Why didn't I get the job?

Getting a casting is very exciting...

Whether you're a seasoned auditioner or it's your first time, there is always a chance that you may not get chosen for the role.

Ever wondered why this might be? 

There are many steps involved before we receive a brief for a casting from a client. Often, every detail included in the brief is carefully planned and considered for the advertisement, catalogue or acting role in question. Alternatively, the client could only have a rough idea of what they are looking for and open the door to different options; relying heavily on our opinion and skills to match the brief accordingly. Clients may realise upon receiving submissions, which type of child would add the right character to the role. 

Walking out of the casting feeling like it went really well is comforting, but it pays to remember that clients might like all of the talent, and still have to choose someone based on a collaborative decision. Mostly, we are not told why talent are unsuccessful, similar to adults auditioning for modelling and acting roles. However, experience has suggested that these are a few reasons that contribute to missing out: 

• If they have to cast for parents, one child could suit the 'family' more than others and create a more realistic look
• The child role could be cancelled at the last minute or changed to a different age group
• Your availability for shooting dates and flexibility may not suit schedule
• Another child may resemble more so, what the client has in mind for the brand upon meeting in person
• Personality is key. It makes the choice easy for the client if one child comes in rather shy, followed by someone who is excited to be there and confident in their interactions. 
• Experience can sometimes play a part, especially for older children in acting roles. This can be evident straight away with introductions and reading of scripts (this is where acting courses can help significantly to assist with scoring the role) 
• It's subjective to different photographers and different producers across the board - we could think someone resembles the role but the client will choose differently depending on a range of other factors
• Upon meeting talent, the client could change their mind about the type of child they would like for the role, nothing is set in stone!

So remember, every casting that you attend will help with confidence for the next one. 

Try not to get disheartened about these processes, chalk it all up to experience!

Reminder, reminder, reminder!

Waiting for something to do? 

Remember to update your child's clothing size as soon as they change! We cannot stress the importance of this enough. We submit children for jobs according to their clothing size, and if their size is wrong on AT2, we will have the clients responding like this at the casting:

If anyone needs any help, remember you can always call us on 1300 888 611 or check out this post if you need a refresher - A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 - Part 2

Have a great weekend! XX 

First Casting Jitters!

It's 4pm on a Monday, you've just received a call that your child has been requested for your first casting....and it's tomorrow, at 10am! The excitement over receiving that first casting, the call you've been waiting for, is overcome by a sudden wave of nerves. What do I need to wear? What should I expect? ? How many other children will be there? 
Let's overcome some of the most common questions about heading to a casting so that you and child both can waltz in at ease and with confidence. 


What do I dress my child in? If it is for a photographic shoot, think about the company you are going to the casting for. Is it Target or is it Witchery Junior? Have a look at the website and at the clothes they are advertising, think about what would be appropriate for the brand, so don't go to a Target casting in a gorgeous shiny dress but instead opt for something cute & casual like jeans and a jacket. Vice versa for other brands - don't go to a Witchery Junior casting wearing tracksuit pants or runners (probably goes without saying but you never know!) If it's a casting for a TV commercial; cute, bright and neat clothes are a must. Make sure shoes are clean! Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest impression. 


What will happen once I get there? Always try and arrive early enough to be able to find a car park! About 5-10 minutes before your appointment time go into the office or building, make yourself known to the receptionist and take a seat and wait to be called. All casting directors meet with children on a regular basis so the atmosphere will be welcoming. Most casting directors are usually working to a deadline and can be very pressed for time - if you are rushed, do not take this personally! It's part of their job to get through things quickly. Depending on the role, you could be there for only 5 minutes to have a quick chat and photo taken - or you could be there for 10-15 minutes if there were lines to be learned prior to the casting. At about 7 years of age, try and let your child go into the room alone. This will demonstrate independence and a willingness to engage with new people, obviously don't force this upon your child should he/she be feeling nervous (especially if it is the first one)!


Do we get paid to go to the casting? No. A casting is like a job interview, the client will need to meet and assess talent before making any decisions! Similar to when you came in to Bettina Management for an interview. 


When do we find out if we were successful? Do we get a call? The successful child/ren can be chosen at any time - just as you are waiting for a call with news, we are too! It is not common practice to call each and every child after they go in for a casting to let them know they haven't been selected. If you haven't heard anything in 3-4 days, give us a call to double check. We can let you know if we've received a response yet or not! Successful talent will be notified as soon as we receive the news, first point of contact is calling Mum or Dad's mobile (whoever answers first!), so make sure you keep your phone on you in the days following the casting. The booking of a job can also happen quite quickly, or your child may be requested to go in for a fitting or a callback (which you do get paid for)!  

Is there anything else that stresses you out about going to a casting? Does anyone have any funny stories from their first casting?

Picture courtesy of http://www.squidoo.com/