I got an email from an awesome talent asking this question…
How do you recommend staying in contact with VO Casting directors in general once you’ve had some type of an intro or auditioned for them? I’ve never been the type to reach back out for fear of it being taken as “that bothersome actor.”
So let’s talk about connecting with casting directors and best practices.
BTW…if you have a question about voiceover, just reply to this email with it! We may feature your question in a future newsletter.
This student is specifically asking about staying in contact with a casting director AFTER an initial connection, so how do you even connect with them in the first place? I’ll cover that in just a second.
Depending on the casting director and the venue you met them at, they may offer you their email (PLEASE do not ask them for their email). If they DO offer their email, it is fine to shoot them an email but keep it SHORT, PERSONAL (include something specifically about you) and INFORMATIVE (include your demo, website and agent).
Once that initial email is sent, do not continue to email them.
To stay connected with them, find them on Linkedin. Linkedin is a way you can stay up to date with some of the projects they’ve cast, offer your congratulations to them and continue the “relationship.” I’d still stick with interacting with their posts versus a direct message. Some casting directors are active on social media but I’d only connect with them on their social pages if they post work-related content. If it’s just their family, I’d just stick to Linkedin.
As a reminder, most casting directors utilize agents to get auditions, so don’t ever ask them to read for a project. You can potentially ask if they work with your agent. If they don’t, you can offer an introduction. It could be a benefit to them and obviously you.
Now HOW DO YOU CONNECT with Casting Directors?
1| Our Industry Pro Virtual Workouts
Agents and casting directors are our guests. They share a little about themselves, you get to read 2 scripts and get their feedback, plus have a Q&A time. 15 people max can join, so it’s a great way to establish a relationship with a casting director AND it’s only $40. You can only sign up via the email newsletter, so scroll down to see the next pro. Visit our website and click “what we offer – industry pro workouts” for upcoming guests.
2| VO Conferences
A lot of times casting directors will speak or be on a panel at voice over conferences! That’s a great way to meet someone…especially if it’s in person. Just know a lot of people will want to talk to them, so be respectful of their time.
3| Casting Director Workouts and Training
Here’s a list of some of them:
Tina Morasco of Sound & Fury offers one on one coaching, as well as a WONDERFUL video course.
Mary Lynn Wissner (offers one on one coaching)
Voicecaster (offer training but also audition feedback)
4| Linkedin Search
Even without paying money, you can connect with casting directors on Linkedin. Lance Kistler is very active there, along with other great directors.
Casting directors are used to people talking to them because they WANT something from them. Stand out by focusing more on getting to know them as people and what you can GIVE to them.
Give more than you get. 🙂