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Why Your Selfie Won't Lead to a Screen Test
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:59PM 
Despite all the casting calls I’ve done so far, it never ceases to surprise me how often men and women vying for roles in front of the camera will submit selfies when trying to schedule an audition.
My recent experience sorting through these informal snapshots while developing an independent television show that calls for an anchor, or two, indicates that this practice probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Many of the candidates are attractive, seemingly capable (their resume game is on point…sorta) people I would otherwise consider hiring. Yet, I find myself doubting whether those who send selfies (captured in the bathroom mirror, of all places) can be taken seriously as the potential anchor for an educational TV program.
When I put out casting calls for someone to appear in a television program about teaching citizens how to improve their life skills in areas such as agriculture, for example, that cute-and-playful-in-bathrooms vibe is clearly not up my alley; at least, not for a production of this nature. I generally have nothing against selfies, having snapped dozens of them myself during a few unsuccessful attempts at Project 365. What I have a problem with is when men, women and teenagers submit their talent resumes enclosed with casual, everyday photos, to my film & TV productions.
Submitting selfies to a casting call or any job opening for that matter looks like you obviously don’t have any professional, or passable, headshots. In some circumstances, lacking work experience and photos is understandable but that all still depends on the production. Maybe you’re new to the entertainment field and are just trying to get your feet wet while building up some on-camera experience, complete with screen credits. Still, sending images that look like they’re ripe for an Instagram feed is just plain out unprofessional.
Fitness enthusiast snaps a selfie following a workout at the gym. © DooneySmithThere are instances where I can see the selfie working during a casting call such as when a production calls for roles that may not require much dialogue, including but not limited to:
1. Extras
2. Day Players
3. Body Double/Stand-in
4. Stunt Performer
At no point in my casting notice did I mention any of the roles above. Yet, people still submitted a selfie to the job listing for a spot as TV show host.
You may have the best intentions on trying to just offer up something to help casting directors, producers, etc. match your name to your face, and that’s understandable.
The impression I get from these casual self-portraits that accompany your resume, however, may be different than you expected.
What Your Selfie Says to the Producer Casting an Anchor
You didn’t bother to read the details of my casting call. Or, maybe you read it but didn’t fully comprehend the information. Either way, it’s a red flag waving in the air to signal how much you don’t pay attention when it counts.
You don’t have any professional headshots. Again, this is not a huge deal breaker for me. I know it is for some film and casting directors, producers and other people involved in assembling teams for media projects. The lack of a headshot just is not (always) on my list of must-have requirements when trying to assemble all of the pieces of a television, film or new media production puzzle.
What I find most annoying about submitting selfies in place of professional headshots, however, is the utter lack of effort in trying to get someone to take a photo of you that could at least pass as a substitute for the industry standard. Hell, there are photography students, fashion students and art students – not to mention DMV employees, U.S. Postal Service workers and Police Officers – who snap photos all day, every day. So, you expect me to believe you couldn’t ask anyone to snap a nice, professional looking photo of you on a 35mm, point-and-shoot digital, or DSLR camera?!
You have no experience whatsoever in the position that is described in the casting call. Again, being a newbie isn’t a bad thing. But responding to casting calls with a selfie indicates the possibility that you don’t know what you’re doing. It screams amateur, like you were just browsing the internet on your lunch break, saw a job opening and thought “Ooooh, it would be fun to be on TV!” so you send me one of the most recent – and best looking – images in the camera roll on your iPhone. Thanks, but no thanks.
The thing that gets me about some of the men and women who sent selfies to the casting calls I’ve posted over the years, is that their resumes are filled with previous work experience. It isn’t hard to find some that possess special talents and/or skills, did training at acting schools or other educational facilities, programs, etc. or have all of the standard qualities one would look for when casting a film, television show, music video, TV commercial, or some other type of production. Unlike newbies, people switching careers and regular everyday folk putting a bid in for their fifteen minutes of fame, those with the hefty resumes do know better. So, that only leaves me wondering what in the world convinced them that a selfie was not only acceptable, but also going to get them an audition for the project.
There is a time and a place for self-portraits and the type of projects I work on usually don’t fall within that realm. Where my most recent project is concerned, selfies and educational programs don’t mix. When responding to casting calls, job offers, interview requests or anything that involves you sending a photo that best represents you in the space you’re operating in, remember it’s all about context. Are you trying to channel Brian Williams or are you going for that Snooki, Jersey Shore vibe? Keeping this in mind will mean all the difference between whether the person on the receiving end is likely to give you a call or move on to the next application in the pile.
When was the last time YOU sent someone a selfie or posted one online?
What was the response to YOUR selfie?
Reader Comments (7)
I'm certainly not in the entertainment field. Yet, I can see the validity of what you are saying and would think it great advice. I've only ever taken one selfie.
I'm not big on selfies. I'm the friend who gets a pic taken of her and then I hear, "I'll send it to you, girl."
I don't do much with them unless it includes my Chipmunk, then it makes for a good background on my phone lol!
But to submit it for a professional casting call... I wouldn't have thunk it.
We'll probably continue to see more selfies as well as other homemade efforts to cut corners. I've never sent a selfie or posted one. I don't have any that are at all flattering.
Arlee
I've never thought of that before, but it makes sense. Acting or performing is nothing like what most people imagine and having someone there for fun could ruin a production. Paying for at least one head shot sounds like a good investment.
Barbara,
Chances are the selfie issue at hand also applies to other fields as well such as publishing. It would be hard to imagine authors of novels, etc. being considered for a book release or interview or something if they presented the other party with selfies as their one and only headshot. That is with exception to maybe the books centered on humor or related topics of interest. Thanks for your comment! :)
Angela,
Your comment made me laugh because I go back and forth between the two and usually end up relying on selfies from time to time because everyone doesn't "sent it" to me, lol. Sounds like you've found a good, practical use of selfies and a background with Chipmunnk totally makes for a better view to look at than some random, template image of clouds or something that automatically comes with everyone's phone or media package :)
Yeah you'd be amazed how many "professionals" submit selfies for projects even when they never know who might be looking at them, I mean, hypothetically if George Lucas was hiring production assistants for another Star Wars movie, I surely wouldn't be sending him a photo of myself in the bathroom. Thanks a bunch Angela for commenting!
Arlee,
You're right about selfies becoming more of a common thing...I sure wouldn't be surprised given that it's so popular across all age groups but just an ordinary thing that doesn't seem to be a big deal among the younger generations (who are our future). Oh having seen photos of you, I'd bet on you having at least one, if not more, flattering selfies, so I'm not buying that part. Ha! I'm sure a selfie would suit you just fine. Have you ever thought of taking some funny selfies? The comedic aspect might help result in some that you like for yourself. Thanks for your comment.
Maurice,
While there are some fun aspects of a production, your comment had me thinking of some tales I could tell you about people being around just for the kicks. Oh man and I'm sure there are lots of stories, throughout the indie film community, where that affected the workflow. Headshots are pricey and I can understand while it's hard for women and men to get them, especially when they're first starting out but boy oh boy can they make a world of difference. Thank you for stopping by and joining the discussion on this post!
I've yet to try a selfie. I take horrible pictures so if I weilded the camera as well as stood in front of the lens, I can only imagine the results.
Such an informative post regarding selfie impact. Selfie pictures often look very funny and nice. Selfie with friends in a group gives an amazing feeling. Yeah, I agree selfie won't lead to a screen test. Selfie sometimes comes out really good and photogenic. Thanks for sharing this post. Best Selfie Stick