Make Yourself More BOOKABLE.
Not getting callbacks on casting calls? Here are the reasons why.
Do you keep submitting to casting calls but getting no responses? Well, there might be an issue with your audition submissions.
As we usher in the New Year, there’s no better time to clean up your submissions and enhance your chances of landing that next acting job. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro, one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your bookability is by ensuring that you are submitting current photos with your casting applications.
Top reasons for not getting a call back on your audition or casting submissions- Let’s start with photos:
Photos:
Photos are the #1 reason many people looking to break into show biz are not getting a call.
Casting directors normally demand recent photos in order to see what you actually look like. If you are submitting for background work, those photos are important.
Too many people send over images from their social media, images that have filters applied, images that are completely outdated and images that do not fit the specifications they requested.
While those filtered pics and photos that you think you look awesome in…years back, it is absolutely not what casting directors want. What they want is simply a recent photo of how you look! No filters, no cool cat eyes, no anything. Those photos are obvious to those who see them daily and they rarely represent what you look like in person. Those may work on social media, but they surely do not for casting.
Make sure you read our extensive sections on acting and modeling scams:
Disney and Kids Acting and Modeling Scams
How to Spot a Modeling / Acting Scam
Disney Auditions and Nickelodeon Auditions – How the Scam Works
Now for the Photos They Want:
When casting directors tell you to just take a snap shot against a wall, they mean exactly that.
The below is basically what is expected. It is as easy as the snapshots below…without any of the manipulation we all know cameras can do.
Her are the tips for getting booked as a movie Extra:
They do not want photoshopped beauty shots or heavily filtered images that are obvious. They want reality and when they don’t get that, they will not waste their time explaining it to the 1000s applying…they just go with those who do follow directions instead.
Are you interested in working as a paid background actor / Extra? See our Extras casting pages.
Make Sure You are Local and in The Area They are casting in.
Majority of casting calls have location requirements. Most projects do not pay travel expenses and when it comes to extras casting, call times may be last minute. Many productions find out the night before what the actual call time is. If you are submitting to jobs way outside your area…you probably will not get a call back because casting directors simply will not stake their own pay, reputation, on anyone’s travel arrangements.
For extras, casting directors always overbook locals because people living 10 mins away flake out consistently. If they booked people living 100s of miles away that flake out rate would be 80% as it may sound like fun at first… but reality of driving hours and spending more in gas that you would make as an extra, sets in.
Follow the Instructions, To The Letter:
Most casting directors include clear instructions on how they want the submission. Those instructions include specific subject lines for email, formats, etc. Reality is, they need you to use the proper subject lines and follow the instructions completely because their email filters, trash any that do not. Much of email, especially in systems that get 1000’s of emails daily, don’t actually make it into the casting directors box. They filter email based on what they requested and if someone does something outside of that…well, it goes into trash automatically and they will never even see your submission.
How to get booked for that acting or extras gig?
Like I said above, follow the directions 100%. That’s right, no deviation.
Always remember that these people, the casting team, do this daily. Furthermore, since they do it daily, they are well adapted to making the best of their time by never even looking at submissions that do nothing but waste their time.
Here is some more information about making your photos work for for you.
Current Photos Matter
Casting directors and agents are often sifting through hundreds of submissions, and the first impression your photos give is crucial. When they request a “recent” or “current” photo, they mean it! This means the photo should reflect what you look like in real-time, not an older headshot or a picture from several months ago.
Here’s why it matters:
- Accurate Representation: The casting team needs to see you as you truly are right now. If your submission contains an outdated photo, it’s like showing up to an audition wearing last season’s clothes. Casting teams recognize your photos, and they can spot if you’ve submitted the same picture repeatedly. If they’re familiar with an old photo, they may pass on your submission, thinking it’s not a good match for the current project.
- Building Trust: Consistently sending photos that are outdated or heavily edited can harm your reputation as a reliable actor. By sending a fresh, unretouched photo, you’re showing the team that you’re serious, authentic, and ready to perform.
How to Select an Acting Monologue for Your Audition
Still thinking about it?
On Location Casting, which books in Southwest, had the following advice:
PRO TIP heading into the New Year —
Help make yourself more BOOKABLE when you submit – if we are asking for a RECENT or CURRENT photo of you – please take a selfie or have someone take a camera phone photo of you.
We are cleaning out our inboxes of 2024 submissions and are finding that a lot of people are submitting the same photo over and over, sometimes many months apart. We see your photo(s) often enough and we recognize that it is an OLD photo that we’ve seen before – which makes us less likely to submit you to the Client.
ALWAYS SUBMIT CURRENT PHOTOS of what you look like in that moment! It will help you get the job – trust us!!
Looking forward to working with you all in 2025! Let’s BOOK jobs!!
How to Get the Right Photo
A common misconception is that you need a professional photographer to get the perfect shot. Not true! While headshots are important, casting directors are simply looking for what you really look like.
- Selfies or Camera Phone Photos: One of the easiest ways to get a current, natural-looking photo is by snapping a selfie or asking someone you trust to take a picture of you with their phone. Choose a well-lit environment (natural light is best!) and make sure the photo is clear and reflects your current look.
- Keep it Simple: There’s no need for heavy makeup or fancy outfits—just show your true self. Avoid over-editing the image; natural photos are more likely to make a strong impression.
How to Stand Out with Your Submission
Here are a few quick tips to make your photos and submissions stand out:
- Stay Consistent: Keep submitting fresh photos regularly. If a casting director has seen your current look once, it’s helpful to stay consistent in how you appear in future submissions.
- Show Different Angles: If submitting multiple photos, show variety—one close-up and one full-body shot can give casting teams a better idea of your appearance.
- Update Your Profile: Make sure your resume and contact information are up-to-date in addition to your photos. Casting teams want to see all the relevant information at a glance.
Why It’s Worth It
Remember, casting teams appreciate a professional approach and attention to detail. A recent, clear photo will help you get noticed, especially in a competitive industry. Think of it this way—taking the time to submit the right picture shows that you’re committed to putting your best foot forward, and that can make all the difference.
So, heading into 2025, make sure you’re submitting what you look like now—and we promise, it’ll go a long way in securing that next audition or job!
Now, that everyone is excited to work in the New Year. Go BOOK jobs!