Things You'll Need:
- a video camera
- enthusiasm
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Step 1
Alison Sweeney, myself, and Andrea Koops in Los AngelesWhether you are showing up in person at a casting call or sending in a 10-minute video, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Remember that the casting directors are interested first and foremost in MAKING A GOOD REALITY TV SHOW, not in your own personal weight issues! Try to think like the casting director - what makes you special? Why would millions of Americans want to watch YOU on TV rather than the other 199,000 people applying for the show?
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Step 2
Neil Tejwani, me, and Phil Hawk (season 4)People who apply to the show with a negative or low-key attitude are less likely to be chosen, because viewers like to watch contestants with a lot of drive and competitive spirit -- people who are spunky and inspiring. If you can show a vulnerable side and shed a few tears while talking about your personal issues, all the better, but for the most part you should come across as HAPPY. You should be open and extroverted, show a sparkling personality, and never afraid to speak up. Introverts are not likely to be chosen.
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Step 3
Me and Mark Kruger, season 5Contestants who have families at home to provide more heartfelt TV moments (for example, when reunited with your spouse after a long absence, a phone call home to your kids whom you haven't seen in 2 months, etc).
Always a bridesmaid, never the bride? Singles who have had difficulty dating due to weight issues might want to emphasize this "ugly duckling"-wanting-to-become-the-swan angle. -
Step 4
season 4 contestants with Erik Chopin and Pete ThomasFigure out what makes you different and emphasize that. For me, it was that I am a physician - a fat doctor telling my own patients they should lose weight. Public servants should emphasize their career (nurses, policemen, firemen, teachers, preachers, etc) - the viewers of the show like to root for people who serve others. Think about it - would you as a viewer rather root for an EMT who can't run to save someone's life because he is too heavy, or a financial planner who sits in an office and invests in stocks all day? Think of past seasons of the show and what each contestant's "angle" was. Former star athlete now too heavy to walk a mile? (Matt Hoover). Deli owner who works around food for his entire career? (Erik Chopin). Identical twin? (Bill and Jim Germanakos). Think of how you would be portrayed -- what role you would fill -- and try to emphasize that angle when you present yourself.
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Step 5
Me and Dan Evans, season 5If you have 6 kids, or a disabled child, or lost your job, or had your home foreclosed upon and had to move in with relatives, or some other kind of hardship in your family, this may help make you more "interesting" to viewers, and people will want to root for your success. For example, Lezlye on season 4 lost her home in Hurricane Katrina. Emphasize these hardships, but in a positive/hopeful-for-the-future kind of way -- remember not to sound like you feel sorry for yourself (even if you do)!
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Step 6
me and Bill Germanakos, winner of The Biggest Loser season 4Funny outspoken people have a leg up, because everyone loves to laugh - if you're funny, make smart remarks and joke with the casting directors, or make your video hilarious.
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Step 7
BL season 4, at the filming of a challengeAttractive faces are also a big plus - people who will be even more stunning after the weight loss will make for great before and after photos. If you have a few photos of you thinner and looking particularly attractive, bring it to show the casting directors (or show those images in your video).
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Step 8
Visit the NBC website for the technical details/requirements for the application process:
http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/about/casting.shtml
They are currently looking for both individuals AND teams of two people. You can either send in an audition video, or show up at an open casting call. Personally, I was chosen for the show after going to an open casting call in San Diego in 2006 (more details of my own experience follow below!). Open casting calls are being held in major cities (including New York, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Charlotte, Nashville, Houston, Miami, Columbus, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego) beginning February 21 and going into the first week of March, 2009. -
Step 9
My own Biggest Loser casting experience was as follows: I went to an open casting call in San Diego in early 2006. We waited in line and filled out some paperwork, and eventually were ushered in and sat down at a table of maybe 10 or 15 applicants and one casting director. The casting director asked the group to discuss being overweight and then left it open. Applicants took turns carrying on a spontaneous conversation about weight issues. I spoke up only once, to disagree with someone who said "The bottom line is, we are just lazy or else don't know how to lose weight." And I jumped in and said something like, "I don't think that's necessarily true. I mean, I am a doctor, and I damn well know what I should be eating and have even run a marathon before. It goes way beyond just knowing what to eat or being lazy." - I didn't really say anything profound, but I managed to get my own personal angle out there - "I am a doctor" - and showed that I could jump in and speak my mind. There were people at the table who didn't really say anything, and I guarantee they were not called back.
I was called later that night and told that I had made it through this first step, and that they wanted me to return for a one-on-one interview with a casting director at an area hotel. At that meeting, they videotaped me answering questions and telling my own personal story. I shed some tears during that interview. In retrospect I think I should've been more outgoing and funny during that interview, but it seemed to go well. At the end of that encounter they asked me to go home and make an audition video and mail it to them in L.A. So even though I went through the casting call process, I still ended up making a video. My video showed me sitting eating a pint of ice cream while watching the show; running up the stairwell at the hospital wearing my white coat, going to an emergency, and not able to get to the stop because I was so out of breath, and dancing in my office. (I can do some funny dances). I showed photos of me when I was 100 pounds lighter to show them my "after" face. And I expressed my heartfelt enthusiasm. -
Step 10
In the end, I was almost not chosen and had been told that I wasn't what they were looking for; then at the last minute they called me and asked if I was still interested. I am sure that what got me my spot was my being a doctor, and I'm glad I emphasized it. I didn't have young children at home, and had just divorced my husband, so my disadvantage was not having that family at home to provide the heartfelt TV moments - but I managed to make it past that by really emphasizing my profession.
You should find YOUR special unique quality and make sure you show it!
GOOD LUCK!
Comments
pensfan11 said
on 11/17/2009 Thanks for all the information. My best friend and I have been contemplating sending in an addition tape for a few months now. The only thing holding us back what to do about our bills. Are there leave forms to give to your insurance/bank for car payments or are people dipping into savings to go on the show? Any info would be great thanks.
busy-b said
on 9/14/2009 When they called you the second time, how last minute was it? I got a call in July and was told I would be called again for the next season. How much should I prepare just in case? I mean, should I show my hubby how to pay the bills on-line, etc? lol
triangletwist said
on 7/25/2009 Thanks for posting this, my husband and I are going to an open casting call today... my husband is 6'7" and hilarious and I hope we get a chance to show the real us. His ex-wife is also going with us, her partner backed out on her and we decided that maybe the story of the 3 of us would be something others are interested in. We have 2 small children we share custody of and her husband is not that out of shape. I'm not sure if going as a "threesome " will help or hinder us but it's worth a shot I guess.
showpup said
on 5/5/2009 Thanks for sharing this information. My niece and I applied but did not make it past mailing in our tape. We may try again and your advice could make a big difference in our confidence. Just hearing from someone who's been there helps. I cheered you on. Maybe someday you can return the favor? ;-) 5 stars
djackman said
on 4/6/2009 Thanks for the info 5*