The InstantCast Blog » Casting Directors

Tips on Audition Etiquette to Help You Get in the Door

InstantCast — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:39:17 +0000

When you go on an audition, it’s obvious that you want to be as charming and personable as possible to the Casting Directors and anyone else in the room. However, you don’t want to push it to the level where you are obviously trying to schmooze to get a step up on everyone else in the room. Working for MTV, I would cast many teenage to college aged kids. And you’d be surprised how many young men that age think that trying to flirt with the Casting Director is a good tactic to stand out in a positive way: They are completely wrong.

Not only is it inappropriate and distracting for Casting Directors, but it’s also just annoying. We are all at a casting to get a job done. And on any given day these auditions could involve hundreds of people. If you push your luck too much by over complimenting, or trying to make a professional environment more personable, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons.

You don’t have to phony or a kiss up to be remembered. If you have the talent and the right look, you’ll be considered, and hopefully be lucky enough to land a gig. You may risk your chances if you do anything beyond what are you are asked to do at an audition. So …stay cool & keep it professional!

Tips to Help You Find an Agent You Can Trust

InstantCast — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:00:16 +0000

If you’ve been acting for a while now, you probably have an agent or have explored the idea of getting an agent to represent you. It is great to have an agent for many reasons. An agent will help you find out about gigs and auditions that you wouldn’t have access to if you’re not represented. Your agent can also be a great advisor for you and can help to negotiate contracts for any jobs you may book. However, it also important to be with an agent you trust.

There are a lot of agents out there who are more focused on the money they’re going to make rather than on the actor’s best interest. For example, a great opportunity may come your way that is not the best paying gig, but could be great exposure. In this case, your agent would be making a very minimal amount off of the job you book and they may try to deter you from accepting the offer. I have seen this happen before where I have offered great opportunities for the actors with a non-negotiable contract and the agent has said no on the talents behalf. In my eyes, this was a major mistake and I think the actors really missed out on being part of a show that has great potential for success.

Make sure your agent is looking out for what is best for your career. If you have a feeling that your agent may be more concerned about the money in his or her pocket…then you may want to find a new person to represent you.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear Our Tips on How to Start Your Own Blog & Advance Your Career Today

InstantCast — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:57:57 +0000

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? You could write about anything! Your travels, the books you read, your favorite actors…you name it! As a blogger myself I find it very therapeutic and eye-opening. You can gain followers and learn from other bloggers. You can post and write about what jobs you want and what jobs you have landed! This could be your way into a web based series or something bigger. If your #1 passion is cooking then you could blog about why you should be Top Chef, but you don’t have to wait until auditions! Be proactive and do it yourself instead of waiting.

One of my favorite blogs is about all the reality TV shows, what will your blog be about? I can’t wait to read about what your adventurous blog will entail… Leave a comment on this blog telling me!

If you don’t want start your own blog and let the whole world know what you are up too these days then write in a journal or your own personal diary. It’s very therapeutic and will help your showbiz career. When you have a chance to look back and read what you wrote and learn from your mistakes and strengths. You can really grow as a person and an actor. Really get detailed and see where you can improve. Write down exactly what happened and what the casting director said. You might be able to change their decision the next time.

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Hear How You Can Use Your Language Skills to Advance Your Showbiz Career

InstantCast — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:03:38 +0000

Do you know another language? If so, an overseas showbiz job might be perfect for you... Do other cultures interest and excite you? There are some many opportunities for you if you are bi or trilingual! Working on a cruise lines or on off Broadway overseas is a whole different ballgame. There are more parts overseas and elsewhere then in your own backyard sometimes! You can start off in an ensemble and then become the star or the understudy in just a few weeks: I’ve heard many success stories! Just follow your dreams you never know what will happen!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Five Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day If You’re Single

InstantCast — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:26:22 +0000

In case you live under a rock and haven’t heard…it’sValentine’s Day on Tuesday and romance is in the air! Everywhere you look you’ll see Valentine’s Day cards, candy, cute gifts, and of course sappy romantic movies hitting the theaters and playing on TV. I know this can be a dreaded day for those without a Valentine. So…I’ve come up with the top 5 things to do on Valentine’s Day when you don’t have a Valentine:

1) Single girls dinner and movie night (think back to the Sex & The City movie..Miranda & Carrie!): Look at Valentine’s Day as an excuse to drop everything you’re doing to spend some time with those you love most- you’re friends! Planning a dinner and a movie night is a great way to distract you from a day that can be lonely and turn it to a fun, bonding day with the girls.

2) Go to a singles event: There are plenty events going on Valentine’s Day weekend that are targeted towards singles. I know there are singles pub crawls in New York City. I have friends who met guys there last year! In Denver they have been advertising a “Little Red Dress” night for single ladies. So check out what is going on locally and plan a night on the town!

3) Pamper yourself: If you find yourself being sad about not having a valentine, treat yourself to a spa day and spoil yourself with your favorite things. Maybe do some shopping and cook your favorite meal. Whatever you need to do to celebrate how special you are with or without a Valentine.

4) Watch romantic movies with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s: This option may make you feel sad and cry, but what better day to relax and stay home than Valentine’s Day. I am sure there will be plenty of Lifetime movies on that can just suck you in for the day and make you not want to get out of your pajamas!

5) Ignore the hallmark holiday all together and treat it like any other day! Who says you have to give Valentine’s Day any special attention? Go on with your life and treat it like any other day. After all, who needs cupid and candies!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear How the SAG Awards Gave Tribute to Local Actors & How You Can Be Next

InstantCast — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:23:59 +0000

Did you see the SAG Awards last night? There was a wonderful dedication to local’s parts in films throughout the years. These people were people that meant something to the towns they were filmed in, had special talents, and really fulfilled the director’s vision. These people had little to no experience acting, however, they took to the parts they were given and went for it 100 percent. Make sure you know where and when new films are shooting. Your big break could be right under your nose—so be sure to do research on where and when this can happen for YOU!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

New Year’s Resolutions: Start Planning Your Post-Holiday Regime Now

InstantCast — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:58:49 +0000

Don’t let the weeks of Christmas and New Years tend be weeks of “excuses.” Everyone likes to celebrate the holidays with lots of foods and drinks and suddenly you will find that your healthy eating and exercise habits are kicked out the door! The hardest thing to do with staying fit is to get back into it after a week or more of abandoning it. Start planning your post-holiday body now. Start the New Year off with a new gym membership or trying new fitness classes.

I teach spin and Zumba at a gym and I can tell you from my years of teaching, January is the most popular month as far as gym attendance goes. So hop on the bandwagon before the holiday food weighs you down! If you’re lacking motivation, sign up for a subscription to a health or fitness magazine. They have great tips for staying in shape and having fun while doing it. And the pics of actress’s with great bodies may inspire you to run the extra mile and say goodbye to the fats and sweets.

Don’t make fitness a chore. Figure out what style works for you and go with it. As long as you make the commitment, you will see great results!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Casting Director Courtney Says Volunteer to Spread the Cheer this Holiday Season

InstantCast — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:22:28 +0000

With the holidays right around the corner, a lot of people tend to feel stressed out between work and holiday shopping. Or maybe a lack of work and a less than ideal financial situation has you stressed out this time of year. Most businesses start to wind down during the holidays so finding acting gigs can be few and far between right now. Try not to let the stress of the holidays get you down and take this time to relax and enjoy the extra time you can spend with friends, family and loved ones.

Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating food and clothes to a shelter can help put things in perspective and might help relieve any additional stress that comes with the holiday season. This is the time of year to focus on giving and everything that you have to be thankful for!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Reflect on 2011 & Plan for a Great Year Ahead

InstantCast — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:10:37 +0000

Take some time to reflect on this past year. Write down all of your accomplishments and goals and see if you fulfilled them to their fullest potential. If not that’s ok! That’s what New Year’s resolutions are for: take this time to plan your future and get your priorities straight before 2012 begins. For example, if you want to take classes then sign up now–they might even be a discount before 2012 even begins.

If you want to be in a play in front of a live audience then do it! Even if it’s just a small role you will face your fear that way. Think about what exactly you want out of this life and make your dreams come true this year. You can do anything to you put your mind too.

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Tips to Help You Find Work this Holiday Season

InstantCast — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:09:36 +0000

Promotional jobs are a great way to earn a few extra bucks during the holiday season. You can test out your model walk at your local Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister stores. During the holiday season these stores have their latest greatest and hottest models & sales people in the front of the store. If you get this opportunity handed to you don’t pass it up! Take it and work it! This is your chance to practice for the real thing.

There are tons of other holiday type jobs that will get you paid and also give you some practice for upcoming jobs and gigs you hope to land in the near future! So…be sure to check out the latest holiday casting calls on InstantCast and local opportunities in your town or city!

Casting Director Courtney on How to Handle Holiday Stress

InstantCast — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:33:01 +0000

The holidays are here and if you’re anything like me you feel a combination of joy and stress! Between gift shopping, making travel plans, and wrapping everything up at work, can all add more stress to our lives. Sometimes it can feel like you’re running against the clock. A great way to handle all of the additional things you have to get done by the holidays is to plan everything day by day. If you procrastinate and cram everything into the last 2 weeks of the month you are doomed for more stress.

Plan an extra hour or two every few days to squeeze in some of your holiday errands. Shopping online is another great time saver and can relieve you from the stress of crowds at the malls on weekends and evenings. Working out is also a great way for you to relieve your stress and gather your thoughts. Not to mention it will make you feel better about indulging a little at all of the holiday parties!

Do whatever you can to manage your holiday craziness so you can enjoy all of the special fun and happiness that comes into our lives at this time of year. And…happy holidays!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Hear How You Can Give Back & Get Cast this Holiday

InstantCast — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:15:17 +0000

Holidays are about celebrating, but they’re also about giving back! It’s your time to give back by volunteering: give the gift of giving your time and energy to people who need it! Look for events that are taking place during the holidays in your hometown. These events are also great opportunities to get exposure, network, and maybe even get cast! Usually these types of events run like a TV or film set…so it’s good training for you! You will also make new connections that might lead to a job opportunity.

5 Tips to Staying Healthy During the Holidays

InstantCast — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:45:58 +0000

When December rolls around it’s easy ignore your healthy habits and indulge in all of the treats that seem to be everywhere! Special holiday flavored lattes, cookies in the office, holiday parties- temptation is everywhere! Here are 5 tips to keep you off the holiday weight gain bandwagon:
1) Watch your portions
You can still dabble into holiday treats, but instead of eating several cookies…just go for one.
2) Don’t feel the need to keep up with your friends
Misery loves company, so if your best friend is chowing down on holiday treats and trying to get you to try more and more – it doesn’t mean you have to join them.
3) Keep exercising
Everyone schedules are a little different during the holidays so it is easy to fall out of your typical workout routine. Try your best to set realistic goals and still workout everyday. Even if it’s going for an hour walk- with your dog -keep your body moving!
4) Watch what you drink
So many people do not account for how many calories are in beverages. Even if you watch what you eat, drinks can really contribute to weight gain. And not just alcoholic drinks, but soft drinks, and coffee drinks too. Be sure to monitor how much you are drinking and what you are drinking. Drinking a glass of water for every beverage you have is a good way to stay full and satisfied.
5) Pick and choose what you indulge in
A great method to prevent overeating around the holidays is to eat your favorite things and resist from the other options. Have strong willpower, but don’t stop yourself from having fun and enjoying the holidays with everyone else.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS INSTANTCAST!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Send Holiday Cards to Casting Directors in Your Area

InstantCast — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:29:12 +0000

There are weekly and bi-monthly publications called Ross Reports and Call Sheets that you should check frequently. You will find the name, address, phone, fax, and most web addresses for casting directors in your area. There are also talent agents, national modeling agencies, and TV/film production companies listed in these directories. Whether you choose to send an updated resume and headshot, or a holiday card, it is a nice thought to work on some casting director outreach during this holiday season!

You have you finger on pulse of opportunity: use it wisely and you will be on the top of everyone’s list of who to call for that next starring role in 2011! Thank you notes all always appreciated…believe me…I’ve been in this industry for years and always love getting thank you notes. Plus, getting a hand-written letter is always a million times better than an email! So, remember these things before you send out your holiday cards!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Get the Scoop on the Film New Year’s Eve

InstantCast — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:17:42 +0000

The new film New Year’s Eve is hitting theaters soon! It was filmed in NYC and I know a lot of background actors who will appear in it. They cast tons of extras for this huge Hollywood film. Even if it’s just for a few takes, you’re still part of the ensemble and made the film more authentic and great. Support your fellow actors by buying a ticket and going to check it out! And remember you can be next to hit the big screen!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Casting Director Courtney on Thanksgiving Career Opportunities

InstantCast — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:51:07 +0000

With Thanksgiving just a day away, it’s important to take some time to be appreciative of everything you have in your life. Sometimes our lives get so busy that we have trouble finding the time to stop and think about all that we should be thankful for. And if you’re really in the Thanksgiving spirit, it’s also a great time to get involved with a parade! I know a lot of actors and entertainment industry people who have been on the Macy’s floats in NYC or who have helped on the production end just to get a cool opportunity that only comes around once a year: It’s also national exposure!

Whatever you end up doing to celebrate the day make sure you are having fun, enjoying the time off, and letting the people in your life know that you are thankful.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

The Meaning of Thanksgiving in Your Life & in the Entertainment Industry

InstantCast — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:24:30 +0000

Thanksgiving is a great reminder for us all to appreciate life and everything that has been given to us. It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget about how lucky we are for everything that surrounds us. Make sure you take the time to give thanks to everyone who has been supportive in your life whether you’re spending the holiday with them or not. People love to feel appreciated….especially people in the entertainment business ! I am very big on showing my gratitude to others because I know that without their support I wouldn’t Ihave the great life I have today. I have no problem helping out people who continue to show their appreciation to me in return.

Try to not forget about those who have leant you a helping hand along the way. Keeping every connection you have open can only be beneficial to your personal and professional life. This is a good time to remind everyone how grateful you are. Put a personalized touch on it by making a phone call or hand writing a card…this only makes people feel more special…especially in this industry, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and superficial. Remember, stay true to yourself and your set of manners and the world will bend to you in return. Happy Thanksgiving!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Get Good Creative Feedback

InstantCast — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:34:26 +0000

Whether you’re writing a script for fun or rehearsing for the lead role in a play, it’s always a good idea to have a second pair of eyes on whatever you are working on. Having a friend or colleagues opinion can help improve your performance on anything you are doing creatively. Find a go-to person that you trust to read your work before you send it off anywhere. Or go over to that person’s house and perform your lines and ask if he or she has any suggestions to enhance your execution of the role.

Maybe this person is a professor, mentor, family member, or a good friend. Either way, sometimes we just need someone else’s eyes to catch what we might miss and provide a fresh perspective. If you shy away and only keep your work and rehearsals to yourself, you may receive criticism that could have been prevented if you had asked around first.

I have a friend who is a writer and he often shares his scripts with me and several other friends who he trusts and respects creatively. And I know he utilizes all of the feedback both good and bad that he receives. If you want to put your best work out there, it will be worth it to do a trial round with those you trust.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help Parents of Kid Actors

InstantCast — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:36:13 +0000

If you watch reality TV you know that “show moms” still exist. These are the moms who are pushing their children to perform and will go to extremes to do so. If you’ve ever seen the shows Toddlers and Tiaras and Dance Moms, you will see prime examples of how extreme “show moms” can be. I recently worked a show for Nickelodeon where I was casting kids as extras. When I’m working with children, I am working with the parents too. And parents have every right to be involved and informed on what a work day will entail on set for their child. I allow the parents to tag along for the whole experience. However, overbearing parents can make the job more difficult.

If you come across as pushy parent or show mom, it might affect opportunities for the child. Even if your child is extremely talented, if the parent is making the job more difficult for production, the child may not be cast again.

If you have a child who is pursuing acting, make sure it is something they want to be doing and not just something you want them to be involved in. It becomes very obvious which children have a strong interest in acting and which ones are being pushed into it. As a parent, you should treat your child’s acting opportunities as a job for yourself too. Be professional, be kind, and put your child’s interests before your own.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Tips to Help You Apply to Casting Calls

InstantCast — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:33:23 +0000

It’s understandable that you may be picky about submitting for castings. If you don’t think you’re the right fit for a casting, you may be hesitant to apply. Sometimes it’s worth taking the risk and applying to castings that may be a long shot: You may end up being the needle in the haystack that they are looking for. Or, they might like you so much that the role and criteria for the cast may change. In addition, the casting director who receives you submission may be casting something else you would be a good fit for. I have seen all of these things happen in my experience…so don’t be afraid to apply away!

I have seen scripts get totally re-written and ethnicities of characters changed. On numerous occasions I’ve cast people for reality segments and shows who applied for something totally different. I recently thought of an aspiring reality star I had met years ago at MTV and reached out to him about submitting for a current casting I had. If you make a good impression, you will be remembered. And the more castings you submit for, the more open calls you go to the better your chances will be. You have to cast a wide net to get the biggest reward from it in the end.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione