Cover letter and spotlight, help!

Hi all,
I recently left my agent as I was getting myself more work, however, I am now stuck in the world of applying through spotlight on my own. I always write a cover letter through CCP, but on Spotlight you are only given 200 characters. Anybody got any advice about what to write here? Obviously its not room for much at all.... any one else who applies through spotlight themselves who can give me a hand would be greatly appreciated! Or anyone with any tips! thanks!


  • 14 years ago
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oh it's so difficult. If i can i usually try and find out who's casting and write/email them directly. The box business is so hard. I now just put my contact deatails because if they don't like my pictures a nice note attached dosen't seem to help. Grace


  • 14 years ago
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Hi Faye

I do the same...just contact details and anything really relevant to the role.


  • 14 years ago
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Nigel Peever
Actor

Yep contact details and I link to here cos I'm paying to put my showreel up once and that should be enough :-)


  • 14 years ago
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I do the same, writing just my contact details and if there is something specific like age/driving ability....and always get frustrated that you can't write (even just a little bit!) more.

Maybe it's something we could bring up with Spotlight. Then again, maybe as Emma says, if your photo isn't right then a nice note won't matter a jot!

Holly


  • 14 years ago
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Mike Henley
Actor

Just out of interest, has anyone ever managed to get any work through the Spotlight Link? That's not including using the information to make a direct approach to CDs.


  • 14 years ago
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I got one audition via the Spotlight link for a voice over job when I was representing myself but getting anything via Spotlight these days is difficult I think. I could be wrong but I get the impression it doesn't happen that much.

There are just too many agencies out there with too many people. I would imagine CDs would rather work with people via an agency than someone who is self represented so your chances are much better if you have an agent.


  • 14 years ago
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I feel like that. I thought it was just me being paraniod but i think thats the case. If so it's unfair. But i suppose theres nothing fair about this industry. What i find frustrating is the randomness of the casting sent to members via the link. I keep getting stuff for all manner of things. I am not now nor will ever be a Chinese midget for example.

I also seem to get stuff through asking for real people not actors! If you are jo public why would you be in spotlight??????????????

Sorry rant over. I'm just gonna go fill out my application for next years big brother seems it will improve my chances of getting work.


  • 14 years ago
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With you on that.

I'm so sick of seeing castings just asking for 'Real People'.

I AM A REAL PERSON!!!

*sobs in corner*

Never had anything through using Spotlight Link but don't really expect to. Most of the castings are geared towards agents and agent recommendations but hey, gotta keep plugging away, you never know!


  • 14 years ago
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Lee Ravitz
Actor

It is, of course, the fact that about 95% of all working actors are not, and never will be chinese midgets (or indeed 20 stone wrestlers, Afghan tribesmen fluent in 3 mountain dialects, or children under the age of 15 who can play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix) that ensures that these castings appear on 'generals' on Spotlight Link. There is no hope of sourcing such specific casting through most ordinary channels. :)


  • 14 years ago
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I have recently had an audition for a commercial through the Spotlight Link.

I agree with the agent catch 22 though, every casting director I have met has said that *any* agent is better than none.

Also, the other thing I'm hearing all the time is that you need to have a Showreel on Spotlight.

So I think if you've got an agent and a Showreel you've got the best chance at the mo.


  • 14 years ago
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I got a role though spotlight.
It did help narrow down that the CD and director were looking for pregnant women and I'm bootiliciously preggers.

Augustine :)


  • 14 years ago
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Ive applied for a few things trough Spotlight without a sniff. Have recently signed with an agent and immediately got a good theatre caating via Spotlight. Coincidence?


  • 14 years ago
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Thanks guys. Just for the record I have got things through spotlight, but only through somebody finding me and contacting me through the link, rather than applying. I'll keep plugging away! I left my agent recently as he had no more work due to Yorkshire TV and the biggest theatre company here closing down, dam it!!! On the search for a new agent at the mo, moving to manchester in a couple of months so if there are any reccomendaions....?


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