A breakdown is a tool used by casting directors and filmmakers to tell actors exactly what you are looking for in your film(s). 

Breakdowns should include the following information: 

Title: [Title of the film] 

Director/ Writer/ Producer: [Names of those collaborators (if known)] 

Casting Director: [SVA Casting OR name of your CD (if applicable)] 

Union Status: [SAG-AFTRA or Non-union] 

Special Direction: [Movement, dancing, hugging, fighting, specific wardrobe or makeup] 

Pay Rate: [We alway encourage you to pay your talent, but if you have no budget to pay actors, put “No Pay”. Otherwise, list how much the actor(s) will be paid per day.] 

Locations: [Keep it general like Manhattan, Jersey City, Long Island, etc.] 

Dates: [Be as specific as possible or give a range and number of shoot days. For example October 3rd- 5th, 10th- 12th] 

Film Description: [This should not be a full synopsis.] 

For example: 

“The Route Less Travelled” tells the story of Cameron and Daniela, siblings who are forced to share a paper route in Brooklyn. Along the way, they face adversity in the form of 8-Track Eddie, a local eccentric, and Damon, a teenage bully. 

Role Descriptions: [You will need to write a description for every role.] 

For example: 

CAMERON: (LEAD) Male, 16 years old, Latino. A sweet and charismatic kid who loves magic and has a hopeless crush on Chloe, the girl next door. 

CHLOE: (SUPPORTING) Trans-Female, 15 years old, Any Ethnicity. The girl-next-door who is the object of Cameron’s affection. She is smart, independent, and free-spirited.

* Note: It’s important to be sensitive when describing race and ethnicity. In general, stick to the following terms: Caucasian, White, African-American, Black, Latino/a, Asian, Native American. Use Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Italian, etc. to describe someone from that country. To describe Americans of a specific descent, you can use Italian American, Mexican American, or Irish American, for example. 

* Gender Identities and Body types can also be difficult to illustrate in a breakdown, however, it is imperative that you include this with each character. [Examples are: Cis-gender Male, Trans Female, Non-binary, etc.] Please let us know if you have questions. 

First, submit your finished breakdown to the Casting Office, and we will send you suggestions of who we think would fit best for your film. If you can’t find anyone on our roster that suits your needs, feel free to post your breakdowns on local casting sites. The two best sites are listed below: 

backstage.com – Cost-free with promocode SVACAST. Ads placed here will reach a large number of NYC actors, and you can even post nationwide or to specific locations. 

breakdownexpress.com- This site will allow you to post your breakdown to agencies, and links to actorsaccess.com where actors will see it directly. Student film submissions cost $10+. See their site for costs for other types of projects. Ads placed here will reach the largest number of professional actors and agencies. 

Our office will also help you with this step in the process. We are always happy to send suggestions from our roster. Please reach out to us at least a week in advance in order to get the best results. 

If you decide to use an outside site, it is very likely that you may receive over 100 submissions for some of the roles and just a handful of submissions for others. How do you decide whom to audition? 

1.    Look at the actor’s headshot: 

Is this person the appropriate gender, age, type, and ethnicity for the role? The headshot does not need to be a perfect fit, but the person should be in the range of what you’re looking for. People often look different in person and on-camera. Just use the headshot to gauge a general sense of what this person looks like. 

2.   Read actor notes: 

Oftentimes, actors will send a note with their submissions. The note may include key information pertaining to the actor’s availability for audition or shoot dates, so look at these carefully before you proceed. 

3.   Look at the actor’s reel: 

Many actors will have a reel (a series of video clips) attached to their submissions. This is a great way to see them in action before you call them in. Does the actor fit what you need physically and vocally? Are the roles showcased in the reel similar to the one you’re casting? Does the actor seem limited or versatile? Watch each reel a couple of times to help you decide. 

4. Look at the actor’s résumé: 

A résumé shows an actor’s experience and skills. Has the actor made a film before? How many? Any you recognize? Who were the directors? Does the actor have theatre and commercial experience? 

All of these factors will help you determine the level of experience each actor has.  Also, look for special skills: if your film requires juggling, yoga, or a foreign language, you will be able to find those skills on the résumé. 

This is the most efficient way to audition your chosen talent.  Both Backstage.com and BreakdownExpress have great self-taping features. 

Self-tape email template: 

Hi XXX [Actor name], 

We would love to have you self-tape for the role of XXX in the SVA film, XXX. 

Here are the details. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Role: [name of character] 

Due date: [Hard deadline that you need them to upload/send you their self-tape audition] Notes: [Any important info]  Sides are attached

Thanks! [Your name and contact] 

*Make sure you attach the sides [Sides are the selections from the script that an actor reads at an audition.

When you are ready to make a final decision - whether you found someone through us or outside resources- reach out to them directly with a final offer. 

Offer email template: 

Dear XXX, 

I’m writing to you to offer you the role of XXX in the SVA film, XXX. 

I have attached the script to this email. Please see below for all the pertinent details. 

Please respond by XXX [give a clear deadline, typically 3-5 days] to let me know whether or not you will accept the role. 

[TITLE of film]

Director: XXX 

Producer: XXX 

Role: XXX 

Shoot dates: [Specific dates] 

Rehearsal dates: [Specific dates] REHEARSALS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED 

Shoot Location(s): XXX 

Pay Rate: XXX + Transportation and Meals will be provided. 

A copy of the film will be made available to you when the film is completed. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. 

Thanks! I look forward to working with you. Best,[Student Name] [contact] 

*It is important to let your actors know exactly what will be expected of them. Will there be rehearsals? Will they need to provide their own wardrobe? Is the shoot outside of the city? Be upfront with them so you can tackle any issues before your production dates.