How to Land a Movie Audition

A film audition can lead to a professional acting career.

Waiting to be called in to audition for a role that may be your big break can be sweat-inducing and nauseating. But before you can experience the nerve-wracking audition, you must first get past the first hurdle and land the movie audition. Getting an audition requires perseverance and professionalism. Do it right, and you may end up as the star of your own movie.

Things You'll Need

• Headshot

Instructions

1. Get headshots. The typical headshot is an 8-inch by 10-inch photograph that can be in black and white or color. Headshots are an absolute necessity when trying to get a role in a movie. Casting directors will look through a series of headshots for actors they are interested in seeing audition for the role. Without a headshot, you will lose to another actor that has one.

2. Build your resume. Movie roles are highly competitive. Acquiring skills that stand out is a good way to increase your chances of obtaining an audition. If a role requires horseback riding or martial arts skills, casting directors will look for actors that already have experience or training in those areas. Few film production companies want to spend the time and money training an actor in a new skill. You should also focus on getting other roles, which will show that you have previous acting experience.

3. Network. Being in the right place, at the right time, is very important in a relationship-oriented business like the film industry. Variety and Hollywood Reporter trade magazines often list parties and meetings open to the general public. Attending these events may allow you to meet film industry professionals.

4. Use a breakdown service. A “breakdown” is a list created by a casting director of the roles available for a film or other project requiring actors. Actors Access is a reputable breakdown service that is completely free. Sign up and you can see a list of open auditions, which can be filtered by location. You will be able to upload your photos and audition reels so that they can be accessed by casting directors.

5. Get an agent. A talent agent has the ability to get you an audition for closed casting calls. Her knowledge of the film industry and her industry contacts may help you get an audition and a solid reputation as a professional actor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Acting is highly competitive and even if you have the acting skill, you may not have the right look for the part. But that doesn’t mean you’re not perfect for another role.

• Practice your audition, even if you don’t have one. Although you may not be able to read a script while practicing, auditioning is not that different from a regular job interview. In addition to your acting skill, casting directors will talk to you and see if you will be easy to work with. Practicing your interview skills will help you nail your audition.

References

• Acting School Stop: Acting Auditions: How To Get an Acting Job
• Backstage: Pilot Season: Landing an Audition

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Actors Access