Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/question

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/4/2004


Question
I have a question regarding the submission of a headshot and resume to a casting director. I was just notified just a few days ago that this casting director was looking for individuals quite like myself. My question is since the notice was so short and casting for this role is quickly wrapping up should I send my picture and resume by fed ex or should I just use regular snail mail? I've heard that fed ex is only if you are sending through and agent is am I correct in this statement? Also is it acceptable to send a compostion head shot, which consist of a full body shot and a head shot or should I send just a head shot? Thanks.

Answer
Evan,

Thanks for writing. If you can afford to do it, then I say send your stuff via FedEx. If the casting is beginning to wrap up, and you want a shot at a role, if you send it snail mail it may be too late. Send it the fastest way you know how.

If this is a feature film or prime-time television show, send ONLY your headshot. If this is for a commerical, it's okay to send a composite shot.

Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.