Carole's Casting Corner
by Carole Murray Duckworth
AAAVoiceCasting
Hi All,
As I've often said before, we're really lucky to have such amazing guests, and today's is no exception. We welcome to the corner Stephen DeAngelis, senior casting director at Grey Worldwide (777 3rd Ave., 10th fl., NYC 10017), one of the last big advertising agencies with an in-house casting department. Stephen has been at Grey since 1995, and casts for theatre, v/o and on-camera.
He doesn't use electronic break-downs, but calls every agent, finding that in that way he's more likely to get a thought-out list. He opens all his mail, and doesn't just call agents, but also calls directly from notes he takes on the people he sees. He's always working at "restocking his pond."
He prefers listening to demos in his car rather than in the studio, it gives him a better feel. His work is all SAG, but you don't have to be union to be called. Casting can be very fast sometimes, with turnaround quicker than ever. Stephen says a client stays with an ad agency four years and two months on average. The writer, art director, and director all get to participate in deciding which actors get called back.
Stephen likes headshots in black and white as well as color. He doesn't like the cropped head look, and no teeth usually means bad teeth! The photo is all about the eyes, which should be central to the headshot; it's meant to intrigue - "Could I have coffee with this person and not discuss business?" Remember that this is a business of snap judgments!
Your resume should be accurate and readable, and should include stats, your e-mail (as phone back-up), vocal range if you sing, referrals to people you've worked with, i.e. known directors, your special skills (don't lie!), and your website if you have one. Theatre should be listed first.
Doing commercials is a skill set, not necessarily the same proof of talent as it would be onstage. Each person has a USP - a Unique Selling Proposition. Advertising is shifting from "ads" to "ideas", and you must be the person they believe.
Imagine the last thirty seconds of the conversation before you begin your audition; it gives naturalness. Give yourself a warm-up so you're more specific, and fill in the humanity. There has to be a reason for sharing. You shouldn't appear as an expert, but experienced; "Tell me, don't sell me." Tape or Tivo commercials and watch how things are shot. Ask what the role is when going for an audition, and a special note to women - always have nails clean of nail polish, and watch the make-up and jewelry.
Keep in touch with Stephen by postcard, but not every week, please!
Well, I'll stop for now, as my column runneth over. Take care, be kind to all, and that includes yourself! I'll see you next time on the corner....
TTFN,
Carole Murray Duckworth
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