Casting
Understand the movie casting process
If you have your heart set on becoming a star, you’ll be attending more than your fair share of casting calls as you try to catch a break in show business. Like modeling casting calls, acting auditions are set up by casting agencies in search of new talent. They can be completely open to the general public, or they can be by invitation only. Casting agents are the professionals responsible for arranging screen tests and auditions for aspiring thespians.
Get Your Foot in the Door at Casting Agencies
In Hollywood, you’ll need to have a talent agent or casting agent arrange for you to attend casting calls; these events are rarely of the come-one-come-all variety. To find an agent, you’ll need to write up a summary of your skills, experience and training and have headshot photographs made. Use an agency directory to locate agents accepting applicants, and forward your resume and headshot with a brief note introducing yourself. Remember to follow up, and hit up as many agents as you can; be prepared for a lot of rejection, but remember that it only takes one “yes” to get you on your way.
If an agent contacts you, you’ll usually be asked to come in to perform a monologue or a cold reading of a selected dramatic scene, or to do a screen test. A screen test is a brief acting piece that’s filmed and played back so the agent can assess how well your look and talent translate to the screen. The agent will then decide whether or not to take you on as a client. If they do, you’ll be asked to sign an agreement that binds you to pay the agent a percentage of your acting earnings as payment for their services. The agent will then actively seek work for you by sending you to movie casting auditions and putting you in touch with industry professionals looking to cast a movie.
How Casting Calls Work
During your casting call, you will be asked to perform a short piece from the script being cast or a similar but unrelated work. Generally, your piece will not involve interaction with other actors; you’ll be on your own. If the producers like what they see, you’ll be asked to come back for a second call once the field of hopefuls is narrowed down. Third and fourth calls may also occur, particularly if the producers and casting directors have multiple candidates they like for the role.
The movie casting process is intensive and gut-wrenching, but very rewarding once you get your break. Remember, too, that casting agencies are always actively seeking all types of new talent, from child actors and teen actors to character actors and people with unique or unconventional looks. By targeting your search for a talent agent, you’ll connect with professionals specifically looking for people with your skills and improve your odds of catching a break in Tinseltown.
