3 Ways To Shine Like A Star In Your Casting Director General Meeting
Want to knock their socks off?
Who?
Casting Directors, of course!
I hope the answer was a big fat YES, because that’s what this blog is all about.
Specifically, how you can knock their socks off in a “general meeting”.
By “general meeting”, I mean when a Casting Director calls you in, but it’s not to audition for anything per se. It’s not to audition for anything at all, in fact. (If you need an audition tip, you'll want to look at this post on how to handle it when they switch your sides at the last minute, or this one on how to button your audition with a bang.)
A “general meeting” (often just referred to as a “general”), is sort of meet and greet… Just you and a Casting Director (usually). Chit-chatting.
Sound scary?
It could be IF you don’t know how to handle it (which is what you’ll learn in today’s video below…)
I made this video for you because when I was Vice President of Casting at HBO, we did generals almost daily. We sat down and “chit-chatted” with actors like you, with absolutely no specific project in mind. Just to get to know them.
It was one of the most fun parts of my job there. :-)
So, after 14 years, you can imagine how many generals I had with actors…Wowza!
Why is this important to you?
Because if you haven’t had a general meeting with a Casting Director yet, you will at some point. And when you do, you'll want these 3 tips so you know what to do, what to say and how to get the most out of this fantastic opportunity you have at your fingertips.
In this video, you'll get the answer to:
How Do I Shine In My General Meeting With A Casting Director?
Did those 3 tips for your Casting Director general give you some perspective?
Now that you know what’s important, what to do and what NOT to do in a general with a Casting Director, make sure you bookmark this page so you can come back and review it before your next (or first) general.
REMEMBER: A general meeting with a Casting Director is a tremendous opportunity for you to create the foundation of a powerful long-term relationship…
…A relationship from which you can enjoy a bountiful harvest again and again, over the scope of your acting career….IF you do it right.
And great news for you…by watching this video and reading this blog, you just started off right.
Keep that stuff up!
Your turn! Have you ever had a general meeting with a Casting Director? How'd it go? What did you do right? What could you have done better? Tell me about it in the comments below… :-)
You DESERVE The Red Carpet!
~Amy
Did this acting tip video on how to stand out in your general meeting with a Casting Director help you? If so, I would greatly appreciate if you commented below and shared on Facebook
Amy Jo Berman's Tips On Acting & Auditioning Blog
Email: Asst@AmyJoBerman.com
“I show actors how to be better, book more jobs and live The Red Carpet life!”
Thank you so much for this! I have a General Meeting today with a really excellent Casting Director and watching your video has really just put me at ease! I am literally going to go onto this zoom session as myself :D Thank you
I have a meeting with a casting director tomorrow! Thanks for un-nerving me. I used to work at Pearl Studios in NYC, Amy. I remember seeing you there. You were incredibly nice and professional. Thanks again.
That was a great video and good advice!
I wish all casting directors would have general meetings instead of many of them only being accessible via workshops and agents.
Hey AJB
I just left a general with the SVP of casting for WB television. I watched your video to prepare and it helped me immensely. I had the “coffee with a friend” mentality and it just went swimmingly. We ended up having a lovely chat that I’d want to have with just about anyone. Thanks for your wisdom!
Wow first time I hear of this. In Vancouver unheard of but now that I am heading to LA.. I am all ready thanks to your TIP!
Have not had a general yet, per se, but this tip is a good one. When I do I will see your smiling face telling me to “Just Be Yourself” & relax!!!
Thanks for the advice Amy. :-)
This was a great video! Awesome tips! Now I know for the future when I get more active in the film industry! Thank you, Amy :)
This was great! Now I won’t be nervous not knowing what to expect. Being myself and talking to people comes naturally to me. That’s when I shine according to people I know. Thank you so much for the tip!
Great advice! Always good to hear what you have to say for us to put into practice! Best!
I’ve noticed you are getting more creative when giving these tips Amy! Expressing yourself… that’s why I think watching you turns me on. :D
Thank you Amy Jo Berman~ I, when permitted to be myself, always bring a small gesture-gift when meeting with old, and new, business and personal contacts. Frequently, the gift is box of Reed’s ginger candy…or some soda, as my husband is on the board of directors and we have products to share. I do not intend it as a bribe, yet to provide sweetness and, perhaps, if warranted, a mnemonic device for future casting. Will you tell me if this instinct to share is considered inappropriate in the entertainment business? Have a wonderful day. Thanks for your thoughts!
So I should talk to the like they are my friend basically. Why do some of them insist on talking on the phone first?
This was really helpful. While I’ve never had a general, I have had a Casting Director who, after the audition, was walking me out and said, “So how’s everything going?” My mind immediately translated that to “So,what projects have you been working on?” AND THAT’S NOT WHAT SHE SAID OR MEANT. I think she just wanted to know a little more about me. And because it had actually been a little slow in the acting department at the time, I just said, “Oh, fine. Everything’s great. Thanks.” Uhg. Now I know to talk about my kids or ANYTHING, not just say, “fine.” That short interaction has bothered me for a year. Now it’s off my chest for you all to see. HaHa! Thanks for the advice Amy Jo. ;0)
The only time I have had a meeting with a casting director is at the casting.
Well then you are armed and ready for your first general Talya. :-)
I never had a general meeting with a casting director before. Your video has helped me to know what to do when I do get one.
Perfect!
I have a meeting with a casting director tomorrow and I am so grateful that when I put the topic in google, your response came up. Thank you ! You have taken the weight off my shoulders and put me at ease. Thank you for your generocity.