Actors Access - Basics

Let us begin with the king of casting director breakdown services. The Breakdown Services were created years ago when we used to print out each breakdown then pull physical headshots with resumes stapled to them and organize them by role. Then we would drive the packets into Hollywood to meet up with the carrier who then sent each manila envelope around town so it would arrive the same day to each casting office. Times sure have changed, but I'm grateful to no longer have to drive all the way down to Manhattan Beach!

Now that everything is online, actors have far more access than they ever have historically, which is great news for you!

Register

First things first, you need to "Register" or create an Actors Access account (the actors side of the Breakdown Services website; agents use Breakdown Express and so on). I always recommend starting with the free account, trust me, you can always upgrade and pay money later.

Fill In Profile

Make sure to fill out the "About Me" -> "My Profile" sections with accurate measurements, age range (ask your representation, coaches and scene partners what age range you play. Do NOT simply decide how young you look?)

Make sure to fill in "About Me," "Resume," "Skills," "Accents & Languages," "Size Card & Physical Characteristics," and "Disabilities." If you have questions about how to fill in the resume section, please see the corresponding resume blog post.

All of these details are then utilized by casting directors and your representation to find and sort you into the proper role. An agent doesn't know you're a expert downhill skier, but they can if you fill out your profile.

Representation

In olden days, actors could fill out the representation portion themselves. Now agents and managers need to claim your profile. It takes an extra step for them, but that's the way it is now. If you have representation, you'll need to inform them you've set up your profile and need them to add you to their roster.

Photos

Every profile can have two free photos. Make sure to have those used before starting to add paid photos to your profile. Also there is a dropdown menu that shows what is on your Actors Acces account profile versus your profiles linked to your representation.

SlateShots

Photos come to life with a 7 second video. It doesn't have to be the exact outfit, but try to match the vibe and style of the headshot with your video. It's a great way for casting to quickly hear your voice and see you in motion.

Performance Media

Add videos and audio that you and your reps can add to each submission.

Use titles that inform what content is in the video such as "Emo high schooler - Drama" or "High strung housewife - Comedy." It helps give your reps and casting an insight into what type of genre and character you'll be showcasing.

Upload your full demos and snippets of it! Breakdown your demo so if casting only wants to include the comedic characters or dramatic, they have those options.

Performance Media can be many things: shooting hoops to showcase your collegiate level basketball ability. Demonstrating your language fluency, so casting doesn't have to guess how well you speak French or if you really know ASL.

Audio performance media can be singing, voiceover demo reels, accents or languages.

Gone are the days of one long demo reel that goes on for 10 minutes. Casting is lucky if they have time to watch your whole audition scene, wasting time with 5 minute demo reels is unrealistic, especially early on in the casting process.

Submitting on Breakdowns

Find the dropdown menu for "Breakdowns" -> Country of Citizenship -> City/Region you are located in.

When it opens the long or short list of breakdowns, you may want to curate it to find the breakdowns right for YOU! Go to the "Filters" dropdown and click the cooresponding menu option whether you want only union projects, non-union projects or more specific to your profile with "Breakdowns Fit For Me."

A breakdown may look odd if you've never encountered one before, but look it over and you'll have a fairly good idea the information it holds. Read it in its entirety because if you submit to casting and didn't realize that the dates of the shoot you have a conflict, that is an issue. Don't waste their time or yours!

Read the roles and find the ONE that fits you best. Casting can call you for a different role if they choose to, but if you submit to a single project with five different characters you feel you could be right for, you probably don't know your type or style acting as well as you should. It isn't that you couldn't play any of them, but what headshots and demos do you have to support your being called by casting for that role. Submit to your strongest option! MAYBE and only maybe submit to multiple roles if you think you truly fit them both equally.

If casting allows you to add notes, it is great to notify them of any extra reasons you fit this role. The character needs to play guitar or is a mezzo-soprano. Also if you have any notable credits or connection to the project, this is a great place to mention it.

Tired of Spam Emails about Castings

If you don't want constant emails, go to "About Me" -> "My Account" -> "Role Matching & Notifications."

Change or Cancel Membership or Payment

Change membership plan and payment under "About Me" -> "My Account" -> "Membership" or "Payment Details" respectively.