Acting Question?

Question

There is a current casting call for a film I want to audition for. How do I go about sending stuff to them? It gives an address to mail a headshot, but what should I really write with a letter? I don't know how to go about this. My agency used to do this stuff for me, so I don't know how to. Also, does the headshot have to be professional? Or just good?

Answer 1

Send them a PROFESSIONAL headshot with the resume stapled to the back. And that's all. Trust me. Casting directors get so many responses, they NEVER read letters or notes. Having worked at a casting agency, I saw every letter that came with a resume tossed in the garbage. You want to give them a quick idea of what you look like and what you've done. Anything else that they want to know will be asked at the audition and callback.
The headshot must be professional. You want to let them know you're a professional actress, right? Also, it should not be a glamour shot. It should look exactly like you.

Answer 2

I agree with Answer 2. Resume MUST be stapled in each of the 4 corners. Otherwise it may get lost in a file cabinet or elsewhere.

I worked at 2 TOP NYC Talent Agencies (as Assistant and later as Talent Agent) it was frustrating when we received an envelope without the photo properly "4-corner" stapled.

WE had to do the actor's work by stapling the headshots, when our time could have been better spent calling actors about auditions, call-backs, etc.

An agent's time is too valuable to do the actor's work of stapling a headshot.

Answer 3

The headshot should be of professional quality. Your idea of "good" might not be the same as a professional's.
You should include a letter with your contact information and a brief resume. Having an agent isn't a bad idea.

Answer 4

With all due respect to answer 2 DO NOT use staples.

With all due respect to you, this is as much a professional issue as applying for any decent job one might want, and should be acted upon in that manner. I see dozens of headshots, resumes, CD's, and DVD's thrown away every day. That isn't to say they weren't "correct". It means that the person wasn't what was being sought, in particular.

Your picture of course should be YOU, but not "snapped" with a cell phone or Polaroid. Your resume should be included, and include not only your education but experience and credits in the craft.

I'm not a "fan" of agents or agencies, so I won't go there, but consider this issue as if it was FOR Life, and the most important or viable passion you have. The added time and effort, even the expense in a portfolio, folders, and the contents should be expressive of you and who you are, with no pretense you might have to cover,"after the fact"

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

Your picture should be black and white as well as professional, recent and a good reflection of what you actually look like. Your contact, wardrobe and CV should be on a single page. The letter is irrelevant.