YOUR CV:

When you submit your photograph to a client or agency, it is helpful to submit your CV (Curriculum Vitae) at the same time. Here are suggestions of what it should contain: Your Name Agency (if any) Address and phone (or) (If you don't have an agent or manager) Measurements: height, bust/chest, waist, hips, dress size, inside/leg, collar, suit size, hat, shoe size, hair, and eye colour. Training: Drama Schools, Acting Training, Dance, private tuition. Etc. Your work Experience In: Televisions, and Film. Theatre, Then list separately your commercials, corporate videos, pop promos, indents, etc. Your special sills, On your headshot, or repro; Always put your name on the back of any pictures (LIGHTLY). Attach your CV to your photograph. If you are freelancing, or you are working without an agent, be sure to include your contact information on the CV. (Girls beware! do not put your phone numbers on the back of your photographs) Don't lie about anything! It will always come back to haunt you. Never put in any "extra" work or ‘walk-on’ work either on Commercials, television, or film. You don’t have to put the dates of productions next to the credits. It is not necessary to list an actor's specific roles on TV and films. Don't list your age range. It’s not necessary to list your date of birth

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Should I move to London to pursue a career in acting?
Absolutely not! There are opportunities all over the country.
Should I quit my job to become a professional actor?
No: Before you can even consider acting as a full-time career, it will usually takes at least six months to a year to get enough experience. It sometimes helps to get a flexible job.
How fast can an agency find me a job?
Please don't get the idea that the moment you join an agency all your problems will be over. Don't expect the agency to call you weekly; unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. You don't get "sent out" for every job. You still have to audition like everybody else, and you still have to go around and show your face to clients so they will know whom you are.
How do I know if I have the best agent for me agent?
An agent needs a good year to establish a good rapport with both yourself and clients this is really a minimum time that you should give any agent that is working on your behalf. Don’t worry if things don’t happen over night.
Who conducts an audition?
You may audition for one person or a quite a few, but it is usually the Director, Casting Director, and or the Producer, who have the final vote as to who is to be cast in the role.
What is a Casting Director?
Casting directors are independent. They are employed to find the right actors to meet directors producers and clients requirements.
What is the difference between an Agent and a Casting Director?
An Agent does not have the authority to cast an actor for a particular role. A Casting Director does. An agent normally takes a percentage of your income as commission, whereas the Casting Directors do not, they are paid directly by producers or clients.
What should I do when they ask me, "What have you done?”
Be aware at castings they will normally ask you questions about yourself; so have something prepared. Don’t lie!
Also try only to talk about your professional work; don’t mention walk-ons or background work.
What if I have little or no experience?
What you have actually done recently is not as important; it’s more to see how you present yourself on Camera.
How can I get acting experience?
For acting experience look out for student films, short films etc. there are normally advertised in the Stage newspaper or in PCR or on the Internet “Castweb”. These can give you excellent experience in working in front of a camera. Directors always remember how hard it was to find the good actors, when they were training, and had to make there own short films. Never be afraid to mention these at castings. Attend Drama School, and / or go for acting classes, or look for your local amateur dramatics group- they often advertise in your local papers.

How can I find out if I got the casting?
If you get the casting, your agent will call you; if you were not selected, they don’t normally contact you. It’s just part of the business.
What roles should I audition for?
You should audition at every chance you get, and for any role that is available to you. By approaching auditioning this way you will get more experience, and you will have more to put in your CV, you'll be making more money! Don't be too picky;
What happens if I never get the auditions I go for?
If you are not getting the auditions you go for, it may be time to go and see your agent to discuss this with them. It could be that you have changed your image and they’ve not realised. You may also have picked up a few bad habits when you audition you may need to go through your audition technique step by step.
When contacting a casting director or agent should I send my CV and repro or go in person?
A good mail out can create a desire on the part of the agent, casting director, etc. It’s not wise to go uninvited to either the Agents’ or casting directors’ offices. They are busy people.
What should I wear to an audition?
Wear whatever is appropriate for the role for which you are auditioning.
How good am I has an actor?
You’re only as good as you think you are; try to remain confident in yourself. You may be knocked back time and time again. That’s just the nature of the business. Be as proactive with your career as possible and never stop training, lean to listen and value yourself, and the rewards of your labour will follow.

DEFINITIONS:

The following terms are used frequently in the business. Be sure you are familiar with their meanings and are comfortable using them in conversation.

FEATURED ARTIST IN COMMERCLS:

When an agency or casting director calls you for a job for a featured part. You will appear in a close-up shot on camera; either speak line(s) of dialogue; or be identifiable and in the foreground and identified with the product. The artist should be essential to the story line of the commercial.