CASTING CALL IN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Casting Call)

Casting Call / Photo Credit: Cooking with Nonna

CASTING CALL IN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION… (In the Entertainment industry. Casting Call)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

Casting Call in Motion Picture Production

What is a casting call?

In the performing arts industry such as Theatre, Film, or Television, a casting (or casting call) is a pre-production process for selecting a certain type of actor, dancer, singer, or extra for a particular role or part in a script, screenplay, or teleplay.

Casting directors filter through hundreds, if not thousands of head-shots and resumes every day. So how do you effectively stand out from the crowd, and not have your submission thrown in the trash. So, here is a list of helpful hints on what to do for submitting to roles.

Casting calls belong to a wide spectrum of productions. From a student filmmaker to a heavyweight production house, anyone can publicize for cast requirements. The notices are made public via different medias such as industry trade journals, online bulletin boards, production lists, word-of-mouth, and agent notification to name a few.

Most struggling actors subscribe to trade magazines to find out about casting calls and also by registering with casting agencies. Those casting agencies which specialize in providing extras for film and TV provide struggling actors with a realistic opportunity to get a foothold in the movie industry. The best part is that the casting agencies accept anyone and an agent, therefore, becomes almost redundant.

On the other hand, an agent's prime objective is to find the best parts for the client. All established agents have well-established relationships with major casting agencies, production companies, studios, directors and other industry people that bring out casting notices. Usually casting calls are generic in nature. Nevertheless, there may be times when calls are made for specific age, appearance, gender and other special skills. Any role which may require nudity shall indicate the same right in the beginning.

Casting calls are often used for filling out the remaining cast after the main actors are decided. A-list actors are not required to attend casting calls. They become a part of the project through inside dealings.

Whenever there are production calls for inexperienced people to fill roles, the casting calls are publicized on a broad network to the public. When you respond to a casting call, don't be surprised if you find serpentine queues or if you are made to fill applications, and interviewed before the actual audition. The callback usually is accompanied with more auditions in an attempt to cast the right people. 

• Take your time- Avoid sending a blank email with just a head-shot and a resume. Take your time and make each email seem that it took time and effort before you press send on your computer screen…
• Avoid sending obvious generic emails. For example, “To whom it may concern” is an obvious and dead giveaway that this email is simply a draft that is recycled over and over to numerous casting directors…
• Take your time and do your research on the casting director. Something as simple as addressing them by their name can go a long way…
• Ask Questions- If you have any questions or concerns address them in your email. It is often considered rude, to quit a project later because, you failed to ask the casting director earlier for more information. There is “usually” no such thing as a dumb question…
• Submit Wisely – do not submit to something you do not fit the description for. Casting directors must filter through thousands of head-shots and resumes every day, and by submitting your information to something that does not apply to you just makes their job more difficult. Thus, probably less likely to hire you in the future…
• Create an Acting resume- Your professional resume should stand alone from your acting resume. They are considered as two different things in the entertainment industry, so take the time to write a resume on your acting experiences. If you are not sure how to create an acting resume visit Getting Started. Furthermore, do not include your background, stand-in or photo double work in your acting resume. Those areas of work do not illustrate your acting talent…
• Submit Authentic Pictures- Do not submit older pictures of yourself. You want your head-shots to resemble what you look like on a normal basis not twenty years ago…
• Do NOT Procrastinate– Typically the earlier you submit the hirer your chances. So do not wait until the last minute to submit to any opportunity. Most of the time the people who waited ultimately, missed their chance to acting in a major feature film…
• Personalize- Personalize your email or cover letter. Here is a great example to draw casting directors’ attention… 

As they say…break a leg.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Huffington Post, Backstage, Nick Maccarone, Debbie Sikkema, Your Young Actor, Acting Biz, Project Casting,

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Casting Call / Photo Credit: Cooking with Nonna