It's not always easy to get an opportunity to speak with Casting Directors about what you should and should not do when attending an audition. It's even less likely you'll get the chance to sit down with a Casting Director who works on hit TV shows and feature films like Law & Order and the Matt Damon vehicle The Bourne Ultimatum. To help answer some of your questions, we've tapped one of the featured speakers of InstantCast LIVE!, Renee Godbout, a Casting Director for Grant Wilfley Casting, to give you those sought-after words of wisdom.

InstantCast: First, tell me a little bit about Grant Wilfley Casting.

Renee Godbout: Although specializing in background casting, Grant Wilfley Casting is also known for casting both principal players and day players as well. We are currently casting all of the extras for Law & Order Criminal Intent, Law & Order SVU, The Sopranos, and the feature film The Bourne Ultimatum with Matt Damon. In the past we have done some additional principle casting for films such as The Good Shepherd and World Trade Center.

IC: How did you get into the casting business?

RG: I lived in Los Angeles for almost four years and recently moved back to the east coast 1 ½ years ago. While I was out west, I worked on a few low budget projects and got a taste of all different aspects of the production industry. I racked up a few credits in casting, producer's assistant, production coordinator, and so on. One director left me responsible for handling all of the actors and I discovered how much I enjoyed working with talent. The next job I had was as the assistant to an Executive Producer in the nonfiction world and within the first few months I started doing double duty as an associate producer in charge of casting all of the actors for their re-enactments. From then on, casting became my focus. I started working at Grant Wilfley Casting a month after I moved to New York City and have been responsible for all the extras casting on Law & Order Criminal Intent since then. I've also worked on the upcoming Disney film Enchanted and the pilot for ABC's midseason replacement Traveler.

IC: What do you feel is the biggest challenge you've had as a Casting Director?

RG: My biggest challenge is finding enough ethnic representation in the SAG union. I've had days where I have needed to find 125 Asians or 50 Pakistani-Americans. In those situations it is sometimes only the background that establishes the place as a foreign locale.

IC: What are the top three qualities you look for when casting a shows like Law & Order and The Sopranos?

RG: We are looking for people that are responsible, fit the physical description of what the director is looking for, and live locally in the New York metropolitan area. Everything else depends on what each scene is asking for.

IC: What is one of the most common mistakes actors make when auditioning?

RG: They don't think about the material and dress themselves for the part. If you're auditioning for a homeless man then you should come dressed as one. It helps the director to visualize what they are looking for, especially when it's a small part.

IC: When you are auditioning, how important is it that actors have attended acting school? Do you ever cast beginners?

RG: In our office, it's more important that you look the part and can act then where you learned to do it. We are always open to casting beginners if they have a good look and good attitude.

IC: What should beginners be considering before attending an audition? How can they best prepare?

RG: Remember that first impressions count. Always be early so you're prepared when they call your name. Make sure you have memorized the monologue and if you haven't, then have the sides close by. There's nothing worse then getting stuck in the middle and then ummming your way through the rest of it.

IC: What advice would you give actors that are starting out in the business?

RG: If you're just starting out then experience is key. You need to get comfortable on set and in front of the camera. I know some people don't want to do extra work but it's the best way to get set experience and connect with other actors and people in production. I know several actors who I have sent for background work and production has liked them so much they have them come back for principle auditions. It's also how some people go about getting SAG waivers and eventually joining the SAG union. It's also a good idea to take on roles in low budget or student films that expand your resume and improve your skills.

IC: What's next for you and for Grant Wilfley Casting?

RG: I'm happy where I am right now. I'll be working on Law & Order Criminal Intent until the end of April and then probably move on to a film for the summer. May seems so far away so we'll see what happens when I get there.

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.