Written by brother7

Having helped several of my models apply to be background extras, I've learned that sometimes people don't have a clue where to begin. So I put together this step-by-step guide on what to include when writing the casting director of a movie or TV show.

I use a simple 3-step approach.

1. Write a letter.
2. Include a resume.
3. Attach photos.

Let's dissect the process.

Write an introductory letter

Casting directors are busy people and receive a lot of inquiries. Therefore, you need to make your time with them count. Be clear and concise. Most important is to tell them who you are what you're applying for. Include relevant details that can influence their decision. If you know that they seek a specific skill or talent that you possess (such as foreign language fluency or dancing, for example), mention it. But don't ramble on and on about why you want to be an actor. It doesn't matter and they don't care.

If you're under 18, mention the fact that you have a supportive parent who will sign the necessary parental consent forms. A lot of teens like to do things without their parents' knowledge but it won't work here. No one is going to accept the liability of working with a minor without parental consent. So kids, ask your parents first!

Below is a sample letter that I composed for one of my teen models. I've incorporated some of the ideas that I mentioned above. Use it as a model for your own letter.

Subject: JANE DOE extra inquiry (16, F)

Dear "Lost" Casting,

I'm Jane, an aspiring teen model/actress on Oahu. I learned about your casting from my photographer brother7 (who was also an extra in your production) and would like to be considered for a part as background extra. I understand that one scene will be a Hawaiian luau. I'm a hula dancer with 6 years of training.

My mother is supportive of my acting pursuits and will sign the necessary parental consent forms.

Attached are two photos, one headshot and one full-length bodyshot. Below is my resume.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Include your resume

Your resume is composed of several parts.

The first part I call your "model stats", which gives the casting director an idea of your general look. Some parts are common to both males and females; other parts are gender-specific. I suggest females include their measurements and dress size. For males, neck size, chest size and inseam would be relevant. However, don't freak out if you don't know some of your sizes. I didn't know I had a 19½ neck until I went to an in-person casting and the assistant measured me. I thought it was 17! Just skip what you don't know and be accurate with what you do know.

The second part is the actual resume part where you include your experience, skills and talents. A lot of beginning actors want to give up when they get to this part. The most common thing I hear is "I don't have any experience". That's ok. Everyone began with no experience. To make it less intimidating, I've split this section into 2 separate parts: "Experience" and "Skills and Talent". Under "Experience", include anything that's related to acting or modeling, such as acting classes, modeling classes, pageants, commercials and runway fashion shows. If you've been an extra or principal before, definitely include that! If you really have no experience, you can put None or omit the "Experience" part completely.

"Skills and Talents" is where we all shine! Even if not directly related to acting, we all have skills and talents. You never know what special skill a casting director might be looking for to fill a specific role that a given scene demands. Therefore, be as complete and thorough as possible. Some things are obvious, like musical skills (piano, guitar, voice, etc) and sports skills (golf, football, rock climbing, surfing, bodyboarding, skateboarding, inline skating). In Hawaii, watersport skills are common. Foreign language skills should always be mentioned. If you're particularly proficient in something, include the number of years you've studied or engaged in the activity. Include anything and everything in this part. I have chessplaying in mine!

Close out the resume with your contact info. Include an email address and phone number. It's often the case that the casting office needs to contact you on short notice, so be sure your phone is on and readily available and check your email regularly.

Below is a sample resume. Use it as a model for your own.

RESUME

Name: Jane Doe
Age: 16 (7/1/1993)
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 117
Ethnicity: Filipino, German
Hair: sandy blonde (long, wavy)
Eyes: brown
Measurements: 34B - 25 - 34
Dress Size: 3
Shoe Size: 6
Union: non-SAG
Experience: modeling classes (Susan Page), university student film "It Happened One Day" (extra), anti-drug PSA (principal)
Skills and Talents: hula (4 years), piano (6 years), cheerleading (2 years), surfing, skateboarding, skydiving, spear fishing, scubadiving, driving (5-speed), videogaming(WoW), waitressing, gymnastics, rollerblading
Contact: yourname@yahoo.com (email) or 808.555.1212 (home) or 808.555.1313 (cell, preferred)

Attach 2 photos, one headshot and one full-length bodyshot

Nothing tells someone how you look better than a picture. Professional pictures are nice but not necessary. More importantly, they should be clear, not blurry. They can be casual but not goofy.

The headshot should clearly show your face. It's generally called a headshot but it can be a head-and-shoulders shot. They just want a good close-up look at you.

The full-length bodyshot should be from head to toe. It should be an accurate representation of the general shape of your body. Therefore, fitted attire is better than clothes that hide your body, like an overcoat.

If sending the letter via email, JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) is the standard file format for photo attachments. Don't send full-resolution files with file sizes over 1 MB. Resize them down to a web-friendly size. I suggest 800-1000 pixels on the long side and a file size under 250 KB. A program like Photoshop Elements can do this or, if you don't know how to do it, use an online service like ShrinkPictures.com. You should also rename it from the cryptic IMG_7489.jpg to something like JaneDoe-headshot.jpg.

If you're sending printed pictures via US Mail, keep in mind that the JPG file you use to print should be a certain minimum size so that the printed photo doesn't look grainy. Generally, 240-300 pixels-per-inch (ppi) will yield a nice photo with smooth transitions. To print a 4"x6" photo, your source JPG should be at least 960x1440, but 1200x1800 or more is preferred.

Just Do It!

Now that you've got all the pieces assembled, click "Send" to send your email on its merry way. Or lick a stamp, kiss the envelope and say a prayer. But don't hesitate. No more "I don't know how to act", no more "What if they don't want me". Just DO IT!