Authors Note:  I’ve been working on this post for a few days.  I knew what I wanted to talk about, but as always life gets in the way…the result:  a lot of starting and stopping.  Inspired by a podcast I recorded last night with my Podcast partner Gabrielle Howard (Young Hollywood:  YouGetItGotItGood) and our special guest actor AML AMEEN, I finished it with a smile.  Our talk with AML last night, reinforced how much I much I value this blog and the information I have to share.  I hope you feel the same!

We now live in an age when self submissions (submissions from those without representation) are just as abundant as agency submissions.  Are you submitting and representing yourself in the right way?

A few rules to live by…

1.  Read. Read. Read.  Make sure you read and re-read the submission requirements and follow the directions as stated.  Your ability to do so, will ensure that even if you don’t make it to the audition phase, your name will stay off a casting director’s MOST UNWANTED list.

2.  Know who you are and what your capabilities are.  Be honest with yourself.  If you see that the job calls for a woman in her mid 20’s with a supermodel figure who should be prepared to run on a beach BAYWATCH style, while sipping on a fruity drink, you should know if that’s who you are or who you WISH you were.  Agents are a casting directors best friend because they do a great job of pre-screening talent.  Without that middle person, it’s your job to pre-screen you.  Stay away from sending the, “I know I’m not right for the job, but please keep my headshot on file” emails.  If you want to submit yourself for future projects, then do so.  Just not attached to another job.

3.  Be prepared.  If you’re calling yourself an actor then when you’re not auditioning you should be studying and training.  Research the project, casting director, prior projects worked on by the producer.  I’ve said it before, google is your friend.  You can find blogs and websites that educate you about acceptable head-shots, what to do and not do at a casting and what not to wear.  Know this business.

4.  Be the talent.  Don’t try to do castings job for them.

5.  Respect the craft.  Don’t treat it like you would an old pair of shoes.  Treat is like you care and it will return the favor.