Dressing the Part

Yes, sometimes you could go to far. But maybe, a little enhancement in the outfit department might cause a director to look at you as right for the role.

I have discovered that sometimes it might be wise to dress for the part.

Especially in the world of film auditions.

When you sign for an agency, or comtemplate doing Extra movie work, you do need some basic wardrobe pieces...black shoes and pants, a sport coat, a business suit, white pressed shirts, conservative neckties, a polo shirt or two in muted colors, an overcoat.

Maybe you want to go that extra step and invest in a lab coat, button-up or a vest sweater (if you are on old guy, like me), assorted hats, various era glasses, a conservative and a wild Hawaiian shirt, some zubas.

Made a callback for a dad cop. The other guy shows up in the real deal gear. Did it help? Did it hinder? Hey, he fit the part beautifully. But, maybe, maybe not...but it motivated me to visit a uniform store and now I own a white, a blue, a swat, a highjway patrol shirt, all my size -- and they were on speical at $5 a shot. Plus, did I mention -- they fit me!  A cop hat. A holster. Some badges. Then the next part that cast me as a cop--I'm undercover wearing a T-shirt and a bad Hawaiian. Go figure.

Have to revisit the store. Get a postal employee shirt. Maybe a chefs coat and waiter smock. Would it be wise to get a Wall-Mart vest? A Target red shirt? Best Buy blue? Have a photo taken in any of them for the site? How about a religious cleric collar? Military garb? Constuction worker helmet. Day-gloo vest? Specialized speedo!

Keep an eye out for props and clothes that you might be able to use as you go our for parts. Sometimes, you should try to dress something like the character, or bring a prop. It can't hurt!