Resources.
Welcome to our Resources page!
Below are tips, links, and tricks to booking more roles in the film and TV industry.
🎬 Let’s Get Started!
Casting directors are always searching for great actors, unique talents, and real people of all ages — musicians, dancers, athletes, teams, individuals with special abilities, persons who are neurodivergent, amputees, business professionals, and many more.
Everyone wants to see someone who represents them — someone they can relate to — on TV, digital platforms, and in film. Representation matters, and when audiences see themselves reflected on screen, it provides a powerful sense of affirmation and belonging.
Casting is on your side. They want you to book the role! Casting directors, agents, and producers all look good when they help place great talent. When you succeed, everyone wins.
There’s no magic formula for success in the film and TV industry — but one universal truth remains:
👉 Be the best version of you.
There’s only one of you, and casting directors are looking for your unique characteristics to bring every role to life. Bring your best you at every stage of the booking and acting process!
🌟 The Best Ways to Stand Out and Get Signed by an Agent:
Stay updated on local film and TV industry news.
Hone your skills — be proactive and find opportunities to work. Start with student films or ultra-low-budget productions to gain on-set experience.
Build a demo reel, identify current trends, and learn industry terminology.
Get industry education and invest in training through classes or an acting coach — and always do the homework.
Gain audition experience to improve confidence and performance.
Practice slating and presenting yourself naturally on camera.
Learn your character types to understand how you’re best cast.
Master your facial expressions — all of them!
Prepare an acting resume, even if you have no experience in front of the camera or on set.
And again… be the best “YOU” you can be. 😊
🎥 Essential Resources for Actors
Casting & Industry Platforms:
ShowFax
🎧 Podcasts & Industry Insights
How We Role: A Podcast for Actors (Casting Networks)
In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast (Backstage)
Audrey Helps Actors
Casting Confidential
Mentors on the Mic
Think Bigger Actors
Industry news: Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter
🏢 Studios
🎓 Training
RSm is not affiliated with any studio or breakdown services; the information on this website is provided for convenience and educational purposes only.
Slating, Self-Taping, and Casting Tips
Acting Tip: Don't sabotage your audition with a bad slate
Click the photo to watch!
How to Self Tape from Start to Finish | Self Tape Audition Example Step by Step
Click the photo to watch!
Candice Elzinga - Casting Director
Click the photo to watch!
Keep reading below!
What You Can Do When the Industry Is Slow...
Even during slow seasons, there are many proactive steps you can take to strengthen your acting career, develop new skills, and position yourself for more auditions and bookings.
1. Stay Active on Casting Platforms
Sign up for Casting Networks Inc., a well-known international breakdown service.
Monitor your Casting Workbook, Actors Access, and Casting Networks accounts for relevant breakdowns.
Ask your agent to submit you for roles or submit yourself for unpaid roles, and CC your agent on all self-submissions.
Check additional platforms regularly:
Vancouver Actors Guide
e-Drive (Equity boards)
Facebook Marketplace for low-cost books and educational resources
2. Keep Your Agent Updated
Clearly plan your blackout days and notify your agent in advance. Update your blackout days on your breakdown profiles.
Work hard to book during your available times.
Submit yourself for ultra-low-budget or unpaid projects, and always CC your agent.
3. Refresh Your Professional Materials
Update your profiles, headshot, slate video, demo reel, resume, and measurements/size card regularly.
For HEADSHOTS, we recommend a few local photographers if you need updated HEADSHOTS. You are welcome to choose any photographer you prefer.
4. Invest in Training
Casting directors review your HEADSHOTS and resume for your look, role types, accents, unique skills, and a strong training history when necessary. Strengthen your craft with classes and coaching:
A few great studios in Vancouver:
Recommended training:
Casting workshops
Behind the camera classes
Meisner technique
Accent training
Continue developing special skills, for example: music, dance, martial arts, gymnastics, sports, debating, etc. Anything that you love doing may be what casting is looking for next. Be the best YOU possible!
5. Be Audition-Ready
Collect a TV-ready wardrobe (modern wear, upscale, trendy, time period pieces, dance uniforms, etc.).
Iron, lint-roll, and prepare outfits for specific roles.
Set up a self-taping studio at home. Download sides/scripts (from Showfax or online), rehearse, and tape yourself regularly to create a demo reel. Do the same for a voiceover reel.
Practice making professional self-tapes and ask your agent/coach/teacher to review them for submission.
6. Build Your Online Presence
Create a dedicated website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel for your acting career.
Email me for a great tip on building an amazing website quickly and on a budget. Email: peterschroeder.rsm@gmail.com
Learn how to market yourself on social media. (Remember: never post photos from a set without production approval.)
Start your IMDb account if you don’t already have one.
7. Promote Yourself Professionally
Keep your demo reel accessible to share with casting, producers, and directors.
Attend film festivals and theatre productions to network and learn.
Get to know casting directors, producers, and directors by name.
Build relationships — this industry thrives on lasting connections.
8. Pro Tip
👉 There’s a major “industry secret” about how wardrobe choices, and when to where them, can boost your booking rate. Curious? Email me at peterschroeder.rsm@gmail.com and I’ll share this insider tip.
Closing Thought,
The film and TV industry can be seasonal, but downtime is opportunity time. By staying active, sharpening your skills, and presenting yourself as a professional, you’ll stay ready for when the next big audition arrives.
1. Factors That Must Align to Get Booked in a Production
Casting is highly competitive. A headshot is critical, but many other variables influence whether someone actually books a role. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Personal Presentation
#1. Professional, accurate HEADSHOTS that represent your current look.
Updated demo reel or performance clips.
Complete and polished resume (credits, training, special skills).
Clear online profiles on Casting Networks, Actors Access, Casting Workbook, etc.
Strong social media presence (sometimes casting checks).
Agent / Representation
Having an agent or manager with strong casting director connections.
Clear communication with your rep about the types of roles you’re right for.
Agent actively submitting you to relevant breakdowns.
Casting Director Factors
The casting director’s vision for the role.
Whether your look matches the character breakdown.
Prior relationship with casting (trust in your work).
Quality of your audition (in-person or self-tape).
Reliability and professionalism (past impressions).
Production Factors
Script requirements (ethnicity, age, gender, accent, physicality).
Union vs. non-union status (ACTRA, SAG-AFTRA).
Budget constraints (some productions prioritize local hires to save travel costs).
Director and producer preferences (sometimes a "feel" decision).
Chemistry with other actors already cast.
Passport must not expire within a year of production (If travel is required)
Training & Skills
Acting training (theatre, film, improv, method, on-camera).
Ability to take direction and adjust quickly in auditions.
Special skills (sports, instruments, stunts, languages).
Voice quality for certain roles (commercials, voiceover).
Timing & Market Conditions
Current industry demand (what types of characters are trending).
Availability of roles for your specific age range/type.
Competition in your category (number of submissions for the role).
Scheduling conflicts (being available during filming dates).
In short: A booking = (professional materials + rep + right look + right timing + strong audition + casting/production alignment).
Be the Best You Possible!
Thanks!
Warmly,
Peter Schroeder
Film and TV / Talent Agent
RISING STAR MANAGEMENT
North Vancouver
cell: (672) 514-6409
email: peterschroeder.rsm@gmail.com
site: rsmtalent.com
____________________
Rising Star Management
HEAD OFFICE:
3211 CHATHAM STREET
RICHMOND
V7E 6B8
Disclaimer:
Rising Star management does not offer or require any paid services as a condition of representation.
Actors are free to obtain photography and related materials from any provider of their choosing.