How To Cast In Hollywood
As media professionals, there are many things we can’t seem to get enough of. Technology has made it possible for anyone with an idea and a lot of passion to make their dreams come true by casting a movie or TV show.
It is not limited to just having people interested in being part of a film or television show to actually recruit them, but also promoting your project through social media and other online platforms.
Many times, however, even after all this effort, talent goes unreached. It could be because they are too busy, don’t have time to devote to marketing themselves or simply don’t feel that passionate about your project. Or maybe they are only willing to work under certain conditions that you cannot afford to fulfill. Whatever the case may be, this article will talk you through some ways to cast a movie!
We will go over different types of actors, how to hire them, and what to do when they refuse to cooperate with you. But first, let us discuss the three main casting styles and how they relate to each other.
Three main casting styles
There are several different strategies used to find new characters for a screenplay or show. These include open calls where anyone can apply, agency representation where they are paid per role, and personal contacts who can help you identify potential candidates.
Create a casting breakdown
As mentioned before, your agent or manager will create a casting break down for you. This is very important to do properly as it shapes how many people view your profile. The process of creating a casting breakdown varies slightly depending on who you are representing, but there are some general rules that apply no matter what!
First, make sure to include enough information. Yours should at least include: actor’s name, role, agency, representation, email address, phone number, link to their website, and any previous roles they have been nominated for (or won). Add as much additional detail as possible - like asking if they would work exclusively full time or part time, whether they prefer speaking or listening, etc.
Don’t forget to mention anything about yourself that may influence the job such as hobbies, activities, stories related to the movie, and/or things that influenced you (e.g. personal experiences with similar jobs).
Start casting
The next step is to start looking for potential actors or actresses to audition for your movie. There are many ways to do this, from going to acting classes, talking to people around you who may know of an actor or actress that could help you get started, visiting online forums where aspiring filmmakers hang out, and even creating your own forum so that others can send you auditions!
If you’re more experienced as a filmmaker, then you can also create your own website or list YouTube videos that feature cast members so that other people can contact them to recommend their services.
There are several free tools that can help you find all sorts of resources, such as Actors Connection Network and Movie Actor Outsource. Both offer a basic service with limited features, but they will keep updating it over time to make it more useful.
The more advanced versions cost some money up front, but they include things like having access to agents that work with their connections, cover letters templates, and much more. Check out both sites to see what they have available.
Connect with the studio
After you have done some acting, it is time to look for your next job! The first thing you should do is connect with the studios that already hire actors.
Most big studios have an agency or team of people who are looking for new members. You can send out your resume as normal, but be sure to include a link to your Instagram profile so they can check out your work.
You may also want to make a few fake profiles at different social media sites.
Pay your dues
As we mentioned before, being chosen as an actor takes lots of different things- you got into acting because you loved drawing attention, so don’t shy away from that!
Acting is also about putting yourself out there, constantly asking for work and not taking “no” for an answer. If you love to draw attention to yourself, start offering your services more frequently or get into the habit of asking every day if it’s possible to meet with someone to discuss potential opportunities.
And lastly, always keep learning new skills beyond just your own special talent. Acting is a craft that requires constant investment in yourself; people who are successful took their time to hone their personal skill set and continually improved theirs.
It may cost you money in terms of training courses or studio fees, but investing in yours will pay off in the long run.
Be friendly
Being friendly is the most important thing when trying to break into the casting industry. While it sounds funny to say, being friendly actually makes a big difference. When you are seeking employment, spending time developing relationships will help you find your next job quickly.
People often times take things way too seriously and media studies have confirmed that people who like each other spend more time talking about non-work related topics. Therefore, try and talk about something other than yourself or what you are looking for.
Ask others how their day went and get theirs stories. Or ask if anyone knows of any jobs available and why they think you should apply for them. The best way to boost your networking skills is by practicing and doing it as much as possible!
The more connections you make, the better chance you have at finding employment. People usually do not mind sharing knowledge and experiences so don’t be shy to ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
Know your market
As mentioned before, being aware of the media that your target audience is exposed to can play a big part in you casting a movie or TV show. If you’re not sure who their favorite actors are, take some time to look into it!
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about trying out for a job as an actor, but don’t be shy - there’s almost always someone ahead of you who got where they were through hard work and repetition. So why should you be any different?
By reading up on what makes your potential boss laugh, how many people have seen him/her acting before, and whether he/she is typically surrounded by lots of friends and family, you will start to get a sense of whether this person is more likely to hire you.
And once you do get hired, this knowledge will help you keep up with them and make sure you’re putting enough effort into your performance.
Be a good listener
A lot of people with bigger dreams than you have already shot a movie or TV show, so it is not about time to give up! What makes someone successful is how well they manage their career- what they do to grow as an actor, what strategies they use to get work, and who they are as a person beyond just showing up at auditions.
Being able to listen is one of the most important things you can be when trying to break into acting. People with more success understand that no matter where you are in your career, there will always be another set of actors who are one step ahead of you, and these people seem to have mastered the art of listening.
You would like to think that being very articulate is half of becoming a great speaker, but being a good listener is even more valuable. The best speakers are self-aware and know how to focus on other people’s points before adding yours onto the mix. Great listeners take time to really pay attention to what others say, and then add something meaningful from their own experience or knowledge.
Be consistent
Consistency is one of the most important things to be as an actor. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, whatever stage role you are auditioning for will have something similar in it.
If you show up for an audition with very little motivation, I can almost guarantee that not only will they turn off potential members, but yourself too!
Before your next big casting call, make sure you’re really motivated to work and prepare yourself physically by practicing yoga every day. You want to be able to give a good performance after training, so keep acting fresh by working consistently.
And don’t forget to follow basic rules like keeping yourself hydrated and eating well. If you notice any health issues, address them before attending the auditions. Your appearance and overall health will help set the tone and impression for the character.