FROM KEN LAZER CASTING: CASTING TIP: I got an email from an actress who in addition to asking me to represent her also expressed her concern that she keeps submitting herself (she has no agent) on the various sites like Actors Access, Backstage, Casting Networks, etc. and isnt getting any response/auditions. The answer I gave her I thought might benefit everyone so here it is...The Honest Truth : First, I need to stress I am a Casting Director not an Agent or Manager so I do not represent talent. I do however will bring unrepresented talent in on castings if I know them/know they can act. Why You May Not Be Getting The Audition: 1. Consider if youre even the right age range, character type that we (CDs) are looking for. If you are...or think you are, continue reading to #2. 2. Is your headshot good? Please understand, when Im looking at a submissions for a casting, I get hundreds of submissions. I look for the actors that I know first and I know can act from seminars, or classes, then, I look to see which headshots jump out at me. You really need to have a good headshot to get noticed. Ive seen so many headshots that actors ask their friends to take for them, who have no idea what they are doing, that boast that they know what theyre doing--and you end up hurting yourself. You really need someone in casting to give you an honest, no bull s reality check on your headshot and if its not good, who will give you guidance on the right photographers. 3. If you make it past the headshot phase, the next important thing is if you have a video reel uploaded or not. How is your video reel? The reel needs to have good footage from either commercials or tv/film projects. But how do you know if its a good representation of you? If youre nonunion and starting out, check out student film projects. And again, you need someone in casting that can give you an honest opinion about what footage to use or not. Ive seen hundreds of reels over the years and majority of them (non union talent) are not good. Whether its the sound or camera quality or the acting itself, Ive had to tell the truth to these actors so they dont hurt themselves with other CDs and agents with first impressions of seeing your work. 4. Resume: Its important to a certain extent. Personally, I dont always look at it if you have a good reel. Why? Anyone can put anything on a resume. Its what you do in front of the camera that will tell if your resume is legit. Sometimes I see actor that has a good resume no reel, give that person a shot, sometimes Union and after the audition, I question (to myself) how that person got into the Union. So, if youre not getting the attention you feel you should, consider if your headshot, reel and resume are good enough to catch our attention.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 14:33:32 +0000
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