Can You Get Me on TV?
Can You Get Me on TV (or Make Me Famous)? It’s Not That Simple.
One of the most common questions I hear from talent is, "Can you get me on TV?" or even, "Can you make me famous?" While I completely understand the dream, the truth is—it’s not as simple as it seems. The process of casting, especially for TV, film, or even commercials, is more complex than what many imagine.
Let me break it down for you.
Understanding the Casting Pipeline
The casting process involves several key players. Here’s a simplified look at who’s involved and what their roles are:
Talent (That’s You!): Your skills, look, and personality are what casting teams are evaluating.
Representation (That’s Me!): Your manager, agent, or sometimes even an entertainment lawyer works to get you in front of the right people.
Casting Directors and Associates: Think of them as the gatekeepers. They help narrow down potential candidates to present to the next person in the chain.
The Client: Depending on the project, the client could be the internal casting department of a TV studio or network, the director or producer of a film, ad agencies and brands for commercials, or photographers and creative directors for fashion projects.
The Process Isn’t Mystical, But It Is Complex
Many factors are at play, and while no one can guarantee that you’ll be booked, there’s one thing we can control: how you present yourself. You need to put your best foot forward with the following materials:
Headshots
Modeling Digitals
Resume
Reel
Special skill clips
Voice demo
Portfolio
Then, when you’re called in for an audition, your job is to make sure you follow the directions given and showcase your talent to the best of your ability.
Auditioning: It’s More Than Just “Getting the Role”
Here’s something that might surprise you: The goal of an audition isn’t always to "book" the role. Why? Because that’s not up to the casting director—they’re more like HR in this process. Their job is to narrow down a pool of candidates that are all qualified for the role and present those options to their client.
From there, many factors influence the final decision:
Chemistry with other actors
The project’s budget
Your availability
How well you represent the project
At this point, it’s a game of chance. But don’t worry—your job, and mine, is to make sure you’re in the best possible light for each opportunity. We do this by tailoring your materials and aligning your brand (yes, even your social media presence) with the roles you’re going after.
Winning the Callback
Getting a callback? That’s already a big win! It means the casting team liked what they saw. At this stage, it’s about building a relationship and proving that you can follow direction, showcase your talent, and keep them interested for future projects.
The Post-SAG-AFTRA Merger World
Things have changed significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of in-person castings where you could build rapport face-to-face with casting directors. Now, most castings happen through self-tapes, and that’s where your preparation becomes even more critical.
Your self-tape is your first introduction, so make sure it shines. Follow the directions given, use it as a chance to showcase your best work, and always, always put your best foot forward.
A Final Thought on Availability
One last piece of advice: Don’t confuse an audition with a booking. Being asked to self-tape does not mean you’ve booked the role. It’s also not a confirmation of your availability. Never turn down an initial audition unless there’s a major conflict. Once you get to the "availability check" stage, that’s when we’ll discuss your schedule. But at least by auditioning, you’ve been seen, and if you impress the casting director, they’ll keep you in mind for future projects.
In Conclusion
The casting process is complex and multifaceted. But with the right materials, strategy, and effort, you’re not only positioning yourself to get cast—you’re building long-term relationships that will keep you top of mind for future opportunities. Keep going, trust the process, and let’s keep putting in the work together.