| Do you want to “be discovered” and | | | | graphics. The most important aspect is your |
| achieve fame and fortune in a hurry? If | | | | personality. Casting directors look for personality |
| you’re looking to get famous, you might | | | | first, so make sure it shows. Simple is best for |
| want to think about reality TV. You may only | | | | audition videos. Shoot a clip at your job, at your |
| achieve fifteen minutes of fame, but you could | | | | home, and doing something interesting and |
| also possibly become a huge star from reality TV. | | | | unusual, like a hobby. Make sure the lighting is |
| When applying for a reality TV show, keep the | | | | flattering, not dark or shadowy, and that the |
| following tips in mind: | | | | casting directors can tell what you really look like |
| • The Directions - The most important tip is to | | | | from the video. Consider having a friend or family |
| actually read the reality TV show application | | | | member film your video instead of setting up |
| directions and follow them. Directions are included | | | | your camera to record yourself. That way, the |
| for a reason. If a reality TV show application | | | | camera will always follow you and your |
| requests a one-minute audition video and a | | | | cameraperson can zoom in or out to create visual |
| one-page written bio, send exactly that… not a | | | | interest. Make sure you are clearly heard and that |
| five-minute video minus the bio. The ability to | | | | there isn’t a lot of background noise. |
| follow directions is a quality that may help get you | | | | Don’t forget to put your contact information |
| cast on a show. Remember…reality TV shows | | | | on your audition video in case it is separated from |
| are still TV shows. Production schedules apply and | | | | your written application. |
| people who don’t follow directions can put a | | | | • The Open Casting Call – Many reality TV |
| show behind. Also, don’t keep contacting a | | | | shows cast through open calls. If this is the case |
| casting director to ask if casting decisions have | | | | for your target show, be ready because you |
| been made. If they want to cast you in a show, | | | | have mere seconds to impress a casting director |
| they’ll call. | | | | at a reality TV show audition. Remember, your |
| • The Written Application – Be detailed… | | | | personality is the key to being cast, so sparkle at |
| no one word answers. Give examples and explain | | | | the audition. Figure out your “type” before |
| your answers to the questions, but don’t be | | | | your audition in case the casting director asks. For |
| long-winded, making a two-page application into | | | | example, are you the hot muscle guy or the |
| twenty pages. If you have any interesting hobbies | | | | sweet funny guy? Dress in your “type” |
| or skills,include them on your application to help | | | | for the audition. If you think you are the hot |
| you stand out from the rest. Don’t lie on | | | | muscle guy, then look like the hot muscle guy at |
| your application! Be honest about everything from | | | | the audition. |
| your job to your weight. | | | | The best place to start applying to be on a reality |
| • The Photographs – Many reality TV | | | | TV show is on the website of the network airing |
| shows ask for photographs as part of the | | | | the show. Network websites usually have a |
| application. Ideally, send a close-up photograph of | | | | casting link where you can apply. If you don’t |
| your face and another one of your entire body. | | | | find a casting link for your favorite show, just |
| Don’t send “professional” photographs. | | | | contact the network through their website |
| Clear, simple snapshots from a regular camera | | | | contact form for information on applying. There |
| are best. Make sure your personality shines | | | | are many networks and production companies |
| through and that you are the only one in the | | | | that produce reality TV shows, the following are a |
| picture. Don’t send photographs you want | | | | good place to start: |
| returned, because they won’t be. | | | | Hollywood North Entertainment is a sort of reality |
| • The Audition Video – Another way in | | | | TV show agency that promises they can get |
| which casting directors explore talent is through | | | | anyone on a reality TV show. Consider filling out |
| audition videos. Most reality TV shows ask | | | | the application on their website at |
| potential cast members to send in an audition | | | | If you want fame… and possibly fortune… |
| video. Stay within time constraints and get to the | | | | fast, reality TV shows may be just the ticket for |
| point fast. Casting directors want to see you on | | | | you. Reality TV provides a fun adventure and |
| an audition video, not special effects or fancy | | | | might help make your dream of stardom a reality. |