An interview with New York casting director, Scott Wojcik

Spotlight's Emma spoke to Scott to demystify the casting process for actors, and what he looks for in a performer.

1.    Emma Dyson (2013) An interview with New York casting director Scott Wojcik, London, The Spotlight Podcast Link  

 

Scott Wojcik started out as an actor; he was working as a freelance assistant for some Casting Directors whilst he was trying to do his own acting work. After a while it became a full time job and now he’s been working as a Casting Director for 5 years.

What Scott is looking for in performers is a ‘Package talent’; someone who has a physical appearance that matches the energy that they present when they are on stage and together those things crystallise character.

Considering audition pieces, he’s advice is to choose short, comedy pieces delivered with a lively, focused, defined energy.

Photos are very important, he’s opinion is to keep them simple with bright eyes and smile but also have a question behind the eyes with a thought process in mind. Full body shots are important too; a casting director has to be able to see the proportions of the actor. Stylistically outdoor and natural, sometimes more urban backgrounds with the use of brick work great.

A showreel has to be short, around 1-2 minutes. I casting director or agent want to see you speak; they want to see you in something recent. The long length showreel belongs on your website.

A website is great for your representation as a performer. It’s packaged and you can use it to promote yourself directly.

He’s advice for graduates, is to do their research and remember that they have to be smart consumers in a Business environment. ‘‘Be proactive, ask around other performers in auditions; ‘’Where do you go for classes?’’, ‘’Where did you get your   headshots from?’’. Know what’s happening right now in the Business by watching TV, seeing shows and reading articles and magazines. You should be researching your type; if anyone compares you to an existing working actor/performer do some research to their past and see what got them started to being that famous person that they are now.’’

In regard to auditions, Scott mentioned that you should know your craft and have already researched the roles that you are suitable for, so that if you have a last minute audition call you are prepared. ‘‘At auditions you should always take ownership of your talent and the product that you are presenting. Have your material ready, be honest and real, figure out who you really are and be polite to everyone. If you didn’t get the job don’t take it too personally, you did your best for the day and you are putting a seed on the ground for a job in the future. A last advice would be to understand that you are auditioning for your career and to make sure that you shine brightly when you are given a chance in the Industry.’’