Five Tips For Actors and Their Agent to Secure a Role
Actors often ask me how to get an agent, or what they need to do to secure an audition, or even how to get a callback. So I’ve come up with these five tips in order to help actors and their agents work together effectively and make the most of each opportunity.
1. Know The Role
Make sure you know the role you are auditioning for, what the character is about and why you are interested in playing it. Have a look at the script, talk to your agent about any questions you have regarding the role and be sure that this is something you would like to do. If there is anything you do not agree with or feel uncomfortable with in regards to the part then make sure your agent knows this upfront so they can advise you on your options whether it be passing on the role or negotiating changes that may be made if cast.
2. Have a Great Resume & CV
Make sure your resume clearly states your height, weight and age on it as well as all relevant training, experience and skills. Be sure it is up-to-date and looks good! Your CV should only include information relevant to acting such as training, experience, skills
It’s a tough time for actors. The fact is, there’s very few roles going around at the moment and that means it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re in with a chance if a casting director happens to be looking your way.
So what can you do to make sure your resume and show reel jump out at agents and casting directors? Here are five tips that should have you well on the way to getting noticed:
1. Make sure your book is up to date
The first thing any agent or casting director wants to see when they’re checking out an actor is their most recent headshot. So be sure to get one done every six months or so, just so they’re seeing your current look rather than what you looked like six months ago. A good headshot will cost you around $500 so it might not be an expense you want to fork out for every few months but if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth doing.
2. Keep your CV short and snappy
Actors are often tempted to pad out their resume with a million tiny gigs they’ve done over the years but remember, no one cares about that extra role in a commercial three years ago unless it was for McDonalds or Coca-Cola! A
Chris O’Dell is a top Hollywood acting manager and talent manager for actors mostly in the United States. Chris has been managing actors and actresses in Los Angeles for over 10 years.
Chris O’Dell’s management company is called O’Dell Talent Management, which is located in Studio City, Los Angeles.
Chris O’Dell blogs regularly on the acting industry and gives tips to actors on how to get an agent or become a better actor.
So you want to be an actor?
You want to be a movie star, or a television star, or on Broadway. You want to be recognized and adored. You want everyone to know who you are.
How do you get there?
I have worked with many actors who have booked major roles in films, television shows and on Broadway for over 30 years. Here is my advice for actors who want to make it:
Tip
The acting business is a fickle beast. The industry works in mysterious ways and the only way to stay ahead of the game is to be prepared.
You can do all the right things and still not get the job! It’s part of the business. But, if you want to give yourself every chance of succeeding then follow these five tips:
1. Have a great headshot taken.
The number one thing that gets actors in the door is a solid resume and headshot. The resume must be current and easy to read. List your height and weight, hair color and eye color along with your actor union affiliations. This is how the casting director will remember you after meeting you. If you have an agent, list their contact information or if you are represented by more than one agency list them all. List the acting classes you take or have taken. When listing your training make sure to include the instructors name so that the casting director can verify its accuracy. If you have no training, don’t worry about it. Training is not necessary for a successful acting career, but it can give you an edge when starting out and help your chances of success in landing a role.
Include special skills on your resume as well as any sports or dance experience. These categories are often looked at by casting directors especially if they are looking for a specific ethnic background or skill set such as ski instructor, scuba diver etc…
List all feature films, short films, commercials and other acting work on your resume and make sure to include the title of the project, the role you played and where it was shot. It’s also important to list where your acting work
Uncategorized
CuteAct is a contributor at CuteAct. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.