Thousands of people use Casting Depot everyday. However, despite the amount of new on-camera talent that join our community, we know every journey is unique and special.

Whether you have questions on how to book the next job, how you should film your self-submit tape for your upcoming audition, or how often you should update your profile, we're here to help. Always.

📅 Schedule your one-on-one time with our team [by clicking here.](https://calendly.com/castingdepot/usersupport)

Casting Depot Webinar Calendar 📆

So you're looking to get started working in voiceover? If you have an outgoing voice and like to express yourself through narration, voiceovers, or character voices in films, commercials, corporate videos, educational and training materials, podcasts, audiobooks, video games and other projects that need a voice — then this business is definitely for you.

It's also an incredible time to start looking into a voiceover career. While the pandemic has put a ton of people out of business, the world is shifting towards remote learning, working, and building. Therefore, this is increasing the need for online video and content that calls for more voiceover artists than ever before.

As you can imagine, voice acting is a rewarding, exciting career. At Casting Depot, we have tons of voiceover talent coming through our site daily booking gigs and growing their careers. Here are a few things to help you get started:

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

<h3 class="text-left"><b>1. Get setup with audio gear 🎙</b></h3>
If you're confident that you want to pursue a career in voiceover work, or even as a side hustle, it's smart to invest in audio gear. However, dependent on the type of voiceover actor you want to be, you may require more gear. It depends. If you want mic suggestions, join a Casting Depot community and ask fellow users. They'll point you in the right direction for what they recommend. 

A few things to consider when purchasing a microphone:
* Buy what you can afford.
* Purchase something that you can return, just incase. It's helpful if you can test out the mic in the space that you plan to be recording.
* Don't purchase something handheld. 

Here are a few great mics we'd suggest:
* [Blue Mic: The Yeti Nano](https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-nano/)
* [Kaotica Eyeball](https://www.kaoticaeyeball.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTBxtg9ZKYWse1aR-OK07BXx2o7edqW2ugsRO61EYdXa6eUH1C4GnZSRoC3X8QAvD_BwE)
* [Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone](https://www.adorama.com/atat2020k1.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organicshopping&utm_source=adl-gbase)

While you may be inclined to use your Airpods, we'd suggest against that! You want to make sure that your producing the best audio possible, and that you're comfotable while recording. So, here are a few headphones we'd suggest:
* [Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-Back Studio and Live Monitoring Headphones](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD280Pro--sennheiser-hd-280-pro-closed-back-studio-and-live-monitoring-headphones?mrkgadid=3301332377&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=studio&recording&&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046938536344&lid=92700046938536344&ds_s_kwgid=58700005285190875&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=385451424629&product_id=HD280Pro&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&locationid=9030954&creative=280136034160&targetid=aud-994727058445:pla-385451424629&campaignid=1465808290&gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTB2GoYfBcNbW3hllvajEF-a5xVFfu5bL39r5Ce5KDFTV7CTAHuk1D2hoCpjwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
* [Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm](https://www.newegg.com/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-grey/p/0TF-00D2-00002?item=0TF-00D2-00002&nm_mc=knc-googleadwords&cm_mmc=knc-googleadwords-_-headphones%20and%20accessories-_-beyerdynamic-_-0TF00D200002&source=region#)
* [AKG K 182 Over-Ear Headphones](https://www.akg.com/Headphones/Professional%20Headphones/3103H00030.html?ged=off)

<h3 class="text-left"><b>2. Find a quiet place in your home to be a studio 🏡</b></h3>
There are many variables that go into creating a voiceover home studio. However, you don't need a fancy-built studio to submit auditions. You can do this on a budget, at home. The space can be a closet, garage, spare room, basement, or attic – as long as it's soundproof and quiet. 

<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/advice+articles/voiceover.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>

To <b>soundproof</b> your home studio, here are a few things to consider:
* Noise can be a big problem in the home studio. As with any production area, you’ll want to make sure your space is well soundproofed or insulated from noise coming in or out. The main culprits of unwanted noise are air conditioning units, fans and people – especially kids and pets.
* A few blankets hung up can help absorb reverb and unwanted noise coming from breathing and other close-miking techniques.

<h3 class="text-left"><b>3. Find an audio editing software that works for you 🗣</b></h3>
Most sites will suggest using the fancy editing softwares like ProTools. While you can use products like those, it's possible that you want something extremely easy to use while you're still testing out the waters. Here are a few programs we love:

* [TwistedWave](https://twistedwave.com/online)
* [Adobe Audition](https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html)

<h3 class="text-left"><b>4. Record practice demos 🚀</b></h3>
Now that you've got the space and the audio equipment, it's time to record demo examples for your voiceover profile. If you have a range of types of projects you'd want to audition for, it's important to get that type of content up on your Casting Depot profile as a starting point. For example, if you can speak in different languages, accents, or tones, make sure that you have a demo for each! Here are some tips on making great demos:

* Make a demo for each voice/accent/character you plan to audition for.
* Keep your slate quick (full name and anything else that's important to you).
* Make sure the volume isn't obnoxiously loud or quiet.
* Pick the right script for you. 

<h3 class="text-left"><b>5. Start marketing yourself 💡</b></h3>
Use your Casting Depot profile to build your online presence as a voiceover actor. We built talent profiles to be completely customizable, allowing every user to have their own unique experience in our community. If you're a voiceover actor, you'll most likely want to focus on building out and utilizing the following sections in your profile:

* Age, location
* Personal description
* Audio uploads
* Job history (use this section as your online resume)

Some tips and tricks for building a rockstar voiceover profile that helps you stand out from the rest of the community:

* <b>Avoid celebrity comparisons.</b> 
It's easy to make comparisons between yourself and your favorite celebrity. However, when casting directors are searching talent, they love to see more of what you bring to the talent (and comparing yourself to a celebrity might typecast you into a hole). Describe your sound, instead. Using words such as "warm, authentic, young, firm" and so on will give the casting director better insight into what your voice sounds like.</p>

* <b>Ask Casting Directors for the projects you've worked on.</b> 
Don't be shy to ask for the final work! If they're allowed to, the Casting Directors are usually more than happy to send you the final cut so that you can add it to your virtual portfolio.

* <b>Find an engineer to work with.</b> 
Search post-production audio engineers to help you edit and promote your audio submissions. Think of them as a business partner! It could take a lot of busy work off of your plate if you're booking a significant amount of voiceover work and don't have time to make edits to submissions. If you want to go down this route, ask the Casting Depot community for engineer recommendations.

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

& there you have it! A few quick tips and tricks to getting started as a voiceover artist. If you're ready to start using your voice to build a career, [sign up for Casting Depot here.](https://www.castingdepot.com)

Voiceover Actors: How to Get Started

Welcome to the monthly list of TV & movie recs, suggested by the Casting Depot team 👋🏻 We've got quite a range in taste, so hold onto your movie tickets. You'll probably find something you like. If you have suggestions of what she would be watching, tweet us!

Here's what we're streaming in February:
<br>
</br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>Lacey's List, Co-Founder @ Casting Depot
<br>
</br>
<b>1. To All the Boys I've Loved Before Pt. 1(Netflix)</b>
<br>If you need a good teen romcom, this is it. It'll give you all the awkward feels that you'd expect a teen movie to give you. The cast is also incredible. Cudos to the casting team.
<iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/555oiY9RWM4" 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"/>
<br>
<br> <b>2. All or Nothing: Manchester City (Amazon Prime)</b>
<br>I'm a bit late to watching this one, but I'm glad I got to it. I'm a huge Premier League fan and I've followed the stories of certain teams for years. However, this was an incredible inside take into what it takes to manage, build, and play for the Man City team.
<iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6ds0rLzk9Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
<br> <b>3. Queen's Gambit (Netflix)</b>
<br>This was actually on our list alst month reccommended by our rockstar engineer, Ty. So - I decided to take a peak... and I'm glad I did. Everything about it was great - the storyline, the cast, the music, the fashion. I highly suggest this one.
<iframe width="896" height="504" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CDrieqwSdgI" 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"/>
<br>
<h3 class="text-center"><b>& here's what the Casting Depot team is watching:</b></h3>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
<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"/>
<br>
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 February 

Most people are aware that they'll need to prepare for an audition but are not really sure what this means. I've seen thousands of auditions, hosted hundreds of casting calls and have spoken to - who knows how many - on-camera talent from all walks of life. Here are a few mistakes I see happen often that are easily avoidable. 
<br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>

<b>1.Know what you're auditioning for.</b>
<br>I know this may sound a bit silly - but hear me out. You'd be suprised how often casting directors come across auditions in which the talent doesn't know what show they're auditioning for. This can be for a handful of reasons - such as talent getting auditions mixed up (because their audition calendar is full and unorganized) or they're simply not prepared. In sum, preparation is key to nailing your audition. How do you prepare? Here are some pointers:
<ul class="indent-list">1. Be on time.
<br>2. Practice your lines (if it's a scripted audition).
<br>3. Dress for the part.
<br>4. Research the production company and know what they generally cast for.
5. Remember to smile when your audition starts.
</ul>

<b>2. Be descriptive with you responses.</b>
<br>If you're auditioning for an unscripted show - such as a gameshow, talkshow or dating show - you'll be asked a ton of fun personality questions during your interview. The casting director will most likely ask you to answer all of your responses in complete sentences. For instance, if they ask you what your favorite color is, you should respond with "my favorite color is...". Because their voice will most likely be cut out of the interview, answering the question in full sentences will give the person who watches the video, context. 
<img src="https://castingdepot.imgix.net/blog/guides/fourmistakes3.png" align="left" width="400" height="80"/>
<br>
<br>
<b>3. Be in a quiet space. </b>
<br>The talent that does video auditions in quiet spaces are unsung heros. This is your big interview, so treat it like one! Here are some tips:
<ul class="indent-list">1. Quiet spaces are <b>not</b> cars or communal offices. 
<br>2. Put your dogs in a separate room, and turn your phone on DNB.
<br>3. If you won't be in a quiet space during the time of your interview, ask the poster if you can reschedule. They'll appreciate that you were proactive!
</ul>
<br>
<b>4. Look like your photos.</b>
<br>On your Casting Depot profile, we make it easy to upload you media to your profile. Head to your <b>Settings</b>, and click <b>Edit Profile</b>. 

If you've had a recent hair change, added some cool tattoos or got lasik eye surgery, it's most likely time to update your profile photos. We recommend renewing your photos at least once a year. Need a photographer? Head to your groups and ask the Casting Depot community for a recommendation.
<br>
<img src="https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1605630461-divider.png" align="center"/>
<br>
You’ve finally gotten your perfect audition after what may feel like a long time coming. Your mom is proud, you’re excited, and you can’t wait to start dreaming of your future as a famous actor/actress. Let’s be honest - once you get in the door with those casting directors it’s all about what you can show them once they see you in person. So, use this article as a guide to help you to prepare and finally book that next gig. 

Ready to take the plunge? Sign up for Casting Depot [here](https://www.castingdepot.com/signup).


The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Auditioning

We promise you won't be disappointed.

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px yellow solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px orange; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>1.</b>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3C-WGyJaOc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610547742-screen-shot-2021-01-13-at-9-21-30-am.png)

A post shared by Nobodies in New York Podcast (@nobodiesinny)</a><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p style="font-size:12px"><i>Instagram: @nobodiesinny</i></p></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>

	

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>2.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4433299623224458/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610548145-meme-for-actors-2.png)

A post shared by Buzzfeed on Pintrest</a>
</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px yellow solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px orange; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>3.</b> 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJv_bWLp0ZT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610548647-meme-for-actors-3.png)

A post shared by Dad’s Cologne (@dadscologne)</a></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p style="font-size:12px"><i>Instagram: @dadscologne</i></p>

</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>4.</b> 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJq1qe_plWr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610549164-meme-for-actors-4.png)

A post shared by Dad’s Cologne (@dadscologne)</a><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p style="font-size:12px"><i>Instagram: @dadscologne</i></p>
</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px yellow solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px orange; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>5.</b>

<a href="https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=809029520558566921" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610549629-meme-for-actors-5.png)

A post shared by Theatre Nerds (@theaternerds)</a><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p style="font-size:12px"><i>Pinterest: @theaternerds</i></p>

</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>6.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7459155622395234/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610551096-meme-for-actors-6.png)


A post shared by Buzzfeed on Pintrest</a>
</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px yellow solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px orange; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>7.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/839076974320879477/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610551495-meme-for-actors-7.png)


A post shared by Fifi Blake on Pintrest</a>
</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>8.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391179917627946051/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610632491-meme-for-actors-8.png)



A post shared by Nicole Castaneda  on Pintrest</a>
</div>
<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px yellow solid; box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px orange; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>9.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1900024832379164/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610632988-meme-for-actors-9.png)


A post shared by Buzzfeed on Pintrest</a>
</div>

<div style=" padding: 21px; border: 1px skyblue solid; box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px lightgrey; border-radius: 7px; margin:21px; width:75%;">
<b>10.</b> 

<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844493668090346/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/23925/1610633117-meme-for-actors-10.png)



A post shared by Watt Pad on Pintrest</a>
</div>


10 Hilarious Memes Every Actor Can Relate To

Angela is an a Jill-of-all-trades! We caught up with her to see what kind of advice she'd give to others just beginning their journey. You can view her profile [here](https://www.castingdepot.com/angiecavallari).

**Casting Depot: **Tell us what you do.
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **I am a writer/author and podcaster. 

**Casting Depot: **What inspired you to work in entertainment? 
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **From an early age, movies and storytelling have inspired me and had a staying power, unlike any other industry. I truly enjoy the energy and high I get from evoking emotion from my readers or during standup. 

**Casting Depot: **What major projects have you been a part of? 
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **I have done one commercial for Amway, I was a stand-in for Katherine Heigel during the production of the film, Killers. Additionally, I have done some standup comedy as well as some in-front and behind camera work for a travel magazine. 

**Casting Depot: **What advice do you have for others who want to be a part of the industry? 
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **Be patient. This industry takes more hustle than any other job. 5. 

**Casting Depot: **Do you have any exciting projects happening over the next six months? 
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **I am working on my second book and I am starting a new podcast called, The Divorce ShitShow. 

**Casting Depot: **What do you think of Casting Depot and what advice do you have for future users? 
**Angela Cavallari Walker: **I am fairly new to Casting Depot so I can't speak to my experience just yet. TBD!

Q&A With Angela Cavallari Walker

Karen Tappin is a multi-facited entrepreneur. She's the CEO of My Eponymous Beauty Brand and runs a podcast called "Karen Says Talk Show". We chatted with Karen to see what else she's been up to. 

**Casting Depot: **Tell us what you do. 
**Karen Tappin: **I've been the CEO of my eponymous beauty brand, Karen's Body Beautiful for the past 17 years. 

**Casting Depot: **What inspired you to work in entertainment? 
**Karen Tappin: **I had a run with my own talk show, 'Karen Says Talk Show' because I'm gregarious, personable and everyone loves me, lol! 

**Casting Depot: **What major projects have you been a part of? 
**Karen Tappin: **My talk show, and I toured in 35 states, plus Paris promoting my brand. 

**Casting Depot: **What advice do you have for others who want to be a part of the industry? 
**Karen Tappin: **Set realistic expectations and goals and then don't quit. 

**Casting Depot: **Do you have any exciting projects happening over the next six months? 
**Karen Tappin: **I'm working on a few dope promotional projects for Karen's Body Beautiful and a few other opportunities. 

**Casting Depot: **What do you think of Casting Depot and what advice do you have for future users? 
**Karen Tappin: **I think the user friendliness of the app is awesome!

Q&A with Talk Show Host Karen Tappin

Cindy is all well-to familiar with Casting Depot. We're excited to have her, and many others, booking quality gigs on our platform. You can view her profile [here](https://www.castingdepot.com/cindycasimir).

**Casting Depot: **Tell us what you do.
**Cindy Casimir: **I am an actor and author. I recently published my first children's book based on my nephews, and working on my many more.


**Casting Depot: **What inspired you to work in entertainment? 
**Cindy Casimir: **What inspired me was at first was that I was very timid... but always knew I wanted my story to be heard AND knew my voice was powerful. My very first experience was when I was selected in elementary school to explain the importance of being a safety guard. As soon as the camera started rolling this side of me I never knew I had blossomed. The feeling of being heard was so powerful (especially growing up in foster care I was always overlooked).


**Casting Depot: **What major projects have you been a part of? 
**Cindy Casimir: **The projects I've been on include VH1's "To Catch A Beautician", Fox "Divorce Court", and Seventeen Magazine's YouTube Series "Firsts".

**Casting Depot: **What advice do you have for others who want to be a part of the industry? 
**Cindy Casimir: **The advice I have for others would be - *BE YOURSELF*! Don't try to hard to fit in or feel like you have to lose yourself to please others. You're doing this for yourself, you fell in love with it for a reason, and remember that. What will separate you and make you stand out is YOU. They can't experience what you could bring if you're pretending to be someone else.

**Casting Depot: **Do you have any exciting projects happening over the next six months?
**Cindy Casimir: **Another exiciting project I'm working on is an autobiography. I've been passionate about it because I get to tell my trails and tribulations of being in and out of foster care.

**Casting Depot: **What do you think of Casting Depot and what advice do you have for future users?
**Cindy Casimir: **I love Casting Depot! I love that it's easy to use and I can apply with so many auditions with one click. I'm so thankful i was able to get my second casting via Casting Depot. I will tell the the users to never give up. I am constantly on here daily looking for new opportunities. Stay consistent! I know you want it now, but TIMING IS ALWAYS RIGHT. You're not going to find real gigs like these - especially for at no cost!

Q&A with Author/Actress Cindy Casimir

If you don't know what casting is but you're interested in this article — [read this first](https://www.castingdepot.com/blog/posts/why-the-casting-industry-needs-a-tech-makeover)
(2)

**Casting is arguably the most important building block in entertainment.** A company is only as successful as its team, and consumable entertainment is only as good as the characters that are cast. A Casting Director can cast an entire show, play, AD campaign, etc., but the achievement and tenacity of it are reliant upon the characters.

Despite its importance, the current model of casting is an outdated trade. Known in entertainment as an archaic industry with analog methods of workflow, the current casting process needs a glossy and new makeover. Imagine being an HR professional without recruiting tools (like Indeed or LinkedIn) to source talent. That's the abbreviated frustration of the casting industry. _Awful, right?_

_But what is the value of casting? Is it worth a venture?_

As our team built [Casting Depot][3], I received a lot of inquiries about the TAM. It's a peculiar market to understand, especially if you don't work in our industry. So — the following is a market breakdown that we hope can be insightful to not only our users but to the outsiders looking in.

For perspective into our world, I'll explain the market size top-down. This will give you a better sense of the industry as a whole, and the crucial part that casting plays within it.

So — let's get started, shall we?

**Casting indirectly touches every industry, even if you don't realize it.** What we do builds the foundation for the content you consume. If Deloitte ran an AD campaign, someone would need to cast it. If Zynga wanted to create a YouTube series about their users in real life, someone would need to cast the gamers. When Paramount Pitcures creates their next box-office hit, someone would need to cast it.

You get the point.

More traditionally speaking, casting generally happens within the following verticals:

* Television (streaming, cable) & film (feature, indie)
* Digital content
* Advertising
* Theater
* Modeling
* Music & Audio Recordings
* Radio
* Video Games and Supplementary Services

Obviously, the biggest shift over the past few years has been in television, film, and digital content. As major networks and studios continue to launch their own direct-to-consumer streaming services in 2020, competitors are scrambling to offer content libraries broad enough to both attract and retain customers. With that, allocated casting and development budgets will skyrocket to meet that demand.

Take those numbers and multiple it by every major network, broadway show, and advertising company in the world. Pretty massive, right?

[According to PWC][4], the U.S. entertainment and media industry is ~$703BN, which is expected to grow to $804BN by 2021. Our U.S. M&E market is 33% of the global M&E industry, which is the largest M&E market in the world. Other close leaders include India, Australia, and Mexico.

But let's address the burning question — what is the casting SOM? While there is an insignificant amount of studies done on casting, we can confidently say that casting accounts for ~1.5% — 2% of every budget. This percentage does not include talent fees. With that being said, as the original content industry continues to grow, casting budgets will be directly correlated. As of now, the casting industry is worth~$5BN.

_How quickly is the content industry growing_, you ask? Let's look at the streaming industry as an example.

According to the MPAA, there were 237.2 million users in 2019, 26% up from 2018, with a subscription to a streamer. More than 75% of adults watched movies and television shows on online subscription services, while more than 85% of children and more than 55% of adults watched movies/television shows on mobile devices. Cable networks saw this surge and thus, what became the "streaming wars" changed a significant portion of the casting industry. It changed _who and how quickly _we cast.

Unlike in the pre-2000's, casting no longer solely depends on relationships. It's a different era, and ultimately everything is done virtually (especially during COVID19 times). There are so many ways to cast and to be cast. It's a mess. There's not a single centralized source that connects every type of talent to high-valued gigs and vice versa, with a complete end-to-end workflow process. So now, we're looking at an industry that is not only disconnected due to the growth of demand but a workflow process that makes it difficult to communicate with others. How is a ~$5BN industry supposed to continue to grow when there is not a centralized database to source from and engage in?

When we went to create [**Casting Depot**][3]**,** we were eager to construct a foundation to support not only the professionals that cast, but also the talent that so desperately needed a reliable marketplace to book gigs. It's such a massive, decentralized market that we knew we had to build something that would give users the ability to create their own communities within our own. We dreamt of conversation bubbles in every type of casting — broadway actors, aspiring TV personalities, experts that wanted to be on CNBC, and so on. That was our first priority. So — we ultimately ended up building that infrastructure so our industry could choose how they'd want to cast and create.

It has been a privilege to work on a professional network with a deeply rooted purpose. I believe that as we continue to fine-tune our product, we will have a special impact on many careers in this industry.

[1]: https://miro.medium.com/fit/c/96/96/1*ZGKPSz4WBdNdMG3B7bDPzg.jpeg
[2]: /@lacey_59512/why-the-casting-industry-needs-a-tech-makeover-7b58b0429aab?sk=acc35c81f9478cc92cc018da37eaac17
[3]: http://www.castingdepot.com/
[4]: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/entertainment-media/outlook.html

Creating the Foundation for a $5b Casting Market

If you don't know what casting is, chances are you don't work in the entertainment industry. If that sounds like you, I can explain the field in the most simplistic terms - _HR recruiting for on-camera placements._

Every time you consume a type of media — whether it be television, news, articles, film, or a Broadway show — there was a process in which someone was placed there.

That process is completely broken.

Often times when you think of a Casting Director you think of old Hollywood — glitz, glamour, and a bit of drama. Well, that was decades ago and the industry doesn't quite _shine_ like that anymore. The casting industry saw a massive pivot about 6–8 years ago when consuming content on channels like YouTube or streamers like Netflix became the new craze. No longer was it about finding the next "star" but instead filling more urgent roles on a much quicker time crunch. While networks increased their original content budgets, they didn't necessarily increase their casting budgets ($900B TAM versus a $5B SOM). Think about it — the 2020 version of Pacino or Hepburn doesn't exist… for a reason.

Fast-forward to today, networks and streamers are creating content on such a higher (and premium) scale that Casting Directors (like myself) are finding it harder and harder to focus on quality and instead focus on quantity. In 2020 alone, the market is expected to grow at 4.3% with nearly infinite on-camera placements per year. How are we supposed to keep up with that given that there's only ~3,500 companies that book talent in the U.S.?

Imagine a workflow process using a system with a craigslist-style interface, turnaround time, and user reliability to fill an urgent staffing need. That's the current status of the pre-production casting workflow. That sounds awful, doesn't it?

So — why hasn't anyone stepped up to disrupt the current status quo? Who knows. But when my business partner and I decided to challenge it, we knew that if we didn't there'd never be a change in our day-to-day workflow. If HR professionals could create LinkedIn and Indeed for staffing, why couldn't we create the equivalence for the entertainment industry? Imagine how incredibly efficient our workdays could be if we could cast more content from one single database? At the time, as a small casting company, we needed a way to work on more projects with a limited budget. We craved efficiency.

The question we had to ask ourselves was _'what would efficiency look like in our industry?' _Well… what does 2020 look like? We concluded that the same differences that staffing networks made in their perspective industries should be the same that would make a difference in ours. Those three things included social functionalities, smart search capabilities, and an end-to-end hiring process. Thank goodness we had a CTO who understood our vision otherwise it would have been incredibly difficult to build it through a dev shop.

While we've inched towards launch over the past 6 months, I want to continue encouraging other casting and entertainment professionals to challenge the current workflow process. Tech has truly yet to infiltrate the production side of our industry and it needs to. With new apps and platforms constantly being introduced — Quibi, HBOMax, Twitch — there's no way we're going to be able to keep up with demand without sacrificing quality. If we let innovators into our space, it'll allow us to focus on quality yet again and become what was the glitz, glamour, and allure of old Hollywood.

[1]: https://miro.medium.com/fit/c/96/96/1*ZGKPSz4WBdNdMG3B7bDPzg.jpeg