Actors Access is so necessary for me–it’s how I find 99% of my TV/Film jobs. It can be tricky though–it’s got an algorithm just like Instagram and a whole other ‘algorithm’ from the Casting Directors themselves.
When I was younger, I didn’t know why Actors Access was important–to me, it just looked confusing and monochromatic. But, getting an agent, I found out how amazing Actors Access is, and I recommend it to all of my fellow student-film actors nowadays.
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Why should you use Actors Access? I’ll tell you:
- Big name Casting Directors post jobs on it.
- Agents use Actors Access to submit their clients.
- If submitting yourself actively and observantly, it can give you more knowledge about Casting Directors.
- It will make putting together a reel easier, because lots of student films post projects on Actors Access. (The reel that got me my TV/Film agent is almost entirely comprised of those!)
- It makes selftapes relatively easy and simple.
- It’s easy to communicate with interested Casting Directors through Actors Access’ Cmail page.
- And countless other reasons that I’ve overlooked.
Keep in mind–the Actors Access that you and I see versus the Actors Access that agents see is different. If you don’t find big name projects right off the bat, it’s because a lot of Casting Directors only want to see actors with agents. But use Actors Access to get an agent, and that won’t matter!
How do I use Actors Access efficiently to get more auditions?
1.) Fill out everything.
The algorithm will put you down lower on the list of submissions if you don’t.
Do not forget your About Me and Size Card. One thing left blank counts like you missed the entire section. Fill it all out. If it’s something like foot width and you don’t know what you are, Google it and put down something, otherwise the algorithm has claimed another victim.
2.) Pick your photos specifically.
Some people recommend only 4, whereas my agent told me 8-10, with all different types of characters. It’s your choice, but it does feel good to have different photos to submit with. The closer your picture resembles the description, the more likely Casting Directors are to see you as the role.
It costs some dough, but it takes money to make money in the beginning.
3.) Upload your Slateshots!
Another algorithm thing: if you don’t have slateshots, the algorithm will put you below all the people who do have them, regardless of if you submitted before them.
To take a simple slateshot, you will need:
- the outfit you’re wearing in your chosen headshot, or a similar looking one
- a phone that can take videos
- a tripod or something you can steady your phone on
- a solid-colored wall or curtain
- an app that cuts videos
Put on the headshot’s outfit, or similar outfit. Set up your phone on the tripod (or whatever) and take a video of you saying something short and to-the-point like, “Hi! My name’s [your name here]!” in the character of the headshot. Make sure this is on the solid-colored background. Try to record when only you can be heard; a relatively quiet space is preferred. Use an app to neatly cut out the bits where you’re walking in and out of the frame. Upload to the corresponding headshot on Actors Access. So simple!
4.) Upload your videos and reels!
Still an algorithm thing. Everyone who has a video uploaded gets seen before someone who doesn’t have one uploaded. Don’t be downgraded! My agent has even said that if you don’t have any material for a reel, a really good selftape will do! No excuses!
5.) Don’t miss a Cmail message!
Go to My Account and check the box under Cmail that says “Notify me by e-mail of new cmail messages in my account,” and then give it a special email tone! You could entirely miss an audition or callback if you don’t! Don’t miss opportunities!
Also, if you go to your Contact Information, if you follow the directions under “Alternate Email Address,” you can get Cmail notifications texted to you! For my phone, the text gets to me faster than the email!
6.) Definitely get Actors Access plus.
Unlimited submissions is so important for this industry, because the more times people see your headshot, the better. In advertising, they say that someone has to see an ad 7 times before they even consider buying the product. Actors are the same way, but worse! Get your face out there as much as possible!
And unlimited EcoCasts (how you send in selftapes) is also a necessity. I know for a fact my Actors Access plus account paid for itself within the first 2 months because of all the EcoCasts I submitted. You’re saving money and stress.
Not to mention, with the jobs I book from Actors Access, I can more than cover the yearly cost of plus. As I said before, it takes money to make money!
7.) Check Breakdowns early, often, and carefully.
I check Actors Access Breakdowns >4 times a day. I check and submit myself at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, every day but Sunday. You wanna know why? If you don’t submit during the first 2-3 hours that a project is posted on Actors Access, your submission will most likely not be seen at all. The exception is student films, since they aren’t as busy as professional Casting Directors. (I don’t submit on Sunday because nothing comes in on Sunday usually!)
Another thing about submitting, check the dates that are noted on the project for auditions and callbacks. If you know you won’t be available those days to go to an audition or callback, don’t submit. It looks absolutely horrible when you turn down an audition or callback that you submitted yourself for.
8.) Don’t leave a note on submissions unless it’s relevant.
For the longest time, I thought it was a great idea for me to note “Thanks so much for your consideration!” on my submissions, but then I went to an Actors Access seminar and it changed my thinking. Sure, it’s a nice sentiment, but they aren’t considering you. They’re only considering you if you get the audition, and that’s when you say thank you!
So, don’t note anything unless the character has a specific skill that you do well and can add to the character. For example, if you submit to a character who plays volleyball and you really play volleyball, note a very short “8+ years volleyball team experience,” or whatever’s true for you. Make it short, because a lot of the note gets cut off when Casting Directors are quickly looking at submissions. (My go-to is usually “10+ years musical theater experience”!)
9.) Don’t forget to go to Your Cart and submit your submissions!
Too many times in the beginning did I forget to submit my cart and missed the 2-3 hour submission window. It’s such a waste when that happens!
And that’s my Actors Access spiel!
I really couldn’t do my job without Actors Access, so I highly recommend it for anyone and everyone in the entertainment industry.
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