Q. I have an infant [...] - I thought that since you work with many local shows and movies - you may be able to either point me in the right direction or keep his information on file in case anyone is ever looking for a [...] baby boy for print ads or tv or movies. If you have any advice or could point me in the right direction, it would be appreciated.
A. There are very few roles written for babies because they just can't take direction! Keeping a baby on file is problematic because they change every day. I cast maybe one project every two years that requires a baby. Agents normally don't keep children under 3 years old on file. Sorry, but I honestly don't have a direction in which to point you. As for my office, I specialize in casting commercials.

Q. As a casting agent, do you only cast for on-camera commercials/films, or do you also cast for voice over projects?
A. Locally, voice overs are cast "in house" 99% of the time. In other words, casting directors aren't involved. On rare occasions my office receives a voice over casting request from a mainland client looking for a "Hawaiian accent"! You've also given me the opportunity to point out that there's a difference between casting agent and casting director. There are no casting agents in Hawaii that I'm aware of.

Q. I love to act. Would you be able to tell me where movie auditions on the island are?
A. Casting directors are too busy working on their own projects to keep up on all the other film productions going on in Hawaii. It's best to get an agent for principal work and watch for media coverage in the newspaper or on TV for open calls for Extra work.

Q. Here in Los Angeles now it is best to have color 8x10's. How is it in Hawaii? Is it the same or will they still accept black and white 8x10's?
A. We're seeing more color headshots (actually more are medium shots now!) however B/Ws are still acceptable. There is less work in Hawaii than in LA so we tend to be more lenient. As long as your photo is still an accurate representation of you, we're happy! We don't want you spending money on color when you still have B/Ws available.

Q. I am here on the island for 3 years and am interested in doing Extra work. What is the best way to find out about what's available on the island and how do I sign up? Thank you.
A. There is no central clearing house for Extra work. You can watch the media for new films or tv pilots shooting in Hawaii and potential open calls. You can sign up with an agent for commercial extra work. They are not, however, contacted for films and tv. If you are a member of the Screen Actors Guild, you can contact the Hawaii office when you arrive.

Q. Do you provide lists of agents? I have seen some talent agencies here that usually require a fee for classes ect..and then there are some modeling agencies. But, are there just individual agents as well?
A. Yes, there are individual agents. Assuming you're on Oahu, look under Modeling Agencies in the Yellow Pages. Remember, you're not looking for a photographer! Call the agencies and talk with them. A talent agent shouldn't charge a fee to sign-up. If classes are mandatory and you're not interested...move on to the next listing! The list of agents Reel Services contacts on a regular basis is offered in our seminars. This is given after we've explained the industry and you're armed with knowledge!

Q. I plan on moving to Hawaii soon. How is the market in Hawaii for my age?
A. I specialize in casting commercials; local, national and international. Looks can be more important than age. That said, it all depends on the demographics the advertiser is selling to. I have auditioned more people in the 18-35 age range than in any other age range. There are certainly more opportunities in Hawaii now with all of the series currently in production. Once you get settled in Hawaii it will behoove you to get an agent.

Q. I am interested in becoming a casting director someday. I was wondering how you got started in this field and if you could give me any advice on how to get started. Also, do you possibly have any internship positions open, where I could perhaps apply to or participate in. I really would like to gain experience to know what this field is all about.
A. The easy answer to how I got started in the industry can be summed up in one word...nepotism!!! Becoming a casting director followed 18 years of full-time employment in the film business, often working side by side with my director dad as his script supervisor. I've also been part owner of a production company and worked as a producer, coordinator, location scout...you name it! Casting is my favorite! It's vitally important for casting directors to understand many aspects of the industry. As with most of our industry's jobs, you'll need to start at the bottom and work your way up...such as a production "go-fer" or a booker at a talent agency. Unfortunately, most industry jobs are not easy to come by. I'm not currently offering internships. Best of luck to you.

Q. Will you be making more movies down here in Hawaii? And if so, what types of actresses will you be looking for? Should they be pretty and Polynesian looking? What types of nationalities would you want to see?
A. I'm not a filmmaker. I'm a casting director; a member of the filmmaking process. I don't make films; rather, I cast films already in production. Without a script and breakdown in hand it's impossible to pre-determine what types of actors will be requested for future projects. However, previous projects have called for all types and ethnicities.

Q. My daughter is looking for a talent agent in Honolulu. Are some agents more creditable than others? Are there any you would recommend?
A. As a casting director I work with all the credible agents. It would be inappropriate for me to recommend one agent over another. Like any other city, Honolulu has it's share of scammers and shammers. Be sure to do your research. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Q. I have no experience whatsoever, can I still audition?
A. This question is a bit general, however, the short answer is Yes...if you live in Hawaii...and you'd like to audition for commercials or independent films. It will be more difficult in larger film industry cities (LA, NYC, Chicago, to name a few). Remember, all performers had a first audition. You should look for an audition class or workshop in your area and learn the basics. You won't have easy access to auditions without an agent. In other words, do your homework and learn as much as you can before that first audition! Good luck.

Q. I have mainland experience, have recently moved to Hawaii and don't know where to start. Where can I find out about open calls and other auditions?
A. The best way to find out about auditions is to be listed with a talent agent. Information about upcoming open calls for feature and episodic Extras is usually announced via the media. There is also an email list available to graduates of these seminars. If you choose not to sign with an agent you should mail a head shot and resume to the individual casting directors. If you are a S.A.G. member you should also contact the Honolulu S.A.G. office.

Q. Why don't you cast extras on Oahu and fly them to neighbor island locations?
A. Extras generally come from the same area where filming takes place. This is for budgetary reasons. And, it's nice to give our neighbor island talent the opportunity to work!

Q. Do you ever cast in Los Angeles?
A. No! There are many excellent casting directors there already!

Q. I am 15 (but I can look 14-19). I am an aspiring actress. I was wondering if you could send me some info about your company and if you can help me?
A. The info on my web site matches my brochure. My best advice is to learn as much as you can about your chosen craft through classes, workshops, books, community theater, etc. Good luck!

Q. If I want to fly to Hawaii to audition for one of your projects, who pays the expenses?
A. You do!

Q. I live on the mainland. Can I submit my headshot for you to keep in your file for future projects?
A. Only Hawaii residents are kept on file.

Q. How much would it cost to be listed with your agency when I move to Hawaii?
A. I'm a casting director, not a talent agent. No one is "listed" with me as I represent the producer. Once you're here you can contact the talent agents.

Q. Do I need to have an agent?
A. Yes...and No! Some casting directors will see only those people represented by an agent. That is not a prerequisite in my office. If you choose not to be represented by an agent then you must be willing to do what it takes to make sure all casting directors in your area are aware of you. And, you need to be educated enough about the business to be able to do your own negotiating. This takes experience. And, experience usually comes from being represented by a talent agent.

Q. Are all of Reel Services auditions posted here?
A. Most of our auditions are not posted on our web site's public pages. The turn around time (the amount of time between being given the go-ahead to proceed with the project and the actual casting date) is usually far too short to justify posting it. Occasionally we have a longer turn around time which allows us to post the project to our web site and notify the public via several of the Hawaii newsgroups and, sometimes, the media. This is the exception rather than the rule, however.

Q. Has anyone ever been cast from seeing an audition listed on this page?
A. Yes! Many! All in local and international commercials. And, I must admit, that has surprised me and my clients!! We're thrilled!

Q. Do you ever cast an actor who doesn't live in Hawaii?
A. With rare exception ...No! If a mainland actor is hired for a project in Hawaii, that is almost always the result of a casting session held on the mainland.

Q. Is there a fee paid to audition?
A. Absolutely not! No one charges a fee for a legitimate audition. Even if you were hired, I would not take a commission. I am a casting director, not a talent agent.

If you have a question of general interest, please email: faq1(at)reelserviceshawaii(dot)com We will answer it here. And, we apologize in advance for not having the time to answer personal questions. Mahalo and Aloha...