Getting on a Netflix show can be a dream come true for many aspiring actors and actresses. It takes hard work, persistence, and a bit of luck to land a role on a Netflix show, but with the right approach and preparation, it is possible. Here are some steps that can help you get on a Netflix show:
Develop your acting skills: The first step to getting on a Netflix show is to develop your acting skills. Take acting classes, workshops, and seminars to hone your craft. Work on improving your range, ability to emote, and physical presence.
Build your resume: Build a strong resume that showcases your acting experience and skills. Participate in school and community theater productions, independent films, and commercials. This will help you gain experience and exposure.
Create a demo reel: A demo reel is a video that showcases your best acting work. It can include clips from your previous acting roles or self-taped scenes that demonstrate your skills. Create a professional and engaging demo reel that showcases your range and abilities.
Get an agent: An agent can help you find auditions and book roles. Do research and find an agent who has experience working with actors who are starting out. Be prepared to provide your resume, demo reel, and headshots to the agent.
Audition for Netflix shows: Keep an eye out for casting calls and auditions for Netflix shows. Check online casting websites, social media, and industry publications for upcoming auditions. You can also ask your agent to help you find auditions.
Prepare for auditions: When you get an audition, prepare thoroughly. Research the show and the character you are auditioning for. Practice your lines and be ready to take direction from the casting director or producer.
Show your personality: Be professional but also show your personality. Be yourself and let your unique qualities shine through. Show your enthusiasm and passion for acting and for the role.
Be patient: Getting on a Netflix show can be a long process. Be prepared to audition for multiple roles and shows before landing a role. Don't get discouraged by rejections and keep working on improving your skills and gaining experience.
Getting on a Netflix show requires a combination of talent, hard work, and persistence. Develop your skills, build your resume, create a demo reel, get an agent, audition for Netflix shows, prepare well, show your personality, and be patient. With the right approach and preparation, you can increase your chances of landing a role on a Netflix show.
HOW TO AUDITION FOR NETFLIX
Before we dive into the steps, there are three things to consider about Netflix auditions:
- Netflix is very open to unfamiliar names and faces. One of the great things about Netflix is their willingness to work with people who are brand new. This means most production companies working under Netflix are more open to casting actors with limited credits and experience (compared with production companies who work with major networks like Fox or HBO).
- Netflix does not conduct auditions in-house. They hire outside production companies who do the casting and shooting of their shows, which means there is no one you can go directly to at Netflix with questions about how to find auditions. Don't try emailing or calling them with questions about how to get in their shows; their customer service won't be able to help you.
- Netflix is a great place to work as an actor. Most actors who book jobs on Netflix shows are paid well and treated fairly, since almost all Netflix productions are done through SAG-AFTRA. This means you should definitely consider trying to get into some of their productions because Netflix is a great way to start growing your career!
HOW TO AUDITION FOR NETFLIX WITHOUT AN AGENT
So how do you audition for Netflix?
Well, the biggest issue is figuring out where to find the auditions. Most websites don't publicly post Netflix casting calls because Netflix' breakdowns are hidden on a website called Breakdown Services, Ltc., which is only accessible to licensed agents and managers.
In other words, if you don't have an agent, you'll never get Netflix auditions. JUST KIDDING!
Here are some ways to access Netflix auditions if you don't have an agent:
Well, the biggest issue is figuring out where to find the auditions. Most websites don't publicly post Netflix casting calls because Netflix' breakdowns are hidden on a website called Breakdown Services, Ltc., which is only accessible to licensed agents and managers.
In other words, if you don't have an agent, you'll never get Netflix auditions. JUST KIDDING!
Here are some ways to access Netflix auditions if you don't have an agent:
Use online casting websites. Sites like Actor's Access and Backstage regularly post casting calls for Netflix shows, and although they're frequently for lower budget (i.e. less popular) shows, that shouldn't matter too much if you're still in the process of building your resume and reel. You can also use sites like 4 Star Casting or Central Casting to find background work on Netflix shows and then befriend people on set. Later, you can use those friendships to get offers for speaking roles.
Network with people at events. You can also go to film festivals, shows, showcases, industry expos, and other industry events to meet people. Find out whether they're involved in Netflix shows or ask if they know anyone who works with Netflix, such as casting directors, writers, or producers. Always have a specific list of people you'd like to meet (such as the main casting directors from Netflix found at the bottom of this article). That way, as you speak with people, you can ask if they know anyone on your list.
Get special access to hidden Netflix auditions. This advanced strategy is typically used by full-time working actors to generate consistent auditions when they are in-between agents. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for high-level Netflix productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few months by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major Netflix project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you).
Free Step-by-Step Guide: Strategies to Get Casting Directors to Invite You to Netflix Auditions (includes word-for-word email templates and a tutorial on how to become friends with any Netflix casting director – even if you've never met.
Volunteer: Many Netflix casting directors need readers for auditions. You can volunteer your time to read for free, which can be a great way to learn how the casting process works and make a good impression on the casting director. You can also volunteer for other events to meet people, such as assisting at Netflix film festivals, helping up-and-coming Netflix directors on set, and much more.
Make sure your Special Skills are up to date in your online resumes. Did you know lots of casting directors search Actor's Access for actors with specific skillsets? If you can play piano, do an accent, or fight, make sure your skills are listed because occasionally you'll be called into Netflix auditions simply because they found you via a keyword search of your special skills. I recommend you skim my Ultimate Guide to Acting Resume Special Skills.
Make calls and get in directories. If you're based in a smaller city, it's actually not too difficult to get into a casting director's directory of actors they contact directly for auditions. Netflix sometimes utilizes small, independent casting offices when shooting on-location in small towns, so keeping top of mind with your local casting office can sometimes get you a major opportunity. Just do a bit of googling to find your local casting offices and then send them your headshot, resume, and a few clips showing your acting ability.
Sign with an agent (or licensed manager) and ask them to submit you directly. Notice this was not in the first six! I had to include it though because getting a licensed talent rep is one of the fastest ways to start getting consistent auditions for Netflix. Of course, signing with an agent is easier said than done, which is why I created a free guide called The Ultimate Guide to Get an Acting Agent. You also might be interested in learning the difference between an agent and a manager so you know which to target based on where you're at in your career.
HOW TO GET CALLED IN FOR NETFLIX AUDITIONS
Here are a few things you can do to get called in for Netflix auditions more easily, even if you don't have a ton of credits yet:
- Build up at least 4-5 screen acting credits from indie productions. Not having any credits on your resume will always make it more difficult to get called in for roles, especially high-level roles like those in Netflix shows. If you perform for free in some smaller productions, those credits will grow over time, giving casting directors more reasons to trust you.
- Ensure your marketing materials are taken seriously. You MUST have a fantastic headshot, professionally formatted resume (here are my 3 free resume templates), and some sort of footage or reel showing your acting ability. Without those three primary marketing materials you'll never get invited to any Netflix auditions (no matter how often you submit yourself). You should also consider putting together a website to showcase your work and make you look established, (though this is not a requirement).
- Be hyper specific about the kinds of roles you're right for. This is WAY more important than most actors think. If you're clear on your Types, you're much more likely to find roles you have a shot at booking, and you're much more likely to stand out and be remembered by the casting director because you're just a "natural fit" for the character. It's also WAY easier to ask casting directors to invite you to major auditions since they'll know how to "place you."