Q: What is a Casting Director?
A: A Casting Director is hired by a studio or network or production company to find actors to fill the roles on television shows, films, videos and plays. He or she often sees many hundreds or even thousands of actors, models, singers or performers just to find that exact right person for the job. Casting Directors will search all over the globe to find special people that have that certain "it" factor that can pop off a screen.
Q: Is there a difference between casting for scripted television and films and reality shows?
A: Yes. When casting for a scripted series or film (this means one with a written script where the actors memorize the lines), Casting Directors are looking for both the "it" factor AND great acting skills. In reality casting, the Casting Director is looking for more of a "type" of person - strong personality, good look and someone who the audience will care about. This person is not necessarily an actor, but more of a "personality".
Q: Is there a certain look that Casting Directors are looking for?
A: Not really. While often times the lead roles go to very attractive actors and actresses, the majority of roles are filled by actors who have something unique - a look or a presence- that sets them apart from others.
Q: Do I need an agent to be successful?
A: Most actors do have some sort or representation when it comes to Hollywood. Sometimes that is an agent or sometimes that is a manager. It can be very difficult to get through the doors without someone working in your corner, no matter how talented you are.
Q: What is the difference between an agent and a manager?
A: An agent can solicit work for you, and can represent you in negotiating deals on your behalf. A manager can give you career input and guidance, can help you network with the right people and usually is more involved with day to day influence on your career.
Q: Are there agencies that specifically represent children?
A: Yes. There are a number of Los Angeles and NY agencies that specifically cater to child and youth clients. Additionally, many talent agencies have youth or kids divisions. There are many reference guide books that list these agencies. One of our favorites is The Agency Guide available through Breakdown Services. This book has a listing of agencies, and gives information on who represents children.
Q: How do I get an agent? Does it cost money?
A: Getting an agent can be very challenging. Often they don't want to represent someone who has no experience, yet how do you get the experience without an agent? Our advice is that as a new actor, you want to try and get as much work on your own as possible. Do student films (and get some film on yourself); local commercials, anything to give you experience that you can use as a calling card when you go to look for an agent. Often times, managers are more in the "career building" business and will be open to representing actors with little experience. It should NOT cost you money to get an agent or manager. Agents and managers generally work on a percentage commission of what you make. If you make $100 for an acting job, the agent gets 10% and a manager generally takes 15%. If someone wants to charge you money to represent you, then they may not be a licensed, franchised agent. You can read more at the website of the National Conference of Personal Managers or the website for the Association of Talent Agents
Q: Are there local agencies (outside of LA & NY)that are reputable?
A: Yes. In most large metropolitan areas, there are reputable talent agents that solicit work for their clients and represent actors for film, television and print. Do some homework on the internet, check with your state's film commission for a list of licensed agencies, talk to other people who have worked with agents, and in general do some due diligence about the agencies. Remember, a talent agent should not be charging you a fee to represent you. They should charge you a percentage of your earnings (usually 10%). Agents will however, often ask you to absorb the cost of getting headshots taken and produced.
Q: Do I need to study acting to be a star?
A: Yes! the majority of the great award winning actors have all had extensive training in theater and acting before launching their careers. To be a star it takes both the intangible "it" factor combined with hard work and professionalism.
Q: Do I need to live in New York or Los Angeles to "make it"?
A: There are acting opportunities in most big cities across the country. Print work (for magazines) and commercials are shot in cities other than LA and NY. Certain geographic regions have become very popular for Hollywood to make movies. For example, there is a lot of filming in Louisiana and in New Mexico. However, most movies and television series do the majority of their casting in either Los Angeles or New York, so if you plan a professional career as an actor, you may eventually need to be closer to those cities.
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