosted and directed countless events. She had tv crews filming Karen, her staff, and athletes inside her gym on multiple occasions.
So no, Karen Goeller is not just an actor. She has had many roles in the film industry and has enjoyed working on both sides of the camera. She is a member of NYWIFT and has participated in the Women’s Weekend Film Challenge.
Do not hesitate to contact Karen to see if she can be part of your film, tv, commercial, industrial, or corporate training project.
This is a great short film, very well-written and professionally done.
I was the script & continuity supervisor for this film. It was a new job title for me and I really enjoyed the experience. I was a bit nervous at the start, but when I handed in the notes at the end of filming the editor said, “this is exactly what we needed.“
Thankfully I knew short-hand because I had to take notes like crazy! I think I can write shorthand faster than I can type.
Let me know when YOU need a script supervisor for your indie film or tv pilot.
Other crew, behind the scenes, roles I’ve had were production assistant and producer/instructor for an Incrediflix project/class.
At this point, I enjoy working on both sides of the camera.
Talking to a friend and two famous commercial actors came up.
Did you know that many are NOT overnight sensations like you think? They have worked for YEARS before you noticed them. Did you know that Flo the Progressive girl has been an actor since 1998? That’s a long, dedicated career.
So please stop believing the overnight sensation stories. To get the list of their film and tv work, type their name into imdb.com. You’ll likely see their long acting careers.
And type my name into the imdb website too to see what I’ve done.
Getting that amazing role or becoming a well-known actor, requires being dedicated and consistent for many years. It requires lots of hard work, just like any other career.
THIS SUNDAY!!!!
Watch Karen Goeller play Stephanie Bragg this Sunday on Scene of the Crime with Tony Harris, June 24th at 10PM on ID Channel. Karen plays a woman with bad intentions, bad habits, and a loving family.
Karen stated, “This is lead a role, playing a character that is truly opposite to my personality and way of life. It was a challenge to go so far outside of my own way of thinking and behaving. I really enjoyed that challenge. And I feel more alive when I am being challenged. It’s fun and even a bit nerve-racking. If i I’m believable in this role, then I did my job as an actor.”
Karen is always interested in hearing about roles and characters she can bring to life. She enjoys tv, film, and commercial work. Only in the industry for five years and Karen already has accumulated 28 credits on the actor’s website, IMDB. She started in this career with no intention of staying, but now she seems to be on a mission and in it for life.
After you watch the show visit the link above and rate the episode. Then be sure to click on Karen Goeller’s photo on the cast list to view her IMDB page.
Have you seen this interview yet? It’s always fun to visit Johnny P!!! This was her second interview on this show. She talked about her books, training, acting career, and battle with cancer.
Did you watch Monsters Inside Me or The Hunt with John Walsh on Sunday 10/29?
If so, you saw actor, Karen Goeller. She played Margaret, the biology professor’s wife, on Monsters Inside Me. And she played Melissa, the neighbor, on the Hunt. Both are high quality tv shows. Check them out now!
To see a list of tv shows, films, and commercials Karen has worked on go to www.IMDB.com and type in Karen Goeller.
Monsters Inside Me, Monster in My Mouth will air again on December 7th, 2017 at 10PM, Animal Planet.
Actors go to many auditions before the right role comes along.
Go to 
Visit Karen Goeller’s imdb page to see videos, photos, and her film industry credits for acting and crew positions.
This is a great short film, very well-written and professionally done. 
