Getting Started as an Actor

I blinked...and realized that I have been a part of the Film & TV community for 10 years. If the entertainment industry was a major corporation, I would have received a keychain or coffee mug, or crazy modern glass paper weight with some words etched on it to celebrate my longevity.

But, this industry doesn't work that way. The only sure thing is knowledge, which I will share with you.

I get asked monthly/weekly/daily about how one can land a role in a movie or on TV or in a commercial. Many don't believe me when I say that it's as easy (and as hard) as A-B-C.

A) Professional Acting Training.

How do you find this? Do your research! Look at their training and experience. A high school drama class does not count as preparing them to teach you or your child how to be a professional actor. Professional acting teachers have invested time and money into learning and growing as an actor and as a teacher. They have studied the greats of modern acting and understand how to spot a great performance. They are not afraid to give a tough critique because they get that merely giving praise sets an actor up for a lot of heartache. They are your best cheerleader and toughest coach. They know the good, bad, and ugly parts of this industry...and still love the art of acting enough to stay.

B) Great Headshots.

This comes partially from outside sources (decent background and lighting, professional hair/makeup, good photographer), but much more from within: confidence, poise, and truthful acting at the exact moment that the lens captures one's soul. Refer to the first step (Professional Acting Training) if you are wondering how to find this inner strength.

C) Connected Talent Agent.

This is an industry of relationships. And your agent needs to have some great ones in order for you to land the auditions that you are currently dreaming about. Anyone can throw out a shingle and print some business cards, but only a gifted few can help actors launch successful careers. In order to stand a chance at signing with them, please look back at the first two steps listed above...

It is incredibly simple--and incredibly tough--to land a role. I have tremendous respect for actors. My hat is off to everyone who is auditioning for and booking roles.

You. Are. Amazing. 

Headshots - What NOT to Do...

Since I have been very busy casting projects this past week, I have had the opportunity to view a ton of headshots. This has led me to seeing a lot of really bad ones from actors asking for an audition...and today's post.

What NOT to DO: Headshot Edition

If it looks like it came from Olan Mills, it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like it came from Glamour Shots (you youngsters might need to Google this, but these consisted of teased hair, bad makeup, and props...always props), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like a phone selfie, it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like your small child took it (as much as I am a fan of small children), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like it came out of a Polaroid camera (and you took the advice of Outkast and shook it hard), it is not a good headshot.

If it contains more than one person, it is not a good headshot.

If it contains identifiable tourist spots in the background (think Mickey Mouse ears), it is not a good headshot.

If it looks like a mugshot, it is not a good headshot.

If you are in the shadows (even though I love film noir), it is not a good headshot.

If you are squinting into the sun, it is not a good headshot.

If it contains your entire body, it is not a good HEADshot.

If it was obviously cropped to exclude another person, it is not a good headshot.


Yes, I saw all of these this past week. Actors, do yourselves a favor. Look like a professional. Your headshot and resume is the only thing that I have to determine whether you are one.

What is a Casting Director?

What is Ayoka Billions Casting?

Let's start with what I am NOT:

1) A Talent Agent.

These folks truly are saints. They work 24/7 to search for opportunities for their actors, promote them, submit them, answer questions, negotiate contracts, put out fires, give advice, encourage excellence, hold some hands, and wipe a few tears. Yes, tears. There are many in this industry. Talent agents submit their actor clients to casting directors for projects and receive 10-20% of the payment in exchange. I don't have a talent pool or website with pictures (because it would need to contain photos of at least 129, 092 active members of the Screen Actors Guild, along with numerous non-union actors).

2) A Suggestion Service.

I get calls from people asking for headshots of actors that I can suggest for their project. While, I do have a list of talented actors across the Southeast that I know can deliver a stellar performance, they may not be right or available for this particular project. That is what breakdowns are for: we see who is available and interested prior to asking them to AUDITION (with material from this project) for the project. I would never book anyone (except major NAME TALENT) without an audition.

3) A Counseling Service.

I receive emails and phone calls almost daily from actors wanting to meet/chat about getting auditions for Film & TV roles. I understand that you don’t know how to get started in this industry. My advice is as simple (and as complicated) as A-B-C: A) Professional Acting Training. B) Great Headshots. C) Connected Talent Agent. Enough on that for now since I will write more about these points in a future article.

SO, what am I?

I am a professional casting director, hired by production companies and filmmakers to find the right talent for your project. I work day and night with agents and directly with actors to find the right talent, create audition material, schedule auditions, advise the production on the best options, and book/schedule actors for the job. My goal is to make your project come to life with the best talent available to fit your budget. What type of projects? I have cast union and non-union projects including Feature Films, Short Films, Music Videos, Commercials, Industrials, & Interactive Projects. It is the highlight of my job to see completed projects with talented actors saying lines that started as words on a page. That is what I do.