A: InstantCast is the leading Web resource for aspiring actors and models. We provide reliable information about the world of entertainment, auditions and casting calls, and social networking opportunities to connect with fans and industry contacts.
A: InstantCast has everything you need to get started as an entertainer. We offer:
Your own online talent profile to showcase your photos, videos, resume, and experience
Hundreds of casting calls updated daily - with lots of opportunities for all experience levels
Helpful expert articles to help you get started
A community of aspiring and established talent to network, make new contacts, or cast in your latest project
Opportunities to get discovered through our network of casting professionals and at our exciting live events
A: InstantCast LIVE! is a series of live events that gives aspiring actors and models the chance to network with some of the industry's top casting directors, agents, and managers. For more information on upcoming events visit www.instantcastlive.com.
Back To Top
A: A headshot is an 8 x 10 photograph that clearly represents your look. Your headshot should be taken by a professional photographer and represent you at your best. For more information on how to get the best headshot, you can read "How to Get the Best Headshot."
A: An acting resume is a special kind of resume that is used specifically by actors applying for roles. It lists your physical attributes, special skills, training, and the roles you have played. For detailed instructions on how to put together your acting resume, you can read "Get Cast With an Acting Resume."
Back To Top
A: A Fanmail is a message that InstantCast members can leave on your profile. You can use Fanmail to introduce yourself to another actor or model, make potential networking contacts, or ask questions about the business. Fanmail activity can also help increase your rank.
Q: My profile says "This user's fanmail is not public." What does that mean?
A: You have the option of making your Fanmail public or private. If you see this message, it means your Fanmail is currently private, and you can change your setting to Public. If your Profile is already Public but you don't want others to read your Fanmail, you can set it to Private. To change this setting, visit Edit my Profile > My Alerts & Preferences.
A: All VIP members on InstantCast are ranked. The more you use and participate on InstantCast the higher your rank. If you have a high rank, your profile is more prevalent in search results and you're more likely to be featured on the InstantCast homepage.
A: Here's how to improve your rank:
Upload Photos to your Profile
Upload a Video to your Profile
Send Fanmail
Become a Fan
Vote in the Superstar Talent Search
Read Articles
View Videos
Share Content
Get traffic to your Talent Profile
Receive Fanmail
Receive Fans on your Talent Profile
A: Part of making it as a star actor or model is self promotion. Want to be seen and get discovered? You have to advertise yourself. Here are just a few ways to advertise yourself using InstantCast:
Use your new mini-profile. Now you can advertise your InstantCast profile on your favorite websites like MySpace and Facebook. You can find the mini-profile by clicking Edit My Profile then My Mini-Profile.
Win the Superstar Talent Search. Want to get $1,000, a consultation with a casting director, and get a top spot on InstantCast? Win the Superstar Talent Search and you will! Make new fans, campaign for votes, upload a campaign video and you could be our next superstar!
Make new fans. Your fans are waiting and you can meet them by introducing yourself to other members and making connections. You can also meet new fans on InstantCast All-Stars. When you become a fan of your favorite actor, television show, or movie you can find other InstantCast members that like them as well.
Upload a video. Have a reel? A funny video? A short film? What better way to become a star on InstantCast than to show off your talents in a video. Do it now!
Show off your profile! Real casting directors and other talent professionals regularly search InstantCast for new talent. Show off your profile to friends, networking contacts, and you'll become a star in no time.
A: When you sign up for an InstantCast profile, the name on your profile will automatically match the name on the credit card you used to register. If the name on the card is not your name, or if you wish to adjust it, go to Edit my Profile > About Me. You can edit the name on your account in the Name box. After you've edited your name, click the Save button on the top or bottom of the page.
A: Getting featured on the homepage is the best way to maximize your exposure on InstantCast. There are several ways to earn this honor. Winning the Superstar Talent Search automatically wins you a week featured on top of the homepage. InstantCast also features seven members on the homepage every day in the Meet the Stars of Tomorrow section. We select these featured members based on the professional quality of their profile photos.
A: The Toolbox appears on the bottom of every InstantCast page; it is the best way to share your InstantCast profile with friends, family, and industry professionals. By clicking the buttons in the toolbox you can post your profile to Digg, Delicious, Facebook, and Stumble Upon. You can also email your profile or bookmark it.
These toolbox functions also work with all other InstantCast pages including articles and videos.
Back To Top
A: No. InstantCast is not directly involved in the casting process. We offer timely information to allow you to find the best opportunities and advice on how to apply. Ultimately, it is up each members to apply for parts that are right for them. Each casting call contains clear instructions about how to apply; if you have further questions about how to apply to a specific casting call, submit your questions to castingcalls@instantcast.com.
A: InstantCast searches our database for parts that match the information you providea bout yourself. The resulting parts appear on your profile, on the My Parts Page, and in your Daily Alerts.
A: Each casting call will give specific directions in the "HOW TO APPLY" section. The most common instructions are:
Email Headshot and Resume
Attend Open Audition to Apply
Send Headshot and Resume
The contact information in the casting call is the correct email address, mailing address, or audition location to use when you apply.
A: Most casting calls will have details explaining if prior experience is needed. For many of our calls, new faces are welcomed, and no experience is necessary. However it's always smart to appear professional and polished, even if it's your first audition.
A: "Email headshot" means you should email an electronic version of your headshot and resume to the casting director using the email address provided. Sometimes for email applications it is okay to just include a good photo of yourself that represents your everyday look.
Do's and Don'ts for Emailing Headshots and Resumes:
Do...
Include a short note describing yourself. Make sure the note is short because casting directors are busy. You want to show them you are excited and professional but you want them to finish the email.
Include a headshot that is an honest and recognizable representation of your look. If the casting director only has your headshot and is standing in a crowded room he/she should be able to recognize you based on the photo.
Be sure to clearly indicate all your current contact information so that you can be easily reached. This includes your full name, a professional email address, the best phone number to reach you, and any other pertinent personal information.
Be sure your headshot fits the size requirements indicated on the posting.
Put your resume and headshot in the body of the email if "no attachments" is indicated on the posting.
Don't...
Send your email from your personal email address. Instead, set up a professional email account for acting/modeling correspondence and business contacts. Use your name when creating the email address so you stay in the casting director's mind. The more professionally you represent yourself, the more they will take you seriously.
Send more than one headshot unless it is clearly indicated on the posting. Casting directors are busy and don't want to be overwhelmed by photos.
Send a resume longer than one page. Professional resumes should be kept to one page in length.
A: An open call is when a casting entity holds an open audition for multiple applicants. They set a specific audition time and whoever shows up and receives an appointment is able to audition.
Do's and Don'ts for Attending Open Calls:
Do...
Show up early to increase your chances of receiving an audition spot.
Make sure you have all the requested materials (e.g. prepared audition monologue, tap shoes, headshots, and resumes.)
Bring identification in case the casting directors need to see proof of age or a union card.
Prepare for a potentially long wait. Depending on the type of audition, a call could last several hours (for a small local play) or even days (for a major show like American Idol).
Don't...
Show up late. You could miss getting an audition time.
Show up unprepared. Some casting directors might forgive you not having materials but it will make you seem unprofessional.
Get nervous. An audition is just the first step. Don't psyche yourself out before you get your chance.
Make a bad impression. Try to be on your best behavior the whole day. You never know who could help you in your acting future. Be nice, polite and courteous to the other actors in line, the people running the audition space, and the casting directors.
Say you can do something that you can't. Don't lie about having a special skill you won't be able to deliver if you get cast. For reality shows if you lie on your application you will not be qualified to get cast on the show or -worse - you could get fired even if you get the part.
Show up for an audition if you aren't qualified. If you have two left feet and show up at a So You Think You Can Dance audition you probably will not get cast on the show. You don't want to alienate yourself from casting directors by wasting their time.
A: Send headshot means you should mail a hard copy of your headshot to the mailing address given in the posting. Sometimes you may have to send a reel or DVD, which will be indicated in the posting. If so, be sure to label everything with your full name, and updated contact information.
Do's and Don'ts for Sending Headshot & Resume:
Do...
Send a hard copy of your headshot with your full name, date of birth, and contact information on the back.
Send a one-page resume indicating your previous entertainment experience.
Write a brief cover letter explaining who you are, why you should be cast, and the role you are applying for. (No longer than 3 short paragraphs).
Send to the address indicated on the posting, including any special "Attn:," the project title, and/or casting director. This will all appear on the address section of the posting.
Send your most current contact information so that you can be easily reached. This includes your full name, professional email address, phone number, and any other pertinent personal information.
Send a DVD, VHS, or CD as indicated in the posting. Be sure to pay attention to the specific length and formatting requirements.
Clearly communicate to the casting director the role you are applying for.
Take into consideration the time it will take for your package to arrive. Be sure to leave enough time for your package to arrive in the mail before the casting expires.
Don't...
Send excess papers, photos, or tapes. Less is more! Casting directors are busy and only want the most crucial information.
Forget the appropriate postage! Application packages can be large and heavy, requiring extra postage, so make sure you weigh your package before sending it.
Send handwritten notes. You want to appear as professional as possible!
Address the casting director by his/her first name. Stay formal and professional by using Ms./Mr.
Back To Top
A: If you need your login information you can contact Customer service or email subscribers@instantcast.com.
A: To upload or edit your Talent Profile photo, first make sure the pop-up blocker on your browser is turned OFF. Also be sure that your photo is either a .jpg, .gif, or .bmp file, and that it is 500 KB or less.
Please note that all profile photos are subject to editorial review, and may be disapproved due to content and/or technical reasons.
If you still have trouble, you can send your pictures to photos@instantcast.com and we can fix your photos and upload them for you. Be sure to include your User Name ID# and/or email address to ensure photo upload to the proper profile.
A: Although we try to approve photos quickly, the approval process can take from 1 to 3 business days. Photos must be manually approved by a member of the InstantCast staff for quality and legal purposes.
Back To Top
A: You must be older than 13 to become a member of InstantCast. We currently only have roles and auditions for actors and models ages 13 and up.
A: We're sorry. Currently, InstantCast only accepts debit and/or credit cards as a method of payment.
A: InstantCast has relationships with casting directors who use our site to cast projects, and some of them have profiles. If another member contacts you about a casting opportunity you should use your best judgement when replying.
If you get a personal offer from another member and you wish to verify their authenticity, please feel free to contact editor@instantcast.com or subscribers@instantcast.com.
A: InstantCast holds the privacy and safety of our members in the highest regard. If you notice such behavior you should email customer service immediately at subscribers@instantcast.com. Please have the offending user's name available, and have specific examples ready for us to document.
A: You can choose to turn on or off InstantCast's exclusive text-messaging feature, which allows you to receive casting calls directly on your cell phone.
To sign up to receive text messages, just click Edit My Profile under Profiles on the toolbar, and scroll down the page to the InstantCast Services section.
A: Your contact information is part of your Talent Profile, and you can change it at any time. Just click Edit My Profile under Profiles on the toolbar, and scroll down the page to the Membership Details section.
A: Your credit card information is part of your Talent Profile, and you can change it at any time. Just click Edit My Profile under Profiles on the Toolbar, and scroll down the page to the Membership Details section.
A: In order to retain your VIP membership status, it is important that you keep a valid credit card on file. You must login and update your credit card information immediately, or your membership may be suspended and your profile may be deleted.
A: InstantCast makes every attempt to eliminate fraud and ensure fair billing practices. If you suspect that your card has been charged in error, please contact us immediately at 1-800-996-0390, and your matter will be given the highest priority.
Back To Top
A: No, InstantCast is a casting resource for actors and models. We are not a casting agency; we are a Web community and information service connecting all parts of the casting community.. We give our members the chance to showcase their talent with their member profiles and review a database of casting calls to help them get parts and gain experience. They also can meet and network with other talent and industry professionals.
We help casting professionals in their search for new talent by offering them to our database of thousands of members. They can search through profiles for members that meet their specific casting needs or to find new talent to represent.
A: The best way to post a casting call or audition is to email the casting call directly to castingcalls@instantcast.com. Our casting content team can upload it into our database and make it available to members. Be sure to include the expiration date, the roles being cast, and contact information.
Back To Top
