How to Find Movie Casting Calls
Are you ready for your close-up? In an earlier age of movie-making, aspiring actors had to hang around film sets in order to catch the latest buzz on who was casting what. Today, there's a broad range of Internet resources that allow you to find the latest auditions from the comfort of your own home. Here's how to get started.
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Things You'll Need
- Acting or modeling talent
- Professional photographs
- Resume
- Tape or rubber cement
- Computer
- Internet connection
- Camcorder (optional)
Instructions
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Have professional photos taken for your portfolio. At a very minimum, you should have at least 20 black and white glossy headshots on 8-by-10 inch paper. Tape or lightly rubber cement your resume to the back of each photograph.
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Hire an agent to assist in scouting new roles for you. This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't be keeping your own eyes and ears open for opportunities.
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Enroll in film acting classes. This will not only enable you to keep honing your craft but also to network with fellow actors who will have their own feelers out for audition opportunities. In addition, it's likely that information for upcoming auditions will be disseminated in class by your instructor or posted on job bulletin boards at the school or studio where you are studying.
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Subscribe to online casting services and notice boards. These will allow you to receive daily casting updates, advice columns on audition techniques, insider scoops on new productions in the works, and exchange rants and raves with your fellow community of actors. For additional fees, some of these websites will also allow you to post your headshots and resumes as well as upload mini film clips of your work (see Resources below).
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Register as an actor at your state's film commission. Because so many productions are shot on location, these commissions were formed to assist directors and producers in renting properties for their film shoots, coordinating street closures, and utilizing local talent and tech crews as a way to keep down expenses.
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Read film trade magazines such as "The Hollywood Reporter" and "Variety," especially if you live in Los Angeles or New York. These will keep you abreast of the latest entertainment news, including casting notices for shows that are going into production.
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Volunteer! Whether it's to be part of a background crowd scene or the star of a quirky student film, it all adds up to acting credits and more experience. And who knows, you might catch the eye of the director for an upcoming project that will give you more pay and prestige.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to standard headshots, you may also want to have a 1-page montage of shots that capture a variety of different looks, especially if your ability to change your hairstyle and makeup can expand your casting possibilities.
Even if your heart is set on a career in the movies, audition for and act in stage plays. This will not only give you excellent training but it's also a little known fact that directors in search of new talent for productions will often go looking for it in local theater presentations.
Do not use paper clips or staples to attach your resume to your photo as these can easily come loose.
