Maximize Your Casting Calls with Casting Frontier’s New Year’s Resolution Sale

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Casting Frontier

2012 is off to a busy start when it comes to commercial casting! Casting Directors’ schedules are booked, and Casting Frontier’s public submissions pages are heating up just as we are offering big savings for Premium and Premium Plus annual subscriptions. During the month of January, we’re offering up to 35% off when you subscribe to or renew a Premium or Premium Plus profile.

Premium profiles allow you to post 5 headshots, a MP3 Voice Sample and a link to your website…all very helpful to casting professionals who are trying to really get to know you. Through January, Premium profiles are only $50 for a 2-year subscription!
Premium Plus profiles allow you to show 10 headshots as well as your actor reel, a MP Voice Sample and a link to your website. Show casting professionals all your talent, experience, and skill with this account. Through January, Premium Plus accounts are only $80 for a 2-year subscription!

As more and more Casting Directors are using Casting Frontier for all their casting needs, CF has become the new industry standard. With innovative, comprehensive digital tools that make casting both exciting and efficient, CF has streamlined the workflow for Actors, Agents, and Casting Directors alike. Companies are working harder to keep customers purchasing their products, and Advertising Executives and Producers are demanding that CF be used for their jobs. It’s making a difference in their workflow, they’re using it, and so you want to present yourself accordingly.

The value is unbeatable! See for yourself. Check out our services compared to the other guys’.

Don’t miss this sale. Make 2012 your year for casting calls and TV auditions!
And we hope to see your face on TV soon!

Submit your profile for commercial auditions, TV auditions (and more!) in Los Angeles, New York & nationwide. Get more auditions using Casting Frontier's online casting system and showcase your talent! Post your reel & plus get your Casting Card that includes your personal Actor ID Barcode. Visit us at http://castingfrontier.com.

Talent vs. Skill in Casting Calls

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Casting Frontier

Some actors are auditioning for TV shows and commercials because they’ve been told they’re a “natural.” Being a natural is something to behold, it’s great fun, and it stokes the creative fires. As a natural you’ll receive a bounty of praise and often, tremendous encouragement. Being a natural is also a great foundation for anyone aspiring to a career in the arts. But relying too heavily on the nature, and not enough on the nurture aspect of your abilities is not wise. If you find yourself excelling in the acting game, it’s convenient to believe it’s easy. But the game is long, and the game changes as you play. Some of the best actors in the history of cinema were also the most gifted. But the truly great ones worked the craft like a top athlete works in the gym. Laurence Olivier, one of the most revered actors of the 20th century, was known to speak William Shakespeare’s lines “as naturally as if he were actually thinking them,” said English playwright Charles Bennett. But even after he’d experienced many years of extraordinary recognition, he was still taking vocal lessons to keep his skills sharp–even the skills he already had in the bag.

Amy Adams says of her Fighter costar Mark Wahlberg, “He has a work ethic that is incomparable. He is where he is because of his hard work, his sheer force of will.” Wahlberg trained for his role as “Irish” Micky Ward two years before The Fighter was greenlit. One day, the men who write the checks saw Mark tearing it up in the ring; it wasn’t hard to sign on the line which is dotted.

Will Smith is keen on the notion of hard work, and indeed, credits persistence for his success. Will claims to work on his career while other guys are eating and sleeping. He swears by a “ridiculous, sickening work ethic,” and states:

“The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, for people who have dreams. Talent is what you have naturally; skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.”

Who can argue with this philosophy? Dedicating yourself to being better each new day can be achieved by Smith’s philosophy:

“You don’t set out to build a wall…you say, ‘I’m going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid.’ And you do that every single day, and soon you have a wall.”

Sounds like a great way to land more casting calls and TV auditions!

What Actresses Should Wear to Commercial Auditions

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Casting Frontier

It’s an understatement to say male business owners are happy when a casting facility goes up next to their shops. They’re ecstatic! Why wouldn’t they be? Gorgeous actresses streaming in throughout the day–day after day. That may be fine for those who are convinced every beauty who walks through the door is right for the part, but how can you make yourself stand out amongst a bevy of beauties to the people who really count? Namely, the directors and producers.

According to Glamour.com, some fashion resolutions to actually follow in 2012 include taking fashion risks like bold floral pants, hot-pink suits, exaggerated sunglasses and glitsy jewelry. But when auditioning, watch out what fashion advice you follow, because doing so could cost you the part.

Specifically, disregard the fashion tip about the shiny, bright jewelry. Rather, keep your jewelry to a minimum unless you’re auditioning for a wild rocker character with piercings. And avoid the floral patterns and other print designs on your clothing which the camera potentially can interpret as bouncing light every time you move; this is highly distracting and ultimately overwhelms your presence. Besides that, make sure to avoid wearing black which reads as unbecoming on camera, and white tops which frequently look blown out and overwhelmingly bright.

So what should actresses wear to commercial auditions?

Most importantly, dress according to your type. Think about the character you’re trying out for. When it comes to commercial auditions, it’s helpful to actually dress for the particular role –for example, an athlete or a business woman. You can keep it simple; if you’re trying out for a doctor, for example, you can show up in a professional-looking shirt and high-end slacks, but feel free to leave a doctor’s scrubs at home. In this case, what’s most important is you appear trustworthy and convey authority. Additionally, when it comes to auditioning secrets, some people swear by wearing blue. Not a bad choice as everyone seems to look good in blue. But your priority should be to appear neat and clean, avoid too much make up, and make sure your hairstyle does not cover your eyes because it’s your eyes that have the most immediate impact to draw people in. As far as fashion is concerned, learn what pieces flatter your shape the most. Take pride in who you are right now and run with it!

For a specific list of what not to wear at commercial auditions, click here.

Become a Working Actor in 2012

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Casting Frontier

It’s no secret the last few years have been tough on the American economy. Many businesses have fallen or been shipped overseas, unemployment has flatlined at 9 percent, and big banks are stubbornly holding onto their money. Watching the news has been pretty dire. But there is a silver lining in this dark economic cloud. The entertainment industry is booming! That’s right, the business you are in as an actor or are aspiring to be in is doing just fine. It’s a well-reported fact more people are watching TV than ever, and add to that the inestimable amount of content people are watching online and through sources like Netflix, and you have a veritable boom in the acting field. All this bodes well for you, humble thespian. Production is happening at this very moment all over the world. Think of the amount of films, pilots, commercials, videos, industrials, reality TV shows, shorts, etc. going on right now. Are you going to get in on it? Why not?! The table’s set; sit down and eat! Make 2012 your year. Everyone’s always talking about unkept New Year’s resolutions. Make this the year you make good on the resolution to become a working actor.

Beef Up Your Resume This Year

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Casting Frontier

Happy New Year from Casting Frontier!

Now that the holiday feasting is over, and we’re all thinking of New Year’s resolutions, we hope 2012 will open many doors in your acting career, and bring about many auditions, bookings, and surprises.

Speaking of surprises, I’ll bet you can recall many times you were struck by actors who suddenly displayed a certain skill much like the proverbial magician pulling a rabbit out a hat. When X-Men’s Hugh Jackman started to sing and dance at the Oscars, when Natalie Portman gave an interview in Hebrew, and when Meryl Streep sang in Mama Mia, we were forced to reevaluate our perceptions of these individuals.

You, as well, are full of potential to cultivate your abilities to benefit yourself both as an actor and as a person. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but for one reason or another, haven’t gotten around to it? Have you always wanted to learn to tap dance, play tennis, or learn Spanish but it seemed like such a daunting task you gave up before you ever began? Well, consider the advice of Google’s Matt Cutts, who encourages us all to try something new for 30 days. When you make small, sustainable changes, you can get yourself out of a rut, feel your confidence grow, beef up your resume, and for the rest of your life, claim the victory of having learned that skill or accomplished that goal.

Click here to watch Matt Cutts’ inspirational 6-minute talk which is a sure-fire way to start your new year off right–and increase your chances of being cast in roles requiring specific skills!