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Casting in Hollywood is unlike acting auditions in most other parts of the country.  Because it is mostly a television and film industry (as opposed to theatre) most potential agents, managers, casting agents, producers, directors want to see what you would look like on film or tape or digitaly captured in some way.  They want to see how you come across on the medium they will be hiring you for.  
Actors in L.A. all have a demo reel.  It is a five minute or so DVD of their past work that shows highlights of what they can do.  It should be varied and show a range of parts that will encourage people to hire that actor again. It should be edited well and show the actor to his/her best advantage.  If you are not the featured player, if it’s not really good content, people will take a look and pass on that actor.  Most people judging those reels make up their minds about you in the first minute.  Important – I’ll repeat that – you will be judged by your first minute of video.  That’s not to say they won’t view the whole thing, but if they are not interested they will stop after about a minute. Read the rest of this entry »

It is very important to look at your career as a marathon race and not a sprint.  It is something you invest in and nurture, something that takes patience and hard work.
Beth Maitland and I have written a great deal about having yourself set up to weather your first year in Hollywood.  Good planning will take care of most problems. Read the rest of this entry »

Beth Maitland and I have written a great deal about the importance of the first year of your career looking for acting jobs in TV and Film. You have to be prepared to pay your bills for at least a year to give yourself a chance at a career.
Now, you may walk into a casting office and be just what they are looking for, or impress someone at a restaurant that knows the head of casting at Warner Brothers Television. It’s not only possible, these things happen all the time in Hollywood. One chance encounter can lead to an entire career.
It’s possible. But not probable. Read the rest of this entry »

In many previous articles Beth Maitland and I have stressed the importance of being seen by industry professionals in order to get an agent or manager.  
The best way to come to Hollywood would be with representation in place.  Many New York actors arrive here with representation, and many Chicago actors also have agents who are affiliated with agencies here is Los Angeles.  Obviously those actors have a great advantage and can be sent out immediately for acting jobs. Read the rest of this entry »

Beth Maitland and I have an online seminar on “Marketing For The Actor” and one of the things we discuss is: The resume.
Your resume is your calling card along with your photo.  We will discuss the photo is other articles, but let’s concentrate on your resume.
Do not lie.  Never.  Do not exaggerate.  If you say you can play the trumpet and ride a horse, you’d better be able to play Dixie at a gallop because you might get hired to do just that. Read the rest of this entry »

We have discussed the concept of the Demo Reel previously, but let’s delve a little deeper.  In Hollywood most actors have a Demo Reel that they send in DVD format to casting directors, agents, managers, etc as a representation of what they look and behave like on camera.  It is an invaluable tool and every beginning actor should have one.  Whether it is a Disney Channel audition or a Speilberg Movie, actor’s Demo Reels are usually the first thing a casting director (or some Directors) see. Read the rest of this entry »

To create a good quality resume for the professional audition, it is most important to be honest.  This is not like padding a resume someone will never check out.  It is not the same as putting together a resume just out of college to get your first job.

People in show business regularly call each other for referrals and to check on actors they are considering working with.  If you put fake credits on your resume, it is only a matter of time before you will be caught.  Either you will be asked questions you can’t answer in an interview, or the casting person will call a director or producer or other casting director to ask about you.  Big mistake. Read the rest of this entry »

There are many different opinions about what makes a good headshot for the actor beginning their career.  There are websites you can review hosted by acting schools, photographers, and other actors for self promotion to get an idea of what others are using for their marketing material.  You can look up photos on IMDB to see what other actors are using.  Do not mistake the professional headshot with press photos or advertising.

YOU are what you are advertising. Read the rest of this entry »