HOW CAN I GET THE CD TO LIKE ME?

You may not have realized how difficult the casting director’s job was until now.  If you have ever had to organize a large number of people for an event, you can sympathize – imagine having to do that every day!

 

So how can you help make the casting director’s day . . . and in turn, find favor with this person?  Here are some simple pointers that never fail:

 

a)     Be on time.  One person showing up even a few minutes late can make a mess of a casting session for not only the CD, but also the talent slated for later times that day.  I could spend an entire blog on all the issues that late talent create without realizing the damage they did unintentionally.  I’m not going to, however.  Just do it.  On time means 5-10 minutes early.  You should have your paperwork filled out and a few minutes to get fully into character PRIOR to the casting time you were given.  That time is when you should be stepping in front of the camera to show off what you can do!

b)     Don’t be too early.  “Woman, what do you want from me?”  I can hear you asking it even through cyberspace.  It’s not difficult – get there early and don’t walk in until 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time.  Talent who show up an hour early cause the same problems and make CDs (and their assistants) angry, which causes the talent to fall out of the good graces they were working to obtain.

c)      Dress in character.  “The dog ate my shirt” isn’t an excuse after you graduate from middle school.  Look the part – show the client that you are naturally that character they are seeking out! 

d)     Know your script.  Some CDs don’t mind if you have your script in hand, whereas others expect you have it memorized.  Take the script in with you, but don’t use it unless the CD gives you direction that changes what you had originally prepped character-wise.  Then it’s ok to rely on the script because your focus should be following their character notes/direction.  (If they ask you to put it down when you enter, be gracious and accommodating – you don’t need it anyway, right?)

e)     Fill out paperwork correctly.  Each market will vary slightly, so consult your agent about anything you may need to know concerning paperwork before heading to your audition.  You should be able to fill it out on autopilot so you can stay in character.    Read the forms carefully.  Talent who fill in blanks marked “office use only” open themselves up to feel the wrath of a CD or assistant who might need to find a reason to vent frustrations.  That’s not the side of a conversation you want to experience prior to stepping into the casting room!

 

Simple direction that you were taught in elementary school will ensure a lasting relationship with this gatekeeper.  You aren’t there to be the CDs friend (or have them want to be your friend).  You are there to do your job as a talent.  It is just that –  A JOB – so to borrow a catch phrase, “just do it”.

 

What issues have you run into in the casting room?

Comments

[Jabe]

Hey Melinda, I have really been enjoying your blog. Thank you so much for committing to putting together this helpful tool. These tips on the casting director are great. I was wondering if you had any tips for submitting an audition to an open online casting call. You stated that casting directors are usually handling vast numbers of talent for one role. I'm sure that casting directors for an online casting call deal with many more submissions. Do you have any insights on how to put together a video submission that will make the CDs job easy and set me apart from the hundreds or thousands of other submissions?

[Melinda Eisnaugle]

Great questions! Actually, a lot of politics can go into the casting process, so the key is to be seen in the first place. Having an agent submit you might help. If that's not an option, be sure when taping to have (1) great light, (2) great sound, (3) and a tripod so you are framed appropriately to the character or casting requests. Your slate should be first and include clear contact information. Check your submission before sending to avoid technical glitches.

Last, but not least, include a cover letter with the project name and role you are submitting for along with your professional headshot/resume. A very short and concise thank you is appropriate.

Good luck with your submission!

[Hunter]

I have a couple questions about this post.

Regarding dress...what do you think about dressing up for castings? i.e. Nurse outfit I heard one large CD in Nashville say she thought it was unprofessional. While others don't seem to mind.

Paperwork...What should we do when a CD has paperwork that asks age?

Also, I want to thank you for this blog. I am hearing more and more people talk about it so your efforts are definitely not going to waste. Thanks!

[Melinda Eisnaugle]

A lot of questions talent face don't have black and white answers. Foremost, I would direct the talent to ask their agent who will know the political structure of their given market best. Despite whatever else said in this blog, follow your agent's direction.

We find that our talent do best when fully in character, including their wardrobe. If you are casting for the part of the nurse, it's best to show up "as a nurse" unless told otherwise. Of course, if you've learned the hard way (hopefully only once or even vicariously through someone else at the casting) and know there is a CD who doesn't want you to do that, don't make the mistake twice! A lot of what the talent learns is that learning the preferences of each person they deal with gives them a strong advantage.

Age again is something that your agent can direct you on. The answer is simple if legal issues are concerned, however (e.g., a 17 year old can't smoke or drink without being legally emancipated).

And thanks for the encouragement . . . and questions! Keep 'em coming!