The InstantCast Blog » Career Tips

Hear Daily Casting Call Tips from Casting Director Courtney

InstantCast — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:46:43 +0000

If you’re ever attending any big events, always be on the lookout for casting calls that may be happening at those events. Casting Directors often attend events if they’re working on a reality or documentary show that has a lot of casting needs. I’ve attended many events in seek of a cast at places such as concerts, horse competitions, tattoo conventions, restaurant conventions, and the list goes on.

If you do come across a casting at these events and want to be taken seriously as a candidate for a show, remember to be outgoing, energetic, reliable, and professional. It’s okay to have fun while you’re roaming around an event, but if you have scheduled an interview for the casting, be sure to show up on time and take it seriously. If you appear to be flaky, you may miss out on your chance or may be viewed as someone who would be too unreliable to cast in a show.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear How Casting Directors Can Find You First

InstantCast — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:08:26 +0000

If you’re an actor and you have several TV or Film credits to your name, it’s important to make sure there’s a way for people to find you that may be interested in booking you. You’d be surprised how difficult it can be to find an actor’s correct representation. I am currently casting an indie SAG film and trying to reach out to agents of several actors. The more popular actors are much easier to track down than some of the lessor known actors. Here are some tips to help you get found by casting pros:

If you’re in the Screen Actors Guild, make sure they have contact info for your representation. If you’re not, it does not hurt to have a website with your contact info. Or your agent and managers contact info if that pertains to you. It’s just as important to find gigs as it is to have the information out there to be found! It would be awful to miss out on an opportunity because a Casting Director could not find the appropriate contact to book you!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Stay Positive in Showbiz

InstantCast — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:12:19 +0000

Being an actor is a very tough profession: You have to have very thick skin and get used to dealing with a lot of rejection. Not everyone is cut out for it and there may be a lot of people in your life who discourage you from pursuing it when times get rough. You may book a job and be given a certain role and then find that lines are taken away from you and the role is re-written after your first rehearsal. Or, you may book a pilot and then find that they chose not to bring you on as part of the cast when it goes to series. All of these things will feel like a slap in the face. But it’s all part of the profession and you will have to find a way to deal with the rejection with your head held high or you may not be cut out for it.

People constantly judge in showbiz. Wherever you go, try to learn from the criticism you receive and let it help you become a better actor. If you can’t take direction well, you’re not going to improve in the eyes of the producers. And you will be at risk of losing whatever role they give you. So really listen when someone is giving you tips and don’t take it as an insult. How you handle all of the rejection and criticism in this business may make the difference between being successful or throwing in the towel.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Visualize Your Showbiz Success and It Will Come to You

InstantCast — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:14:40 +0000

Do you ever sit down and think about how you view yourself? Do you think of yourself as successful, middle of the road, or a failure? Do you represent yourself with confidence and pride, or do you think you’re just as good as anyone else out there? If you think you’re full of potential then you will be seen that way in the eyes of others. When you’re looking for gigs, you shouldn’t feel like you are unqualified for anything: visualize success and it will come to you.

If you believe you can do it, you should go for it. You need to aim high to move up in life. If you don’t take pride in your skills and accomplishments, no one else will. There will probably be some rejection along the way, but if you’re an actor, this is something you’ll have to get used to. Have tough skin and don’t let that put a damper on your passion and dreams. The more work you put into getting gigs, the more you will get out of it. So keep trying, keep pushing, and remember that if you see yourself as a success, so will others!

By: Casting Director Courtner Maglione

Increase Your Chances of Getting Cast with these Three Audition Tips

InstantCast — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:22:40 +0000

If you get called for an audition, it means a casting director or producer wants to see you in person. Whether it was based on your headshot or résumé, it means they already think you have potential for the role. All you have to do is show them it was worth having you come in. I know this is easier said than done, but here are 3 things you can do to increase your chances of making a good impression & landing the role:

1. Be on time. Punctuality shows that you are responsible and considerate of other people’s time and schedules.
2. Always express your interest in the role. It is good to do this at some point before the audition starts. When they are mic’ing you up or walking you into the room. Your enthusiasm will make a great first impression.
3. Send a thank you email afterwards. I never forget a person who sends a thank you email. It reminds me of their audition and also reminds me that they’re professional. It shows that you really care about the role and your career.

So next time you have an audition, use these audition etiquette tips and you’re bound to be off to a good start!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Get Ready for the Spotlight this Spring

InstantCast — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:12:08 +0000

The great thing about the entertainment industry is that it moves fast: You can be anywhere and a casting director or a producer can find you! Natalie Portman was discovered in a pizza parlor on Long Island… you just never know! Also, the show or project you’re working on can quickly lead to another very soon.

I worked on the Millionaire Matchmaker in NYC last season and some of the people who appeared on the show as dates have made it big! Luke Morganstern, who was chosen as a master date, really stole the spotlight. Now, he’s on another network show as himself and was nominated– and won–at The Soup awards on E!.

So, you just never know. Put yourself out there full force and the spotlight will follow.

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Casting Director Courtney on the Benefits of Internships

InstantCast — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:58:37 +0000

Summer is just around the corner & that means it’s internship time! Getting an internship can be very beneficial to your career if you’re thinking about working in showbiz. I’ve worked on many castings for MTV where we needed our talent or audience members to be college aged. After the tapings, many college students approach me expressing their interest in TV production. When people take initiative and express interest in the job at hand , I always allow them to use me as a contact for future internships.

Getting a good internship can be just as competitive as getting a job these days. I’d much rather hire an intern that I have met before, or who has been referred by someone I know. And many other employers will prefer this too. Going on casting calls can be a great way to network and sometimes you may come out of it getting something totally different then you expected when you went into it!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear Our Advice on How to Get an Agent

InstantCast — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:19:41 +0000

New actors often ask me if I think they should try to get in with an agent or not. And I always say, if you’re trying to go the reality-route, then no. A lot of reality castings emphasize that they want real people. They don’t want people who are acting. So if you’re a new actor, but also want to apply for reality gigs, you might want to hold off on getting an agent.

Once you get an agent, everything has to go through them. Most agents won’t allow their clients to do gigs that do not pay the standard agency fee. I have worked on many reality castings and most of them not only request that actors do not audition, they also refuse to pay any kind of agency fee since actors are not what they are looking for. So, realize that going with an agency might mean saying bye- bye to reality casting opportunities.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

To Act or to Direct? That is the Question… Hear How to Juggle it All in Showbiz

InstantCast — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:43:58 +0000

Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Paul Newman, Ron Howard, Clint Eastwood… the list goes on and on: So many actors also double as directors. What do you want to pursue? You can do both successfully if you put your mind to it. But set aside time to start in either acting or directing. Once you’ve mastered one, move onto the next and learn both crafts to the fullest. Go for it! The sky’s the limit in showbiz!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Hear How You Can Make Positive Career Changes this April

InstantCast — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:46:34 +0000

Changes always involve risk and are never easy. However, if you are unhappy and not progressing toward your goals, the change may be worth the risk. A lot of successful entertainers took risks to get where they are now. It definitely didn’t happen by holding back or fearing change. So how do you know if you’re ready for the change or not?

Start by accessing your happiness. How often are you unhappy with where you are or what you are doing? What would you need to do to get closer to achieving your goals and how important is that to you? If you’re torn and feel your life is at a standstill, make a pros and cons list. If you know in your heart that it is time for a change, you have to rip it off like a band aid and just do it.

Moving or changing jobs can be really scary. But the more exciting things happen in life when you break from complacency and start taking risks. You need to close one door to find the next one to open. I advise having a plan and doing research before making your big change. This will help you feel more confident about your decision and it will relieve the fear you may have before making the leap.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Turn Your Business into a Reality TV Show

InstantCast — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:43:58 +0000

A lot of reality TV shows these days are featuring people who have their own business. Whether it is a show like Pawn Stars or Millionaire Matchmaker- entrepreneurs and their employees are getting publicity through reality TV. There are shows about tattoo shops, clothing shops, hair salons – you name it- there’s probably a show about it! If you want to start a business, or get your existing business more exposure, you should think about reality TV as a medium for this!

I suggest you make a website too so that people can find your business easily. Another tip is to be unique. Make sure however your advertising really sets you apart from the competition. Be sure to highlight what makes your business different from the others out there. Unique appearances and having interesting people on your staff could also make you a strong contestant for a reality series casting.

When I am casting, I always check out a person’s website, youtube links, advertisements, and anything I can find before I make the first phone call. Try to look at your business from an outsider’s perspective and think “would I call me?” And always check out your competition so you can keep a close eye on it! If you get a phone call for a possible new reality casting, your competition is probably getting a call too.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear Why You Should Move to NYC to Launch Your Career

InstantCast — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:11:19 +0000

Everyone thinks they have to move to Hollywood to make it big, but you can do it in NYC too! NYC is now known for filming tons of movies and primetime TV shows. The Big Apple hit a huge record of 23 prime time series filmed here in 2011. Some of the biggest hits filmed in the city include 30 Rock, Boardwalk Empire, and Gossip Girl… just to name a few. There are more showbiz jobs available right now then ever before due to this sudden influx of filming. So, come to NYC and check out what’s going on here! If you walk down any NYC street you’re bound to see large trucks, trailers, and all of the cast and crew. Just take a look and start working any showbiz job in NYC!

By: Castingn Director Jenny Rawdin

Tips on How to Book Showbiz Gigs & Keep Up a Good Attitude on the Job

InstantCast — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:55:32 +0000

Booking a gig is a great feeling! Knowing that the producers/directors truly believe you are the best person for a job is definitely something to be proud of. But booking the gig is only half the battle: You have to be prepared to work hard, exceed expectations, and deliver to really make a good impression. It is really disappointing when someone gets hired for a job and decides not to take it seriously and perform up to the standards that were set. This goes for actors or any kind of workers. If you show up with a different attitude than you set forth when you interviewed not only can it lead to a rough day for everyone else but it can ruin your reputation. You may even get fired from the gig. Be sure to always try your hardest and at the very least keep a great attitude. You don’t want to be remembered as the person that was a mistake to hire.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Get Our Tips on Joining Meetup Groups & Network Your Way to Fame

InstantCast — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:25:22 +0000

Join business networking groups to meet industry contacts and advance your career. People in these groups will have valuable connections all over the country. Check out sites like meetup.com to find groups that are suited to your interest in a city near you. Get out there and find the one that you think is the best fit for you. You can attend a couple and make your decision. Start networking your way to stardom!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Hear Casting Director Courtney’s Casting Submission Advice

InstantCast — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:54:08 +0000

If you’re applying for castings online, make sure you’re sending current photos and contact info. Just like online dating, people don’t always show up to castings looking like the photos they submit! Trust me, you don’t want to be one of these people or you will have to see the look of confusion and disappointment on a Casting Director’s face.

Technology is so user friendly these days, there’s no reason you can’t quickly take a recent photo of yourself to submit for a casting. If you have blonde hair, you should send a photo of yourself with blonde hair. Don’t send a photo from the year before when your hair was brown. Doing something like that either shows that you were too insecure with your current look that you felt the need to lie to get called for a casting. Or, it makes you look a little flakey and not too serious about the gig if you couldn’t take the time to submit an accurate photo.

If you’re confident in yourself and you’re a good fit for the role, no one is going to care about the photo you submit. But walking in the door and being known as that person who looks nothing like they’re photo is not a good way to make a first impression.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Create Your Own Talent Website

InstantCast — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:03:13 +0000

As an actor, it’s beneficial to have a personal website. Websites are very important for any kind of business these days and what better way to promote yourself than to have a website devoted to your number one product- you! As a casting director, I love when actors have a website. I can really get a good look at their work without the back and forth of email. A website also provides easy access to contact actors. Not to mention, sometimes I will find actors from their websites that I would not have found through the agents I am working with, so it is a great way to connect with new talent.

If you do have a website, you should post your reel, additional video clips, your resume, photos, and of course the best way to contact you. Be sure to keep it professional: You definitely don’t want to turn your website into anything that resembles a Facebook account with photos that may seem more social than professional. Be creative with your site and be sure it represents the best you. You will have to put some money into building a website, but remember, this is a good investment in your acting career.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips on How to Make Your Own Acting Reel

InstantCast — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:54:46 +0000

If you’ve been going on auditions with agencies you will be asked about your reel. If you’re new to acting you may not have a reel and probably don’t like being asked that! You might feel like you don’t have a shot at getting in with any agent if you don’t have one. Unfortunately, this is the case with most agencies. They want to see your on-camera talent and they can’t see this just by meeting you, or by simply looking at photos. So, how do you get a reel if you don’t have experience?

If you don’t already have a professional reel, you can make your own. This is something I provide in my on-camera acting classes. I film a mock commercial for the kids so they have footage of themselves on-camera and they can build their reel from there.

Just having the DVD on hand to show agents or casting directors may make a difference. Not to mention, it will give you more confidence for the next time you are on-camera if you practice. It always helps to take on-camera classes and you can add that to your resume. Make videos on your own for practice too. Within time you’ll have enough work to make a solid reel to show off your talent.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear Our Top Three Audition Relaxation Tips

InstantCast — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:31:47 +0000

Interviews and auditions can be very stressful, but they don’t have to be! With proper preparation interviewing can be as relaxing as having a drink with your buddies. Follow these three tips to help you calm down and land the job:
1. Exercise for at least 30 minutes before you go. If you can find 30 minutes to get physical on the day of your interview, even if it’s only to do something blood pumping as taking a long walk in the park, you’ll discover a cooler, more collected, and less nervous self.
2. Breathe deeply. Inhale and exhale. For many actors stress reaches its apex in the minutes and seconds right before an interview. Your heart starts to beat quickly and your mind races and you begin to sweat. Remember to breathe!
3. Don’t forget to listen. Listening is perhaps the most important part of any human interaction and acting coaches always say this is so important and this goes for interviews as well.

Remember…if you’ve been asked to interview, it means you’re qualified for this role: the interview is just to see you in person and see how you can recite lines and perform on camera. Don’t be afraid & take these tips with you!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Money Tips: How to Prepare Financially for the New Year

InstantCast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:14:27 +0000

As a new actor, you may be bouncing from gig to gig. A commercial here, some extra spots there, and maybe some low or no budget gigs. It is very unlikely to be offered an acting gig that has a 401K or any kind of plan to help you prepare financially. It is important to start saving ASAP. It will be nice to know that in the long run you have some sort of piggy bank when you’re ready to make big purchases or if you need it in an emergency.

My go-to person when it comes to making financial decisions is Suze Orman. She has some great tips for people of all different financially standings on how to prepare for the future. It is tough to be in the entertainment industry because it is hard to predict what may be a good year financially and what may be a struggle.

If you know you have money saved away, you’ll be able to enjoy life more and have less stress as you pursue your dream.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear How to Stay On Top of Your Game in Showbiz

InstantCast — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:49:25 +0000

Some people think that being detailed oriented is only a valuable skill for office jobs, but it is also very helpful when applying to castings. Being detail oriented will help you show up on time to the correct casting location with the right wardrobe on, carrying the most updated scripts. There are constant changes in this business and you need to be on top of things and keep up or you may be replaced!

With reality castings it’s important to be detail oriented to have a complete submission. If you’re asked to send in a photo, phone number, and description about yourself, missing one of those things can determine whether or not your submission even gets looked at. A lot of casting directors don’t have time for back and forth emails to try to obtain info that was asked of you in the beginning! So be sure to be on top of your game when it comes to detail. You wouldn’t want to miss out on opportunities by letting the details slip through the cracks!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione