Whether it’s for commercial or theatrical, every actor needs headshots. An actor’s headshot (if by any chance you don’t know already) is simply a photo of you that talent agents or managers submit to casting directors to help you get an audition. To a casting director, a recent photo or “headshot” of you helps them determine whether you look right for any particular part. Notice I said “look” right. That means you want to always have a most recent headshot of yourself. Make sure you really look like yourself  in the photo so not too much Photoshop around the crow’s eye ladies. Also, multiple, “character” headshots will work as well. That way, if your reps are submitting you for a business person, bam!; you have a headshot with you in a business suit, etc.

Agents and managers will sometimes refer you to a good or you’ll have to find a decent one yourself. Backstage.com, a popular website for actors, spotlights and advertises professional photographers all the time.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, try ShavarRossPhotography.com

The “breakdowns” are basically constant minute-by-minute daily casting calls that are sent electronically (usually via email or a secured website) from the studios or film and/or television production companies to talent agents and managers through a company called Breakdown Services, Ltd. Though there are many casting call services and websites out there, Breakdown Services, Ltd. is definitely the most reputable. They’ve provided the service since 1971 (even before electronic transmissions) and are considered the “industry standard”.

Actors are not allowed to get the breakdowns but some are provided through Breakdown Services website called Actor’s Access.

So how does it work?  A studio or film/telvision production company has a script.  They need actors for the roles, right?

The studio or production company hires a casting director to find the best actors for the role.  The casting director sends out a character “breakdown” to all the talent agents and managers (who have access to the breakdown service) with a description of the character(s) in the project.  The talent agents and managers submit their clients (who they feel best fits the role) to the casting director.

Finally, if the casting director sees a fit (usually based on resume’ experience and looks) they’ll contact the talent agent or manager to schedule their client to come in for an interview–actually an audition.  So do you have a general idea of how breakdowns are important to the whole casting process?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  Let us know if you have additional questions.

Also, Breakdown Services, Ltd. provides many other services for actors so check out their website here.

The audition process can be very daunting and overwhealming if you’re not careful.  Would you believe some of the best actors in the business still get nervous on auditions?  Do you get nervous on auditions?  Let’s go over a few pointers.

The main reason you get nervous on an audition is because of fear.  It’s perceived expectations in your mind that you will not do well or that you will not get the part. There may be many other reasons and factors as to why you’re nervous but the root cause of it it fear.  The key to not being nervous on an audition is to have the right mindset BEFORE you get to the audition.  Actually, it has a lot to do with your self-esteem in general but no worries.

So in order to have the right mindset, you must enjoy the fact that you are going on the audition–nothing more.  Nothing less.  Actors enjoy being “in the moment” during a performance.  You must look at the audition process as being “in the moment” so enjoy the process without any expectations.  Don’t get caught up into how popular the show or movie you’re auditioning for as you’ll lose your focus.  Your agent may have told you that if you book the role, you’ll be getting $35,000 an epsiode!  Sounds nice, doesn’t it? There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the “fringe benefits” of being a professional actor, but if you get caught up in all the glamour of it; you’ll eventually have a nervous breakdown, God forbid.  So, stay focusesd and enjoy the process.

You have to be convinced that you have talent and that you are OFFERING your gift (of acting) to the casting director.  Whether you are right for the part or not doesn’t matter.  The fact that you are “in the moment” and at peace with delivering your gift in the form of an audition is what eliminates your nervousness.  Your greatest performances will come from “being in the moment” and letting your acting gift superceding both the negative AND positive circumstances around you. We’ll cover more on this in other posts so stick around.

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If you’re looking for resource place for casting calls, then Backstage.com is a great place to start.

Back Stage is an entertainment-industry brand aimed at people working in film and the performing arts, with a special focus on casting (performing arts), job opportunities, and career advice. Back Stage publishes two weekly tabloid-sized trade magazines in the U.S. (Back Stage East and Back Stage West) and a bimonthly digest-sized resource directory (Ross Reports) that cover the entertainment industry from the perspective of performers (singers, dancers, comedians, etc.), the performance unions (SAG, Actors’ Equity Association, AFTRA, AGVA, AGMA, the American Federation of Musicians, AFTRA, etc.), casting directors, agents, writers, directors, and, in particular, actors.

Back Stage also publishes related books and newsletters, produces industry trade shows (such as Actorfest), and hosts various panels and screenings, along with running multiple websites (including BackStage.com, RossReports.com, Blog Stage, Back Stage Unscripted, and the weekly Back Stage Digital Editions).
Back Stage may be most well known as a resource for audition information, casting calls/casting notices, training opportunities, and entertainment-industry jobs, news, and interviews. Film and theatre are the main topics reviewed and reported upon, but the television, radio, dance, music, cabaret, voice-over, modeling, and stand-up comedy industries are also included in Back Stage’s coverage.