Surviving Actors Manual

5

Using

Casting Websites

Casting websites are the perfect way to take control of your career, market yourself and remain proactive. Whether you have an agent, or are unrepresented, casting websites can be a great way to obtain work, but the choice of these websites has never been wider, and there are an incredible number of opportunities for all actors.

When considering which casting websites to subscribe to, be aware of their membership criteria, of which companies are using the site, of other registered actors on the site, and of the membership fee. It is not necessary to be on every casting website: choosing three should be more than adequate for your career.

Think about what type of jobs you are hoping to get from your membership of the site. Many casting websites allow you to have a free profile and check out the jobs available before paying for a premium membership. If you are looking to gain experience in order to build a showreel, or to be on stage and invite agents to the performance, you might be interested in any unpaid opportunities. However, if you are wanting a casting website for paid work, you should be considering the number of weekly paid jobs that are advertised there.

IdeasTap, the much-missed website for emerging professionals in the creative industries, published an article giving an overview of five of the top online casting websites. If your budget is limited, this breakdown can give you an idea of what each can offer you, to determine which ones you'd like to have an active profile on.

Spotlight

Recognised as the leading casting database in the UK, Spotlight enables performers to network with production companies, broadcasters, ad agencies and casting directors. To join, new members need to have completed formal training or have professional experience, and there is a membership fee. www.spotlight.com

Casting Call Pro

Connecting actors with casting professionals, theatre and production companies, Casting Call Pro also allows members to network with other actors and provides a resources database of agents, photographers and jobs. A profile listing is free, but to access resources there is a membership fee. To join, new members need to have trained or have professional experience. www.castingcallpro.com/uk

StarNow

A worldwide auditions and jobs website for actors, extras, models, dancers, photographers, crew, stylists and musicians. Members can join the site for free to post a basic profile; a fee applies to upgrade to a full membership. www.starnow.co.uk

Casting Networks Inc.

An international network designed to help entertainment professionals find work. Members have access to online seminars and workshops, directories of agents, casting directors and schools and job advertisements. There is a registration fee (unless you are represented by an agent), with different levels of membership available. www.castingnetworks.co.uk

CastNet

A UK online-casting facility to enable employers to find actors quickly and easily, CastNet provides members with a job service, a profile in its directory, a personal actor's website and careers advice. There are three levels of subscription - the first is free; standard and premium levels have a weekly or monthly fee. www.castnet.co.uk

When choosing between casting websites, you may want to compare the other sevices they offer and which you might want to take advantage of. These might include:

Resources with recommendations of services for showreels, headshots, classes, etc.

Access to agents with open books.

Tailored job alerts by email/text.

Employers' directory.

An online community with discussion forums.

Exposure in iconic catalogues, such as Spotlight, which go out to casting offices within the UK and US.

Careers advice.

Member discounts and special offers.

Website template builder.

Access to see who is viewing your profile.

A Spotlight on Spotlight

Spotlight is one of the best-known casting platforms, on which a large majority of professional actors have an active profile. It enables actors and agents to search for jobs and suggest themselves or their clients. It's one of the oldest casting directories in this country, if not the world. Spotlight essentially acts as your CV, and every actor should have a profile because it's the go-to place for casting directors.

'I honestly do not know how we would all do our jobs today without Spotlight. It's like having a bespoke casting service which not only gives instant access to specific actors and actresses for roles we are casting, but also allows mass communication in one breakdown to reach all the hundreds of agents. We are all under such time pressure these days and to have Spotlight as a casting 'tool' is invaluable. Having photos and showreels allows us to watch 'new' actors who we previously may have not considered on the basis of a bad photo, etc. I also really like the drama-school showcase diary and the podcasts, etc. - it brings everything together under one roof.' Lucinda Syson, casting director

To join Spotlight, one of the following must apply:

You trained full-time at a UK drama school or completed a full-time BA/MA Performance degree.

You have experience of paid, professional acting work (speaking roles excluding extra or supporting-artist work).

When you join Spotlight - or any other online casting website for that matter - it's important to understand this is all part of your branding and that you take control of your profile, regardless of whether or not you are represented. When setting up an online profile, include as much detail as you possibly can, but be honest about your capabilities.

'Take control: with your Spotlight profile, you can be in charge of regularly updating every credit and every skill. Nothing frustrates casting directors more than a shabby CV that does not look up to date, or when the photograph is a few years old. It is also a mistake when actors note that they are highly skilled in lots of areas. Be very honest - ask yourself, if you had an audition the following day and you had to speak Spanish, could you really do it at the drop of a hat?' Emma Dyson, Spotlight

Once you have your profile/s set up, add new skills as you learn them and remove old ones you no longer practise. You should also update your profile with any training you undertake throughout your career. Your professional training must be clearly displayed, and it is a good idea to regularly update your headshot, and upload your showreel and voicereel.

Keeping your online casting profiles updated shows other professionals that you are organised and proactive in your approach to seeking work. At this very early stage in the process, when a potential employer first comes into contact with your profile, photo or name, you want to go to all lengths to ensure nothing is a turn-off. Some may question the cost of having an online profile if you are unrepresented, because there is speculation that many casting directors will only deal with represented actors. However, if casting directors want to use a specific agency, it is likely they will completely bypass Spotlight and go to that agent directly. For those casting directors who do use Spotlight, one of the reasons is that they want to cast their net wide and explore all options, whether you are represented or not. By using online casting platforms you will be linked directly with opportunities and the industry.

'Graduates from UK drama schools automatically qualify for the Spotlight Graduates book. A lot of casting directors favour this book because it's the best of British-trained untapped actors. This book goes over to the US too and they go crazy for it, because it's British talent and everyone wants to make someone a star.' Emma Dyson

Applying for a Job

Using a casting website to apply for a job can make you feel as if you are one of thousands, especially if you do it off your own back, without an agent to verify your talent. It is important that you keep on top of your online presence to ensure that your brand is well maintained. So reflect on what is in your control when you apply for work through a casting platform:

Your Profile

Update your headshots regularly and include a good range of professional photos. Quantity and quality are the watchwords. You may use different shots for each casting website, depending on the jobs you usually apply for on each one.

Keep your credits up to date and relevant. Once you've got enough professional credits to remove any drama-school or university productions, do so promptly. Ensure that you spell names correctly, and if you can link your profile to other cast members or companies then do so. The industry is small, and a casting director may know someone you have worked with before, which could maximise your chances of getting seen.

Include your showreel on your profile - again, as up to date as possible. A showreel is a quick way for casting professionals to weed out profiles on these sites, so updating it is critical. If possible, include your social-media links on your profile. Certain casting professionals or producers could be interested in the number of followers you have on social media, or they may want to see how active you...