So You Want to Be An Actor? Here's What You Need To Know About Casting Calls!

Acting.  It's been your dream.  But then people start talking and you start noticing words like casting calls and you may start to feel a little intimidated and out of the loop.  That's totally understandable! Everyone has to start somewhere and this is where we at the New York Acting School for Film and Television would like to help. 

Let's shine a little light on the confusion, shall we? 

You already know that a cast is the team of actors playing various roles in a movie or TV production. So, what are casting calls? Well, if you want to be an actor, here's what you need to know about casting calls!

• First off all, casting calls are notices made to the public or to various casting agencies and agents of the requirements they're looking for in actors for an upcoming production.
• Casting calls can belong to a wide spectrum of productions. From a student filmmaker to a heavyweight production house, any one can publicize for cast requirements. The notices are made public via different medias such as industry trade journals, online bulletin boards, production lists, word-of-mouth, and agent notification.  There are many other ways, but those are the main forms of notification. 
• You may come to notice that new and struggling actors usually subscribe to trade magazines and register with casting agencies to find out about casting calls. Many legitimate agencies specialize in providing extras for film and TV, giving struggling actors a realistic chance to get a foothold in the movie industry. The best part is that the casting agencies accept anyone and an agent, therefore, becomes almost redundant. That's great news when you're just getting started! 
• On the other hand, an agent's prime objective is to find the best parts for the client and that's great once you're more seasoned. All great agents have well-established relationships with major casting agencies, production companies, studios, directors and other people in the industry that release casting notices. Casting calls are usually pretty generic in nature. Nevertheless, there maybe times when calls are made for specific age, appearance, gender and other special skills. Any role which may require nudity shall indicate the same right in the beginning. An agent will be able to filter out more clearly whether or not it would be a good casting for you. 
• Casting calls are also used for filling in the gaps of remaining cast needs after the major actors are decided. 
• Whenever there are production calls for inexperienced people to fill roles, the casting calls are publicized and announced on a broad network to the public. When you respond to a casting call, don't be surprised if you find serpentine queues or if you are made to fill applications, and interviewed before the actual audition. The callback usually is accompanied with more auditions in an attempt to cast the right people. When people don't know you, be patient and give them the time to do so.
• Being an actor is seen as a quick road to power, money, and fame. There are a lot of people being taken advantage of because of this. There are many bogus casting calls out there that often lead to innocent people becoming victims of greed and sexual abuse. Therefore, a good way to safeguard yourself would be to respond to only authentic and legitimate avenues to pursue your goals! Be investigative.  Thanks to social media platforms, you have the power to research an agency or agent's history, reputation and experience.  

Never give your power away.  You have the right to maintain your integrity and self dignity even when you are working hard to succeed in a harder career path.  If acting is the way you want to go, let us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television help you get there.  We offer acting classes in New York City and coaching that will leave you feeling confident and empowered in reaching your goals and dreams.