Resources.
Below are links, tips, and tricks to
elevate your advantage in film and TV
Let's start!
Casting directors are always looking to cast great actors, special skills talent, and 'real people' talent of all ages – musicians, dancers, athletes, teams, special abilities, business people, models, and much more- everyone wants to see someone like them on TV and in movies. Casting is on your side; they want you to book the role. casting directors, agents, and producers look good in the eyes of their clients when casting books' great talent. Everyone wins when you book!
There is no magic formula… the one universal theme to success in the film and TV industry is: be the best “YOU” possible. There's only one of you, and casting is looking for YOUR unique characteristics to elevate the role!
The best ways to do this and get signed by an agent are:
- Stay updated on the local Film and TV industry news
- Hone your skills, be proactive in getting work yourself, start with student films and ultra-low budget productions to gain experience on set
- Build a demo reel, identify current trends, and know the lingo
- Get educated through training in classes (by way of schools or an acting coach) and do the homework
- Get experience to help you prepare/improve your auditions
- Practice slating
- Learn your Character Types
- Practice facial expressions - all of them
- And again... be the best “YOU` you can be:)
Here are links to essential resources that will help you with the “big picture”:
http://www.castingworkbook.com/
http://www.agencyclick.com/ (BACKGROUND)
https://home.castingnetworks.com/
Casting Networks News:
Industry trades (Variety, Deadline, Hollywood Reporter)
How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks
In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast by Backstage
Audrey Helps Actors podcast
& Casting Confidential podcast
Mentors on the Mic podcast
Think Bigger Actors podcast
https://www.vancouveractorsguide.com/know
https://www.vancouveractorsguide.com/agents
https://www.breakdownservices.com/
http://www.vpl.ca/programs/cat/C1051
STUDIOS
http://www.shoreline-studios.com/
http://www.studio3mediacasting.com/
http://www.bridgestudios.com/home.html
TRAINING
http://www.shoreline-studios.com/
https://www.kathleenmayrscasting.com/work
Watch:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_BPBIqhJtQ/
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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!
Thanks for visiting! Check back often for added content
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 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 agent-approved HEADSHOTS that get talent auditions and bookings, check:
Important Notice:
Rising Star Management does not require its talent to use Peter Schroeder HEADSHOTS for any services. A list of options for actor-related services is available below.
Peter Schroeder Headshots – Agent-approved HEADSHOTS, proven record of clients signing with agencies and booking roles.
📞 (672) 514-6409 | ✉️ hello@peterschroederheadshots.com | North Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Headshots / Ian Redd
4. Invest in Training
Casting directors look for your look, accents, unique skills, and strong training history when necessary. Strengthen your craft with classes and coaching:
Great studios in Vancouver:
Recommended training:
Casting workshops
Behind the camera classes
Meisner technique
Accent training
Continue developing special skills: 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, rehearse, and tape regularly to create a demo reel. Do the same for the voiceover reel.
Practice making professional self-tapes and ask your agent to review them for submission.
6. Build Your Online Presence
Create a dedicated website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for your acting career. Email me for a real tip to building an amazing website quickly and on a budget at: 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
Create a demo reel if you don’t have one.
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 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.
Thanks!
Warmly,
Peter Schroeder
Co-agent with
RISING STAR MANAGEMENT
North Vancouver office
cell: (672) 514-6409
email: peterschroeder.rsm@gmail.com
site: rsmtalent.com
_________________________________
Rising Star Management
HEAD OFFICE:
3211 CHATHAM STREET
RICHMOND
V7E 6B8
__________________________________
NORTH VANCOUVER OFFICE:
Contact:
peterschroeder.rsm@gmail.com