The object of submitting your headshot and resume is to get cast. Sounds obvious, but all too many submissions have errors that work against your getting cast.
To get cast you must
- Get noticed
- Show that you are the perfect person for the part
- Be remembered and contacted when the time comes.
Here are some simple suggestions:
- Respond as quickly as possible.
- Follow the instructions in the casting notice.
- Include a personal note that addresses the requirements in the casting notice.
- Check your resume for typos and mistakes.
- If you are sending an attachment, don't forget to attach it.
- Send a copy of the e-mail to yourself, so you can check it later.
- Use an e-mail address that has your name.
- To the extent possible, the following should have your name and the name of the project: The e-mail subject line, and the title of any zip attachments. The title of your resume and your pictures should include your name (eg YourNameResume.doc, YourNameHeadshot.jpg).
- To the extent possible, all the following should have your name, your phone number, your e-mail, and your web address: the text of your e-mail (which should also identify the project for which you are submitting), your resume, and your picture.
- Your resume should include a small copy of your picture. It should come out well-formatted both on a computer screen and when printed.
- Your picture should be in color. It should fit nicely on a computer screen or when printed, and should not be too big (for example, 1000x1000 pixels is way too big).
- If possible, your picture (or one of your pictures) should suggest you can play the part described in the casting notice.
- For best results, the e-mail itself should contain a small picture,and a brief note expressing enthusasm for the part and highlights of your resume. You should attach a (not too big) zip with one or more pictures and a resume; and you should have a website, preferably www.yourname.com, (rather than scrungysite.com/yourname.
- You should send the e-mail yourself, rather than having a service send it from some scrungysite.com.
- When you return the call inviting you to an audition, and you have to leave a message, be sure you state your whole name and your phone number clearly and not too fast, preferably repeating it once.
- It's usually a good idea to send a thank-you note a few days after an audition, expressing your interest in the project, especially if you learned more about the project during your meeting. (Many of the suggestions above apply to this note as well -- it should have your name and contact numbers in all appropriate places; double check it for errors; send a copy to yourself...)
Good luck!
