What Commercial Casting Directors Look for in Actor Submissions by Terry Berland via CastingNetworks.com
When a commercial casting breakdown is released on the professional breakdown services, thousands of actors become eligible for the role. Agents begin submitting talent, and within a very short period of time, casting directors start receiving the submissions.
This is the first step of the selection process, and the only thing speaking for you at that time. Every photo, video, special skill and note creates the first impression of your professionalism, and your potential for the role. The stronger and more complete your profile is, the greater your chances of being invited to audition.
Every element of your platform should answer one important question for the casting director: “Can I confidently imagine this actor in the role I am looking to fill?”
The easier you make that answer “yes,” the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.
Key Insights
Your photos should show distinct expressions, energy and personality rather than simply changing outfits, helping casting directors quickly imagine you in different commercial roles.
Video, relevant submission notes and clearly defined special skills give casting directors valuable information they can’t get from a headshot alone.
A complete, current profile with improv training, accurate skills and role-specific materials makes it easier for casting to confidently move you from submission to audition.
Your Headshot: Show Different Expressions, Not Just Different Outfits
The first thing casting looks at is your headshot.
Your Feature Photo: You can change your photo to match what casting is searching for. Make sure to choose the photo that matches the breakdown as your main photo.
Show different emotional feels. You should have a minimum of three to five photos with different emotional feels. One of the biggest mistakes I see is actors uploading multiple headshots wearing different outfits with all the same facial expression.
Changing your wardrobe isn’t enough. Casting directors are looking for emotional range and personality, such as warmth, confidence, humor, sincerity and curiosity. Your expressions help us imagine you in different situations. Every image should tell us something different about you.
Understand the Difference Between Commercial and Theatrical Photos
Commercial and theatrical casting look for different qualities in photos. Commercial casting is often looking for someone who feels approachable, relatable, authentic, trustworthy, funny or aspirational; someone people immediately connect with.
Theatrical casting frequently emphasizes character and dramatic range of specific types. Make sure your photos represent the qualities of your authentic strengths.
Include Video
The casting environment is incredibly visual.
A video allows us to experience something photographs never can. It helps us imagine how you may come across in the actual commercial, including:
Your personality
Your movement
Your natural energy
Your facial expressions
Your voice
You don’t have to have a commercial reel, in fact I would rather see a theatrical reel. A good way to get a reel together is to do good student films. Thesis films most likely have strong production value. If you have no footage, an intro clip that the platform usually offers is better than nothing.
A casting director almost always learns more from thirty seconds of good video than from looking at additional photographs.
Never Ignore the Invitation for Submission Notes
Most casting platforms allow actors or agents to include submission notes. Use them strategically. If the role requires something specific, this is the place to mention it.
For example:
Fluent in Spanish
Real registered nurse
Former firefighter
Local hire
Experienced surfer
I ask for notes if there is a special skill involved, and I cannot tell you the high percentage of agents and talent who ignore the request. A concise note highlighting something directly related to the role will make your submission stand out, and can save a casting director valuable time.
I first look at the submissions with notes. This is a way to bring your skills to casting’s attention, rather than having them take time to hunt for whatever it is they are looking for.
List Improvisation Training
Of course you want to list all your credits. Don’t forget how important improvisation is as a valuable skill in commercial acting.
Many commercial auditions include improvisation, or ask actors to make dialogue feel spontaneous and conversational. Listing improv training tells casting directors that you’re comfortable thinking on your feet, taking direction quickly, and creating authentic moments, rather than simply reciting lines that are given to you.
If you’ve trained at a respected improv school or perform improv regularly, be sure it’s included on your profile.
Include and Define Special Skills
Many commercials are looking for a special skill. Make sure you list them and also define them. For instance:
If the search is for yoga, describe what kind of yoga you do and at what level.
If you sing, list if you are a baritone, soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone or bass.
If you dance, list what kind of dance you do.
If your special skill is of a certain level, especially a high one, list that level.
Keeping your casting profile up to date is important. Every once in a while, take a look at it to make sure everything is in order the way you would like it to be.
Make Every Submission Count
A strong commercial submission gives casting the information they need without making them search for it. The right photo, a useful note, relevant skills and video that shows your personality can all help casting quickly understand what you bring to the role.
Before you submit, look at the breakdown one more time and make sure the materials you’ve selected speak directly to what casting is asking for. Small choices, like featuring a more relevant photo or mentioning a specific skill, can make your submission clearer and more effective.
Casting directors are reviewing a lot of actors in a short amount of time. Make their job easier by showing them exactly why you belong in the conversation.
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