Why don't casting directors have a category for "Best Casting By" at the Academy Awards? To comprehend this issue, you have to have a deep understanding of how the casting process works. Casting directors are contracted by production companies and/or studios to cast specific projects. The casting directors (and their associate casting directors and assistants) filter through massive amounts of submissions for specific roles, mainly through talent agents. The casting directors then audition actors for the specific roles being cast. They then choose what actors that they personally deem "right for the role", at their discretion, and they subsequently advance those actors to a "call back", to audition for the director, writer(s), producers, and for major roles.. the studio executives. Eventually, the right actor for the role is hired. The actor is not hired directly by the casting director, but rather the director/production company/studio. Other than for small speaking roles on TV series, the casting director does not have the ability to hire actors, they simply select a certain group of actors to advance in the casting process. I am not talking about extras. Extras are cast directly by Extras Casting Directors/Companies. For there to be an Academy Award category for principal actor casting directors, the voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences would have to be able to see all of the hundreds (and even thousands) of actor's auditions for each role by the "Best Casting By" nominee, to be able to judge whether or not each casting director nominee did the best job. And just to narrow down the casting nominees, there would have to be a massive amount of that material available to the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences nominating committee. That is a logistical impossibility. Directors, producers, writers, and studio executives have the final say in who is cast in specific roles, not casting directors. The best casting directors do a great job, and they have a great collaboration with those who do hire the actors, however there is no definitive way to establish a criteria for an Academy Award category for "Best Casting By". I can elaborate much more about the casting process, however that would require much more than I can post here, it would be a complete eBook. I do want to elaborate about why casting directors are never credited in films as a Casting "Director", but rather credited as "Casting By". The Directors Guild of America does not allow, by contract, any other persons on a film being credited with the word "Director", unless they are actually a "director" i.e. 1st AD (First Assistant Director, etc). That includes the Cinematographer (widely called "DP" or "Director of Photography" on the set). Casting directors are some of the hardest working people in the entertainment industry, but there you go, that is why there is no Oscar Award category for "Best Casting By".
2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook is now available!
The brand new 2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook is now available! This is the 22nd location in the series, and the eBook contains the most up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive resources available for actors in Ontario, Canada. There is now a very large amount of major studio feature films and network television series in production in Toronto. The Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in Toronto, Ontario and in Canada:
• Toronto Casting Directors
• Toronto Extras Casting Directors
• Toronto Talent Agents
• Toronto Acting Schools and Coaches
• Toronto Headshot Photographers
• General Talent Agent Information
• Miscellaneous Toronto Actor Resources
• Audition Tips
• How to make an Audition Video
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letter Casting Directors
• Sample Cover Letter Talent Agents
• Glossary of Entertainment Industry Terms
• Canadian Work Permit Overview
• Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada
• Canada Work Permit Information for Foreigners
• Canadian Document Checklist for a Work Permit
• Temporary Canadian Foreign Worker Program
• Canadian Application for Temporary Resident VISA
• Canadian Visa Photo Specifications
• Information for Parents of Child Performers
• Canadian Family Information Form
• Canadian Use of a Representative Form
• Guide To Canadian Child Labor Laws
You can now order your copy of the 2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook for $19.95 through Amazon Payments at the following - http://www.actorsresourceguides.com/toronto-actors-resource-guide-ebook.html
You can also now order using Square Cash (https://cash.me). My email address to send your payment through Square Cash is alan.baltes@gmail.com and my Square Cash username is $AlanBaltes. Simply enter "TORONTO" and your EMAIL ADDRESS in the "FOR" box when sending the $19.95 payment. I can also send a $19.95 payment request if you give me your email address or cell phone number. Contact me at alan.baltes@gmail.com if you would prefer a payment request with a link that you can use to pay.
Once payment is received, your eBook will be emailed to you.
How to sign with the Osbrink Talent Agency
I want to give a heads up about how you (or your child) can be considered for representation by a major player in the Talent Agency arena. Many actors contact me and ask for a recommendation for a top talent agency. I want to give one example of how to be considered for representation at Osbrink Talent Agency. Osbrink is one of the very best agencies in the entertainment industry. It is run by the amazing Cindy Osbrink. Her clients include the Disney Channel stars Cameron Boyce ("Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything", "Jessie", "Liv and Maddie", the voice of Jake in "Jake and the Never Land Pirates"), Mia Talerico (Charlie Duncan on "Good Luck Charlie"), and Paris Berelc (star of "Mighty Med", star in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Invisible Sister", and star of the upcoming Disney Channel series "Lab Rats: Elite Force"). All you have to do to get your child seen by this amazing talent agency is follow the submission instructions carefully:
CHILDREN'S THEATRICAL / COMMERCIAL / PRINT
Submit a current, non-returnable snapshot of your child to our street address, along with a note describing their interests and personality. Include the child’s name, height, weight, eye and hair colors, his or her date of birth, parent’s name and a contact number. Please include a headshot and resume if you have one. If referred to them, also include who referred you. If the agency does not already have a client similar to your child, they will call you to set up an appointment.
ADULT THEATRICAL / COMMERCIALS
Submit a current headshot, resume, reel, and if applicable, any comedy links to the street address below.
ADULT PRINT / MODELING
Submit your comp/zed card or snap shots with your height, weight, clothing sizes and what city and state you are based out of to contact@osbrinkagency.com attention SUBMISSION or mail to the address below
Send to:
Osbrink Talent Agency
4343 Lankershim Blvd.
Suite 100
Universal City, CA 91602
Open call for 'Glitter Talent Agency' seeking kids for representation
Glitter Talent Agency is an across the board exclusive agency representing babies, kids, and teens in film, TV, Commercials, Theatre, Voice-Over, and Print.
An Open Call will be held on Friday August 1, 2014. The Open Call is open to kids, and teens between the ages of 4-19 years of age.
Ages 4-11 will be seen between the hours of 11am–2pm.
Ages 12-19 will be seen between the hours of 3pm-6pm.
Will be held at:
400 60th Street West
New York, NJ 07093
If your child has a monologue or song prepared please let them know. Monologue should be under a minute, and song should be 16 bars.
We are looking for boys and girls of any ethnicity. Experience is preferred but not required. We want to see kids that are extremely outgoing, charismatic, and that are able to take direction well.
Please only attend if you do not have an agent. There are no fees to attend.
Dress: Casual, no logos.
Bring: Recent Headshot, Comp Card, and Resume. (Resume is not required.)
Please confirm attendance by emailing info@glittertalent.com with name, age, and photo. (Put "open call" in the subject line.)
Talent Agency open call in Winston-Salem, NC for actors in North Carolina and the Triad area
MAD Talent Agency is seeking SAG-AFTRA and Non-Union talent for film, commercial, television and print in North Carolina and the Triad area. They are specifically reaching out to talent in North Carolina and the Triad area, and are looking for a variety of talent for roles. Bring headshot and resume to the open call anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. this Saturday.
Where:
Winston Tower
24th Floor
301 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Click here for directions.
When:
Saturday December 7, 2013
10:00am – 2:00pm
You can pre-register via email by submitting a headshot/resume and the following information to madtalentagency@aol.com
First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
D.O.B:
If under 18 years (Parent or Guardian name):
Location:
Phone:
Ethnic Appearance:
Height:
Weight:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
About MAD Talent Agency
MAD Talent Agency LLC is a licensed and bonded talent agency in NC and there are no up-front signup fees for representation. They are a full service agency representing actors, artists, models, dancers, musicians, authors, voiceover artists and extreme athletes worldwide. They have locations in Winston-Salem and Lake Norman, NC.
MAD Talent Agency represents the most unique artists across the world. Their vision is to take all of their creative artists of today and give them the most opportunities in this exciting and ever changing business. They want to seek out those that have the passion and motivation to work in the entertainment industry.
MAD talent agency represents talent for feature films, commercials, radio, voiceover, stunts, television, print, promotions, events, music videos, as well as other entertainment enterprises.
All talent must be legally eligible to work in the state of North Carolina and in the United States.
The North Carolina Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in North Carolina and the United States:
• USA Child Actor Work Permit Requirements
• North Carolina Child Performer Labor Law Information
• North Carolina Youth Employment Certificate Instructions
• North Carolina Youth Approval To Work Late Hours Form
• North Carolina Minor Intention To Employ Form
• North Carolina Dept. of Labor Rules and Regulations Relative to Employment of Children under 16 Years of Age.
• Immigration Work Permit Information
• Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Links for Child Labor Information
In addition to the following North Carolina Actors Resources:
• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• North Carolina Casting Directors List
• North Carolina Extras Casting Directors List
• North Carolina Talent Agents List
• North Carolina Acting Coaches, Classes, and Schools List
• North Carolina Headshot Photographers List
• Headshot Mass Printing Photo Labs
• Miscellaneous North Carolina Resources
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• General Talent Agent Information
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• PDF Users Guide
The 2013 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are available here.
A Few Notes About Talent Agents
If you have a lot of experience, are well trained, and are a "type" that they are interested in at the time, they will call. In the large markets such as Los Angeles and New York, it can be extremely difficult for even experienced and well trained actors to land an agent, so keep your expectations realistic when submitting, and be patient. Try again in a few months if they do not call. If you are doing a play or showcase, send a postcard to invite an agent to come see you perform.
Also, don't expect to be able to pick and choose an agent unless you are a very well known and respected actor. I see so many people asking, "What is the best agent in LA (or NY or wherever)?" If you have to ask that question, you certainly are not an actor who can "pick and choose" an agent. 99% of actors should consider themselves lucky to sign with a SAG-AFTRA franchised or ATA/NATR Agency. You can send a photo and resume to every legit talent agent in LA or NY and would be lucky to get one single call.
And one last thing..... just because an Agency is a "licensed Talent Agent" in your state does NOT mean that they are a good or even legit agent. The rules to become a licensed Talent Agent in every state are MUCH more lenient than the rules to become a SAG franchised agent or ATA/NATR agent. I would only recommend signing with an agent that is franchised with the Screen Actors Guild, or a member of the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) or National Association of Talent Representatives (NATR).
How To Get An Agent
There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa.
Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers.
Agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, be skilled in acting, network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about your work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for.
The Strategy:
Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in your 8" X 10" color photo and resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short and sweet. Far too many actors end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.
This is a sample of a good cover letter:
________________________________________________
Savannah Starlet
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210
savvystar@email.com
555-986-6754
Attn: Mr. Agent
Enclosed you will find my photo and resume for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation. Please feel free to contact me at the above phone number or email address.
Sincerely,
Savannah Starlet
_________________________________________________
Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!
Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume, and that you are calling back as a follow up. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.
Say something like.....
"No problem, I don't want to take up your time, but wanted to make a quick call to see if you are interested".
They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.
Many agents these days do not track submissions and will merely inform you of this when you call. Also, several of the top agencies do not accept unsolicited photo and resume submissions, they only accept new clients through industry referral.
Tips & Warnings
* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for a model. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.
* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings you are getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.
* If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises or asks for up-front money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking. Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.
Notes:
I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.
Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.
The
casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on
the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are
submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. If the
role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be
written above the casting directors name.
Example:
"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
What To Expect When Interviewing With Talent Agencies
This is what a top-level Talent Agent had to say about this question:
"The process is simple. First, I always meet one on one with potential clients. This gives me a chance to really get to know the person. If that goes well, I ask the actor to come back and meet the other agents. It's essential that everyone be in agreement. One agent should never try to convince the others to sign someone.
And that's basically it. The only problem is actors tend to be their own worst enemy. Believe it or not, actors seeking representation are always convincing me NOT to sign them. Pretty depressing, right?
I'm always amazed by how much effort actors put into getting a meeting with me but none of you ever know how to behave once you're actually in my office.
Before we tackle this subject, let's make something clear. I want to like you. It's my job to sign actors and if you're sitting in my office, that means you did something right. Maybe I noticed your submission. Maybe someone referred you. Or maybe I saw your work in a showcase. Whatever it was, something positive happened to get your butt into that chair. So don't turn a positive into a negative. You've got 15 minutes to make an impression. That's 900 seconds. You have to use that time wisely.
So how should you behave in my office? Well, think of it this way. Meeting with an agent is like a first date. You've got two people in a room. They're sizing each other up. And they're both wondering if it's going to go any further.
Now ask yourself this: what's the worst thing you can do on a first date? Talk about yourself!
There's nothing worse than being stuck on a date with someone who spends the whole night going on and on about themselves. It's the same thing in a meeting. I tend to tune out actors who waste their time by doing a non-stop monologue about who they are and what they want.
So don't play into the stereotype of the narcissistic, self-involved actor. It's dull. It's boring. And worst of all, it doesn't give me a chance to really get to know you.
Instead, walk into that office and create an atmosphere where you can both get to know each other as people. I have to forget that you're an actor seeking representation. That's boring. Instead, I need to see you as an individual. I have to get a sense of who you really are outside the world of show business.
How do you do this? Easy. Try to have a normal conversation. Maybe there's something in my office that catches your eye. Or maybe you just saw a great movie. Whatever. The idea is to get into a give and take situation where you're talking about anything but acting. This will give me a chance to get to know the real you.
I once met with a young lady who had "tarot card reader" listed on her resume under Special Skills. It just so happens that I love anything having to do with the occult. So we started talking about it and the next thing you know, we're both sitting on the floor and she's giving me a reading. As a result, we really got to know each other and I ended up representing her for many years. Now that's what I call a good meeting.
Remember - it's easy for an agent to pass on an actor seeking representation. We do it every day. But saying no becomes just a little bit harder when we've spent 15 minutes getting to know you as a human being. And that might just be enough to get you signed as a client."
” written by Tony Martinez.