Get Your Casting Video Right

Great things come in small packages. This well-known quote can summarize what a casting video is all about. A small recording of your past performances is essential in getting a part in a movie. You can’t even imagine how a five to seven minute video cassette can help you get the part you’ve always wanted.

Casting Video: make sure everything is done properly

Just know that the casting video can be viewed by a director when an actor can’t make an audition; many agents might also require it for determining weather an actor is worth representing, but most of the times the casting directors watch it to find out if the actor is right for a certain role.

Although this might sound easy, you should know how to create such a material, because there are certain rules that you must follow to make the best of it. You have to make sure that you use footage from professionally produced projects only. Never use amateur productions, such as scenes or monologues done in classes, seminars, or at home. Also, you must be certain that all the scenes revolve around you. Don’t use material in which you’re an extra, it will surely hurt more than help.

Remember to make your casting video professional and interesting, this means don’t just put it together it in your living room, so go ahead and hire somebody who has done this kind of work in the past. If you don’t know anybody, just ask the people working in the industry for a recommendation. When you find a person, ask to see some of their previous work. It might not be your style. Don’t insert whatever scenes you can think of; make it so the first 30 seconds of the video show off your best and newest work. When having a stack of 40-50 tapes, there will probably not be enough time for the judges to watch every single one of it from start to end, so a great beginning can take you a long way.

Just like a photo portfolio for a model, a casting video is an investment in your career. Your visual calling card is really not that fun to make; you will more than sure see your every flaw, and every less than perfect moment. A good casting video will help you, but a bad one can certainly do more bad than good. Keep in mind that a casting video should enhance your opportunities, so don’t make one simply for the sake of having it.