What Casting Directors Look for in Your Ident

Idents are needed for film, TV, commercial, and some theatre castings, whether they’re in person or self-taped. It’s easy to overthink them, even though they’re not an official part of the audition. They’re the first time the casting director sees you, after all, and first impressions count. An ident is a chance to show who you really are and set the mood for the rest of the audition, so it’s worth getting it right.

If you’re trying out in person, you’ll usually be told where to sit or stand and asked for your name and agent (it’s fine to say you’re self-represented if you are). For commercials, you could also be asked things like if you have a valid passport, driving license, any food allergies, or if you’ve appeared in ads for competing products. Keep your answers short and sweet, and direct them to the camera.

The team will likely take a wide or full-length shot and shots in profile, and they may ask to see both sides of your hands if it’s a commercial casting. Hands often feature in commercials, so it’s important to check their appearance as part of the casting process.

Casting associate Tom Medcalf advises taking your time with both. “If it’s a nail commercial or something, we might need to zoom in on your hands, so hold them close to your face and take a beat,” he says. “For profiles, you need to turn fully 45 degrees, left and then right. Make sure you turn your whole body, not just your head, and don’t speed through it. Remember: We really do need to take a look at you.”

If you have long hair, Medcalf also recommends wearing it down for your ident and up for your audition. “You immediately give the director an extra look,” he says. “Just tuck it behind your ears as you turn for your profiles, so it’s not covering your face.”

Remember: This isn’t a test. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure, even if it’s about something simple, such as where to look or stand.

If you’re filming at home, read the instructions in the casting call really carefully. Different auditions ask for specific things, and your tape may not be considered if you get it wrong. Check with your agent or the casting director if anything is unclear. They won’t mind, and it’s better than giving the wrong first impression.

Self-taped idents should normally be filmed in landscape, and they should include full-length shots and profiles. If you don’t have room to do it in landscape, Medcalf says, “don’t worry too much if you have to shoot your full body and profiles in portrait.” 

For the rest of your ident, frame your head and shoulders in a medium shot against a neutral, well-lit background. It may sound obvious, but make sure your face is clearly visible. 

It’s a good idea to film your ident, full-length shots, and audition separately. If you’ve been asked specifically to film in one shot, it’s fairly easy to stitch your clips together using video-editing tools such as CapCut, Adobe Express, or iMovie. Just make sure all your files are clearly labelled with your name, the type of take (audition, full length, profiles, or ident), the part or project you’re auditioning for, and the date. 

Whether you’re taping remotely or in the room, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to nailing an ident. 

1. Speak clearly and audibly.

Projection may come naturally when you’re reciting lines, but that isn’t always the case out of character. Watch your clips back to make sure you’re enunciating and your voice is being picked up. 

2. Make eye contact.

Look directly at the camera throughout your ident, except when you film your profiles. It can be helpful to imagine you’re chatting to the people in the room via the camera. 

3. Bring plenty of personality.

You don’t need to go full performance here, but every second with the casting director (in person or on tape) is a chance to let your personality shine through and show them you’re the sort of person they’d love to work with. 

4. Keep it simple.

Think of your ident as a way to introduce yourself, authentically and efficiently. It’s understandable if you feel self-conscious at first, but try not to overcomplicate it. You’ve got enough to think about when it comes to the actual audition!

Delivering an ident clearly and confidently is a great way to show you’re a pro and get yourself in the zone at the start of an audition. Take a deep breath, relax, and be yourself. Then let the camera roll.