hey, they're my fabulous viewers and
listeners.
Welcome back to another episode of
casting actor's cast.
The
podcast,
video, the patios that help actors turn
their passion into performance and
their auditions into bookings.
I'm Geoffrey dries, bycasting director,
former actor, author, and your personal
tour guide through the wild, wonderful
and slightly chaotic world of show biz.
So listen, grab your kumbata,
put yourself tape, ring light on dim,
and let's dive into a topics that is,
in my view, hotter than the backstage
dressing room, with no ac
breaking into streaming
the new age of acting careers.
But first, this is that moment of the
episode where I get to say, thank you
for tuning in to casting actors cast.
It's been a pleasure bringing these
podcasts to you.
I invite you to check out the
websitecasting actors cast.
All one word dot com there's a form.
When you hit that landing page that
says, dive into the talling pool.
And when you do that,
it opens up some freebies for you.
One is a book I'm doing voice over
work.
Hundred page pdf downloadable
called conversation pieces out of the
studio.
The voiceover workshop for professional
actors.
There's also a free video you can watch
right there called casting secrets.
What they don't tell you.
Also, I'm really excited to announce
that my book
booked it.
The actor's play book for getting cast
is now available on Amazon or wherever
you get your books.
And then finally, I'm really thrilled
that the audio book is now unaudible.
Unaudible, audible
audible dot com it's also available.
So I just finished doing and voicing
that book myself.
And I think you're going to find that
really helpful as well, finding my
shout out to my good friends at actor's
connection.
And I'm thrilled to continue to have an
excellent relationship and continue to
be hosted on the Broadway podcast
network it's really been a great
journey, and I hope we have a lot of
fun together as we continue to trudge
forth into this wacky world of show
business.
So let's just say, lights and camera
and algorithm.
You remember the days when making it
meant getting your big break on a
network sitcom, or
landing three lines in a soap opera and
hoping that your character didn't die
in a freak elevator accident?
Ah, the good old days.
Well, guess what those days have
streamed by.
See what I did just there.
You should know that the entertainment
industry looks completely different.
Why?
Well, listen it's because of streaming
services.
We've got Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Prime,
apple, TV, Disney plus HBO, max.
I mean, honestly,
if you don't have at least four of
these, are you even procrastinating?
Properly,
these platforms have revolutionized the
way content is made, watched, and most
importantly, for you,
getting cast.
See, the power shift means that
streaming has shifted the power away
from traditional gatekeepers.
No longer do you have to wait 34 hours
in a casting office lobby hoping that
your agent remembered to send your
updated headshot.
Ok, I'm kidding, but understand that
today's.
Actors are getting discovered through
indie projects.
They're getting discovered through
their web series.
And yes, even TikTok,
I mean it, if you've Got Talent and
something to say, there's a platform
waiting for you to upload it.
No kidding.
See, casting directors for streaming
shows are actively looking for fresh faces.
We're talking authentic people,
unique people, people who aren't trying
to squeeze themselves into a mold, but
are confidently rocking
whatever makes them
them.
So if you've been told that you're too
weird or too niche or too specific,
first of all, congratulations, you're
exactly what streaming content craves.
I know that we're living in a time
where mainstream is just another genre,
not the only lane.
And authenticity is the new black.
I can tell you this first hand.
We just finished our 4th hallmark
movie, and we've cast and
listen we, through a wide net, opened
to really interesting characters to be
put in this film.
And so we're doing it first hand.
And here's something that's changed in
a huge way.
I think it's a matter of thinking that
authenticity
is the currency.
Audiences are craving characters that
feel real,
diverse stories, unique backgrounds,
unconventional heroes,
is the heart and soul of streaming
content.
So if you've got a specific cultural
background,
life experience or perspective,
then I suggest you lean into it.
Don't run from what makes you different,
in my opinion, that's your superpower.
And you better believe that writers and
show runners are creating content that
reflects real people, not just stock
characters from a 90s procedural drama.
Although, hey, if you do book a guest
roll on a procedural.
I hope you get to say something like,
we've got company,
and you're doing that by holding a
flashlight.
That's classic.
The self starter strategy is what I'm
suggesting for you.
So let's talk.
Strategy here's the beautiful truth.
You do not have to wait for a fancy
agent or a Spielberg backed project to
get noticed any more.
You can create your own path,
seriously grab your iPhone, some
friends and write a short film,
launch a YouTube series,
post character monologues on Instagram.
Not only are you flexing your acting
muscles, but you're building a digital resume
that casting prose are watching.
Yes, we're out here.
Lurking
it's not creepy
it's research.
Some of the biggest name in streaming
got their start creating self produced content.
Think of is array with awkward black
girl,
a web series that blew up and LED to
hbo's insecure
listen.
That all started with a YouTube channel
and just a whole lot of hustle.
You can do that.
Yes, you
think global,
act, local.
We're going to continue the conversation
right after this.
So this is another game changer.
I think streaming is global.
Your work isn't limited to what's
filming in Los Angeles or New York any more.
The world is your casting office.
Productions are happening in Vancouver,
Berlin, Mumbai,
Cape Town.
And thanks to subtitles and dubbing,
your performance can reach audiences
around the world.
I have actually seen actor's book in
other countries without leaving their apartment,
all through remote auditions.
You know, self tapes and zoom callbags.
You know what that means?
You don't have to uproot your life or
sell your car,
you don't.
You don't have to do all of that just
to chase a dream.
Sometimes all you need is a decent
lighting setup and a wi fi, a wi fi
connection that doesn't cut out
mid monologue
let's talk content.
The kinds of shows, streaming platforms
are producing
they're bananas.
I mean that in the best way.
We're seeing shows about
haunted dating Apps,
a time travelling baristas,
musical murder mysteries set in space.
I mean, what,
the stories are, bold and weird and
specific
and wildly creative.
And that means there's room for actors
who can think outside the box and
brings something special.
If you've got range,
if you love character work, if you
enjoy playing a vampire dj in one scene
and grieving astronaut in the next.
This is your time.
Believe me,
I think it's
branding without selling out.
So that let's address.
Now, the m word
marketing?
Yes, it can feel a little gross.
At first.
I admit it.
Why do I have to market myself?
I'm an artist.
Geoffrey
listen, I hear you.
But let me be clear.
Marketing doesn't mean selling out.
It means sharing who you are and what
you offer, authentically,
and creatively,
your Instagram page.
Think of it as your digital stage, your
TikTok,
your performance portfolio,
even your email signature can reflect
your brand.
Are you the quirky,
quick, witted best friend?
Are you the emotionally intensed
anti heroes
know you're lame
and let the world know you're driving
in it with the Windows down and the
music blasting.
Here's some final takeaways,
wrapping it all up in a metaphorical
streaming bow.
One, streaming has changed the game.
Opportunities are everywhere and no
longer tied to traditional gatekeepers.
Two, be authentic
casting directors are craving realness
over polish.
Three, create your own content.
You have more tools than ever to
showcase yourself.
Four, think globally streaming
platforms reach a world wide audience.
And so can you
v
market?
Smartly
it's not bragging.
It's branding.
Look, breaking into the industry has
never been easy, but it's never been
more accessible.
Streaming is no longer a trend.
It's the new normal.
And if you can learn to ride the wave
instead of waiting for some one to toss
you a lifeline.
So
go on, write that web series,
record that monologue,
post that character sketch.
Because somewhere, a casting director
is watching and thinking,
where has that actor been,
hopefully not still refreshing their
email, waiting for that one call back.
Thanks for hanging out with me to day
on casting actors.
Cass, if you found this helpful,
inspiring, or at the very least,
amusing enough to keep you from doom
scrolling,
please subscribe,
leave a review
and share this episode with your fellow
actors.
And don't forget to check outcasting
actors' cast.
Outcome for more resources, updates and
ways to connect until next time.
Keep streaming.
Keep dreaming and remember your next
big break might just be
one
click away.
I'm Geoffrey driesback, and this is
casting actor's