Social media is a endless supply of tension for a lot of performers, with questions on all the pieces from content material to follower counts. We sat down with Los Angeles-based casting director Laurie Data to ask her your burning questions on how casting administrators use social media, and what they do—and don’t—wish to see after they discover your profile.
Inform me slightly bit about how you bought into casting and the way you bought to the place you’re in your profession.
I used to be working at Starbucks, this was in all probability 2003, I believe. The proprietor of Casting Networks, on the time referred to as LA Casting, was a buyer of mine. And he provided me a job a number of instances. I turned him down a number of instances. And mainly he harassed me in the very best manner into saying sure in some unspecified time in the future.
So I went to work for Casting Networks, began working with expertise and casting administrators there. I believe I used to be there for about three years. I went on to work for a business casting director as an affiliate. After which about three years later, I opened my very own enterprise. It definitely wasn’t something I used to be planning on, however I’m thrilled to be right here. I’m very completely satisfied.
How do you utilize social media to assist along with your casting choices?
Virtually on a regular basis whereas we’re in callbacks, there may be some shopper someplace sitting on their pc, trying to find the actor who’s within the room. They’re looking out their social media. They’re looking out them on the web and seeing what comes up. It’s a standard factor to do. In fact, they’re searching for something that is perhaps regarding, however they’re additionally searching for, “Oh my gosh, take a look at that fabulous shot on Instagram.” I’ve undoubtedly seen them [use social media to] pitch actors who they wish to e book the function. They’re like, “Have a look at this nice Instagram shot.”
There’s a time after I would’ve mentioned, “Your social media doesn’t actually matter. Your Instagram account doesn’t matter.” And I’d say it in all probability does now.
I’m on social media a good quantity. I really like simply getting new actors on my radar, actors that I’m not conscious of. I believe it’s enjoyable.
Generally I’m constructive that I’ve met an actor in individual, after which I notice, nope, it’s simply been on Twitter. I simply know them by means of social media. I believe that’s cool.
Do you assume follower rely is essential?
That reply has modified over time. I believe in sure circumstances, sure, however they’re particular. Completely, there are shoppers who’re searching for influencers. That’s on the market and that exists, and they’re going to say that upfront.
However in any other case, no, I don’t. I’d moderately watch your humorous sketch from UCB [Upright Citizens Brigade], and I don’t care you probably have 4 followers, 40, or 4,000. I like to take a look at the content material greater than I care about your followers. Can I see the business that you simply booked? Do you’ve that posted? Do you’ve a standup routine, a slice from that? Do you’ve nice headshots? That’s way more attention-grabbing to me as a casting director than you probably have sway or fame on Instagram.
Whenever you’re taking a look at an actor’s social media, what sort of pink flags are you searching for?
More often than not it’s not me, it’s a shopper. They’re searching for offensive content material. I would definitely steer clear of excessive something, whether or not it’s provocative pictures [or] excessive political ideas. I believe you can categorical how you’re feeling politically, however you’re in a hazard zone. Protecting civil discourse is a good suggestion, and simply staying away from crass, impolite, crude stuff. You’re representing the model ultimately, [that] is how they’re taking a look at you. Should you’re a recognized jerk on-line, that’s not going to work out for the model.
What do you assume would shock individuals about the way in which that you simply use social media?
I believe it does shock people who after I say, “Oh, I truly met that individual by means of Twitter or by means of Instagram.” I’m certain actors are like, “No manner does that occur.” And I’d say that wouldn’t occur with all people. The casting director must be eager about being on social media or else it received’t occur. And there are many casting administrators who completely will not be into it.
I’m a sucker for watching commercials, so in case you, as an actor, are posting a business that you simply’ve been in, I can hardly hold myself from watching it. I’m a pupil of commercials identical to all people else. That’s my job. If you wish to be in commercials, you must watch commercials, too. I really like that sort of content material.
Do you’ve any tales you possibly can inform a few time when social media was a key issue within the casting?
I’ve seen issues go terribly incorrect when the manufacturing staff and the advert company are very enthusiastic about an actor, after which they do some little bit of on-line analysis and so they’re like, “Oh, no, no, no, we are able to’t.” That’s the adverse facet of it. However I believe that administrators and producers, in addition to myself, we geek out about nice actors and all we would like is to love you extra. We’re searching for extra causes to love you.
So in case you’ve bought a humorous clip up the director might be like, “Oh my gosh, watch this.” I’ve seen social media make us extra enthusiastic about you. In that scenario, it comes after getting the audition, it comes after getting the callback, but it surely nonetheless contributes to your success. It nonetheless was one other brick in attending to, “That’s our first alternative. Let’s put them within the spot.”
Usually, what recommendation would you give to actors who’re making an attempt to construct out their social media?
Should you hate it, I’d say then let it go. You do you. However you probably have curiosity in it, be prepared to place within the time, and meaning every day or each different day. It’s essential be lively. I’d put it on my to-do record. Dedicate a half an hour of your time to cultivating that. I believe that consistency is vital. Simply make it a part of what you’re doing on your performing profession right now.
It would take time. You aren’t going to be on all people’s radar from the get-go. However in case you take pleasure in it, it needs to be slightly little bit of enjoyable for you and [it] can completely be useful in some conditions. So, take the time, put within the effort and take into consideration what you’re doing. Watch out, don’t slap issues up that you simply would possibly remorse later. Be considerate. Hold your actor social media account pristine and with a spotlight that’s going to serve you as an actor. Ultimately, it can make it easier to down the road. I believe it’s definitely worth the time.
Any final ideas?
I’d say, if [social media] will not be your bag, keep off! Don’t have an Instagram account. It’s all proper! However I consider that you probably have curiosity in it, you can be rewarded. Comply with different actors. Look and see what they’re doing. That’s an effective way to get some content material concepts. Some individuals do it very properly, so watch and mimic them. You’ll be completely different since you are you, however that manner you’re not reinventing the wheel. Actors have come earlier than you and completed this social media factor fairly properly. Be a pupil of theirs, get some nice concepts, and have enjoyable. However hold it centered. Hold it centered on the performing stuff and revel in it as a enjoyable break you’ve within the day.
This text was initially printed on Casting Networks.
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Written by Rebecca Lehmann
