Arizona Actors faq's: Important items you must know to be a successful actor in Arizona

To help actors audition better, I have provided a list of frequently asked questions. Please read these first before contacting our office.

How do I find out about castings?

At our office, there are a number of ways to find out about castings. Most frequently, we turn first to our own database of actors and contact people by phone or email to schedule an audition appointment. These actors are in our database either because their agent submitted them or they submitted directly. It is important to note that just because you have an agent, doesn't mean that you are in our database, even if you are represented by an agent we recognize. You MUST submit your picture and resume directly to our office to be placed in our database. You should send two copies at least once per year. If you get new pictures, you should send us updated materials.

We also contact the agents to let them know that we are casting a project. Most of the time, we make requests to the agents. Sometimes, we ask the agent to submit people that we might not already know about. Finally, we SOMETIMES send out an email notice to announce a casting to everyone. This is usually done in cases where we need a lot of people fast or we have a casting need that is hard to find. It is important to note that only a small amount of our castings are posted by email to our entire list. Being on our email list is NOT the same as being in our files. Therefore, it is vital that your headshot and resume be in our files so that we can request you from your agent, or contact you directly if you are unrepresented. Although electronic submissions are fine for quick responses to notices, it does not replace having hard copies of your materials on file.

What are your headshot requirements?

We don't require anything specific. It is just important that you really look like your photo. We prefer color pictures over black and white. If you don't have 8 x 10 photos, please at least send us a snapshot. The more experienced you are, the better photos we will expect. We frown upon headshots that are obviously more than 2 years old. For a list of headshot photographers that we recommend, please see the actor referral list on this site under actor resources.

How can I submit for a project?

You need to mail in your submission to our office. If you are interested in a particular project or role, you should place a sticky note on your photo that tells us what role you are interested in. You will be considered for other roles even if you do not ask to be. You should make sure you also state what project you are submitting for. If you do not state, you will be filed. Do not submit electronically unless given that option or instructed to do so. Please remember that you will ALSO need to follow up with a mailed submission at some point.

What if I don't have an agent, can I still submit?

Yes. You don't have to have an agent, but you must supply us with contact information. You would be suprised to learn that some submissions are sent to us with absolutely no contact information.

Does it matter which agency represents me?

Yes. It can. Although you do not have to have an agent at all, there may be times when the agent you do have can actually prevent you from being considered. Often our client will tell us what agencies in town they wish to use. Sometimes they even go as far as to tell us which agencies they do not wish to use. If you are with an agency that the client does not want to use, you will not be considered. If the client does not specify, our office generally only uses the following agencies in Arizona. These are listed in alphabetical order: Dani s Agency, Ford Robert Black Agency, Fossi's Agency, Leighton Agency, Signature Models & Talent, S.I.M., and The Agency Arizona. When working out of state, or in other markets, we will typically only work with union-franchised agencies. Again, we do not require that you have an agent in order to submit.

What should I bring to an audition?

If you have an agent, your agent will give you detailed information. However, you should always bring at least 4 headshots with resume attached. This means you bring four of the same pictures not different shots. We may ask for less when you arrive but we expect you to be prepared with more. Feel free to bring any other marketing materials that you have, such as voice over demos and composite cards. We do not like business cards from actors. We do not file them so save those for when you are at networking events. Headshots should be attached to your resume by staple (preferred) or glue or printed on the back of the photo. Do not attache with a paperclip. They fall off. If you were sent the sides by your agent prior to the audition, you should bring these with you to the audition. If you come to an audition unprepared, you will not likely be called again. Professionalism is a must in this business.

If I am booked on a job, how long will it take to get paid?

Good Faith Casting is a service business and we do not handle payment. However, we can tell you that payment times can vary on a number of factors. On a non-union job, we usually tell actors to allow 30-60 days from the last date worked. An actor with an agent should contact their agent with payment questions.

Does a casting director get a commission?

NO! A Casting director gets paid by the production company or ad agency. We get paid a flat rate. Be very leary of anyone that calls themselves a casting director and then asks you to pay for something.

Must a casting director belong to the Casting Society of America?

No. However, being accepted as a member of the Casting Society of America represents a high level of ethics, a sustained history of quality film and television casting credits, and a superior level of professionalism in the industry. Be aware that some people try to pretend they are a member of CSA by saying things like, "CSA casting associate" or "registered with CSA." This simply means that they are not members and are trying to pass themselves off as a member. To check if someone is really a member go to www.castingsociety.com

What are some of your pet peeves?

When actors call our office before doing research and reading these questions. When actors don't bring the right amount of headshots to an audition or don't attach the resumes. Actors who don't look like their pictures. Actors who have had the same headshot for over 2 years. When actors block private numbers so that we can't call after hours without revealing our home or personal phone lines. When actors hit last call return and call a number different than the one we asked them to call in the message. When actors call our personal cell when they were not asked to. When actors expect us to drop everything to answer their career questions. When actors are late or don't show up at all. When actors make up lies about being late or not showing up. ...and just a little FYI, Faith hates being called a casting agent. She is a casting director and there is a big difference.