Landing the perfect role starts long before you step into the audition room—it’s about preparation, confidence, and knowing what Casting Directors are really looking for. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or just starting out, understanding the subtle yet powerful techniques that set you apart can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ve gathered six expert tips straight from Casting Directors to help you refine your approach, make a lasting impression, and increase your chances of booking that next big gig.

So let’s jump in.

1. Nancy Bishop

Casting Director Nancy Bishop (Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm, The Avengers, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) explains in this short clip from Spotlight, the importance of a clean and simple set up for your self-tapes.

2. Amy Hubbard

Amy Hubbard (Casting Director of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings & Homeland), says that confidence is key. Make a bold decision about how you want to play the character and go in and do that in your audition, don’t think about how the Casting Director may want it to be performed.

3. Kelly Valentine Hendry

For Kelly Valentine Hendry (Fleabag, Broadchurch, Bridgerton), it’s all about preparation, preparation, preparation. Not only make sure you know your lines, but know the Director, Casting Director and Producer of the show you are auditioning for, which can also help inform the style and type of acting you should be aiming for.

4. Ros Hubbard

Ros Hubbard (The Mummy, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Da Vinci Code) stresses the importance of owning the part, and bringing yourself into the role. ‘Don’t do a this is an actor doing a part; do it as a this is me, this is who I was meant to be.’

5. Kahleen Crawford

Preparation and a good self tape set up seem to be important to Kahleen Crawford (I, Daniel Blake, Living, All of Us Strangers), but also picking a good reader to read opposite you – if they can’t do the accent, ask them not to. A bad reader can be really distracting!

6. Sharon Bialy, CSA

If everyone says ‘It’s all about you’, well Sharon Bialy, CSA (Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid’s Tale) says it’s all about the text. Get lost in the story, get lost in the character and in that moment. She also recommends doing two takes, one where you do it as planned, and one where you do nothing and underplay it.

So there you go, there is several of the biggest Casting Directors in the world giving you their best tips for landing that next role.

Bear these in mind when you next have a self tape, and good luck out there!