3 Easy Ways to Market Yourself to Casting Directors
How to reach out without being pesky
(By Tonya Tannenbaum)
(Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)
When you’re swimming in a sea of actors, you cannot just exist. You’ve got to find ways to stand out and get your name and face in front of the people who can help you get hired. That means, reaching out to casting directors.
But how can you reach out to them without being a pest?
Good question! Here are some answers…
#1: Social Media
(Photo: Pixabay | Pexels)
Twitter, IG and other social media platforms offer actors a great way to engage with casting directors without “doing too much.”
Try this:
Every time you get an audition, look up the casting director’s socials and follow them. Then, when they post something that interests you, take the opportunity to interact with them.
Chances are you’ll audition with them again at some point and, presto! A relationship is born!
The key here is to make sure these interactions are genuine. You’re not angling for an audition. You’re not scheming to get yourself cast in something. You’re just making organic responses to their posts.
RELATED: 5 Ways Actors Can Use Social Media
#2: Thank-You Cards
(Photo: Angela Roma | Pexels)
There’s no harm in showing a little gratitude. It’s not being pushy or overly aggressive to say “thank you” to the CD who helped you book your last role. And bonus, your gratitude can stick in a casting director’s mind, long after the job is done.
Try this:
The next time you book a role or get an avail, send the casting director a thank-you note, either via email or snail mail.
The key here is to keep it simple. Remind them of the role they helped you get, thank them and that’s it! Don’t ask them for anything. You’re just saying thanks.
#3: Workshops
(Photo: Matheus Bertelli | Pexels)
There may be workshops in your area where casting directors are set to attend. Here’s a chance for you to get in front of them, in person. There might even be an opportunity to show them what you can do. That makes this an excellent opportunity!
Try this:
First, make sure the workshop is legit. Make sure they’re not selling you the false hope that attending their workshop will lead to employment. Also, make sure they cast for things you’d like to be considered for.
Then, attend the workshop with good intentions. The key here is to not be pushy. You’re not there to get cast for something. You’re there to try to build a relationship. Nothing more, nothing less!
Finding work as an actor is always difficult. Therefore, you must continuously market your brand. That means, reaching out to casting directors and letting them know you exist.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Don’t be intimidated by the thought. As long as you keep things professional, your efforts will eventually pay dividends.
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