Q.  Recently I went on an audition and I did an accent.  It seemed to me that this character would be better with an accent.  The casting director told me not to do an accent. When is an accent good to use?

A.  I have found that most actors are not really proficient in accents,unless the actor is truly bilingual.  I see on many resumes that actors profess do to several different accents, when, in reality, they do not.  Actors have told me how they went out to  find films with certain dialects so that they could learn them for a casting.

If you think about it, sometimes when you watch film/tv, you will see the actor going in and out of an accent.  Sometimes the accent is very strong and then sometimes it disappears.  I would suggest that you only use an accent when the role calls for it; demands it.  And. . .if you cannot do the accent very well, please let your agent know that and they will find out if it is alright to audition without one.  Oftentimes, the accent is not required, and if it is, and you cannot do it well, you will not be putting your best foot forward.  This could cause problems down the road.  There might be reticence in submitting you again by your agent, and in seeing you by the casting director. 

Always remember that you must be positive and create a positive atmosphere.  You will garner more respect if you say you don't feel  that you are right for a role and do not want to waste anyone's time, then by going on a casting and not performing up to your potential.

Now that Florida has risen to the occasion, and is offering filming incentives, it is imperative that we show ourselves in the best light possible.  We also need to rise to the occasion as industry professionals.  The more professional we are, the more actors, crew, and industry professionals will be hired locally.  We are all in this together, and "together we can make a difference."

On July 5th, the projects that have applied for the state's incentive, will be certified.  FYI, there are 94 projects being considered.  If all of these projects were certified, it would mean $511 million in estimated Florida expenditures and $110 million in tax credits would be required.  For this year, we have only $54 million in tax credits.  Next year, we go up to $74 million.  Let's make everyone want to keep coming to Florida. . .again and again and again.

 Please keep your questions coming.

Have a wonderful July 4th!

 Ellen Jacoby is a casting director in Miami. She can be reached at jacobycasting@aol.com