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I have been casting everything from commercials to feature films for almost 20 years, and one thing that actors often ask me is “Why do some actors get all the best jobs?”

After sitting in thousands of casting sessions and looking at countless submissions there are some obvious trends that I thought I would share with you.  In no particular order here are some of my casting tips…

 

1 – They make sure that they actually look like their headshot.

This may be a controversial opinion, but if a director and casting director have a particular look in mind and select you based upon your headshot, hey they kinda do expect who turns up to look like that.

They are unlikely to take one look at you and say, “What the hell, those extra 10 years or 10lbs (up or down) don’t matter.”

 

 

2 – They sleep with the director…

No only joking. The actors who get the best jobs don’t flirt outrageously, they behave with professionalism, integrity and have a genuine enthusiasm for the part. They respect themselves because if they don’t why would others?

 

3 – They don’t lie about their previous work.

As an FYI CV does not stand for Create a Very-misleading-document. Listen, people know people. If your CV lists the work you did with Leo and Keira and the campaign for Porsche, it won’t be long before you’re found out – unless of course you were in that product placement scene with the Porsche Cayenne in “Bend It Like The Revenant.”

Trust me, deceit is a fast track way to ensure you’re not even “what they’re looking for” when they’re casting that role for a guy wearing a chicken suit in the web commercial for the Slough branch of “Chick-u-Like.”

4 – They don’t lie about their age.

Makes sure you look your playing age – it’s important not to lie about your age if you are casting for a financial services commercial or an alcohol commercial or both if it’s for a Pay Day Vodka Company.

 

5 – They actually can do accents.

Achtung listen up y’all. Åré Yøü TalkÎn’ Tö Me? Une actor avec talent will do the research and PRACTICE, this way they can sprechen like ein proper native. There are so many great resources on You Tube and other places that there is no excuse.

And please avoid stereotypes: remember not all German’s speak like the an SS General in Colditz and not all French people speak like Rene in ‘Allo “Allo.

 

 

6- They keep their ear to the ground…

…or even to the internet. And what better way of doing that than by being a slick networker.

Try and build your connections and get yourself in the middle of conversations about projects that are happening or might be happening.

And by “in the middle of” I don’t mean following Steven Speilberg on Twitter – be part of the solution not part of the problem!

 

7- They don’t act like a Diva.

In fact they go out of their way to treat people with respect and work as a team. They collaborate willingly, they try things out they may not initially agree with, they come up with fresh intelligent ideas and they have a positive attitde and wear a smile. They understand that they are just ONE part of a creative machine.

EGO ALERT! Be gracious when taking criticism, and be aware that not everybody will agree with your Mum that you are a indeed a little princess, just waiting for all these IDIOTs to recognize your talent.

 

8 – They have at least two testimonials.

Everybody is looking for ways to mitigate risk and without a Trip Advisor.com for actors insider knowledge from their industry peers that you are easy to work with, diligent and responsive to suggestions will go a long  way to helping directors and casting directors convert that great casting session into a part.

 

9- They remember to Hi-Five other actors on the way up the ladder.

They are generous both in acting process and with their advice and help.

Today’s nervous wannabe on their first job could be tomorrow’s Olivia Colman and you too may fall from grace and have to make ends meet at the aforementioned Slough branch of Chick-U-Like and be on the outside looking in once again.

Anyhow the better their performance the better you all look. And remember we all started somewhere.

 

10 – They remember every casting director they meet.

They build relationships and make themselves memorable for all the right reasons.

Although you might not be right for this role a strong relationship with a casting director could make you top of the list for the next one.

And remember no stalking on Twitter now! Be respectful they are not looking for a new BFF just strong professional relationships.

 

 

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