Riia Pakkanen, Iltalehti’s editor, tested the test shots of the series Salatut elämat. The responsible producer of the series as well as the casting and acting coordinator reveal what kind of criteria can be used to become an actor in the program.
In the midst of the excitement, you completely forget about the chocolates and non-alcoholic refreshments on offer. There is in front Encrypted Lives – program auditions at the Konala studio.
The auditionee is received by the casting and acting coordinator Veera Lappalainen and the corresponding producer Seija-Liisa Eskola. There is also the opposite actor of the audition, who this time is playing Jiri Viitamäki Mikko Parikka.
The trio’s reception is warm and relaxed. One of them says the words that often describe auditions: “You are today’s star.”
In the photo, Seija-Liisa Eskola (left), actor Mikko Parikka (center) and casting and acting coordinator Veera Lappalainen (right). Henri Kärkkäinen
Sensing the tension in the test shooting mode, Parikka tries to lighten the mood with a playful joke: “When will the studio audience arrive?” Of course there is no such thing. After laughing for a while, Parikka reads through the script once with the auditionee, which was sent about a week earlier.
Then Lappalainen, acting as the director of the auditions, goes through the places where the auditionee must stand during the scene. Test shootings are recorded on a video camera. When the locations are clear, Lappalainen turns on the camera and gives permission to act by saying: “And be nice”.
The scene is performed three times: one as the auditionee had himself thought of performing his character, the second according to the director’s advice, and the third as a close-up.
This time, the test filming took place on Salkkareit’s own sets. Henri Kärkkäinen
The tension, the pressure to perform and the camera are quickly forgotten, because the filming has a safe environment and is not judgmental at all. You just have to dare to throw yourself in and listen to the instructor’s advice with an open mind.
There is much more involved in audition filming and several rounds, but the information about them is secret. Finally, the audition team thanks the applicant and gives praise.
Adrenaline flows in the body and the situation leaves a feeling of gratitude and a fun experience. Finally, he remembers to reward himself with the chocolate and refreshment offered earlier before leaving the studio. Finally, the thought comes to mind: “The initial tension was terrible, but it’s wonderful that I still did this.”
Requirements for Salkkarit stardom
Lappalainen and Eskola tell Iltalehte that auditions for Salkkarit are held every week, depending on what kind of roles are being applied for in the program at that moment.
The number one requirement for all applicants is good chemistry with the co-stars. During auditions, Eskola pays particular attention to what the applicant is like between scenes.
– Micro expressions or, for example, laughing are really interesting and not just how he presents his dialogue. That is, the whole and how he works in the filming situation, says Eskola.
There are currently around 30 permanent actors in Salkkarei, but guest stars are constantly visiting the series. Henri Kärkkäinen
Different things are sought in the applications depending on the roles. Naturally, the training for the profession is different from the application. However, certain requirements remain the same regardless of roles.
– First of all, the fact that the application clearly shows all the basic information and has face and full-body photos. Then it’s great that there are video clips of scenes that have done in their acting or career. I always look at them if they are attached in any form, Lappalainen lists.
– In addition, the fact that, for example, the young applicant has some hobby in the field or some other performance background, he adds.
In the case of adults, the requirements also include the age, which has already been defined for the role in advance. For young people, the requirements are slightly more flexible.
– A young person is not defined so precisely, because we give the opportunity for where the young person starts to develop. For example, let’s say we had a 16-year-old young person and we defined very precisely what he should be like. After all, he would start to stress it out and present a certain kind that would be immediately visible on camera, Eskola opens.
Veera Lappalainen, the casting and acting coordinator of Salkkareit, tries to make the applicant relax during auditions. Henri Kärkkäinen
Child actors have also been seen in Salkari. According to Lappalainen, parents send them applications from their children and the most suitable ones are invited to an interview at the studio.
In the case of young children, the parents are asked in the interview how the rhythm of the studio fits into family life.
– For older children, we do test shoots with the closest character they would work with, Lappalainen says.
According to Lappalainen, not a single parent has come to complain that their child was not selected for the series.
However, the first no answer does not mean that the applicant has been denied access to Salkkari forever.
– It has often happened that a role opens up after a few years and then I remember someone auditioning. Then I call him and ask him to visit, Lappalainen says.
Wrong motives
According to Lappalainen, no one has ever interrupted test shootings or run away. There have been times when there have been “funny” scenes of laughter during auditions with young actors.
According to Lappalainen and Eskola, the applicant is never required to have a certain appearance. Henri Kärkkäinen
Eskola states that all kinds of applicants have been seen in auditions.
– I wouldn’t say that not all applicants are serious, but those who are capable of camera work stand out quickly. That’s the main thing I always look at, he says.
– And presence is the most important thing, Lappalainen adds and Eskola agrees.
According to Lappalainen, there have also been people who want to audition just to get to the Salkkarit studio. However, a native of Lappa recognizes such a motive in a person very quickly.
– All in all, a person’s energy immediately says quite a lot, he says.
Eskola and Lappalainen name one of their most interesting audition moments when they were looking for an actor for the role of Magnus Mustavaara. At that time, they had seven really good candidates, but they finally got the role Leevi Rapeli stood out from the crowd.
– Of course, Mikko was involved in the auditions, because Magnus is Jiri’s son in the series. They were really relaxed, lovely and super good together, Lappalainen recalls.
Finally, the two want to send a message to those who aspire to Salkkarei: “We are gentle and professionals here”.