How To Help Casting

Bribing Best Boy Casting is never a bad idea

Actors tend to ask a similar question a lot of ways, "How do you stand out to casting directors?" "How can I impress a director?" "What are you looking for?" I wish actors would instead ask, "How can I help?" and assume that when you're in the room, it's because I've invited you, and I think you can do this job.

We don't get to pick who books, but we can advocate for you, and tell our clients as much as we know about you. I don't tend to give as many opinions on commercials as I can give on films, for example, but I can tell clients about your special skills if I know about them, and how often you book with us.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're an actor trying to connect with a casting director and their casting office.

Keep us updated

I love getting emails with updated reels, trailers to shorts, or commercials from actors. While I'm not a theater casting director, I'm always honored to get invites to shows so I can see you work in another medium. When you've booked a new role, and I can take a look at something (footage, or coming to see you) please throw me an invite.

When you've taken a new class or learned a new skill that you see a casting office needing regularly, let them know! Especially if you have footage or an accreditation to share, it's always nice to know what other skills you have that we could use to get you a job.

Communicate on requests

When we request you for auditions or callbacks, it's always helpful to get feedback on declines, time limitations, and more. These requests are two-way streets - you don't have to accept audition requests. You won't get black-listed in my office if you decline an audition - I promise.

Knowing that your casting team is here to advocate for you, it's helpful to know why you're declining requests. May it's because you're out of town for the shoot dates, you're about to have a baby, or you just don't like horror films. All of these reasons - or whatever yours are - help me understand what to call you in for next. If you're not in town, but you tell me you love the script and you'd like to be considered for similar roles, that's helpful! If you're about to have a baby, I'm not going to call you in for the action star in two weeks. If you don't like the content of a project, I won't call you in for them and put you in the same situation again!

Give us your opinion

We're so desperate for your opinion in the casting office. If the director knew who she wanted, she'd have offered the role. If we're casting, it means we're looking for the solution still. I want to understand what you WANT to be doing, from what skills you want to show off, and which genres you want to book. Helping me understand your ideal career can be through your headshots and demo reels for sure, but you can also guide is through your audition process by making choices that feel true to what you want to be doing.

We want actors' opinions, from the moment we see your headshot until you leave the set. If we didn't, we'd hire teleprompter readers and call it a day. Show us who you are, what you're about, and what you'd like to be booking, and we'll call you in when it makes sense.

Help us help you, and I'll see you in the room.

-- Sarah