**[To view the original article written by Sam Blake of Dot.LA, please click here.](https://dot.la/casting-depot-raise-2649955768.html)**
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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As a casting director, Lacey Kaelani has a leading view on Hollywood's content pipeline. Based on what she's been seeing on her venture-backed casting platform, Casting Depot, prepare for a deluge of unscripted shows.

<b>"It's all gonna be handheld videos where everything looks like a Zoom call," she said. "Dating shows, talk shows, food competition shows – that's what was cast and is going into production."</b>

The Casting Depot launched its latest beta version on Friday, with a "six-figure" investment from global venture capital firm Antler. Its board includes leaders from companies including CAA, Airtime, iHeartMedia, WorkMarket and IAC.

Kaelani, 26, described the site as similar to a social media platform. Users build profiles, can join groups and have access to industry news. On the middle of their page is an aggregated feed of casting calls tailored to them. The idea, she said, is if there's an actor that has an interest in food, they will see more food based opportunities than they would using a database because of the interest-based feed.

Kaelani founded Casting Depot in New York but she's been working in Los Angeles since the pandemic and eventually plans to permanently move the company to Southern California, the industry's epicenter.

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/feed3.png" align="center"/>
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<center>A screenshot of the dashboard of the latest version of the Casting Depot.
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Kaelani started the company as a casting agency in 2019 and helped companies like Hearst, Buzzfeed, HGTV and several streamers find talent. But she quickly pivoted to an online talent network.

"It's a millenial view of what casting should look like in 2021," she said.

She says the casting process is like H.R. for Hollywood. And after years as a casting director for companies like Netflix, Bravo and HGTV, she and her team were flummoxed why what seemed like a straightforward process tended to be complex and costly.

Casting directors can pay up to $800 a month to access a database and artists often have subscriptions that range from $20 to $50 a month. Those databases, she said, are dated.

"We thought there could be a better way, so that networks don't have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per season per show," she said. "That's when the lightbulb went off: a centralized marketplace that has every single type of on-camera gig, kind of like a LinkedIn."

Casting Depot is free for casting directors and it takes an 8% cut of the deals that it helps talent forge. That's a departure from the subscription model that typical casting hubs use. But, by bringing down the paywall, she hopes to widen the pool of talent for shows while also giving casting directors access to better candidates.

Kaelani pivoted her casting company last year bringing in a chief technology officer with digital marketplace experience and launched its first beta version in July.

Over that 12-week period, the company says it saw 446% month-over-month user growth. In all, 10,000 users have joined on the talent side, and 350 production companies have tapped the platform, including HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery, Twitch and Snapchat.

She added in payment processing and legal document management for items like NDAs, contracts, and image-release forms with its latest version. The company sees itself now as a valuable "end-to-end" solution.

COVID has hampered the content production process, but Kaelani sees it as a boost for her business. For one, it has generated demand for unscripted productions, since they are cheaper to make and easier to produce in accordance with social distancing protocols, as they generally require fewer people on set. That works well for the type of users that have flocked to Casting Depot.

<b>"On the talent side, in our beta, around 75% of our users were real people," Kaelani said. "Chefs that want to be on Food Network, real estate agents that want to be on HGTV, financial experts that want to be on Yahoo Finance."</b>

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/profile2.png" align="center"/>
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<center>The feed view of themost recent version of the Casting Depot.</center>

As the industry continues to work remotely where it can, Kaelani thinks her business is well positioned.

"You'll see more companies with casting happening over Zoom and Skype and having virtual relationships," she said. "But it makes for a stickier workflow process to manage that remotely, and we're building tools to help with that."

The company expects its success to skyrocket, claiming it is "set to hit half a million users by 2021 with thousands of on-camera gigs booked every week through the platform."

As for the content that Kaelani sees coming through the pipeline, she says to get ready for a new generation of "Keeping up with the Kardashians," "The Great British Bake Off," and "The Bachelor."

"My opinion on the future of content is that it'll all be unscripted, short-form content," she said. "I've seen a massive shift toward real stories, real people. It's cheap to create, has the highest impact, and major streamers like Netflix and HBO will have to continue to create content within that sphere."

Casting Depot, a LinkedIn for Hollywood Talent, Has a New Beta and a Six-Figure Investment

Welcome back to the monthly list of TV & movie recs, suggested by the Casting Depot team 👋🏻 If you have suggestions of what she would be watching, tweet us!

Here's what we're streaming in March:
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>Lacey's List, Co-Founder @ Casting Depot
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<b>1. Sand Castle (Netflix)</b>
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<iframe width="699" height="393" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8hq28cZ938E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>WandaVision (Disney+)</b>
<br>- Theo, Junior Engineer @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="920" height="518" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ywz0neBdJzI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>The Expanse - Season 4 (Amazon Prime)</b>
<br>- Justin, Engineer @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="920" height="518" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TFdzpVt5rbk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Hulu)</b>
<br>- Jocelyn, Product Intern @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="920" height="518" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-1v_q6TWAL4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Arrested Development (Netflix)</b>
<br>- Jake, Advisor @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="920" height="518" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vzVhPCMAxWQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Tiger (HBO)</b>
<br>- Minna, MBA Biz Dev Intern @ Casting Depot 
<iframe width="933" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CT-dTVVY8XM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Halt and Catch Fire (Netflix)</b>
<br> - Ty, Engineer @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="766" height="431" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWrioRji60A" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Bridgerton (Netflix)</b>
<br>- Brad, Chief Technology Officer @ Casting Depot 
<iframe width="766" height="431" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gpv7ayf_tyE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>Shtisel (YouTube)</b>
<br>- Josh, Head of Design @ Casting Depot 
<iframe width="766" height="431" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D7aPqWegLQw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<br> <b>The Crown (Netflix)</b>
<br>- David, MBA Biz Dev @ Casting Depot
<iframe width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWtnJjn6ng0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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And that's our list for this month. If you have shows that you're binging that we should watch,  tweet us! Find us on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/castingdepot">Twitter.</a>

What We're Watching in March

The best way to keep your production organized begins with taking stock of all the tools you need to cast the perfect role. 

We've done this more than a dozen times, so we know your shortlist of tools probably includes a great talent pool, eager applicants, a quality audition venue, clear compliance and simple payroll. 

Were we right? We believe that if you need two or more tools to get a job right then you should probably keep those tools together! Cue Casting Depot. 

One of the undeniable benefits of using Casting Depot to cast talent is the ability to audition talent applicants from the same platform they used to apply. Applicants fill out an initial questionairre alongside their profile, and based off the info they submit, your team can decide whether or not you'd like to see them audition. 

In the new normal state of the world, we knew your team would need an easy solution to inviting talent to audition remotely. With our tools you can audition live and record individual auditions for easy reference. It's simple for anyone on your team to access these Live Video from their profile!

<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center">1. Login to your account.</h3>
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	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/log-in.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center">2. Navigate to your Production Dashboard.</h3>
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	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/to-dashboard.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center">3. Select a production.</h3>
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	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/select-prod.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center">4. Click the calander icon.</h3>
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	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/select-cal.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center">5. Select a Live Audtion Room.</h3>
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	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/enter-live-room.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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That's that! 
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If you would like to be able to review each audition after the fact, make sure to click the <b> Record </b> button at the bottom of the video screen. 
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We want your job to be as easy as possible, so we went ahead and thought of everything you might need.
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<b>Happy Casting!</b>

How To Host & Access Live Video Auditions

Lacey here! My close friends know that I absolutely LOVE horror movies. I could probably have an incredibly in-depth conversation about my favorite ones, the best production houses that produce them, and the passion and art of telling a horror movie. I'm a horror movie buff... you get the point. 

Auditioning for a role in a horror movie can be incredibly tough. So - I wanted to put together a list of movies in which I felt the acting was above and beyond. Hopefully these movies will help you draw inspiration for your next big audition.

<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> The Blair Witch Project (Netflix) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="477" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a_Hw4bAUj8A" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> As Above So Below (Netflix) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fq358xHbzN4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> Sinister 2 (Hulu) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fChx_YZUAR0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> A Quiet Place (Amazon Prime) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WR7cc5t7tv8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b>Lights Out (Hulu) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6LiKKFZyhRU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> The Haunting in Connecticut (Netflix) </b></center>
<iframe width="705" height="529" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MRJA3lN0xCQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> The Devil Inside (HBO) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVpcszlYT7s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> Paranormal Activity (Amazon Prime) </b></center>
<iframe width="839" height="472" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zR2cc1BwdmI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<center><b> The Babadook (Netflix) </b></center>
<iframe width="852" height="479" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k5WQZzDRVtw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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And there you have it! While there are tons of incredible horror movies out in the universe, these are just a handful of my favorites in which I felt the acting was spot on. I'd love to hear your thoughts! DM me on Casting Depot or Tweet us at @castingdepot 🔥

Acting in Horror Movies

In the world of on-camera gigs, there's unfortunately no playbook to success. However, as a casting network, we can point you in the right direction as to how to boost your profile to ensure you are seen by the casting directors on our platform. As an influencer on our site, you'll receive a fancy badge, receive exclusive invites to brands whom are looking to specifically book influencers, and more. 

So, ready to get started? Here are some tips & tricks as to how to stand out:

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<h3 class="text-center"><b>1. Onboard as an influencer📲</b></h3>
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/Influencer.png" align="center"/>
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Users that submit their profiles to have an influencer badge will undergo an interal review by the Casting Depot team. You'll be notified as to when and if your profile has been verified by the team. You can submit for an influencer verification badge by heading to 👉 www.castingdepot.com/influencer
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	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center"><b>2. Fill out your profile as much as possible🔥</b></h3>
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/profile3.png" align="center"/>
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Attaching your social links, additional media uploads, and titles/skills tags will have a big impact on your profile standing out. Use the description section of your profile to outline your goals and interests. It'll help job posters get to know you! Additionally - the more you fill out your profile, the more acurate the castings we show you in your feed will be.
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	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<h3 class="text-center"><b>3. Be active in Casting Depot groups 🚀</b></h3>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/groups2.png" align="center"/>
</center>
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In our groups feature, sub communities have active daily conversations sharing resources, castings, and projects they're working on. The more active you are within the Casting Depot community, the more opportunities will come your way from other users!
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	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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While it's a small list, these three tips will help your profile stand out from the crowd. Get started today by heading to www.castingdeopt.com/influencer

How to book on-camera gigs as an influencer

Abir Hashem is a 21-year-old Canadian visual artist from a small city called Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada. He initially was brought into the music industry at the bold age of 18 in the middle of his senior year of high school… funny enough through an Instagram DM from Drake’s Tour Manager to go on a nationwide tour with G-Eazy’s opening act. After some deliberation, he instead got flown into Toronto, Canada to film two nights at a venue called ‘The Shrine’ for G-Eazy’s “Beautiful & Damned: North American Tour.”

From that crazy opportunity, he was able to turn that into working as a tastemaker for artists through different avenues such as videography, photography, editing, animating, and being a stage & graphic designer. These skill sets have allowed him to work with different artists of different backgrounds such as Anthony Russo, G-Eazy, Marshmello, inverness, Jack Harlow, jackson lee morgan, Carly Rose, Dounia, Leven Kali and etc. With his age & experience, he still has a lot to learn and curate his taste but I’m confident enough to say that it is just the beginning of his flourishing career.
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/Q%26A+Series/abirhashem.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>

<b>Tell us about your credits. What have you worked on?</b>
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I’ve worked on plenty of music videos, visualizers, cover arts and documentary series for artists such as Anthony Russo, Christian French, jackson lee morgan, inverness, Carly Rose and etc. I was also able to animate cover arts and social assets such as trailers for G-Eazy’s single/album release campaigns. In 2021 I was able to design an one-hours’ worth of stage visuals for a virtual live concert for Christian French under Moment House. 
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<b>What are you working on right now? Anything cool?</b>
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I’m just wrapping up some final touches for Anthony Russo’s new EP called ‘BLUE’. The project has eight songs that is attached with either a visualizer or a music video. This is all set to come out in Spring of 2021. But I actually have a cover art and music video coming out on February 18th, 2021 with jackson lee morgan called ‘wayside’! It will be one of the most vibrant things I’ve made so far in my career!
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<b>What’s your favorite TV show of 2021?</b>
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My favorite show of 2021 is ‘Community.’ If ‘The Office’ didn’t exist most people would be more swayed to watch it. The directing, the writing, the cast and how it’s able to balance comedic and emotional beats is done terrifically well. Also, Donald Glover is in it and I love everything he does creatively!  I can’t not recommend it enough! Go watch it!
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<b>What’s one thing you do often that inspires you to continue to create?</b>
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Inspiration comes to me in many different ways. I consumer other creatives’ work on a daily basis whether that’d be music videos, visualizers, recaps, movies and etc. which often links me to tie their visual components to an artist’s demo. More often than not, I plug my headphones in, go for a walk and let my mind run free with imagination. This could result in a simple idea for a shot or a complex storyline music video. Sometimes inspiration just hits you out of nowhere. But those two really help me get the creative juices flowing. 
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<b>What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry?</b>
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My advice would be to keep being persistent no matter how hard it gets. So many people just want to see the short-term result and when they don’t receive it… they quit. This industry is made up of a lot of creatives who are hungry, want to succeed and end up rewarding whoever puts in the most effort. 
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<b>What’s one insider tip to success you’d give for others in 2021?</b>
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Try to diversify your portfolio and learn new tricks & different outlets of art. The more you open yourself up to learn and try new things, the more opportunities open up. Try not to be so comfortable. Comfortability is a career killer! 
Your website and link to online video, if any.
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<br>
<b>[Website](https://hashbrowncreates.wixsite.com/abirhashem)</b>
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<b>[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/abir.mov/?hl=en)</b>

Abir Hashem Chats Music Videos, Sisualizers, and Creating Documentary Series 

Judd Apatow, film director and comedian best known for 40-Year-Old Virgin (Knocked Up, Funny People, This Is 40, and Trainwreck) has made the leap to Netflix with his production company - Apatow Productions. His next comedy, The Bubble, has just announced the cast selection of Karen Gillian, Iris Apatow, Maria Bakalova, David Duchovny, Peter Serafinowicz, Keegan-Michael Key, Leslie Mann, Fred Armisen, and Pedro Pascal. Phew!!

The Bubble is about a group of actors and actresses, during the pandemic, stuck inside a hotel attempting to complete their film. Sounds familiar - doesn't it? 

Alongside Pam Brady, the paid will produce and co-write the film. Barry Mendel and Donald Sabourin are on board to executive produce. Shooting is expected to start sometime in Q1 of this year.

This announcement comes on top of the year as the streamers battle it out for best produced original-content. Netflix has historically done a fantastic job of producing hillarious original comedies with strong cast memebers. We're betting this new film will be just as strong as the last. 

New Netflix Comedy ‘The Bubble’ Casts All-Stars

Rio Rocket is a multi-hyphenate film, television, and voice actor who has a recurring role on the ABC TV Series, *For Life* and motivational spokesperson for Lowe's Companies. He's been featured in publications such as SUCCESS, AUTHORITY, BillionSuccess and Ariana Huffington’s Thrive Global Magazine. 

He sat down with us to share his story along with tips and tricks into breaking into the industry as an actor. 
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png"/> 
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/Q%26A+Series/riorocket.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>

<b>Tell us about your credits. What have you worked on?</b><br>
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<p class="tab">I was fortunate to work on the ABC TV Series, For Life last year and now we're in our second season. The series is inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., who was wrongfully sentenced to life in prison. He studied to become a lawyer while serving and overturned his sentence. For the past three years, I have worked with Lowe's Companies as their motivational spokesperson which has been an absolute dream. I travel down to their headquarters in Mooresville and Charlotte, NC approximately three times per year for various productions. I've also been fortunate enough to work on other exciting projects such as Alter Boy: The Series, a full advertising campaign for Jack Black Skincare and VOG (Voice of God) for John Jay College's annual Commencement Ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of ten thousand people for three consecutive years.</p>
<br>
<b>What are you working on right now? Anything cool?</b><br>
<p class="tab">I'm currently working on my new podcast Design Your Decade: Journey to the C-Suite. An interactive professional development podcast that puts comedy and career growth in a blender and serves you a simple yet superb smoothie that's guaranteed to not cause brain-freeze. I host the show with co-host Rosann Santos and it's accessible on every major podcasting app and platform. It's been a blast to educate and entertain with this new platform while delivering my knowledge through audio performance.</p>
<br>
<b>What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry?</b><br>
<p class="tab">If you're looking to break into acting successfully begin by finding a mentor and a private coach. This is what I did initially. It's good to get a one-on-one assessment of what raw materials you have to work with. A mentor or coach will also be able to offer you guidance as to which career path may offer you the least resistance. Afterward take a class, study improvisation, workshop, rehearse, audition and repeat. Also get a professional headshot taken and build your online and social presence.</p>

<b>What’s one insider tip to success you’d give for others in 2021?</b><br>
<p class="tab">Take massive action in developing the skills you need in your profession. Right now we are at odds, not just with others in our field, but also with robotics and artificial intelligence. There are applications that can create entire music albums such as *I AM AI* by Taryn Southern. There are now technologies that can create artificially intelligent virtual actors as seen in *Gemini Man* with Will Smith. You're competing against that now. Your skills have to be so well-developed and honed to compete at a higher level these days. You have to be so unique that you are undeniable. You have to be so good in your auditions and performances that the casting director or audience wants to leave the room with you.</p>

<b>What’s your favorite TV show of 2020?</b><br>
<p class="tab">Right now it's a toss-up between *Umbrella Academy* and *The Queen's Gambit*. I go crazy for the superhero genre and *Umbrella Academy* is just pure, brilliant fun and imagination let loose onto film. *The Queen's Gambit* appeals to my sensibilities of talent and genius put to action. Anya Taylor-Joy's character is incredibly deep and compelling.</p>

<b>Give us your plug! How can we follow you?</b><br>
<p class="tab">
<a href="https://www.DesignYourDecade.io">Design Your Decade: Podcast</a><br>
<a href="https://RioRocket.com">Rio Rocket: Website</a><br>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/riorocket">Rio Rocket: Vimeo Channel</a></p>

ABC Actor Rio Rocket Chat Industry Tips and Success

Alvin Cowan has worked with the biggest names including Clint Eastwood, James Caan, Bradley Cooper and Bruce Willis. Since his breakout acting career post college, he landed a recurring role in ABC’s “Back In The Game.” which lead to apperances in HBO’s critically-acclaimed series, “Westworld,” and had a recurring role in Season 3 of Emmy-nominated “This Is Us”. Cool, right? If that wasn't enough, he also works as a producer in which he currently has a development project in the works with Zero Point Zero, Basil Iwanyk, Eric Tannenbaum, and Monami Entertainment. 

He sat down with us to share his story along with tips and tricks into making it in the industry. 
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png"/> 
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/Q%26A+Series/alancowan.png" align="right" width="400" height="80"/>

<b>Tell us about your credits. What have you worked on?</b><br>
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<p class="tab">I’m most proud of the specific acting jobs I’ve been involved in. I just had the opportunity to work on some REALLY cool shows/movies with some REALLY cool people. There’s a reason that This Is Us, Westworld, Eastwood – why all those people are successful. They treat people well – no matter how big or small a role they have.</p>
<br>
<b>What are you working on right now? Anything cool?</b><br>
<p class="tab">We just released a very cool true crime podcast through Imperative Entertainment entitled “American Coyote.” It’s the story of Elden Kidd, a Morman man from Riverside who started running people across the border in the early 1990’s. It’s a wild ride and I’m proud of how it turned out. I am developing another podcast series with Cavalry Media and will be pitching a feature to studios and a couple TV shows sometime in the coming months.</p>
<br>
<b>What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry?</b><br>
<p class="tab">Man. Tough question. There’s so much. I wrote an article one time (reposted recently <a href="https://https://thriveglobal.com/stories/10-tips-to-survive-as-a-creative-professional-in-entertainment-and-not-go-crazy-in-the-process/?utm_source=Newsletter_Transaction&utm_medium=Thrive&utm_campaign=Published">here)</a> that was “10 Tips to Survive As A Creative Professional In Entertainment… And Not Go Crazy In the Process.”  I think that advice stands up, even though I wrote it a number of years ago. It’s probably the best answers I can give.</p>

<p class="tab">That said, if I’ve learned anything since I wrote that, it’s that you have to give yourself your own “yes.” I don’t know that that’s sage advice or wisdom that you can’t hear from any coach/guru out there, but it’s been immeasurably true for me. When I finally decided that I had something to say with my art – and that it was worth saying – and maybe, just maybe, someone else might like/need/want to hear it… that was a game changer for me.</p>

<p class="tab">Also, there’s no rules.</p>

<b>What’s one insider tip to success you’d give for others in 2021?</b><br>
<p class="tab">I personally think the industry is regionalizing. My opinion is that Netflix and the rest of the streamers are moving the business away from a traditional LA/NYC model and going to be sourcing MOST jobs (save the top 1-5 on the call sheet) from regional actors, crew, etc. To me, there’s opportunity there. I can’t tell you the number of actors I’ve watched land small rolls as local hires, only to recur, then become guest stars. Next thing you know, they book a pilot – and have a career. You don’t need to be in LA or NY anymore. Build from a region – either through bookings or making your own material – and have LA or NY come to you.</p>

<b>What’s your favorite TV show of 2020?</b><br>
<p class="tab">I binged three seasons of Yellowstone right at the start of the pandemic. I love Taylor Sheridan and don’t know why I had not watched it before. It’s certainly on brand for me. I also really enjoyed ZeroZeroZero on Amazon, the most recent season of Ozark… I was on the Tiger King train… Cheer… there’s so much good stuff!

<b>Give us your plug! How can we follow you?</b><br>
<p class="tab">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aecowan10">Instagram</a><br>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/aecowan10">TikTok</a></p>

Q&A with HBO & ABC Actor Alvin Cowan 

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out” is a phrase we have all heard a million times. However, in the acting world, it’s an essential cliche to follow. Breaking into the acting industry is no easy feat. It’s a competitive industry that’s very subjective at times. So - what do you need to stand out from the thousands of other talented applicants? Listing special skills on your Casting Depot profile may be just the answer. 

Here are four commonly asked questions from our community, answered.
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<ul class="indent-list">
<b>Which skills should I include?</b>
<br>The Casting Depot platform is the only platform for every type of on-camera talent. Are you an expert in a certain field? List your expertise. Are you a theater actor? List your musical talent, dance ability and accents. Are you a TV/film actor? Languages, accents and basic stage combat are all useful skills to list when applying to a gig. Think about what makes you unique and list as many skills as you can. It doesn’t hurt.

<b>Are there any skills that should not be included?</b>
<br>Some casting directors believe that your skills have the potential to show your personality. If these skills can be translated onto screen somehow, put them on your resume! These funky skills could include unicycle riding, being able to recite the alphabet backwards, or being the fastest person in the world to solve a rubik's cube. But don’t be ridiculous. Skills like reading, babysitting, or eating tacos waste valuable space on your profile. 
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	<br>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/specialskills.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>
<b>Should I learn a new skill for a role?</b>
<br>The answer is 'yes'! Learning new skills will not only help you land the role you want, but can also play an essential role in your overall career. If a character knows how to play the guitar, it helps if you know how to play as well. Learning skills also helps you steer your own career.  For instance - if you want to be on Broadway, learn different types of dance. Acting is a craft that you can continuously improve on.

<b>Can I lie about a skill, even if I’m currently learning it?</b>
<br>Never lie about a skill you have. Be upfront and honest. If you are learning how to play the piano, you can say that you are learning. It’s very possible that a casting director will move you on to the next phase of casting because you have a certain attribute listed on your profile. It’d be incredibly awkward if you listed something that was dishonest - especially if you make it to the following interview stage in the casting process. Faking a skill not only wastes the casting director’s time, but also yours.
</li>
</ul>

Aspiring actors often wonder how they can stand out from the pack when applying for roles. Skills are what separate you from others. Listing thos skills on your Casting Depot profile may be just what you need to make you stand out from the crowd.

Sign into your Casting Depot profile [here](https://www.castingdepot.com) to get started.


Four Questions About Special Skills, Answered

Playing a role that requires an accent can be daunting. It’s common for actors to decide to take on new accents as listed skills to market themselves for scripted roles. It’s another marketable item on your checklist that can make your resume standout in a sea full of people. 

So, you’re ready to audition for a role that requires an accent. How do you efficiently prepare? Practice your craft, even when there’s not a role on the horizon that calls for an accent. Use these 7 tips to guide you in perfecting your accent.
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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<b>1. Study the dialect.</b>
<br>If there’s a particular accent you would like to list as a skill on your resume, study it. Conduct research on the country, listen to music by artists who speak naturally in that accent, or watch films with american actors who have aced it. When you feel ready, practice reading in character. When your audition date is nearing, record yourself speaking in character. Listen to how you sound so you can see where you need to improve. 

<b>2. Avoid sounds that throw off the audience.</b>
<br>Every accent has a few sounds that should be executed properly in order to be convincing. There are also some sounds that your audience won’t notice if said incorrectly. Regardless, an accent must flow. If this is something you’re struggling with, a dialect coach could be beneficial to mastering the accent.
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/accent.png" align="right" width="400" height="80"/>
<br> 
<br>
<b>3. Find consistency.</b>
<br>Be consistent when reading your lines. Often times, actors struggle when there’s an emotional scene or a difficult word to pronounce. This leads to pronunciation being inconsistent. When you practice, it'll build your confidence. You'll become less worried about pronuncing words correctly and more focused on conveying the emotion.

<b>4. Practice often, always.</b>
<br>Another helpful tool can be spontaneously speaking in the accent. This could include talking to yourself out loud while on your way to work, chatting with friends or ordering food the next time you’re at a restaurant. Find excuses to test your ability to make your new tone sound like second nature. 
Sing the accent.
		
Some accents sound like a melody. Some words should be sung instead of being spoken. Let your words flow. If it’s an emotional scene, become the character. If your accent is imperfect, it’ll sound more believable. If you’re looking for inspiration, revisit tip #1. 
		
<b>5. Embrace your characters’ universe.</b>
<br>If you’re in a production that takes place in 1950’s England, embrace that era. Studying the time and the environment of the project will help you in not only understanding your character but accurately representing that role. If it’s available to you, rehearse with characters you have scenes with. The two of you will be more in sync.
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</ul>


5 Ways to Nail an Accent 

Dan Cashman is the host, creator, and an Executive Producer of “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman.” The show is a Maine-based late night talk show that is in its 11th consecutive season, and currently airs in all three of Maine’s TV markets including CBS.
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png"/> 
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<b>Tell us about your credits. What have you worked on?</b><br>
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<p class="tab">I would say The Nite Show is the biggest thing. I put a lot of time and effort into it for a lot of reasons. It’s not easy to produce a show like this in a small market, and thankfully there are a lot of people who help make it successful. Our house band is a six-piece jazz group and they are incredible. We have an announcer/co-host who has talent that is simply off the charts and she is an amazing personality, which absolutely shines on television. Our writers go above and beyond for the monologue in every show, and we have a few people who work behind the scenes to coordinate everything from audience seating (when we’re allowed to have an audience) to desk props. We also work with the New England School of Communications at Husson University in Bangor, and the students, faculty, and staff make the show look and sound amazing. The people involved in that program are second-to-none and so many students have gone on to do great things in the past ten years, and for good reason. It’s heartwarming to see them succeed in school and after graduation.

<p class="tab">Beyond this show, my credits are relatively minor. I spent 4 years as the program director and on-air host at a CHR radio station in Bangor. I also owned a radio show for a short time more recently. I worked on a national documentary as a production assistant in the late 90s and was at MSNBC before that as an intern. I have written some material here and there for national productions in an uncredited role, sometimes just passing a joke along, and other times in a more unofficially official capacity. 
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/Q%26A+Series/dancashman.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>
<p class="tab">My idol David Letterman famously said that he’s always either doing a show or thinking of doing a show. And even though our show is only on once a week, and it’s only seen in one state, I find myself in a similar boat. Any time I have an idea come to mind that I think is funny or creative, my first instinct is to figure out how it might fit into The Nite Show. And that’s really one of the joys of doing this kind of a show is that virtually any idea is at least possible. That allows for so much creative flexibility, as long as it makes sense for the audience and the budget.</p>
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<b>What are you working on right now? Anything cool?</b><br>
<p class="tab">I’ll refer back to my quote from David Letterman. We just finished our 550th episode of The Nite Show, so we are gearing up for the second half of season 11. We have a fun parody in the works of a game show, adapted for the pandemic we’re all currently facing, and we will surprise our viewers by using the actual host of the show we are parodying in the sketch. He’s never been on the show before, so that’s fun. And we have some guests we’re prepping to see in person once we’re allowed to do so while also reaching out to guests who might join us virtually in the meantime. 

<p class="tab">One thing the pandemic has made me do is realize how fortunate we are to do this show, but also to realize that there is more potential. So we are developing some new ideas to pitch both locally and beyond. I wouldn’t say that the pandemic has freed up any time for us, but it’s certainly made us think a little differently. From that perspective, we’re working hard to bring new ideas to the forefront and see where they go. 

<p class="tab">So, my answer right now is “yes.” Yes I’m working on something cool...but maybe in a year I can explain what that is.</p>
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<b>What advice do you have for others looking to break into the industry?</b><br>
<p class="tab">Start wherever you need to start, and build from there. I’m not in Hollywood, New York, or Chicago. I’m not an A-lister, even in Maine. But I’m doing what I love. To get to this point, I started by paying for airtime on a very tiny WB station in Bangor. We built an audience by working our tails off and being creative. Today, we’re still working our tails off, but we’re statewide in Maine, we’re getting guests we never thought we’d have on our show from all walks of life, and we’re doing really well in the ratings. 

<p class="tab">I also had to figure out where I wanted to be. I knew early on that I wanted to host a show like this, but I also knew that it didn’t matter if it was a national show. I realized during college that I love my home state of Maine and just wanted to stay here. A show like this hadn’t existed at that point, and local television in general had really scaled back since the 80s. So we just created what we wanted to do. 23 years later, it’s working out pretty well. Bangor has embraced the idea -- we were honored with the Bangor Chambers first ever Arts & Culture Award last year -- and the entire state tunes us in.</p>

<b>What’s one insider tip to success you’d give for others in 2021?</b><br>
<p class="tab">I’m taking three tracks on this one. The first two are quotes, and then my own advice. 

<p class="tab">David Letterman (again): “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” 
<p class="tab">Johnny Carson: “If you don’t like what you’re doing, don’t do it.”
<p class="tab">Me: Be kind, be flexible, and be yourself.</p>

<b>What’s your favorite TV show of 2020?</b><br>
<p class="tab">Oy. I like SO much TV right now. If I really had to pick one, it would be Schitt’s Creek. 

<p class="tab">If you let me pick two, I think Jimmy Kimmel Live has done some amazing things this year.</p>

<b>Give us your plug! How can we follow you?</b><br>
<p class="tab">
<a href="www.TheNiteShowMaine.com">My website.</a><br>

Late Night Show Host Dan Cashman About Working in Talk

Managing the progress of your career shouldn't be tough. As a <b>talent user</b>, it should be easy to track submitted applications, requested interviews, outstanding compliance, and lastly - pending payments. So - we built out a dashboard that does as such. We're excited to roll out your <b>Talent Dashboard</b>, located on the left side of your feed. 

Here's how it works:
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/talentdashboard.png"/>

On the talent dashboard, you can now track:

       🚀 Submitted applications
       👏 Invitations to apply to productions and scheduling auditions & interviews
       🎥 Requested self-tape videos for a production
       💻 Requested compliance (this could include NDA's, image release forms, etc.)
       💸 Outstanding payments

Click on each production and it'll show you important aspects including your the original production posting, DM correspondence with the job poster, and supplemental information on that job poster. 

Our goal is for you to never sit in "limbo" again. Track your progress and get booked - it's that easy. 

Get started today by signing up for your [Casting Depot account here.](https://www.castingdepot.com/signup)

Talent Dashboards 🖍

<b>Casting Depot</b> is emerging as the industry’s professional network for all facets of the talent-booking process. With the intent to deepen their impact on the talent-booking workflow, the company just announced two new exciting features for users as part of their v2 beta launch - payroll processing and legal document management. 

Co-founders Lacey Kaelani and Brad Larson have led Casting Depot through a 446% month over month increase in talent user growth. The site hosts calls from industry players like Netflix, HBOMax, Twitch, Bumble, Verizon, and HGTV.

Now, Casting Depot directly addresses the inefficiency in  media-placement by offering complete end-to-end workflow tools - from talent discovery to job posting. Casting directors and companies can now process payroll and access legal documentation like NDAs, image release forms, and talent agreements. This functionality accommodates an increasingly wide variety of postings submitted to the site that call for all types of gigs, not just traditional talent. 

The v2 beta launch directly addresses feedback given from the 12-week-run of v1 beta which was launched in late July. V1 created a social network which enabled unlimited access, and as an aggregated request from users, built out the complete end-to-end workflow process. However perfection is never finished, the team is still refining the product.
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/homepage+v2.png" align="center"/>

<h3 class="text-center">“By dropping the gates, we make it easy for everyone to have access to media and entertainment. Casting Depot is the go to network for creators and talent to engage and source gigs across the industry.”</h3>

The end-to-end market for on-camera placement is $28 Billion, and with 3,500 companies that book talent placement exclusively in the US, the market grew by 4.3% in 2020 alone. Despite this growth, discovery in the entertainment industry is outdated: opportunities live across multiple offline and online platforms, recruiting and processing talent payroll remain painfully expensive, and standardized legal documents aren’t integrated with talent bookings.  

Casting Depot is backed by startup accelerator Antler, and comprises an advisory Board filled with industry experts from companies such as CAA, Airtime, iHeartMedia and S&P. 

To sign up for Casting Depot, visit us at [www.castingdepot.com/signup](https://www.castingdepot.com/signup)


Casting Depot V2 Beta Press Release 🚀

<p>After lots of planning, designing, and building to incorporate your feedback, we’re happy to release version 2 of Casting Depot!

We understand this past year has been unlike any other with significant changes to your life and the entertainment industry. So here at Casting Depot we made your user experience a priority. We're alleviating the nasty headaches from the casting process to help you book the best gigs with ease.
 
Version 2 comes with several new features that we’re excited to share with you:
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<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

</p>
 
<h3 class="text-center"><b>Site-wide Updates</b></h3>

<h3> 📄 New Blog </h3>
<p>
We revamped our blog with even more exclusive content. Look no further for insider knowledge from seasoned industry experts that could help you edge out the competition on your next audition or gig. New articles are posted daily and woven directly into your smart feed. We believe that the best way to book more gigs is to be more in the know. 
</p>

<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/feed-to-blog.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
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<h3> 🌓 Light & Dark Mode </h3>
<p>
You can now enjoy our interface in both a light and dark appearance. Switch between light and dark modes to adjust to your current lighting conditions, reduce eye strain, conserve battery power, or switch it up depending on your mood! 
</p>
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/Light-Dark.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
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<p>
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	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
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	<h3 class="text-center"><b>For Talent</b></h3>
 
<h3> 🛠 Talent Dashboard </h3> 
<p>
Casting Depot has made it easy for you to keep track of roles you're pursuing. If a production invites you to audition, or if you simply apply for a role; your Talent Dashboard will keep a running log of where you've been. This page will also help you keep manage your schedule by reminding you about the auditions you booked, and the gigs you landed. Not every audition leads to a gig, but every audition matters! 
</p>
<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/talent-dashboard.png" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<p>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
</p>

<p>
	<h3 class="text-center"><b>For Creators</b></h3>
</p>	
<h3>🎥 Casting Dashboard</h3>
<p>
The days of over cluttered file cabinets are sleeping with the dinosaurs. We've developed a one stop shop to help you keep track talent, auditions, payroll an compliance. Think of us as your overachieving assistant. The only thing we can't do is pick up your coffee.
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/view-dashboard.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<h3> 🎬 New Production Forms </h3>
<p>
This release incoporates new production forms to accommodate every type of production, whether it be Standard, Rush, or Confidential. 
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/change-production-type.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
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<p>
Emphasize key details about your production using our customizable questionaires to make sure the auditioning talent is always prepared to knock your socks off.
</p>
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<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/slide-questionaire.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
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<h3> 📅 Calendar Management </h3>
<p>
We also designed a calendar app integrated directly into the platform. Keeping life organized can be tough, we figured you could use a hand. 
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/casting-calander.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<h3> 💸 Payroll Management </h3>
<p>
It can be arduous and pricey to keep payroll processing on time. We've added a payment dashboard powered Stripe that will help you pay talent quickly and directly from the Casting Depot platform. Say goodbye to checks getting lost in the mail and say hello to direct deposit.
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/pay-talent.png" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<h3> 🖇 Compliance </h3>
<p>
Why should talent contract management be siloed from the rest of the booking process? We’ve integrated new compliance features that will keep track of all legal documents associated to the production. NDA's? Check. Image release forms? Check. Talent agreements? Check, check! Like we said, it's all in one place.
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/manage-compliance.png" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<h3> 🏢 Company Pages </h3>
<p>
The latest releases offers centralized company pages for other users to learn more about your mission. The user facing side is an excellent place to share productions, spark conversations, and basically leave your mark. It's an awesome place for interested talent to explore, and your teammates can quickly jump to the page directly from the dashboard.
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/company-page.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<p>
Every company page also has a back end which is only viewable to designated colleagues. It's designed to manage your team, track documents, and update banking information. 
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/email/drip/graphics/company-page-manage.gif" style="padding: 3px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" width="800" height="300"/>
</center>
<br>
<p>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
</p>
<br>
<p>
We can’t wait for you to explore these updates and we’re always working hard to improve your Casting Depot experience. If you have any feedback at all, please reach out to us at hello@castingdepot.com – we’d love to hear from you!
</p>

Season 2 of Casting Depot Released!

We built an awesome feature for our users who are themers and dashboard lovers - <b>dark/light mode.</b> This addon allows you to change the color of your theme. While some might want it to be white most of the time, you might prefer a black theme (this is particularly fun for creators working off of their dashboards). Well, this simple little addon achieves exactly that. As soon as dark mode is enabled, your theme will turn black. With it off, it’s white.

Here's how to access it on your profile:
<br>
<br>
<p>
	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center"><b>1. Log into your profile</b></h3>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/log-in.gif" style=" width:80%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin-top:10px;" />
</center>
<br>
	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
	<h3 class="text-center"><b>2. Click on settings </b></h3>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/to-settings.gif" style=" width:80%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin-top:10px;" />
</center>
<br>
	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
		<h3 class="text-center"><b>3. Find Device Settings</b></h3>
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/to-device-settings.gif" style=" width:80%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin-top:10px;" />
</center>
<br>
	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
		<h3 class="text-center"><b>3. From device settings toggle between dark and light mode</b></h3>
		
<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/toggle-LD.gif" style=" width:80%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin-top:10px;" />
</center>

<br>
	<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
</p>
<p>
	
And there you have it! Dark/light mode, making your casting software and interaction a little more familiar in 2021. 
	</p>
	
<p>
		We strive to make all of our products as accessible as possible. If you have difficulty using or accessing any Casting Depot mobile app or tool; please feel free to email us at <b>hello@castingdepot.com</b>

</p>


Dark / Light Mode 🌒

We built <b>roles questionnaires</b> to help creators create efficiency within the application process leading to find the right talent for their projects. The goal of this section within your production form is to eliminate the need for Google Forms and Airtable so that you can manage the entire casting process in one space. 

Because the casting process can be lengthy, with different questionnaires needed for different parts of it, we built the questionnaire section to add three very important parts to the casting process - <b><u>The Application Phase</u>, <u>The Audition Phase</u>, and <u>The Post-Casting Phase.</u> </b>

In each questionnaire, you can pick from a dropdown menu of different question formats:
<center>
Dropdown
<br>Checkboxes
<br>Single Choice
<br>Toggle
<br>Short Answer
<br>Long Answer
<br>Video Upload
<br>Picture Uplaod
</center>

See how to use the Roles Questionnaires here:
<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<p>
<h3 class="text-center"><b>The Application Phase - Pre-Screener Questions 💡</b></h3>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/questionnaire2.png" />
<br>	
The pre-screener questions are meant to screen the initial wave of applicants when your production goes live. Talent will see these questions when they apply to your casting. What do you need to know before you invite them to audition? Qualifying questions might include:
<br>
<center>
<br>	- "What's your current occupation?"
<br>  - "Have you worked in TV before?" 
<br>  - "Why should we pick you?" 
</center>
	<br>
<p>

Need help thinking of questions to ask your talent? [Check out this article](https://www.castingdepot.com/blog/posts/creator-101-questions-to-ask-talent) we put together that'll give inspiration to your pre-screener questionnaire.
</p>
<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<p>
<h3 class="text-center"><b>The Audition Phase - Self Submit & More 🎬</b></h3>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/auditionphase.png" />
	<br>	
Talent will see this questionnaire when they're invited to audition for your production <b>(such as inviting talent to submit a self-submit tape)</b>. In order for talent to submit their tapes to you, you must have this part of the questionnaire completed before requesting.

If you're providing information before an in-person audition, questions might include:
<center>
	<br>	- "Will you be able to commit to a week of shooting?"
<br>  - "What do you love about our product?"
<br>  - "Are you a part of a Union?" 
</center>

<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<p>
<h3 class="text-center"><b>The Post-Casting Phase - Compliance & More 🛠</b></h3>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/postcastingphase.png" />
	<br>	
You've found the star of your production, you're ready to cast them, and now it’s time to ask a few wrap up questions. These could be:

If you're providing information before an in-person audition, questions might include:
<center>
<br>	- "What is your availability?"
<br>  - "Do you require a travel stipend?"
<br>  - "Will you be able to submit multiple forms of identity verification" 
<br>  - "Are you ok with receiving payment through Casting Depot?" 
</center>

<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
And there you have it! Are you having issues with our production questionnaire or do you have additional questions? Feel free to reach out and a member of our casting team will be happy to assist you. 

[Contact us here.](https://www.castingdepot.com/support)


Role Questionnaires

Are you ready to post your first production? 

If you said yes, then great! We put together this how-to-guide filled with tips and tricks to help your production call stand out and attract the best talent.
<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">1. Login to your account.</h3>
<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/log-in.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
	</center>
<br>
</br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">2. Click <b>New Production</b> on your navigation bar.</h3>

<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">Choose between three types of production calls: 
<br>
<br>
	<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/add-new.gif" style="width:90%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
	</center>
<br>
<br>
<center><b>💫 Standard</b>
<br>A general production form that allows you to add a casting flyer, announce production details, and add additional information you'd like the talent to know.
<br><br><b>🚀 Rush</b>
<br>For productions that have a tight turn around time, this production will be "pinned" to the top of every users' feed for a three day period.
<br><br><b>🤫 Confidential</b>
<br>If you can't release certain information (such as the network, pay rate, etc.) or do not have cover art to use, this production questionnaire is meant for creators who want to keep their project on the hush-hush.
</center>
<br>
Dependent on how much information you want to share and the timeline you have to book talent, decide what questionnaire is best for you. 

The section underneath the types of productions are general information inputs such as artwork, shooting date and location, job description and pay ratte. Click <b>next</b> when you're done.
	
<b>Pro Tip</b> - If your call has specific details - such as being a returning show or a certain genre - note this here. It'll help prevent applicants who are not qualified from applying.
<br/>
</div>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">3. Add a role.</h3>

<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> 
	<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/add-role.gif" style="width: 95%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;"/>
	</center>
<br>
	Name the role or roles you are looking to book. You can create multiple roles for your production and use a description to differentiate those roles. Once you've completed the role(s), press <b>Save Roles and Next Step</b>.

You can add as many roles as you'd like. The next section, the Questionnaire section, will allow you to assign questionnaires to each individual role, upload documents per role, and schedule an audition calendar per role.

<br>
</br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
</br>	
<h3 class="text-center">4. Build your questionaire.</h3>

<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> 
	<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/add-role-questionairre.gif" style="border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" />
	</center>
<br>
	This is an optional feature built for creators who have specific specs on the projects they are casting.

A few things to know about the questionnaire feature:

<br>🛠  Production questionnaires can be edited, even after being posted.
<br><br>🚀  You can assign a questonnaire to each phase of the production process - application phase, audition phase, and the post-casting phase.
<br><br>💡  Questions can be asked in different types of forms including: dropdown, checkboxes, single choice, video upload, short answer, and more.
		<br>
<br>
</br>
<b>Pro-Tip</b> - use this section to replace your Airtable or Google Forms questionaires! Ask qualifying questions that'll help you fill the role with the best talent. There is no limit to the questions you can ask.
<br>
</br>
</div>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">5. Add role files, if needed.</h3>

<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">
	<center>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/add-prod-file.gif" style=" width:100%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" />
	</center>
<br>
	If there are documents that you want to share with applicants prior to them applying, upload those files here. Files could include audition sides.</div>
<br>
</br>
</div>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">6. Add your audition calendar, if needed.</h3>
<center>
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/audition-scheduling.gif" style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px;"/>
	</center>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> Set your schedule for talent interviews and auditions. We built out a calendar feature so that you'll never have to use a third-party integration again. Never worry about the headaches of scheduling with Google Calendar or Calendly, and manage the entire workflow process with your team from one space - your dashboard. 

Important features to know about the Casting Depot calendar:

<br>🚀 We integrate into you & your teams' Google Calendar
<br>🗣 The calendar sends automatic reminders to both you and the talent
<br>💡 Calendars populate a unique URL for your audition room which is recorded and saved to that talent's file automatically.
<br>
<br>
	Here are <b>ALL four types of audition capabilities</b> that can be hosted on Casting Depot:
<br>
<br>🏠 On Location
<br>Send information to your aplicants for in-person auditions.
<br>
<br>🎥 Open Audition
<br>Holding an audition open to the public? By inviting talent to an open audition, they'll get public information for that call while you maintain on-site control over audition scheduling.
<br>
<br>🎭 Remote Video
<br>Use this feature as a replacement to your Skype or Zoom calls. Casting Depot will generate a unique and private audition room URL for each call you make.
<br>
<br>🎬 Self Submit
<br>Talent is responsible for following the instructions provided in your role attachments and will self record and submit their audition tape.

</br>
</div>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">7. Click <b>yes</b> if your listing is ready to go live.</h3>
<center> <img style="width:85%; border: 1px silver solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px;" src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/ready-to-live.gif"/> </center>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> Once you click <b>Create Production</b>, your listing will be submitted to Casting Depot's internal team to be approved. We do this to ensure acuracy and safety for our community. You'll recieve a notification via email shortly after if it's been approved. 
<br>
<br>
</div> 
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
</br>
And there you have it! By incorporating our pro-tips on your production call, you'll be set up for success to cast your gig. 

If you need help managing your applicants and navigating the creator dashboard, [checkout this help article we built](https://www.castingdepot.com/blog/posts/creator-dashboard-features). 

Are you ready to stay up to date with awesome casting calls and learn more about the industry you love? Be sure to [create an account](https://www.castingdepot.com/signup) with Casting Depot today!

Post A Production on castingdepot.com 

Now that you've posted a production and are receiving applicants, you're ready to start moving them along the casting process. While every casting has different needs and workflow, here are some cool things you can do to make the Casting Depot tools work for you:

<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

<h3 class="text-center">Manage applicants 💫</h3>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">See who has applied to your production by clicking <b>Applied</b>. This is your admin view of people that want to be cast for your project.
</div>
	<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> Here you'll be able to filter applicants, review questionnaire answers, message users, and move people along the casting process. To filter applicants, click the <b>Filter</b> icon next to <b>Select All.</b>
</div>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> Use the <b>Yes, Maybe, and No</b> buttons on the top to toggle between applicants and prospective applicants. </div>
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/newdashboard.png">
<br></br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

<h3 class="text-center">View and edit your production 🛠</h3>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">To view a snapshot of your production, click <b>Production Details</b> on the top right corner of your screen. Need to make edits? Click <b>Edit Production</b> underneath the the title of that listing under <b>My Productions.</b>

If you'd like to delete a production, you can do that by clicking <b>Edit Production</b> and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/editgig.png">

<br></br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<h3 class="text-center">Manage your audition calendar 📅</h3>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">We built out a calendar feature so that you'll never have to use a third-party integration again. Never worry about the headaches of scheduling with Google Calendar or Calendly, and manage the entire workflow process with your team from one space - your dashboard. Important features to know about the Casting Depot calendar:
	
<br>🚀 We integrate into you & your teams' Google Calendar
<br>🗣 The calendar sends automatic reminders to both you and the talent
<br>💡 Calendars populate a unique URL for your audition room which is recorded and saved to that talent's file automatically.

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/dashboardcalendar.png">
<br>
<br>
Here's what the scheduing experience looks like from your production questionnaire:
	
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/calendar.png">

<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center">Invite users to apply 💻</h3>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">Promote your casting by inviting users to apply. We've built special features that allow you to filter ideal applicants by attributes such as location, gender, eye color and more. There are over 75+ attributes to filter by, making the casting process that much easier!

<br></br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8"> Click <b>Invite to Production</b> and you'll be asked to confirm what type of audition you'd like to invite them to. 

Here are ALL <b>four</b> types of audition capabilities that can be hosted on <b>Casting Depot</b>: 

<b> 🏠 On Location </b>
<br>Send information to your aplicants for in-person auditions.</br>

<b> 🎥 Open Audition</b>
<br>Holding an audition open to the public? By inviting talent to an open audition, they'll get public information for that call while you maintain on-site control over audition scheduling.</br>

<b> 🎭 Remote Video</b>
<br>Use this feature as a replacement to your Skype or Zoom calls. Casting Depot will generate a unique and private audition room URL for each call you make.</br>

<b> 🎬 Self Submit</b>
<br>Talent is responsible for following the instructions provided in your role attachments and will self record and submit their audition tape.</div></br>
	
Once you've selected the type of audition you'd like to hold, you'll be prompted to  personalize your message to users. Audition invitations with personalized messages often receive more applicants! 
	
After you've submitted your invite, users will receive your message to their personal DM's.

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/invitetoaudition.png">
<br>
<br></br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<h3 class="text-center">Manage applicants individually 😎</h3>
<br>
<div class="px-2 sm:px-8">We dreamed of having an all-access view of a single talent - including chat history, audition questionnaires, and more. So... we built that. 

When you click on <b>"Review Applicants"</b> on the top right of your dashboard, it'll bring you to an individual snapshot of that applicant.

From this view, you'll be able to manage applications and media, correspond with the applicant, send compliance, and oversee outstanding payments.

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/dashboardreview.png">
<br>
If you want an even more close up view to an applicants submission, click on the <b>plus icon next to the Talent Application icon</b>. On this view, you'll be able to message the applicant, invite them to schedule an audition on your calendar, move them amongst the rating process, and leave notes for our team to see.
	
	<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/closeup.png">
<br>
	<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
</br>
If you have questions about navigating the casting process or want to give feedback - we encourage you to reach out! <a href="https://www.castingdepot.com/support">You can contact us here.</a>

Are you ready to stay up to date with awesome casting calls and learn more about the industry you love? Be sure to [create an account](https://www.castingdepot.com/signup) with Casting Depot today.

The On-Camera Talent Network

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