By Justin Medve
BELLEVILLE – Third-year students in Loyalist College’s Television and New Media program have started hosting auditions for their major television and film projects, which they’re more than eager to share with the public.
QNet News was on scene for the first casting call on Sept. 29.
These auditions are a stepping stone for students wanting to see their hard work pay off and an exciting experience for those who try out. The students have been piecing together these films since their first year in the program.
“We really want the majors to go well, and the first step in that is making sure you get a good cast and people who are really enthusiastic,” said Matt Cassidy, the third-year casting director for the science-fiction film Paralysis.
Before the audition, actors will see a representation of each production that includes scripts, pictures and a trailer.
Then a casting director explains the role they’re trying out for. As soon as they can get in that character’s shoes, the audition begins. One by one, they’re recorded in the control room for later viewing.
This behind-the-scenes work is critical in television. Cassidy also told QNet News the TVNM students have what it takes to put together these feature length films.
“I think it’s a really good program for getting lots of insight into every aspect of TV, it’s very all-encompassing,” he said.
TVNM has been doing major productions for over a decade, according to co-ordinator Eric Howard.
“There are people that come year after year and try out,” Howard said.
There are still many roles to be filled. With three major productions – each covering a different genre of film – the possibilities are wide open for an aspiring actor.
Filming will take place until winter holidays for those who make the cut. Students will then enter the post-production phase to put the finishing touches on their project.
The movies will eventually be shown at TVNM’s annual showcase at Belleville’s Empire Theatre. The screenings also feature some first and second-year works.
Ashley Bryan, casting director for horror movie Devil in the Woods, is already looking forward to screening night.
“A way to showcase all the work that the TVNM students do over the academic year,” Bryan said.
“I’m definitely sure that the next few nights will go well,” she said.
More information can be found on Loyalist Productions 2016’s Facebook page. Auditions are also scheduled for Oct. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the college’s Kente Building.
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