South Carolina casting director and producer Maxann Crotts-Harvey wants actors to get out of their own way. Ways in which actors cost themselves jobs are many. Each is totally avoidable.
How to Lose the Job, Even When You’re a Top Choice
There have been so many times that I have worked with actors on a callback, and even though they could be the greatest actors, the following situations are definite NO-NOs that cost them the roles!
You know you must always remember to be courteous at an audition. Take your time, and know your lines!
Well, I have had an actor walk in and the first thing he says is, “Hey, how long is this going to take? I have another appointment I need to get to.” Well, first off, that is NOT the way to approach a casting director in any situation! The actor should be the one who WANTS to be cast in the role, and by saying that, all they have done is to make the casting director upset or mad at this comment! Why would an actor even think about saying that? Gosh! They should come in not caring how long they stay. As long as they are doing a good job and having a good rapport with the casting director, they should be happy! The casting director actually wants you to do a good job, and that comment is not one that will keep you in good graces with them! That alone should be answered by the casting director like this: “Well, it is only going to take a second and your second is up!” Just kidding here, but it could be appropriate! That is one actor that I don’t think will get very far in this business because of his attitude! Attitude is the key here, and he didn’t have a good one!
Another situation in which I have been is when an actor has decided to drive into town the night before his audition, because he has an early audition time. This actor brought his family with him, as I found out later that he was going on a beach trip. Anyway, he called and wanted me to pay for his hotel room! OH MY GOSH! Have you ever? I mean, goodness! Nope, I won’t pay for your hotel room! He thought that I should pay for it because he came in the night before. I never agreed to pay for anything, AND he only lived 30 minutes away! Yep, there goes another headshot and resume in FILE X! We all know that FILE X is in the trashcan!
I have had many actors — even SAG actors — that have come to an audition and when asked for their headshots, they say, “My agent said they sent it in.” Well, ALWAYS BE PREPARED and bring a headshot. Actually bring two or three and always have more with you just in case you need more! You never know how many the casting director needs to send out. I have had times where I needed five headshots and resumes! Always have headshots and resumes updated. I don’t mind if your headshots are in color or black and white. I lean more toward the color now, but I’m happy as long as the photo looks like you (and you bring the photo)! Don’t come in with black, short hair, and your photo shows you with long, blonde hair! Casting directors are looking for the person that they have asked to audition by what they look like in the photo! So, if you come in and don’t look like your photo, then that could cost you the role.
Don’t ever lie on your resume! I have seen many resumes that have characters on there that the actors say they have played, and I did the casting for that particular movie or commercial. When confronted and asked about it, they usually try to skip around it or just try to ignore what I have asked them. Yes, this is another good way to get your headshot and resume FILED in the FILE X!
It doesn’t bother me if the resume is pasted or stapled on back of the headshot, just as long as it is neat! I do think it looks neater to have the resume printed on the back of the headshot, but it is not a requirement with me!
I don’t mind actors sending me unsolicited headshots and resumes, but I would like it if they checked out my website to see when I am casting something. That way I can see if they fit any of the roles that I am casting!
Be patient! That is key in this business! I don’t mind helping people, and I want to see you succeed just as much as you want to get the role! Do the best you know how to do and then let it go! If you get a callback, you will be happy and surprised at the same time!
Great POV, Maxann! I’m with you on topics such as having a good attitude, staying off the blacklist, bringing a headshot (or two), the importance of looking like that headshot, and letting it all go. And I especially love knowing that a casting director in South Carolina is happily using her website to let the actors in her market know about upcoming projects. I do the same thing! Yay for technology in casting!
About Maxann Crotts-Harvey
Maxann Crotts-Harvey began casting principals and extras in 1985. Since that time, she has contributed to the casting of feature films such as The Rage: Carrie 2, O, Juwanna Man, The Perfect Game, and Major League: Back to the Minors. Television credits include MOWs The Lottery and Shake Rattle and Roll as well as the series The Fugitive. Her work with Ralph Singleton on Juwanna Man led Maxann to another branch of her career: producing! The two have recently worked together in producing the 2007 feature film The Mill.
This contribution originally ran at Bonnie Gillespie’s online column on December 15, 2006.