How To Add Representation & Maximize Your Opportunities with Actors Access

Navigating the world of on-camera acting means more than just honing your craft—it requires understanding the tools that connect you to opportunities. In today’s industry, casting websites are the primary bridge between talent and potential roles in film, television, and commercials. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, being well-versed in these platforms can significantly increase your visibility and maximize your chances of booking work. In this blog, we’ll break down the two primary casting websites used in our region, exploring their key features, best practices, and how you can use them to your advantage.

The state of Missouri is experiencing more casting opportunities thanks to the Show MO Act, and TalentPlus is committed to helping you capitalize on these developments. As your St. Louis agent, we utilize Actors Access to ensure you have the best chances of being considered for future on-camera and print projects.

How to Register & Optimize Your Profiles

ACTORS ACCESS

• Projects: TV, Film and Commercial castings. Episodics like The Bear, Powerbook IV, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. Midwest & national film and television opportunities.

• Registration: Ask your agent to send you an email invite through Actors Access to get you linked to TalentPlus. If your agent has already sent an email invite, please follow the instructions from the invite to get you started with Actors Access.

• Features: Actors Access offers two free photos, one free :07 second Slateshot, resume, size card, and special skills listings. Performance media video costs $22 per minute and audio content $11 per minute, with a four-second grace period. Additional photos cost $10 each.

• Castings: You will receive an email from Actors Access requesting an EcoCast self-taped audition or an in person audition invite, depending on the project and location of the shoot.

Why Updating Your Casting Profiles Matters

Casting directors prioritize fresh and comprehensive profiles, including updated headshots and video content. An accurate representation of your current look and abilities is crucial to stand out in a competitive field. Here are key points to consider:

• Media Matters: Profiles featuring video clips tend to attract more attention. Having on-camera performance clips can significantly enhance your chances of being cast.

• Complete Profiles Get Priority: Casting directors are more likely to review profiles that are thorough and detailed. Ensure your profiles are fully filled out to increase your visibility.

• Variety is Key: Include both theatrical and commercial headshots to showcase your versatility. Casting directors appreciate actors who can adapt to different roles. Keep it current, take down your outdated headshots that don’t correctly represent you.

Tips for Profile Enhancement

• Headshots: Keep your theatrical and commercial headshots current. Casting directors prefer actors who regularly update their profiles, so avoid using the same headshot year after year.

• On-Camera Performance Clips: If you lack previous project clips, consider adding contemporary theatrical monologues under one minute. Include both comedic and dramatic pieces to showcase your range. Using lesser-known pieces or character-driven monologues allows you to captivate the audience with your unique perspective, emotion, and depth. Knowing how to frame your monologues is key. Avoid using theatre performances because remember you are performing for the camera, not to a theatre audience.

Practices To Sidestep

Actors Access may send you automated emails claiming you 'may be perfect for a role' and to self submit for their project. TalentPlus will submit you for consideration for on camera and print projects through both sites, talent are not asked to submit themselves and do not need to sign up for premium packages to submit themselves in these instances of being a perfect fit for a project because a lot of times these perfect fit opportunities can be non paying, volunteer or ultra low paying and not in your drivable area. Here are some news articles on casting sites and their comments on ‘pay for play’.

"Actors Sue Commercial Casting Site Over ‘Pay for Play’ Policy," Variety

"Online Audition Platform Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Pay-to-Play Tactics," The Hollywood Reporter

To control the amount of automated emails you get from Casting Networks you can: go to Account Settings > Notification Settings > Project Type Alerts and you can deselect the types of projects that do not pertain to yourself, for example "Non Paying", "Reality TV" and "Game Show" are some types of castings we do not submit talent for on the casting sites.

In Actors Access, you can receive role match notifications, you can deselect these role match notifications in your talent account.

Laying Out Your Performance Media

When laying out your video media on both Actors Access, talent should upload performance media categorized by the type of clip. For example, an actor who booked the role of a firefighter on Chicago Fire might use the following description for their performance media:

"Firefighter - Drama, a firefighter ignores orders from their captain and runs into a burning building."

By clearly labeling and organizing your clips, you make it easier for your agent to quickly identify and submit the most relevant footage for a given role. Agents often comb through multiple performances to find the best representation of your skills that align with a casting breakdown. Having your clips categorized effectively ensures that the right material is readily available, increasing your chances of being considered for the role.

Below are samples of how talent lay out their performance media.

By maintaining updated casting profiles and thoughtfully incorporating these key elements, you'll position yourself for greater visibility and success in the industry. A well-organized profile with clear, categorized media not only helps casting directors see your range but also allows your agent to quickly submit the most relevant clips for each opportunity. The more polished and strategic your profile is, the more effectively we can advocate for you.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your talent gets the recognition it deserves. Let’s maximize the potential of these casting platforms and open doors to exciting new roles that showcase your skills to the fullest.

💡 Pro Tip: Always stay up to date and in the know on TalentPlus bookings by referring & returning to our casting dashboard here.