Casting Director Renee Godbout on the benefits of viewing other actors as resources, not competition
By Renee Godbout
When people say the entertainment industry is all about who you know, that includes your peers. You may be surprised to know that fellow actors can sometimes be your best resource for auditions!
It’s a cutthroat business, but good actors know when they are right for a part and when it’s just not a good fit. In those instances, the old saying, “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,” couldn’t be more appropriate.
Some of you may be shaking your heads, confused as to how giving someone else audition information can work to your advantage. Isn’t that just giving you more competition? If you are a fifty-year-old man who hears about an audition for twenty-something females and think the girl in your acting class might be perfect for it, let her know. She’ll be so happy with the information that she’ll let you know the next time she hears of something fitting your type.
It’s a hard business to be in and having plenty of support can only help you achieve your goals. I’ve had several instances where I was looking for a certain type and was referred to someone by an actor. It’s nice to have someone else occasionally do a little legwork for me. I’ve appreciated the input, and emails that are often sent to me with a relative’s or friend’s headshots attached.
If they are coming from one of the actors I work with often, I assume that the person being referred is a responsible individual. Make sure that someone you recommend will follow through on the project, because your name will be associated with him or her.
Helping someone else can also help you. The actor you recommended is now looking out for you, and the casting director is now grateful for your suggestion. Once when I was looking for dancers, I had an actor email me information on a relative that was supposedly very good. I brought the person in and she was talented enough to get hired. A week or two later a co-worker of mine was searching for a specific type and remembering the actor that was good to me, I suggested her name. It’s all about opportunities and once you have those, make yourself shine.
Not only can other actors open doors for you, but they give you someone to audition for and give helpful advice. What better audience is there than one full of people who know what to look for?
Just remember that everyone you meet, unbeknownst to you, may have a connection to someone who can help your career. Auditions can come from any number of resources, many you had never even considered. Surround yourself with good karma by assisting those you can, and hopefully one day they’ll do the same.
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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