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. Read the rest of this entry »

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! Read the rest of this entry »

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! Read the rest of this entry »

Submitting your photos for a reality casting can be a major factor of whether or not you’ll get a phone call from a Casting Director.  Try to be smart about submitting the right photos for each casting you apply for.  If the casting call is looking for actors, then you should submit a headshot.  If they’re looking for everyday people and no acting experience is required, then it’s ok to send an everyday photo that you feel you look good in. Sometimes for reality shows, Casting Directors really don’t want actors, or people who try to sell themselves as actors. Read the rest of this entry »

Most people turn on the television to tune out the stresses of everyday life by tuning into favorite programs.  Sitting down and watching TV these days can also be a form of motivation!  There are so many reality shows out there that not only provide great entertainment, but can also push you to change your life. For example, if you are struggling with your weight, tune into The Biggest Loser. Watching them workout, eat healthy, and lose a ton of weight from week to week may motivate you to do the same. Read the rest of this entry »

A lot of people ask me how to get cast on reality TV shows, or how do I find people for different castings. A lot of the people I find are people who would never expect to get a call from a Casting Director.  There are so many reality shows out there these days that we all want to find people who have something different to offer.  I never find the people I am looking for overnight.  I wish it was that easy.  It takes a lot of time, research, and a ton of cold calling.  I get a lot of referrals by word of mouth. Read the rest of this entry »

Many non-actors hope to be on a reality show these days to promote their businesses. I am currently casting a new show for professional people that probably never dreamed of being on TV.  Of course everyone is excited about the opportunity when I first call them.  They think about the free publicity and the money they could possibly make from being on TV.  However, I don’t think everyday people realize that making a TV show is a long process: The casting alone could take months. Read the rest of this entry »

Paris Hilton, the socialite famous for being famous, is getting a new reality show, The World According to Paris, on the Oxygen network. Unlike her former reality show, The Simple Life, this new show takes an in-depth look at a day in the life of an Heiress. Ever since the Kardashians stepped on the scene with a reality show it appears the world forgot about Paris Hilton. Read the rest of this entry »

As Reality TV continues to dominate TV screens nationwide, viewers become more and more skeptical of how much “reality” is actually involved in the making of these shows.  As a Casting Director who has worked on reality shows I will tell you that regardless of how involved we may get, a good character is a good character.  If I’m working on a show and we’re looking for someone with a “Snooki” type personality, we can tell who is faking it and who is being real. Read the rest of this entry »

Jumpstart your career in 2011! Get started by applying to today’s top five casting calls:
1. Get cast with Megan Fox & Jon Hamm
2. Star on season 4 of HBO’s True Blood
3. Become America’s Next Top Model on cycle 17
4. Find fame in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum 2
5. Audition for Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover casting call

If you have dreams of being on a popular Reality TV  Show, there are a few things to be aware of. All the major network reality shows–  The Real World, Survivor, Biggest Loser, American Idol–hold group auditions in the earliest phase of their audition. Manypeople show up to the auditions in order to be time efficient: the casting directors interview people in a group setting.  They call in 5-10 people at a time and the casting director goes around the circle to ask each person 2-3 questions. Check out these tips on how to standout in your group: Read the rest of this entry »