Episode 393: What CD's Notice in the First 10 Seconds

What Casting Directors Notice in the First 10 Seconds

Most actors believe the audition starts when they begin the scene.

It doesn't.

The audition starts the moment casting sees you. And casting directors often know within the first 10 seconds whether someone feels like they belong in the room or belong in the self-tape. Whether they feel they deserve to be there and are really showing up to drop off the gift of their talent.

Presence Before Performance

It's not that casting directors are judging your soul. It's the energy. Are you giving off the energy of clarity, of worthiness, of confidence that you believe you deserve to be there?

I work on this with so many actors. The thoughts that creep in. I hope they like me. I'm probably not right for this. Everyone else is probably better than me. Before COVID I would always ask, are you the actor who goes into the audition waiting room and gives away the role to someone else sitting there? You want to be giving the role to you.

And here's what happens when you don't. That energy shows up in you physically. Your posture changes, your voice tightens, your eyes drop.

Confidence in acting doesn't come from booking the job. It comes from deciding that you belong in the room before anyone else decides that for you.

Clarity of Type

When casting directors are casting a role they are solving a problem. Who is the clearest version of this role? Does this actor understand their casting type? Does their headshot and their presence match? Does their wardrobe support the role?

Clarity beats versatility in auditions. Listen to that again. Clarity beats versatility in auditions.

Comfort With the Camera

Casting is always looking for someone who feels natural on camera. I think about NBA players and how comfortable they are with a basketball. That is what we need to be with a camera. That comfortable.

And it's not about who is the most dramatic or the loudest. It's who is the most real in the role. Who fits like a glove. The calm presence often comes from something much deeper than acting technique.

I have what may be a controversial belief. Once you know how to act, once you have a real good basis for it, I think it is truly all about your relationship with yourself. How you tick, how you get yourself to certain places. The most valuable relationship you can have is the relationship with yourself, because that is your instrument.

Also, always look at auditions as opportunities. Not as a test. Are you looking at your auditions like a test you took in high school? Because that is setting you up for a lot of stress.

Emotional Energy

Casting notices this. But you know what, it's really just people. Directors, producers, just people. You could say the same thing about being on a date. Is this person grounded? Are they open? Do they feel collaborative?

Because the room is not just about evaluating talent. It's about all of you collaborating together. What would it be like to work with this actor for 12 hours a day on set? I want to put out an energy of calm, professional, clear, welcoming, generous, warmth, happiness, joy, freedom. That's what people like to work with. And that wonderful ingredient some of the best actors I know have: the ability to be curious.

Professional Signals

We notice the practical details very quickly. If an actor doesn't follow the basic directions, unless I have a long-standing relationship with them, I delete it. I'm sorry, I don't have time.

Did the actor follow the directions for slating or for delivery? If I said send it in this format, did they send it in that format or in the format they just felt like sending it to me? What that gives off to me is that you value your time more than you value my time. And in a professional situation, when you're hoping I'm going to consider you for a job, you need to be thinking about the person giving you that opportunity.

Within a millisecond I can tell if you speak my language or not. It's so obvious to me. And that's what's so important to have together before you put yourself out.

A Little Shift

Instead of asking do they like me, ask yourself how can I show up as the most grounded version of this character and how can I serve this project in this moment.

Actors who work consistently treat auditions differently. They walk in thinking, whether consciously or subconsciously, I belong here. I'm here to collaborate. Let's see what happens.

The Bottom Line

Casting directors are not looking for perfection. We are looking for someone who feels authentic, grounded, and clear. And that begins before the first line.

We attract who we are. So if I am grounded and clear and professional in all areas of my life, that is what I bring into the audition. That is what I aim for as an actor. And that is what I look for as a casting director.

Want to Keep the Conversation Going?

For those who have not yet taken advantage of this, I am offering free Zoom consults for a limited time. Email me at peter@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

As I always say, stay safe and treat yourself real well.