Much of it, says director Vishal Bhardwaj, is way off the mark.

Bhardwaj, who has just won a National Award for Best Children's film for Blue Umbrella, which -- despite having been completed in 2005 -- hit theatres a fortnight ago, says that focused screen tests involve asking the aspirant to play the particular character the script requires.

But that aside, when aspiring actors send in their stills and videos, there are certain things directors look for. In Bhardwaj's own words:

"Photographs: Youngsters today, especially women, focus too heavily on lights and makeup in the shots they send. I can't blame them because they need to make an impression. But sometimes, this hides their natural features. Ideally, they should do a set of pictures with makeup and lights, as well as one without to give a clearer indication about their looks.

Video: When submitting a video screen test, I think a candidate should do a full, proper scene. I always feel they should do a scene that has impressed them a lot, one which they feel lets them prove themselves. The important thing is also to realise the kind of scene that has been impactful to their sensibilities. As a filmmaker, it lets me see what has inspired them, and what that inspiration brings out in them."

There -- from the man who has recently completed Blood Brothers, a short film on AIDS starring Siddharth, Ayesha Takia [Images], Pawan Malhotra and Pankaj Kapur, and is now busy polishing up the script for his next film, Julia -- you have it: the how-to-do-it of submitting a screen test.

So what are you waiting for? Use the iShare platform to create and send in your Screen Test -- photographs, videos, or both -- and mail us your iShare page.

We will publish them on Rediff Movies. You can also share your Screen Test with other readers and even forward them to directors and producers.

If you dream of becoming the next big star, you have to start someplace -- this could be it.

How to use iShare? Click here!