I normally go for the interest angle. Include info about being flexible/available on and previous * relevant* experience too. But if you're interested in the part, make sure you say so, and tell them why. Maybe the character interpretation caught your eye, or you've got some thoughts already you'd like to discuss.
I know I personally cast people who are interested in the project and have some good ideas about the character.
It is! Keep it brief, who your are, what you've done, why you think you're suitable for the role advertised.
Don't waffle as this is the easiest way on the planet to get rejected running second only to stupid spelling mistakes as this shows a lack of professionalism!
I tend to look at the casting brief and pick out reasons why the casting director should bring me into audition.
For example if the casting brief were this for example:
Role: A (Female)
Description: 18-21 yrs, oddly attractive, pale, tall, thin
Must be yorkshire native or be able to do a perfect accent
I would say something along the lines of:
Having read your brief, I feel that I fit the aspects specified, being that I have a playing age of 15-22 yrs. Although I currently reside in London, I am originally from Scunthorpe, in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and so can do a convincing Northern accent. I also have pale skin, and am described looks wise as a classic English Rose, and at 5'7'' I am considered tall and am of slim build.
...or something along those lines anyway (I may perhaps be a little more subtle but this was only an example haha)
thats true...in which case its to be hoped that when they look at your headshot they are intrigued and want to find out more. If they still don't notice I suppose you could always hold a gun to their head and force them to read it...although that might get you the wrong sort of attention...
I remmber someone telling me they sent sweets and flowers along with there c.v. I was once at an agents flat and he showed me the underwere that was sent to him!
I always find it really difficult to start my covering letter, it always seems to end up much too formal! Which generally speaking has not been much good...
'I am interested in being involved with [this project] and think that I would be suitable for [this role].
Insert relevant experience blurb.
I'm amazing, employ me!'
Well maybe not the last sentence! ;) I think you want to keep it short, bearing in mind people might read loads of these. However you do want to show that you are suitable and you have applied for this job in particular rather than just every advertised job out there.
I'm always unsure about talking about experience as it's all in my CV. Or do people generally highlight roles they think might be similar in some sense, for example comedic roles already played when applying for a comedy?
Mine vary - Though, sometimes I think they can be slightly over-wraught... I suppose it's about hitting that fine line of looking like you're really interested with a few good points / info without spewing out a barrage of information.
I might, while i'm here, ask for opinions on the sort of covering letter that I tend to send out.
Please tell me what you think - I think it's possible that it verges on containing more than the average recepiant will bother reading.
*the "Apologies for the unsolicited email" bit is for when trying my luck with people I probably shouldn't be emailing.*
"Dear Sir/Madam,
First, I should say - I apologize for the unsolicited email. I understand you receive a lot, so I'll do my best to keep it brief.
I email you with great enthusiasm in regard to possible consideration for your current castings.
I hope you don't mind me drawing your attention to my attached CV and Head-Shot along with my website / Show-Reel listed below. (Body-shot & additional pictures can be found on my website)
I am an Irish actor - based in both Ireland & England - extremely adept in working with accents, and always able to travel for work.
I have recently graduated from the Manchester School of Theatre, where after completing my end of show-case, and receiving a lot of professional interest, I decided to sign with Red Door Management; who's details I have listed on my CV and website.
Since leaving I have worked on a number of productions and I've been very busy with auditions; Most recently reading for the part of Aggravain in the major upcoming series of 'Camelot', and for the lead in Stephen Spielberg's 'Warhorse'.
I have extensive experience in both theatre and film, With some of my recent roles including the lead in Victor Lewis Smith's upcoming Channel 4 comedy/doc pilot which will be airing in the autumn, and 'Sam' in the very popular globally featured PWDE productions film 'How To Say I Love You', which is now approaching 2,500,000 views online.
You will be able to find my Voice-Reel (demonstrating RP/London characters) & Show-reel displaying some of my recent roles in the 'Show-reel & files' section of my website "www.samsmithactor.com" (incl spotlight link and agency contact details)
If you would like to get in touch you can find my full contact details contained in my CV.
Many thanks for reading,
I look forward to the possibility of hearing from you,
That is also the sort of cover letter I tend to send out. It *is* true that Casting Call Pro is an unusual site and it allows you room to write fairly in-depth covering letters, which appear to be well received by many recipients. On some occasions, your covering letter cannot really afford to be as long as Sam's is here - and should come in within about 3-4 paragraphs, but with the same sort of emphases. Casting directors don't, it is true, appreciate reading covering letters that are too long - but they appreciate even less a letter that tells them nothing about who you are as an actor, and what you are offering to their project. There is, honestly, no quicker guarantee of having the application binned than writing a generic covering letter.
You must login as a candidate to participate in the forum.
Please note:Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of The Mandy Network, nor have they been vetted by The Mandy Network staff.
If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.
