Before you submit your resume and headshot, read the breakdown thoroughly.
Make sure you are the perfect fit.
Most breakdowns will clearly describe the type of person they are looking for as well as the filming dates.
Make sure you fit that description and that you are available for those shoot dates.
Follow the instructions in the breakdown. Unless stated otherwise, address the subject line with the name of the character or position you are applying for, along with your name (i.e. Submission for the role of Andrew by John Doe).
When the casting call includes a contact name, make sure you address that person in your email and use the right gender and correct spelling. In the body of the email, state the role(s) you are applying for and give a brief description of why you consider yourself the perfect fit for that role or what makes you eager to join that production.
Include any details requested in the breakdown like your weight, height, and size of your shirt, pants, and/or shoes, and where you are based. Make sure you include an eye-grabbing digital headshot which should be 500kb or less and your resume in PDF.
The files should simply be your name (john_doe.jpg, john_doe.pdf). You can also provide a link to additional photos, your website, and two to three links of clips of your work. Keep your email simple.
At the end of the email add a short and polite note indicating the materials you are submitting.
Use a professional email address. While this may sound silly many forget this simple rule. Imagine receiving an email from I_am_the_actor_for_you@gmail.com instead of john_doe@gmail.com
When signing off, use your full name. It is best if you create an email signature which links to your website and has your contact details.
#actor #audition #film #tv #casting #submission
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Great advice, Tammy Hunt! Taking the time to read the breakdown thoroughly and ensure you’re a perfect fit before submitting can make all the difference in making a great first impression. I especially love your point about using a professional email address, it’s such a simple but often overlooked detail that can immediately impact how seriously you’re taken.
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Great question Eileen Gillick! While platforms like Backstage, Casting Networks, and Actors Access often have built-in submission forms, there are still plenty of casting calls, especially for indie films, theater, commercials, and smaller projects, that require direct email submissions.
Typically, if an email is provided in the breakdown, that’s where you’d submit your materials. This could be the casting director, producer, or assistant handling submissions. If the breakdown specifies that an agent or manager must submit on your behalf, that’s when having representation is necessary.
If you’re primarily using Backstage, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for projects that list direct contact info. And if you ever apply outside of those platforms, like through networking, referrals, or open calls, these submission tips from Tammy will be especially useful!