BIO: Elizabeth Boykewich is a Casting Director and Producer. She was a casting executive at Disney for over 17 years launching and defining two television brands.. Elizabeth has identified and launched countless acting careers, many that went on to become household names. Boykewich's passion for developing and nurturing the careers of rising stars and casting diverse voices has won critical acclaim, along with numerous awards. Boykewich has seen the acting and casting process from every angle and in every room for tv, film and theater from premed auditions, producer reads to screen testing for the studio and network.
Question Examples: What is the most important thing while starting my acting career? What do you look for in auditions? What are common mistakes you see actors make?
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Elizabeth Boykewich, thank you so much for sharing your time with the community today! What, if anything, can help a self-tape stand out? Are there specific things that you look for in a taped audition whether technical or in the performance that helps differentiate it from others?
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It' s great to meet you, Elizabeth Boykewich. Thanks for having this AMA. You never know who you'll run into at any time, so what should an actor carry around with them? Headshots, a USB drive with their resume, business card, etc.
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Wow! What an amazing opportunity for the acting community here at Stage32. Thank you for your time!
My question is this. What methods do you use outside of auditions to discover new actors? Are there any ways that you recommend actors utilize to constructively and unobtrusively get their credentials in front of you and other casting directors? For example, forwarding demo reels, invites to theatre performances etc.
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Thanks for giving us your time, Elizabeth Boykewich! I have a friend who is on the fence about pursuing acting. What are some important questions to ask yourself in determining if acting is the right career path for you?
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Ashley Renee Smith Great (and really BIG questions) This is a common question in self-tape land and the answer is very similar to to in person auditions.
Specific to self tapes, make sure you are well lit and I can hear you clearly. Keep your slate simple and clear. No antics or extras are needed. I want to watch your performance & not be distracted by props, location, extra business that's not needed.
Auditions that stand out: We are looking for actors that have prepared the materials and make clear decisions on their performance. I am looking for the best most prepared version of YOU in the audition. Here's an example - Viola Davis' version of Lady MacBeth with be different that Helen Mirren's version of Lady MacBeth. I want to see YOUR specific version of the character. Your job in an audition is to "book the room", make fans of your work in the audition. I love watching an audition and feeling the actor make the material come alive in only the way they can. So, Helen Mirren and Viola Davis are both incredible performers who commit to the material and have their own distinct interpretations. I want to see your distinct interpretation. When you "book the room" that means we remember a committed and professional level performance and will bring you in again and again.
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@Maurice Vaughan We are always on the lookout for new talent and faces. If I'm interested and have something you're right for at the moment I will ask for your name and contact information. I have approached people out and about for their information if and when I have had a project for them to audition for. An instagram handle or imdb page listing is all I need to stay in contact. No need to carry headshots, usb drives etc. Some newer actors do like to make business card with their headshot and contact information. This is not necessary but ok if you'd like to have on you.
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That makes sense since things are mostly done online/through social media nowadays, Elizabeth Boykewich. Thanks for the answer.
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@David Foy Bauer Love this question! Casting Directors are a different breed - we are ALWAYS looking for new actors in everything we watch, when we are out in the world, etc. I have asked for contact information from Lyft drivers, wait staff, checkout clerks etc for auditions. I personally watch A LOT of movies and shows on every platform. I go see indie films and film festivals and lots of theater. Yes! We have incredible theater in Los Angeles! Casting folks also rely on one another if we can't find something. I ask my casting friends for recommendations often and if I meet someone new I think is terrific I will pass their information on to my casting friends as well.
I have a podcast where I interview casting directors and we answer all of these questions and actors can get to "know" casting directors better. The EB Co: OFF BOOK / Conversations with Casting Directors is available on Apple & Spotify. https://theeb.co/podcast
As far as getting your materials in front of casting folks - every office is different so do a little research on they. office before you submit. If I have released a project with a role you think you're right for please submit. But if it's a cold submission demo reel without context it will get lost in the shuffle.
Only invite casting folks to show, films etc that showcase you well and is worth their time. Wait until you have something that is a great showcase for you and/or work before you invite industry professionals.
It's sort of like headshots - the headshot that sells you well probably isn't the same phot your mom or partner will love. The one that goes on the mantle and the one that goes out to see you are different.
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@David Abrookin Acting is a wonderful craft. Making a living as an actor takes tenacity, commitment and a strong stomach. I'd recommend your friend takes advantage of any and every outlet they can (get into classes, community theater, local commercials etc). One can be an actor without "quitting the day job". In fact, if you are a professional actor, you most likely do have a day job as well.
I believe everyone is a creative and has a story to tell and our lives are enriched when we tap into and express our creativity. I say pursue and explore as a way to suss out if going all in is a fit.
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Another vote of thanks to you Elizabeth. I’m coming on board from ‘across the pond’ and wondering if there’s anything specific that you would suggest I do to enable me to get more work on your side. I have been lucky to have worked on a TV series in Utah some years ago but ‘thanks’ to Covid I wasn’t able to return to the States to resume the role.
I’m happy to share my reel and Spotlight link with you (or anyone who might be interested). Would you recommend that as a first step or is there another way you would suggest? TIA
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Derek Lawson Hi Derek, Sorry to hear about the turn of events. Few clarifying questions: Are you overseas now or back in the states? Have you been working overseas since? Do you have representation and if so where are they located?
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ANYTHING EB? Okay, how about this - - - How to enlist actors, crew and all for a Passion Project... NO PAY? I have yet to figure this one out here where I reside. Of-course EVERYONE here in My neck-of-the-woods ARE THE GREATEST MOST AWESOME IN THEE INDUSTRY EVER! (Ahem! IF you GET my drift!...'?')
Always Sir Nicholas In Seattle
8.22.2023 Cheers!
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Nicholas In Seattle For me, "Passion Project: means others need to be as passionate about the story and material as you are. If the story and material appeals they are more likely to come on board. The passion projects I have joined were because the story was meaningful to me and I wanted to invest my energy and time into the project.
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Elizabeth Boykewich Hi Elizabeth, when looking for a voice-actor for an animated project, what things should I be looking for, when physical presence isn't needed? Thanks, Geoff
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Hi Elizabeth - thanks for responding. I’m an English actor living in the UK. I’m a member of a co-operative agency in my homeland called ‘Actors Empowerment’. We are a small band of fellow professionals who have managed to get a few good jobs here and in Europe but never been able to secure anything over there - the job I did in Utah was thanks to a small bit of networking I did on LinkedIn about 10 years ago.
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Geoff Hall When you listen to the voices to cast them close your eyes and listen carefully. Pay attention to how the voice make you feel and what it evokes in you. I have an entire podcast interview available with voice over casting director Sara Jane Sherman available. You'll learn a lot! The EB Co: Off Book Episode #202 Check it out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eb-co-off-book/id1649004585?i=...
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Elizabeth Boykewich many thanks Elizabeth. That's a helpful piece of advice. I'll also listen to the podcast. Thanks for the heads-up.
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Thank you Elizabeth Boykewich for sharing your time and wisdom today
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Thanks for putting this valuable information, Elizabeth. It's great to get advice from those who really know.
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Geoff Hall You're welcome. Good luck! Look forward to seeing what you create.
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Jody Cirame My pleasure! I love sharing what I know in support of artists and creatives.
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Pamela Jaye Smith You're welcome. I love sharing what I know in support of artists and creatives.
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Derek Lawson Oh that's excellent. Well done on the cooperative agency and networking. It is easier to book jobs remotely (than it has been in the past) thanks to self taping. Projects are able to cast a wider net but often they want actors to be local (budget doesn't allow for travel, housing and per diem, etc) Unfortunately there isn't a trick or fast track over than what you are doing. Keep going!
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Hi Elizabeth Boykewich! Thank you so much for doing this Q&A! I would love to know what has been one of your favorite projects to work on and why?
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Hello Elizabeth. Not sure where I can ask you a question ? I don’t come on stage32 that often but maybe I should. Anything has got to be better than the other platforms I use. I want to know is there still a market for SAG actors who are now in their 60’s?
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Elizabeth Boykewich Hi Elizabeth. Your photo looks gorgeous . In your POV what is something that makes a Casting Director think “That guy is the one!” Is it looks, connection, their presence? What makes you remember an actor?
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Hi Elizabeth, Any tips for filmmakers in getting an agent to consider a film for their client without financing set-up? -A seemingly impenetrable wall for the chicken v. egg of casting and financing. Love to hear your thoughts. Thank you in advance.
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Hi Elizabeth Boykewich , thanks for this AMA! Do you have suggestions for actors who are looking to land higher-tier auditions but don't have reps yet?
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Emily J Great question - it's hard to pick. Working on the X-Men was exciting and the movie that launched Hugh Jackman's career. The Bold Type was a wonderful and exciting experience. I loved the material and the cast that was assembled. Seeing Megan Fahey's career take off after The White Lotus has been so fun.
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Anie Konstant Hi Anie! Think about what makes you remember a person when you meet them at a party or in a class etc. What is it about a new person that draws you to them and makes you want to get to know them more? It's the engagement, the way they connect & made you feel. I remember actors that "drop in" to the material, are really engaged and present with the character and material.
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Jack Binder Hi Jack, A tricky thing to be sure. Honestly, unless the actor has a personal connection to the material (ex. it's a show about hot air ballooning and the actor is passionate about hot air ballooning) or they have a personal connection to one of the filmmakers it's very hard to get anyone's attention. Agents need to know that a project they're going to bring to their bankable talent is financed, moving forward and won't waste their or their client's time.
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Niki H Hi Niki! There aren't any shortcuts to land higher level auditions. It's about staying tenacious, training and educating yourself, honing your craft and doing every audition you can. Major film directors came from film schools. Submit yourself on any and every project you can that makes sense and to get traction and learn along the way.
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Hi Elizabeth Boykewich thank you for the opportunity. Do you have an opinion on when an actor should join SAG AFTRA? If one is eligible is it best to put it off as long as possible so as to remain eligible for NU work or join as soon as possible? When is it absolutely necessary? and is it true that if a production company wants you they will pay the initiation fee or do they expect you to join first before they hire you? Pardon me for the compound question, I just want to be clear in what it is I'm asking. lol
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Hi @Elizabeth Boykewich, I'm a producer based in London UK. When making offers to top level, B+ actors, I find it really difficult to figure out what would be a reasonable financial offer. Agents invariably don't provide a 'quote' and I sometimes wonder if they pass because I've offered too little. They rarely say of course, or indeed, too much! It's just a guess. Any thoughts on this?
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Hi Elizabeth. Thanks for you time! Much appreciated. I am a hispanic actor/director/producer living and working in Canada. My wife is ACTRA and I am non-union. It seems some actors are able to audition for roles in the US via casting workbook from the Great White North, which is fantastic! However, the rules are fuzzy when it comes to hiring talent from outside the US. Do you have any experience in the matter? Should we take a trip one of these days to LA or NY to network, (would love to find out what networking events you recommend) or can it all be done online nowadays?
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Suzanne Bronson Every case has its own set of considerations and will be different for each person. A few are: Are you eligible? Are you getting lots of NU auditions? Are you losing out on opportunities by not being eligible? You need to assess your whole picture and decide from there. As far as a production covering payments I have not heard of this happening in quite some time. I believe it to be an exception.
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Rafael Ziah Franco Hi there, I'm not quite clear on all of the factors going into your question. Networking is always good but remember often projects don't have the budget to travel actors and put them up. So even if you can work in the place technically often project can only hire "local" actors and need union actors for the roles unless there's a special requirement (ex role requires actor that is a fire eater etc)
8.23.2023 Hey Elizabeth, thanks for your thoughtful reply. I agree with your thoughts and sentiments on this point. At what point do people find that something is of more value than the $ signs inside of their eyes? I truly wonder anymore. Cheers! Kindly always, Sir Nicholas in Seattle
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for taking questions! I just heard about this! I know I have to work it, but when I am in the audition, what blows most CD's socks off?
And you mentioned starting people's careers and making them household names, what did they have that others perhaps didn't? What sets those that become the household names apart from others? Is it just talent, or is it a combination of factors?
Thanks again Elizabeth, hopefully our paths cross in an audition in the near future!