Getting started in the business: The right way!

So you think you can dance, act, and sing? We call those in the business the triple threats! Not everyone can be a triple threat but if you can do just one well and you’ve dreamed of performing, then this business may be for you. But, how do you start? You take one step at a time…

• This blog post is targeted to those who have never been on set before and are looking to get into the business

• Step by step, you will learn in this blog post about the roles of some industry professionals; the importance of acting classes and workshops; setting yourself up on a casting network; agency representation; and, gaining access to work

Casting Directors v. Talent Agents v. Talent Managers

Perhaps you have heard the terms casting director, talent agent and talent manager used interchangeably but they play vastly different roles in the industry. A casting director is someone who contacts talent agents and talent managers with the breakdown of the project they are casting. Casting Directors do not represent talent just as talent agents and managers do not cast projects. Talent agents and talent managers represent talent that they provide to casting directors for consideration for roles that casting directors are casting. Casting directors do not make their money from talent; they charge the production company. Talent agents are legally only allowed to charge the actor 10% for union projects and 20% for non-union projects. Talent Managers can charge up to 30% to talent. When you are first starting out, this information is good to know for your future career in the business.

On your resume (please see another blog post What to Include on a Resume) as a beginner without much experience, you want to focus on your special skills. Casting directors and later in your career, talent agents, want to see you as a unique talent and individual, in other words, what makes you YOU. This focus will help you stand out. So, listing hobbies and classes that you just started taking to learn a new skill is important. You always want to establish that you are continually challenging yourself to learn new things. Actors, in general, are life-long learners and curious beings.

The Importance of Taking Acting Classes and Workshops

Research in your area the reputable schools that teach acting classes, improv classes, and on-camera auditioning. Those three areas of focus will give you a well-rounded education when it comes to beginning film work. Acting is acting whether it’s on the stage in a theatre or on a set with a camera. However, the scale by which you act changes depending on the venue. You cannot play to a 250-seat theatre while on a sound stage with a camera close to your face. There will always be roles that require you to play larger than life (think a filmed musical) but, in general, film acting requires a more naturalistic approach. A good acting school will teach you how to navigate these differences but it is best to begin with a solid foundation in the craft of acting. Many famous actors who have been acting for years find it helpful to retain acting coaches and return to acting classes when their schedules permit to continually grow and learn. In other words, acting classes are not just for beginners.

Taking the Headshot that Captures You

There are several different kinds of photos that you will want to have in your portfolio: The commercial headshot where you are dressed conservatively and smiling; the theatrical headshot for more dramatic roles and theatre productions; and, lastly, a full body shot perhaps suggestive of a profession such as doctor, teacher, or business professional. IMPORTANT: Actors do not use composite shots where you are seen in various combinations with family, friends, in a sports outfit, as a professional, etc.. Those are reserved for models. When submitting for work as an actor, it is best to stick with a traditional headshot and you can choose which one based on the nature of the production. For example, if you are submitting for an ad campaign looking for an athletic type, perhaps a smiling headshot and within your additional photos include a full body shot of yourself in athletic/workout gear.

Research in your area actor-headshot photographers…do not go to your local Walmart to get a headshot in a posed, artifical studio setting. The best headshots are those taken in natural light with the background somewhat blurred. You may achieve similar results if someone else takes your photo with a sophisticated smartphone on a portrait setting. However, do not use a selfie as that never looks professional. We have seen too many selfies of people in their cars…that is a big no-no and that will get you overlooked.

Talent Agent Representation

Consider talent agent representation as a step in your career and not the end goal. Talent agents can facilitate opportunities for you but you too have to put in your share of the work to promote yourself and continue to work hard. It is fine to have multiple agents represent you across different regions and specialities. However, in the United States, you can only have one theatrical agent to represent you for theatre work. Some agencies handle all of that or have divisions within the same agency to handle theatricals. That is acceptable but you cannot have two theatrical agentss from different agencie. Some actors just beginning have been success landing projects by working with a manager. However, be aware that their fees are often higher than a talent agent’s fees.

Gaining Access to Work

The most effective way to gain access to the job market is to list yourself on a casting network such as Actors Access, Casting Network, Backstage, Casting Workbook, AllCasting, KidsCasting, to name a few. Casting Directors typically only use one casting network to list their breakdowns (the project name, production company, roles, pay rate, dates of production, and additional specifications of the project.) At Callaghan Casting, we primarily use Actors Access and our Facebook account to announce our breakdowns and cast our projects. Actors Access is readily seen in the industry as the gold standard of casting but certainly Casting Networks, for commercials, is just as prevalent in some markets such as Florida and Texas. AA is used not only in the Southeast but on the Coasts. Backstage is also used on the Coasts. KidsCasting is dedicated to those young actors without agents. This is a wonderful resource for gaining work experience on set and in front of the camera.

If you are working with an agent, they will have you register with their agency on the casting network that they use. There are distinct advantages to this as often agents are given breakdowns that are not open to actors without agents.

Create an email that you will use strictly for your business: ex. JaneSmithActress@gmail…something that is easily recognizable. You will then need to register this email with the casting networks on which you create accounts. As an actor, create accounts on several casting networks. When a role is right for you, you will be notified via email. And then soon it will be time to decide if it is right for you and you can choose to submit for the role or not. Read the terms of the contract closely before submitting. Negotiating the terms once offered a role may not go in your favor.

Final thoughts on getting started in the business

If you have a burning desire to get into the entertainment business, go for it! You can do it with lots of hard work and dedication to the craft. It does take time to establish yourself. So do not give up easily. Rejection is just part of the game but with each opportunity you have, you learn more and more. So continue to put yourself out there and audition for roles. It is a numbers game and eventually you will hit the jackpot and land a project.

Communication throughout the process with the casting director and production once you are cast is crucial. They must know and feel confident in their choice of you. They will remember you and may again hire you for another project in the future.