Thank You!

We had an incredible opportunity at the studio last week when Simon Maxhill and Lexi Morsh, from Simon Maxhill Casting, joined us to share their insights into casting, self-tapes, auditions, and navigating the industry. Their advice was practical and insightful.

Simon and Lexi offered invaluable advice on self-tapes and Zoom auditions, which are here to stay even after the pandemic. They stressed how vital it is to submit self-tapes quickly for commercial auditions, as they often have a fast turnaround. However, for TV and film, you typically have up to 48 hours to submit your audition, unless a specific deadline is provided. He & Lexi also shared practical tips on wardrobe choices, emphasizing the importance of avoiding solid black or white shirts and harsh patterns. They gave great advice about subtly playing into the theme of the character without overdoing it or veering into stereotypes.

The audience of actors also got some good advice on the technical aspects of self-taping. They highlighted the importance of good lighting, filming horizontally, and following instructions. For their system, a big mistake people make is combining their auditions into one video, even when asked to not to. By not following the instructions is makes it difficult to upload and watch your auditions. By following casting instructions it helps ensure you get seen. And in the world of commercials, if you’re auditioning for a specific brand, don’t wear a competitor's logo. There is no need to buy their product just make sure if you are auditioning for Nike you don’t wear Adidas. Lastly they emphasized being meticulous with file naming and submission is a must—always double-check what you're sending!

In-person auditions, according to Simon, require preparation and professionalism. Knowing your lines is crucial, and actors should be ready for 2-4 takes, with the ability to adjust quickly to direction—especially when those directions seem a little wild! Expect the unexpected, be adaptable, and make strong choices.

The audience asked about the difference between talent agencies and casting. Simon & Lexi spoke on the role of agents, clarifying that talent agencies represent you, while casting agencies manage auditions. She reminded us that no legitimate agency should ever charge upfront fees and encouraged actors to use resources like the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA) directory to find trustworthy agencies. Lexi also highlighted the importance of having a professional headshot that truly represents you—no need to have a dozen variations for every potential role.

On the marketing front, both Simon and Lexi discussed how crucial it is for actors in the Pacific Northwest to be proactive. Networking is key, and making connections with other actors and filmmakers can lead to more opportunities. They recommended attending OMPA’s monthly mixers for networking additionally suggested writing your own material as a way to sharpen your creative instincts and increase your understanding of what works—and what doesn’t—in a script.

Finally, the most important piece of advice? Stop trying to please everyone. Acting is an ongoing process, and every audition is a chance to practice and improve. Casting directors aren't there to judge; they want to see you succeed. So, focus on doing your best work for yourself, and the rest will follow.