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Hi there all, just a quick question, as I'm not completely sure how it all works,

There is a casting for a children's show that I know is on Spotlight, as several people I know have had auditions for it, and I'd really like to audition as I'm the correct age etc! However, is it acceptable to ask my agent if they have details about the job, and ask them to put me forward for it, or is that rude? I don't want to sound like I'm suggesting that their not dong their job or anything, as I know they would be likely to say that they always suggest me for things if they think I'm suitable (although I don't think they always do!)

If it is acceptable to ask them, how should I phrase myself? Should I say something along the lines of 'If you think I'd be suitable for this job, please could you put me forward?'
Thanks!!

It would be very odd indeed if your agent had NOT submitted you for a role for which you were suitable (assuming it is a paid role). You can certainly ask your agent whether you have been submitted. You may find they have already put you forward and that you have just not been called up by the CD: this is by far the most likely scenario.

You should never be afraid to ask your agent about things you need to know. However, if it is available as a general Spotlight breakdown it really would be extraordinary if you had not been submitted if your agent considers you have the required looks/skillset. You may think you are suitable and your agent may not think so - in which case they could explain why.

It's probably useful for you to have a general conversation about submissions so that you can feel confident that your agent is on the case on your behalf!

Its important to remember your agent works for YOU. Dont be afraid to ask but dont be rude. Just ask if you have been submitted as you thought you were really suitable for it. The agent might say there was more to the casting breakdown and explain what that was and why he/she didnt put your forward. Often casting directors dont select children who are suitable for the job because they have been told to look for a certain type (by looks for instance) a certain height (really particular in relation to theatre) or because the casting director either has a look in mind or doesnt have a look in mind but knows it when they see it. Its a minefield and you cant second guess it. However you need to know your agent is fully behind you and understands what skills you have and where you strengths and weaknesses are.

Thanks for your replies

Similarly to my previous question, would it be okay to ask my agent to put me forward for an upcoming project? It's for a film that I would really love to do and think I would suit, do you think it would be okay for me to ask them to keep me in mind if there are any roles I am suitable for? I don't know what the actual roles are so I don't specifically know if I would suit any but it is a project I'd really love to do! I don't want to sound rude and suggest that they wouldn't normally put me forward for something I'm suitable for, as I've just joined with them and don't want to get off on the wrong foot! thanks

Hi Jellybabies. Most definitely ask your agent. They may not have heard of this project yet. At least they can ask around from their contacts if they know something is in the pipeline. Go for it. You have to push yourself in this business. I don't feel it would be rude. If you get the job it would benefit them. Good luck

thanks michbv!!! I'll let you know how it goes

Well, I'm not sure about this one. It depends a bit on what the film is, who is casting it, what your experience is like. It would be different if you knew that there was a part in it that you knew you were perfect for. In my opinion, just saying "I would love to be involved in X" is a bit pointless. What leads you to think that you would "suit" it? Do you have specialist skills that you think are going to be needed? Most actors would love to be involved in everything! Agents know that.

I suppose you could ask your agent to keep an eye out for who is casting it (they will be doing this anyway) and you could send in your details and express your interest in the project. Your agent may agree to do this but I think they are more likely not to agree. If every agent in the land approached a CD every time an actor expressed an interest in the project, then the CD would be inundated with inappropriate, untargeted submissions - which is likely to be very annoying and a waste of time for the CD. One thing your agent doesn't want to do (for your sake as well as their own) is annoy the casting director. I know, from direct conversations, that some agents have now ruined their own reputations by making inappropriate submissions and will be ignored by CDs in future - especially for anything high profile.

If it's an independent or low budget film then that's fine (and in that case I would suggest a direct approach as well) but if it's a big project then it is unlikely that your agent is going to be approaching the casting director unless there's a part you are perfect for - and if they do find out that there is a part you are perfect for, then they will submit you if they think your experience is good enough. Most big budget films are cast by the CD approaching the agents who represent the actors they want to see. They already know who they want on their shortlist. Some of the top agents are also able to negotiate with the CD to get other clients seen (or even cast) by saying "you can have this A list client if you also consider my other clients" but that will only be if they are suitable.

I would suggest trying to find a time when your agent isn't too busy to have a chat about how to approach this kind of thing. I think my agent would consider it a bit pointless for me to tell her I wanted to be involved in a high profile project if I didn't know whether there was a role I was suitable for. To be honest, I think she would think it a bit pointless whether the project was high profile or not. She would expect me to make my own contacts with any companies I was particularly interested in working with. The exception to this would be something like the RSC or the National - if I expressed an ambition to work with a particular high profile ensemble then she could (and does) work hard at getting my name/profile in front of a relevant casting director (and she would expect me to do the same) and make sure they were invited to any shows I was in. She would expect me to be doing my own general networking too.

The point I'm trying to make (in my usual long-winded way) is that this is a long game. You have to build up the contacts. You also have to be able to trust your agent, so having a general conversation about submissions, contacts and your career could pay dividends .

Squeaky wheel gets the grease as long as you ask nicely!

'If you think I'd be suitable for this job, please could you put me forward?' is perfect, IMO. If your agent has anything about them they will either forward you or explain why they haven't.

Anyone could get uppity at your proactive approach, but it wouldn't make them a very nice (or a very sensible) person

Steve

[quote="Jellybabies"]
There is a casting for a children's show that I know is on Spotlight, as several people I know have had auditions for it, and quote]

which childrens show is this and what is the feature film, just out of curiosity?