Casting Director Renee Godbout on how maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve your chances for success
By Renee Godbout
There are many types of actors out there, and not all of them are supermodels. Today, the saying “in the eye of the beholder” couldn’t be more true. So just because you don’t look like Brad Pitt, you can still have a very successful career. But what you should realize is how important it is to work with what you’ve got and make your body into the most attractive package possible - both inside and out!
The number one step to a healthy and beautiful body is to learn the importance of a good diet. The craft services table on set is not meant as a holding area for you until you’re needed for your next shot. Too many sweets is bad for your skin and too much grease can be bad for other parts of your body. Eating right keeps your body in shape, energizes you, and builds up your body's strength!
Another way to build up strength is to exercise regularly. Your exercise routine doesn’t have be a long strenuous work out every single day of the week. Find whatever form of workout that fits easily into your schedule. If it’s running 30 minutes in the morning or doing an hour of weight training at the gym during your lunch break, that’s fine. Just make sure you add enough variety to hit all the right spots. Not only will a regular exercise routine improve your physique, but it’s also another natural source of energy. Set days can be long and you need every bit of energy you can muster!
Sleep is extremely important. Catch up on your rest any time you can. Use your mandatory turn around time in-between shoot days to go home and get yourself ready for bed. Weekends are a great time to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Don’t push yourself with crazy parties every night. Coming to set hungover is not a good first impression and you'll be drained for the rest of the day.
Remember, your body is your tool. If your body isn’t in peak condition, then your chances of success greatly diminish. Don’t think it doesn’t matter because your friend Bob is up every night drinking and eating pizza. Bob might not have chosen the same career path as you and doesn’t need to take care of himself when he sits behind a desk all day. Everyone is built differently, so know your limits and what you can and cannot handle while looking your best.
It’s all about putting your best foot forward and making sure the casting director knows they made the right decision by hiring you. The entertainment industry is a very small world, and a bad reputation can follow you everywhere!
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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