What Every Parent in the Biz Should Know
When it comes to breaking in to the biz, understanding the casting process is imperative.
If you're pursuing a career in entertainment for your child, you've probably already realized that breaking in to the biz is no simple task, and no matter what some may tell you, there are no short cuts. Sure,
it would be awesome to have a producer or director walk up to you,
admire your adorable child, and then offer him or her the lead role in
the next big Hollywood blockbuster.
Although this happens occasionally (Spencer Breslin
is an example), the chances are minimal. Most parents have to do the
"heavy lifting" themselves, working daily to get a foot in the door.
That said, there is a process that, if followed correctly, will greatly improve your chances. It's called The Casting Process, and at Children In Film, we believe that following it is the single most important thing a parent can do for their child's acting career.
So what is the casting process? Well, simply put, it is the steps by which a production company goes about finding its performers. For an actor, the casting process is the way in which he goes from having a dream, to working as a performer. Everyone plays a role in the casting process, and if you know where you stand, you're better equipped to move forward.
Casting directors, for example, prefer auditioning children who have representation because they are guaranteed a child who has been pre-screened by an agent or manager. Unfortunately though, many parents spend time spinning their wheels over casting notices before they've even signed with an agent or manager. This is probably because they don't understand the casting process.
Another example of not following the casting process would be having inadequate headshots and/or resumes. If your headshots are not up to par, you could be putting an unneeded stop on continuing your process.
And one of the most important reasons to understand the casting process is so that you may avoid the common pitfalls and scams associated with the business. Those who aren't in-the-know can easily fall victim to those looking to take advantage of their lack of knowledge.
To check out Children In Film's article about the casting process
