How To Add Representation & Maximize Your Opportunities with Casting Networks and Actors Access
Navigating the world of on-camera acting means more than just honing your craft—it requires understanding the tools that connect you to opportunities. In today’s industry, casting websites are the primary bridge between talent and potential roles in film, television, and commercials. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, being well-versed in these platforms can significantly increase your visibility and maximize your chances of booking work. In this blog, we’ll break down the two primary casting websites used in our region, exploring their key features, best practices, and how you can use them to your advantage.
How to Register & Optimize Your Profiles
ACTORS ACCESS
- Projects: TV, Film and Commercial castings. Episodics like The Bear, Powerbook IV, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. Midwest & national film and television opportunities.
- Registration: Ask your agent to send you an email invite through Actors Access to get you linked to TalentPlus. If your agent has already sent an email invite, please follow the instructions from the invite to get you started with Actors Access.
- Features: Actors Access offers two free photos, one free :07 second Slateshot, resume, size card, and special skills listings. Performance media video costs $22 per minute and audio content $11 per minute, with a four-second grace period. Additional photos cost $10 each.
- Castings: You will receive an email from Actors Access requesting an EcoCast self-taped audition or an in person audition invite, depending on the project and location of the shoot.
CASTING NETWORKS
- Projects: Commercial, Print & Industrial castings. When you are attending an in person audition in St. Louis, the casting director will expect to find you on Casting Networks, your online account acts like your headshot and resume in these in person casting opportunities.
- Registration: TalentPlus will send you an invite to create a TalentPlus profile on Casting Networks to your email address. Talent will need to create their profile with the invitiation email from Casting Networks.
- Don't Forget To Cancel Your Free Trial on CN: Before any photos can be added to a talent’s account on Casting Networks, talent need to log in and accept the free trial of Casting Networks Premium Membership to get your account started. To keep your free membership, please cancel any time during the free trial and you won’t be charged for the premium membership. Once you are logged in you are able to upload unlimited profile media as a premium member OR on a free membership you are given a complimentary two photos, one video and one one audio file.
- Castings: TalentPlus will submit you for consideration for roles that may fit your profile. Talent who are chosen for an audition will get an invitation from TalentPlus through the casting website to either submit a self-taped audition or request an invite to an in person audition. You do not have to pay to submit an audition through CN. If you encounter an error uploading your audition material to CN you can reach out to your agent and reqeust a DropBox invite to share your media with us.
- Self-Tape Submission Process: CN eliminated the storage-based structure for media submissions. Now, when you submit self-tapes in response to Media Requests through the system, it's completely unlimited and won't count towards any media space limits on your account.
NEW CASTING NETWORK FREE MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
When you log into Casting Networks for the first time after August 24th 2024, you'll be prompted to select your 2 photos, 1 video, and 1 audio from the existing files in Your Media. Please be aware that you will only have one opportunity to make this selection. Once you choose a media file using a free credit, it cannot be swapped out. The updated free membership now includes the following for your profile- 2 free photo credits (cannot be swapped out for new photos on Casting Networks).
- 1 free video credit
- 1 free audio credit
(Current cost of Casting Networks premium plans)
READ: Casting Networks Updates to the Free Membership
Why Updating Your Casting Profiles Matters
Casting directors prioritize fresh and comprehensive profiles, including updated headshots and video content. An accurate representation of your current look and abilities is crucial to stand out in a competitive field. Here are key points to consider:- Media Matters: Profiles featuring video clips tend to attract more attention. Having on-camera performance clips can significantly enhance your chances of being cast.
- Complete Profiles Get Priority: Casting directors are more likely to review profiles that are thorough and detailed. Ensure your profiles are fully filled out to increase your visibility.
- Variety is Key: Include both theatrical and commercial headshots to showcase your versatility. Casting directors appreciate actors who can adapt to different roles. Keep it current, take down your outdated headshots that don’t correctly represent you.
Tips for Profile Enhancement
- Headshots: Keep your theatrical and commercial headshots current. Casting directors prefer actors who regularly update their profiles, so avoid using the same headshot year after year.
- On-Camera Performance Clips: If you lack previous project clips, consider adding contemporary theatrical monologues under one minute. Include both comedic and dramatic pieces to showcase your range. Using lesser-known pieces or character-driven monologues allows you to captivate the audience with your unique perspective, emotion, and depth. Knowing how to frame your monologues is key. Avoid using theatre performances because remember you are performing for the camera, not to a theatre audience.
Practices To Sidestep
Both Actors Access and Casting Networks may send you automated emails claiming you 'may be perfect for a role' and to self submit for their project. TalentPlus will submit you for consideration for on camera and print projects through both sites, talent are not asked to submit themselves and do not need to sign up for premium packages to submit themselves in these instances of being a perfect fit for a project because a lot of times these perfect fit opportunities can be non paying, volunteer or ultra low paying and not in your drivable area. Here are some news articles on casting sites and their comments on ‘pay for play’.
Read Variety article "Actors Sue Commercial Casting Site Over ‘Pay for Play’ Policy"
Read The Hollywood Reporter article 'Online Audition Platform Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Pay-to-Play Tactics'
To control the amount of automated emails you get from Casting Networks you can go to Account Settings > Notification Settings > Project Type Alerts and you can deselect the types of projects that do not pertain to yourself, for example "Non Paying", "Reality TV" and "Game Show" are some types of castings we do not submit talent for on the casting sites.
In Actors Access, you can receive role match notifications, you can deselect these role match notifications in your talent account.
Laying Out Your Performance Media
When laying out your video media on both Actors Access and Casting Networks, talent should upload performance media categorized by the type of clip. For example, an actor who booked the role of a firefighter on Chicago Fire might use the following description for their performance media:
"Firefighter - Drama, a firefighter ignores orders from their captain and runs into a burning building."
By clearly labeling and organizing your clips, you make it easier for your agent to quickly identify and submit the most relevant footage for a given role. Agents often comb through multiple performances to find the best representation of your skills that align with a casting breakdown. Having your clips categorized effectively ensures that the right material is readily available, increasing your chances of being considered for the role.
Below are samples of how talent lay out their performance media.
By maintaining updated casting profiles and thoughtfully incorporating these key elements, you'll position yourself for greater visibility and success in the industry. A well-organized profile with clear, categorized media not only helps casting directors see your range but also allows your agent to quickly submit the most relevant clips for each opportunity. The more polished and strategic your profile is, the more effectively we can advocate for you.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your talent gets the recognition it deserves. Let’s maximize the potential of these casting platforms and open doors to exciting new roles that showcase your skills to the fullest.
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