How do I find casting opportunities? Some thoughts

This was a question on Linkedin which I answered.

Someone else, Michael, had come up with great suggestions about contacting local film schools to see if they need actors and get plugged into your local community, get a showreel together.

I of course had to add to it 😉

Showreel:  make it, no montages, no dubious backing ‘Godfather’ type music (unless you were actually in The Godfather)  and ensure it  and your acting/work is brilliant as you will be judged by it. This could be the first and last time you make an impression on someone.  Then market the hell out of it and let everyone know about it.

There are of course a list of online casting networks, from Spotlight, Casting Call Pro, Mandy.com.

However when I have slow periods  I create my own works and put them on (I have since done most of the Fringes from Edinburgh to Montreal!!) This also applies to someone not being in the hub and how do they get noticed? Given the best way to be brought in for castings is to build a relationship with casting directors who know of you, then writing to them frequently saying ‘I am in, I just have finished filming, I am on TV on’ is the way to in a positive non stalky way let them know you exist and you always have something to say.
You can also write your own work and film it, maybe enter a short film competition with something you have written, performed and directed in.

Look at local events too to see where they made need an actor/voiceover (local radio)/readings. Connect with local actors and directors and make something. Find out who does summer stock and send the directors you like your CV.

Write to casting directors – set deadlines for making things happen and track your own efforts – you will feel better. – a blog of mine here on deadlines and their value
(I am wincing every time I hear this word – obviously I have some work to do this weekend on setting deadlines for specific projects! Guess that’s why I am writing about creativity and tips to making a living from it, cos I need to keep learning and relearning the lessons myself!)

You might also want to have a listen to this podcast I did with Kenneth Collard, a real life successful working actor who has a huge CV from being in Albert Nobbs, Anna Karenina to many many TV series and commercials.
In the interview we discuss auditions, showreels, research and the mental approach necessary to becoming a working actor and earning a living as one.

‘The starting point is that it’s absolutely possible, there is no reason why, if you are half decent as an actor, there is no reason why you cant get consistent work.- some of Ken’s sage advice.

You might one to read this post: 10 tips from a casting director and an agent

Hopefully you will find these links useful – if you come from the right mindset – ‘I can make this happen’, set deadlines and track your progress it means you are much more likely to do the hardwork of networking, going to workshops, maybe doing trips to LA and NY in pilot season etc.
But just the mere fact that one is thinking how can i … is great, shows forward thought and momentum.