Child Actor LA

There is a common myth regarding talent agents that work exclusively with Disney Channel to book talent for the network's television series and movies. It is very important for actors to understand how the casting process works and television networks relationship with talent agents.

Many aspiring actors who dream of performing on Disney Channel have a misconception that there are talent agents who are either affiliated with the network or have exclusive relationships with the casting directors to hire actors. This is simply not the case.

We at Child Actor LA want to explain to you how the casting process work in the entertainment industry regardless of the network or studio involved. Executives give the "green light" for TV shows and movies to be produced. Then the production company of the project hires casting directors, who in turn send out "breakdowns" of the characters being cast. These "breakdowns" actually are sent out by a service called "Breakdown Services" and are only available to licensed Talent Agencies.

The agents then submit photos, resumes, and sometimes "demo-reels" to the casting directors. The casting directors call in the actors that fit the roles they are casting, usually many actors are called in. They then narrow down the talent to the best actors who came in and "call back" these actors to read again for the director, sometimes the writer, producer, etc. Then they narrow it down further, and sometimes there are 3 - 4 "call backs" before an actor is finally hired.

Occasionally a casting director will call in an actor who sends a photo and resume on their own without an agent. Some casting directors have assistants who sort through the mail and some do it themselves. When you are called to audition, you are given "sides" which is a few pages of script to read. You can usually download these lines a few days before the audition. Sometimes they have you do a "cold reading" where you are given the sides right there and then.

When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionist’s desk; wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If you get a "call back" it is usually within a week, generally speaking.

Any talent agent can submit their actors to Disney Channel, and the network will call in actors regardless of who represents them, as long as the actor fits the character description. Indeed there are a few top-level agencies that only represent major stars, and may have several stars of a particular network on their roster. But there is no such thing as a "Disney Channel Agency".

Also read: Child Actor LA Tips for Aspiring Plus-Size Models

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