You’re one step closer to booking the job if you get a commercial callback. Keep these helpful pointers in mind for your next one.
1. Be available for the job. Before coming in for a callback, make sure you are fully available for the fitting and shoot dates. If you have a conflict, communicate this to your agent before confirming your callback, so that casting has this information and everyone is on the same page. Being upfront about any scheduling issues prevents unnecessary headaches later on in the process. It’s never fun when casting calls to put talent on avail for the project, only to learn they’re not, in fact, available.
2. Remember what you wore. The client liked what you did and what you looked like during your first audition, that’s why they want to see you again. Do your best to come to the callback looking exactly the same, from the way you styled to your hair to the shirt you wore, to make it as easy for them as possible to remember you from the first round. Unless your agent gets a specific request from casting to change something (come in clean shaven or with straightened hair), look the same way you did during your first audition.
3. Don’t freak out if no one looks like you. If you walk into the casting facility and no one seems to look like your “type,” don’t immediately assume the worst. Sometimes specs are super general and the client just wants to find the right person, regardless of even gender sometimes. Stay positive and do your best, even if you feel like the odd man or odd woman out. You truly never know.
4. Curb your frustration. Sometimes there are last minute script changes that casting gets the same day as the callback. Trust me, if we had the new scripts any earlier, we would have sent them out so talent had time to review beforehand. But sometimes we don’t have that opportunity. I’ve seen talent get frustrated and complain or make comments for all to hear, forgetting that the client is present, and most likely in earshot. Frustration is understandable, but work through it on your own without giving the client a reason to move on from considering you.
5. Be careful on social media. It can be exciting to get callbacks and be busy auditioning, but avoid publicizing the products and brands you’re auditioning for—especially if you’ve signed an NDA. I’ve seen this too many times and the reality bears repeating: Social media is public and clients have people monitoring Twitter, Instagram, etc. for the kinds of things people are posting. What you write will be found and it’s a big deal if you’ve signed an NDA and ignored it. It also makes casting look like we didn’t do our jobs by enforcing the NDA. Overall, it’s best to be vague and not drop the name of the product on social media.
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Since 2009, Rachel Williams has cast hundreds of commercial, print, editorial, and voiceover projects at House Casting | Los Angeles. She has worked with clients ranging from Armani to Disney and is always on the lookout for new talent.
