Acting : Typecasting by Joe Chin

Joe, you look young so ride that wave for as long as you can. Certain headshots fit certain shows. By throwing in what I saw on your reel, I feel the headshot in which you are wearing a leather jacket fits shows like ARROW, FLASH, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The headshot in which you are wearing the light blue v-neck sweater, could go for shows like Modern Family, Blackish, any sitcom and any show on Disney. The suit headshot could work with shows like Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, Grey's Anatomy. Market the heck out of your youth. I think being the best friend of the lead, sidekick or rookie is a type you that I think you fit in.. I know the shows I have stated are either on or related to ABC or CW, but other networks apply as well. The shows I pointed out were the shows that came to mind! Continued success on you journey!

You're the young professional. Probably the guy that pisses off all the older dudes because you're so young, hip, & you are smarter. Like the modern age Doogie Howser (don't know if I spelled that right). You're the kid who wins everything-- valedictorian, the new ceo level job...as your first job, etc. You are the smart cocky mean guy or the smart shy good guy. Rookie cop but more detective than cop. College student or high school graduate. Charming & super smart. Or as a range stretcher, you could be the guy that everyone thinks is super smart but he's just average-- sounds like a Will Ferrell comedy waiting to happen.

Thank you guys for the posts! Definitely helps. Let me know if you'd like me to return the favor!

You're good looking, Joe - eye candy for college girls. Imagine if you're the serial killer in their midst - man, what a revelation. Perhaps not exactly what you wanted to hear but your good looks reminded me of a character in my script. All the best. Cheers.

Hey Joe - from your reel, my take is that your type is the rookie - the rookie cop, the rookie lawyer, the intern who just started at the software company or fresh out of law school guy. You could also be the young software whiz working for the military. College student. That is your type. You could be the protagonist. The guy in over his head. You know when Ryan Phillipe first came out? He did AntiTrust? That's you. You're not nerdy but you're also not dangerous. But in 10 years you could be maybe

Holly, I'd say the fierce young corporate/office girl. Your red hair gives you an edge. I can also see the girl who may not be the main character, but her friend with her own agenda. Eric, thanks! Maybe when your script goes into production, we can work something out ;)

Dave- Thanks for taking the time to look at the reel and the input! Really appreciate it! I have to agree but disagree with Alle. As actors, we of course want diversity to play a number or roles and stretch ourselves. For instance, I'm going to be playing a Nazi soldier in an upcoming play which is clearly not my type. Yes, there are fewer roles because you're not going for everything, but the roles you're more right for will be more easily won. I don't think actors should be branding themselves into a type that's not them, but it's more what type does that actor come off as naturally. They should be aware how others perceive them and how they come off. When their careers advance, then there is more opportunity to branch out. Unfortunately, there are a lot of casting directors/filmmakers that don't have a wild imagination to actors and how much they can stretch. They have to cast a role that is a certain character, they will quickly go with which actor best fits that type. Think, Johnny Depp. He is an amazing character actor, but his type especially early on, was the dark, mysterious, weird, but strangely attractive leading man type. Whenever they want to cast that type of character, Johnny will be getting the role. Anne Hathaway got the ball rolling on her career playing life sized Disney princesses. The sweet and accessible. Only after years of success, can she now branch out and show the world her incredible range as an actress. It's not ideal to us actors, but that's how the business works. I've heard this advice many times over by casting directors from LA. Anyone else, thoughts?

All i hear is blue-collar, thugs and cops - probably dirty cops. It doesn't matter that I think I can play a lawyer or a guy who just got tenure at an Ivy League, I'm not getting those jobs because they have other guys who just look more lawyerly or professorial than me. It's limiting to think in terms of type but the reality is the industry decides what type you are and while you're trying to prove to them that you can do more, you may as well give them what they want in the meantime.. What you don't want is them not seeing any archetypes when they see your headshot.

Sounds like fun! Yes, please type me. Why does everyone think typecasting makes you one dimensional? I am who I am so there's no possible way I could ever be one dimensional.

Tatom, I definitely see nurse/caretaker. You could also be the girl in the office that tries too hard to please everyone. The girl that brings cookies and treats but everyone unfortunately dismisses. A girl that definitely means well. You come off as good and kind.

See... so much fun! Thank you Joe!