E-Castings And Acting In Front Of A Camera

While open castings take place in person, e-casting (electronic castings ) are the complete opposite. Models will send in videos to the casting director in order to audition, fulfilling specific requirements and requests made by agencies and clients. There are both advantages and disadvantages to e-castings, however the positives outweigh the negatives here, so lots of production companies prefer to use them.

Be yourself and prove your talent

As part of a modern e-casting, two videos are usually requested, which require you to show your range and versatility. First comes a quick introduction, where you say your name, age, agency and describe some of your experience. This is usually about 2 minutes long. The next part is more or less the ‘audition’, acting a scene or a clip from a film/play. This is where you have to prove your talent . In the first clip, you simply have to be yourself and introduce yourself. In the past, there were more elements to an e-casting like performing an improvisation, but this is much less common today. This is more required for performers who want a role in a game show or TV-series.

What NOT to do

Agencies and clients pay attention every tiny detail within your videos, not just if you can memorise a script and perform it.

In order to have the best chances:
- Don't repeat yourself.
- Pay attention to the genre and context of the scene (and act accordingly!).
- Use appropriate lighting and a good quality camera.
- Don't wear too much make-up or use heavy filters
- Shoot in a quiet location.

The advantages of E-Casting for models

- You can keep improving and reshooting videos. You don't just have one attempt to be perfect.
- You can use the videos for your portfolio too
- You don't have to travel.
- You can get feedback and support from friends and professionals

The disadvantages for models

- A video that is shot and edited too often looks artificial.
- You have to have the appropriate technology (nowadays, smartphone cameras are good enough quality, but in the past, this was more of an issue)
- It is difficult to stand out from the crowd when you’re not sure what your competition is
- Most people would need the help of a sound and lighting expert
- Your personality might not come across fully over video
- Often, you don’t get given any feedback at all

The advantages of e-castings for agencies and clients

- There is a larger selection of applicants
- The process is a lot quicker than live castings
- You can open the search internationally

The disadvantages for agencies and clients

- You can’t fully get a feel for the performer’s personality
- You have no idea how the performer prepared or was helped for the video
- Small mistakes like poor lighting may hinder a really talented performer’s chances

Other general advantages and disadvantages

German model Laura Berlin experienced first hand the advantages and disadvantages of e-casting. It was through an e-casting where she secured the role of Emma of Normandy in "Vikings” (a sequel series to "Vikings - Valhalla"). There were, however, a number of disadvantages. For example, she had to wait a long time for a response because selection processes take a long time, even online. Despite this, advantages like being able to apply from her living room despite the pandemic making it impossible to travel outweighed all the negatives. Take advantage of modern technology and start your modelling career through e-casting by registering online with starboxx now!