Jack put out adverts on CastingCallPro / Mandy and StarNow. The directors then narrowed down the applicants via Skype interviews based on the impression they gave off, their experience and their availability. The successful applicants from the Skype interviews were then invited into the studios for the final auditions. Before the final auditions, the applicants were provided with audition packs with all the information they needed to know (directions to the studios, transport options, all dates they would be needed for, dress code and some scripts to rehearse for the audition).
Due to having a workshop with Del on the same day we decided to split the people who would be auditioning the applicants so that 1 producer, 1 director and 1 PA would be in each audition. We then came together at the end to make a final decision together.
In the individual auditions it was myself present as the producer, George as the director and Jemma as the PA.
We had four applicants for the auditions.
The audition started with a little interview section to find out why they applied for the show, what they felt they could bring to the show and what sort of interest they had in fashion (being the subject of the show). Although most of these questions were covered in the Skype interviews, it was helpful to talk about it in person and to fill myself and Jemma in who were not present for the Skype interviews. This also helped to get a feel of their personality and how they act in person rather than just over video chat. I also asked each individual whether they had done live work before and whether they think that they would feel comfortable in front of a live studio audience.
After the interview section, we moved into a mock up of the fashion fails segment. This segment involves the presenter walking out into the audience and interacting with them - therefore we needed to ensure the chosen presenters were comfortable doing this and could put their own spin on the section. For this section we were looking for a presenter who could ad lib confidently and provide an enthusiastic response to whatever the audience member said.
Once we had done the mock up, we moved into a script reading of a small section of the script. The section we chose was from the presenter challenge VT. This VT is intended to have a light hearted, funny tone, therefore it is important that the presenter is enthusiastic and engaging. We were also looking again for someone who could ad lib confidently and doesn't need to rely on a script to know what to say - we were looking for someone with a conversational tone where the audience can relate to them. We were also looking for a bit of fashion knowledge or humour (depending on which presenter they wanted to be) when it came to describing the outfit they found in the challenge.
After all these sections of the audition were completed, we just needed to check through the individuals' availability and whether they would be flexible if we needed to add additional dates.
For the pair auditions Melissa sat in as the producer, Gavin was director and Victoria was PA.
The pairs were given different tasks / activities to do together to test their compatibility as co presenters. It is important for us to have presenters who seem to have a natural bond - they should seems as if they're friends e.g. like Ant and Dec or Claudia and Tess on Strictly.
The tasks set:
- The first task was rating each other's outfits as if the other had purchased it. We wanted this to act as the Presenter Challenge reveal as in the show the presenter who has had an outfit purchased for them will have to rate the outfit. This was a good opportunity to see how good they are at ad libbing and having conversation.
- The second task was to read a sample script. This helped to see how the presenters would make the script their own by ad libbing and adding to the scripted dialogue.
- The third task was a sort of role play / scenario task. Gavin gave each pair a scenario from the show such as Fashion Fails where the presenters had to act as if they were talking to the audience about their fashion fail.
Once both the individual auditions and pair auditions had been completed, the whole production team met back up so that we could discuss the results. We had a difficult choice as we had two pairs who performed extremely well in the pair auditions, however, one of these pairs was an all male pairing and therefore did not fit our brief. As both pairs' performances were equally good, we decided to go for Alfie and Adeline as this provided us with one male and one female presenter which was our desired outcome.
Adeline Individual Audition:
- has a real passion for fashion - so could act as our 'fashion expert' - turned up in an outfit which would be perfect for the style of show
- confident and has stage experience - so used to performing in front of a live audience
- classic fashion with modern twist is her taste - Audrey Hepburn is a fashion influence for her.
FASHION FAILS:
- got up out of her seat for role play, walked over to the 'audience member' and engaged with them.
- Responded to 'audience member's' concerns and encouraged response from other audience members.
SCRIPT READ:
- good at ad libbing, did not need to refer to the script a lot, injected bits of personality into it.
- referenced own clothing to display an example & also displays good knowledge of fashion.
All dates okay, can't do 13th, 14th, 15th
Alfie Individual Audition:
- Open to others' fashion opinions - easy for him to have a conversation about any type of fashion - has a versatile fashion style and has lived in different countries (adapts style to location / culture)
- His personal style is that he likes well fitted jeans and a pair of boots
- He has worked on stage and on live broadcasts - has used talk back
FASHION FAILS:
- addresses the whole audience
- holds good conversation with the contributor
- relatable and friendly
SCRIPT READ:
- Nervous but has good natural presenting ability.
- Good description of fashion.
All dates listed okay, not available 8th April
Alfie and Adeline Pair Audition:
Natural interaction between them even before the audition. Talking outside the audition room - helping them to bond and make their chemistry as presenter stronger.
JUDGING OUTFITS:
- they use each other's names which gives their presenting style a more relatable feel - also makes them seem like friends as they seem to have a natural chemistry
- both of them use a bit of anecdote when it comes to describing the fashion
- good banter between them & they held eye contact with each other and the audience
SCRIPT READING:
- good banter with each other, feels very natural and not forced
- they worked well together and built a relaxed atmosphere
OLD TO NEW MOCK:
- Collaborated well and came up with good ideas together, they work really well as a pair
- Using anecdotes - good at ad libbing / confident at presenting
Interviewing these contributors was a good learning experience for me as I have never interviewed actors in person for a role before. The informal interview section was beneficial in getting a sense of their personalities and whether they would suit the show. Getting the presenters to role play certain segments of the show was useful as it showed how their presenting abilities then applied to our show. All the applicants were confident presenters, but Alfie and Adeline had the edge when it came to being appropriate for our show. The auditions provided a good opportunity to tell the presenters what we would expect from them in our show but to also listen to their concerns and recommendations for the show. Myself and Melissa will keep in close contact with the presenters during the script writing process so that we can ensure the tone of our script fits with their presenting style so that the dialogue seems as natural as possible whilst still conveying the information we need to.
The presenters:
Adeline Close
Adeline will be our fashion expert on the show. She is also a bubbly person so will compliment our bubbly presenter.
Alfie Garston
Alfie will be our bubbly presenter.
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