Understanding the Importance of Casting Calls
by David Collins
Casting calls are notices made to the public or to casting agencies
that actors are required for an upcoming production. The term can be
applied widely, since anyone from a student filmmaker to a major motion
picture studio can issue a casting call. The notification can take place in
many forms, including industry trades, online bulletin boards,
word-of-mouth, agent notification and casting web sites, to name just a few.
As a beginning actor, the importance of casting calls is huge. This is primarily
how you will go about getting work. Later on, after you have worked on several
jobs and have a strong acting résumé, you might be able to sign with a talent
agent or talent agency who will locate all future work for you.
A somewhat experienced actor with a talent agent will look to him or her to
drum up auditions for them. Established talent agents have well-oiled
relationships with major casting directors, production companies, studios
and other industry insiders. It is the agent's job to use these relationships
and contacts to find the best parts for their clients.
But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. In order to get a talent agent, you
must already have a fair amount of acting experience and an impressive acting
résumé. So how do you get that all-important experience and an impressive résumé?
You locate acting roles on your own by searching out quality and legitimate
casting notices, casting calls, and auditions.
Where do you find casting calls? Most actors do two things. They diligently
read the industry trade magazines and join casting web sites like
Actingland.com.
The casting calls printed in the industry trade magazines and posted on popular
acting web sites like Actingland.com are not for "A" list actors. The principal
actors and the "stars" are generally attached to the project through inside
dealings prior to the project getting funding and going into development. The
casting calls are, instead, used to fill out the rest of the cast. The roles
most often found on the casting calls are usually the lesser, supporting
roles.
When projects call for many actors to fill roles, these casting calls
are referred to as "cattle calls." Often reality series television shows will
announce casting calls on the air to fill roles for an upcoming season. In this
case, hundreds or even thousands of people might respond. Casting calls of this kind
require standing in long lines, filling out applications and interviewing or
auditioning. Callbacks come later and usually involve more auditions as the
thinning process continues. It is not unusual to get four or
five callbacks before getting a part or being turned down.
Acting is a popular pursuit of many young people, and unscrupulous
persons take advantage of this fact every day by conducting bogus casting
calls that require nudity or partial nudity. These fake "casting calls"
are often conducted in someone's apartment or home. Never attend a casting
call that takes place in a private home or residence. When in doubt, bring a friend
or relative along with you and always let others know where you are going.
A good way to safeguard yourself is to avoid responding to small, inexpensive ads
and stick with legitimate avenues of pursuit for your goals. There are many online
resources and well-established casting companies for inexperienced and experienced
actors alike. A little diligent research and patience will pay off in
the long run.
David Collins is a talent coordinator for a successful variety television show. His career in television spans over 15 years.
Copyright © David Collins. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.
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Casting Calls & Auditions
Find acting guides, casting calls and auditions. Our casting calls and audition notices are not limited to just Hollywood or New York City. We post fresh casting calls and audition notices
for areas all over the world. Plus find links to SAG and AFTRA talent agents.
www.actingland.com
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