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Question: Hi, I’m kind of young, and I want to try out for a part in a movie, but it’s my first time, so I don’t know how to write a resumé to a casting director. Think you could help?
–Jennifer
Answer: Hi Jennifer,
There are many excellent books out there on how to format your resumé and how to write cover letters, etc. Basically, you want to look at as many other actors’ resumés as possible and get an idea of what the format is, based on your level of experience and training.
The basic format for an actor who wants to work in TV and film is this:
| Name union status phone number (or agency info) |
||
| Hair: Color Eyes: Color |
Height: Height Weight: optional, really |
|
| Film | ||
| Title Title |
Character/Status (lead, supporting) Character/Status (lead, supporting) |
Production Co./Director Production Co./Director |
| Television | ||
| Title Title |
Character/Status (principal, co-star) Character/Status (principal, co-star) |
Production Co./Network Production Co./Network |
| Theatre | ||
| Title Title |
Character/Status (if not well-known) Character/Status (if not well-known) |
Theatre/Director Theatre/Director |
| Commercials Conflict List Available Upon Request.
Training
Special Skills Demo Reel Available Upon Request. |
||
And that’s that!
Of course, don’t say you have a demo reel if you do not. If you do not have any commercial conflicts at this time, you can change that line to “No current conflicts.”
You’ll see variations on the above, but this is the general format and one that works very well for most people. The casting directors you submit to are going to expect your resumé in this format, so don’t get cute or deviate much from it.
Hope this helps!
-Bon.
Casting QsBonnie Gillespie is a Los Angeles casting columnist, the owner of Cricket Feet Management, and the author of Casting Qs: A Collection of Casting Director Interviews.