CASTING DIRECTORS: Connecting or Not?
Am I in or out?
As an Actor my sense of self-worth is unfortunately tied to the attitude of the last Casting Director I’ve seen. Right now I’m not exactly in the find-the-funny-frame-of-mind, because in November and December when Auditions are so few-and-far-between, a low self-esteem period can seem endless and hopeless
VIBES FROM CASTING DIRECTORS
A lot of Casting Directors tend to put out negative vibes. I get the sense that if they could’ve been actors, well…they would’ve. I don’t get a hugely creative vibe from the majority — which is kind of crazy, considering the job they’re setting out to do. Of course there are EXCEPTIONS, and once you do a good job for one, it’s likely that his/her attitude will shift from unnerving to something more encouraging.
WAITING FOR A SIGN
I always look to the CD after I’ve finished my read to see if I get silent feedback like a nod or a wink or a thumbs up, which does actually happen. They’re not really allowed to speak once the producers are in the room. It’s almost as if they’re also on trial at that point. So I find that I’m not the only one trying to impress the people in the room. And I feel this responsibility to the CD to show him/her off, in return for bringing me into the room in the first place.
At a recent Audition for a rather large role in a big studio comedy, I walked in, smiling enthusiastically —
I would love to play this part!
Then, from the Head of Casting —
“Well, here’s your chance, with this tone in her voice that implied, It will NEVER happen!
That was fun.
Afterwards I mentioned to my Agent, that it was a really weird room and the next day we found out that the miserable woman had been fired.
So I’ve learned that it’s really not so much about me. Of course when I get a good response from a CD, I’m elated all day. The next day however, when I haven’t heard any word about getting the job, well… that’s a different story. Sigh…
(Now remind me again — why did I think that becoming an Actor was a good idea?)
6 responses to “CASTING DIRECTORS: Connecting or Not?”
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I had a strange one recently too!!! Usually it’s a “ok thanks Mike”. or just a plain ol’ “thank you”… this one was “wow….great read. yeah really really good. ok thanks!”.
had NO idea how to read that response, haha.
Exactly! That’s one of those moments… Now remember, no matter what happens, you know you reached that one person. Positive feedback is what keeps us hooked, right?