Casting Director Jenny Rawdin on how to make the most of your industry connections
By Jenny Rawdin
Raw talent and ambition are two very important ingredients in a successful acting career. However, as anyone in the entertainment industry will tell you, sometimes it’s all about who you know. Maintaining a strong connection with your casting directors can give you a big boost!
One of my greatest and most rewarding experiences in my casting career was casting my own family members in a film. My casting agency was working on The Nanny Diaries, starring Scarlet Johansson, Laura Linney, and Paul Giamatti. My boss remembered meeting my parents on several previous occasions, and asked if they would be part of a ritzy party scene in the film that involved all three of the film’s stars!
Extras generally have to provide their own costumes, but it is important to bring at least 10 to 15 wardrobe options. This gives the wardrobe consultants some choice and also shows that you are serious about your role. My parents called me a few times during their fittings to describe what was going on, but you should stay professional and put off personal calls until after your work day is over. And even if you hate your costume choices, keep your criticism to yourself.
When the day to film the party scene finally arrived, it just so happened that my parents were seated at Paul Giamatti’s table! Although they were offered their roles because of their connection to me, they landed those key seats by being outgoing and talking with the right people.
They worked very hard to master the technique of pantomiming, or conveying emotions, actions and feeling by gestures without speech. Their scenes made it into the movie and not on the cutting room floor, and as soon as The Nanny Diaries came out on DVD, I bought it right away!
My parents had a wonderful time on set, and they made their own connections there too! In fact, my mom met someone on set that she worked with later! So you see, knowing the right people is a great place to start. But once you’ve made it on set, the rest is up to you. The best thing you can do for your acting career is to make your own connections with your casting professional, directors and other production staff, and fellow actors!
Jenny Rawdin - MTV Casting Director. Jenny has been casting actors, singers, dancers, and models for MTV's Total Request Live, the hit pop-culture-driven video countdown show. She also works on MTV Specials and MTV events and has been working in the film and television industry in New York City for six years.
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