Reality Shows: Open Calls

Reality shows: open calls are the best way for you to go from watching your favorite reality show to being part of the action in front of the camera. Almost all reality shows are cast using open calls, which often attract thousands of reality hopefuls. Be prepared to stand out from the crowd with these reality show: open call tips.

First things first – what exactly is an open call? Also sometimes referred to as a casting call, an open call is essentially a public audition for a show. Anyone who hopes to land a spot on a reality show is welcome to turn up at an open call provided they meet basic requirements, such as age, which are specific to each show. During an open call, the production team whittles the crop of applicants down to a short list of possibilities. You can expect there to be several applicant culls before a show is actually cast.

When you arrive at an open call, you will be given an application to complete. In addition to basic information about yourself, the application will ask you questions that are designed to develop a picture of your personality. The application may also draw out interesting facts about you that could be used to promote the show or that might make you especially interesting to viewers.

After you have completed your application, you will have to make it past the "gatekeepers." This front line group of people will look over your application and ask you a few questions before deciding if you will get to move to the next level and meet with the show’s main producers and if applicable, the show judges. The vast majority of applicants won’t make it past this step.

If you are invited to meet the producers/judges, what to expect depends on the type of show you are trying out for. In a competition based show, like American Idol, you may be asked to perform your talent in front of the producers and judges. If the show is focused on more about how the contestants behave, then you may simply answer some questions for the panel. In either case, expect your time with them to be short.

After you meet the producers, you may be told that you are not right for the show, or you may enter the short list for casting. There is often a long window between an open call and when the final cast is set, so prepare for a long wait.

Competition is fierce at reality show casting, and the more popular the show, the more cut throat the competition. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

• Even if a show has been running for several seasons and you think that you understand what producers are looking for, don’t try to fit into a certain mode. You never know exactly what a production team is looking for in a cast – indeed, they may not have any preconceived notions and be planning to let the cast grow organically.

• Get to casting calls as early as possible. That may even mean camping out overnight. You don’t want to risk being at the end of the line and having them decide to close the auditions. It also works in your interest to see the producers when they’re bright and on the ball, not annoyed and counting the minutes until it is all over.

• Answer the questions on the application honestly. Don’t try to guess at what they want you to say. This is about getting a picture of your personality, not a persona you have created. It will come across as phony.

• Likewise, be yourself with the production team. Being nervous is normal, but again, don’t try to devise a personality you think they want to see. Natural is best.

• Watch some reality show open calls. Shows like American Idol and America’s Next Top Model give viewers a chance to watch some of the casting. See what the process is like, and try to learn from mistakes people make. For instance, you’ll notice that people who put on an outrageous act make it into the casting special to entertain the audience, but they seldom land in the final cast.

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