How to Respond to Casting Calls
How to Respond to Casting Calls
Casting directors filter through hundreds, if not thousands of head-shots and resumes everyday. So how do you effectively stand out from the crowd, and not have your submission thrown in the trash. So, here is a list of helpful hints on what to do for submitting to roles.
- Take your time- Avoid sending a blank email with just a head-shot and a resume. Take your time and make each email seem that it took time and effort before you press send on your computer screen. Avoid sending obvious generic emails. For example, “To whom it may concern” is an obvious and dead giveaway that this email is simply a draft that is recycled over and over to numerous casting directors. Take your time and do your research on the casting director. Something as simple as addressing them by their name can go a long way.
- Ask Questions- If you have any questions or concerns address them in your email. It is often considered rude, to quit a project later because, you failed to ask the casting director earlier for more information. There is “usually” no such thing as a dumb question.
- Submit Wisely – Do not submit to something you do not fit the description for. Casting directors must filter through thousands of head-shots and resumes everyday, and by submitting your information to something that does not apply to you just makes their job more difficult. Thus, probably less likely to hire you in the future.
- Create an Acting resume- Your professional resume should stand alone from your acting resume. They are considered as two different things in the entertainment industry, so take the time to write a resume on your acting experiences. If you are not sure how to create an acting resume visit Getting Started. Furthermore, do not include your background, stand-in or photo double work in your acting resume. Those areas of work do not illustrate your acting talent.
- Submit Authentic Pictures- Do not submit older pictures of yourself. You want your head-shots to resemble what you look like on a normal basis not twenty years ago.
- Do NOT Procrastinate- Typically the earlier you submit the hirer your chances. So do not wait until the last minute to submit to any opportunity. Most of the time the people who waited ultimately, missed their chance to acting in a major feature film.
- Personalize- Personalize your email or cover letter. Here is a great example to draw casting directors attention:
“Hi (Name of the Casting Director),
I saw your Casting Call for the new film (Name of the Film) on Project Casting’s website, and I would like to be considered for the role of (Name of the Character). This definitely sounds like an amazing project, and I felt that I connected, personally with (something that is related to the project). I strongly believe I would be great for this role because of my acing experience (highlight some acting experience that you had in the past).
Thank you,
(your name)”
Overall
Take your time, and take pride in the email that you are sending out to casting directors. Little things in the entertainment industry definitely go a long way.
Enhance your Craft…
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How to Prepare for an Audition
Auditions are required and it is something that all actors must go through. The downside is that an audition can mess with you mentally. It is very possible that you mastered the role, but it is very much possible for you to second guess your abilities. Thus…
How to Respond to Casting Calls
Casting directors filter through hundreds, if not thousands of head-shots and resumes everyday. So how do you effectively stand out from the crowd, and not have your submission thrown in the trash. So, here is a list of helpful hints on what to do for submitting to roles.
Nothing is more crucial to your monologue than choosing the right one for your type and skill level. It is important to note that a monologue audition is your opportunity to showcase your talent—your time to shine. This is probably one of very few situations where the actor has a complete control of the situation.
Do you have anything in Atlanta, GA,Athens, GA anything in Georgia?? Seem everything is in CA, LA and so far away from me . Looking for work. To keep me busy. Ellen Rice (profound deaf)
Atlanta is still growing in terms of the entertainment industry and the variety of opportunities. But, we will keep you updated on all the latest opportunities. Stay tuned!
Thank you for the job you do. It is greatly appreciated by those of us who can’t afford annual fees for these casting agencies. Is it possible for Project Casting to include email addresses with the posted casting information? Or does the lack of an email address mean that the casting agent would prefer to receive submissions by mail only?
Casting directors prefer mail submissions over email submissions. Unless they ask for it otherwise.
What roles are they casting for on this show?
What email do we reply to for these posts for casting calls ??
check out wwww.projectcasting.com/gettingstarted
This is a great way to learn. Love the letter of how to write a Director, Producer a letters. thank you for teaching us. It is hard to find a job that fit my needs specially if I am deaf. Most hearing people think Deaf person can’t do it but “Deaf person can do anything like a hearing person can not do except HEAR!!
I’m interested in the emails im getting for some of the television shows, where do i go to talk to someone or email my picture to?
Check out our getting started page http://www.projectcasting.com/gettingstarted
I love CASTING Project they are the nicest people and we don’t have to struggling to pay no dime. Most website they charge money but CASTING PROJECT!! You are so AWESOME people to let everyone be part of the community, do not discriminate disability, you make me feel like part of the family and a star!!!!! Thank you !!!! I wish I could video in SIGN Languages to you all. THANK YOU CASTING PROJECT for your time to communicate, patience with. The meant a lot to the DEAF Community!!!
A DEAF person can do anything like a hearing person can do except HEAR!!!! BREAK A LEG!! Is hard to find a job that fit my needs and people do not give me any chance to try it. I know I have done alot but this time they need to take seriously with me when it come FREE no way but they should pay me for the work I do. LOVE YOU CASTING PROJECT !!! 
What will we do without YOU!!! AWESOME!! work!!
OOPS OOP PROJECT CASTING NOT CASTING PROJECT!! need a new hearing aid. is the reason I need a job!!!!
Would it be considered a bit annoying if your email “cover letter” is exactly the same as the one you send as a hard copy by mail? Also, can you do both, or is it better to simply send by mail?
Thanks so much for what you do! This is one of the best casting sites I have seen in a long time.
Hi,
My name is Cristina and i am new here so please any one can help me out here. How is working with the castings posted on this site. Or maybe anyone from Project Casting can help me with some more info, if i do not bother to much…please…:) I am currently in Japan but i am willing to travel anywhere. Thank you for your time and i look forward to hear any answer from anyone. Regards, Cristina
Visit http://www.ProjectCasting.com/gettingstarted
I love Project Casting!!! Thank you PC!! They have always send me an e mail to let me know. I am profound DEAF Actress but is hard to find a job that fit my working experiences but I do have two different awesome resume. I would not mind working in Atlanta, GA as long if I find the right people. I would love to do an open “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” only for the Deaf people get a a chance to be with other hearing people to do acting or non speaking or being an Extra but deserve to get PAID. A lot of time they put deaf people with the disability without no paid. There is some issue problem with they said. it is paid and when we showed up they normally do not pay ?? So is kinda hard to tell if those are paid or non paid because we are an Extra but I think there is more then one opportunity for working paid. Give them a chance to be like others. I wanted to know if you all would accepted my application or resume or if there is a way you could give my resume to other people you may know who is willing to work with any disability person but not only disability but can lead me a job to work every day. I need to work .. :I am very happy with Project Casting send me a lot of casting e mail it works for me. Without no money I can not travel now until i have save up my money, I can only work in Atlanta, TN for now as far saving my money to build it up. Not easy tasks in life!! THANK YOU PC for helping me any way you can ..I am member of the Deaf Women Films and I want to help the deaf and hard of hearing people. There has to be away I could work with any Agency at Atlanta , GA to get some Director or Producer who is willing to set up a ASL Films Coach. Hearing and deaf person can help each other. Ellen Rice
Let other people know of this website, and what you are aspiring to do and together we can make a difference. It is all about dedication, hardwork, and persistence.
It is not my website and I do get any paid on that website?? I am trying to find a job and want to work. I am looking for Director and Producer. I want to be ASL Film Coach which mean I can communicate with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing while the Director and Producer speak out “Role Action” while filming the casting people (Deaf person can not hear at them.) So with my expereinces of doing over 40 films last year and 6 this year. That a lot of work without PAID and some of them do pay me. But I deserve to get paid and be treated fair for getting paid. This is why I want people to take seriously with me. Disability person is not to be “LEFT OUT” Educated something that is important ROLE some may not able to read and write but they sure can be places as a EXTRA , Background, Non speaking role. There should have a program for special need.Some of the scripts are hard for the deaf to read and pronouns the words that is why we should have “EXTRA, Non speaking, Short Script, Sign Languages can be reading line between lines. Is Matter of teaching them how to become a Better Actors and Actress. I could lead them a good training as long a Company or Agency would hired me as a job for working with the deaf and hard of hearing. That can change the world and we can make a difference to them. WE NEED TO BREAK A LEG!!!!
I must say, you guy’s are the best. Thanks so much for all your tips and strong information.
Please keep doing what you are doing..
J B
Thank you! We really appreciate it. We will try our best to continue to provide good content for all aspiring talents. The larger we become the louder our voice becomes in the industry. Together we can change the way Hollywood casts for movies!
It is all the amazing people of project casting that make it what it is! So, THANK YOU!
Hey project casting, I sent an email like how you showed in the example and within minutes I got a respond saying “what casting is this for…?” I responded, but got no respond yet, also this was Friday night at 11, and its now Sunday. Is it Possible they don’t check their emails on the weekend? Even if the date of the interviews say within the week of? Thank you
Unfortunately, casting directors may not respond to your email if they decided to choose another talent. So this might be the case.
Currently working on four films.but with a large spread.Trying to fill in my days off.Would love to come to atlanta
I have a question that I think you could help me with. I am extremely interested in a casting call I found, and they say the casting calls are in California and New York. If interested in an acting part, they want your headshot, resume, and cover letter sent in the mail. I live in the midwest, but can I still mail my info? I’m very willing to travel to California if I get an interview/casted/etc. So my question is, do you HAVE to live in California to apply to the California casting call?
If an audition was somewhere out of my state could i be able to do a video audition ?
also im really interested for a part in ” Girl Meets World “.
I would like for the part of either Ryley or Maya .
I am good at both acting and singing and this would be a dream come true if i got a part
please notify me .
Hi Project Casting,
I saw your Casting Call for the new TV pilot One Direction on Project Casting’s website, and I would like to be considered for one of the roles. This definitely sounds like an amazing project, and I felt that I connected, with One Direction. I have always loved to sing, although I may not be the strongest of all singers. I strongly believe I would be great for this role because of my acting experience such as Aladdin Jr. and The best Christmas Pageant Ever! This will be a great experience for me as an actor.
Thank you,
Ethan Chow
Hi we live in Hawaii. I have two daugters ages 6 & 8.I am white , my husband black. My younger daughter is going to have the lead role in a movie being filmed here in February. Is it possible for they to still be part of Catching fire?
I’m only 15, almost 16. How on Earth do I get it so that someone notices me? I’ve only ever been in small town theater productions, and I live in Ohio, I’m pretty poor actually. How do I get big while in Upper Sandusky? I really want this, but i’m so low it doesn’t seem possible.
Name: Mariel Analeigh Johnson
I know that I can make it far with this career if you would give me a chance. I could be an extra or a main character or anything! I just really need help for a good start. I can sing, but I dont really know. I could do it if you needed me to! 
I have always loved the Camp Rock movies.! I love Demi Lovato and The Jonas Brothers! <3 I love how in the movies their is a mixture of love, drama,music, camp, friendship, difficulty, dancing, just everything! They are great movies! I play sports. I have done one play (major one at least) "The Baddest Angel Band" It was super fun! I did that play last year and I had to sing in it. I dont mind getting up in front of cameras and lights and stuff, I am NOT going to lie, I get nervous, but everyone does. I am very determined to get a part in this movie! I play many sports. I play baseball, volleyball, and I used to play soccer. I play baseball with boys, and they always want me to pitch! Wow.! I love dancing, just I have never taken any classes. When I was little I was really flexible and I really wanted to be in gymnastics, but my family didnt have the money and it was hour away to drive for the classes. My family is not the richest family. At on epoint in our lives, we were so poor, that we could barely afford to eat off the dollar menu. I am ready to accept rejection. In this acting business, I know their will be alot of rejection but I am ready for it as long as I get to do what I love. I am funny and nice and confident. Most of the time I dont care what people think about me. 
And that helps me out alot in my life.! I love thrill.! I love roller coasters and having fun. I have fun when I act. I am very beautiful. My contact information is below.
Age: 12; But people say I look 13 and I am very mature for my age.
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Greenish type color
Skin: White; Freckles
Height: 5’3″
Weight: ABOUT 100 Pounds
I live in California, a very small town called Greeley Hill, or Coulterville. My family is willing to go to other cities like San Francisco or Las Angeles for auditions.
Grade: 7 (skipped 1st grade)
I have very little experience with acting, but within that little time, I learned something new. That I love to act.
Alternative email|: johnson.mariel@aol.com
Home phone: 1-(209)-878-3298
Mom's cell phone: 1-(209)-890-5577 (Katrina)
Dad's cell phone: 1-(209)-890-5566 (Kevin)
Please contact me! Or my parents! I am very determined to get a part in this movie. Please give me a chance. <3 I also did cheerleading. base and flyer and spotter
I am in choir. ^.^