Reality TV Casting Qs: Answered

Happy Friday! I want to send you into your weekend with a little more insight into the world of reality TV casting and answer some burning questions that have been coming across my desk over the last week.

I hope these are enlightening!

Kim asked: How legit are those reality show websites that you have to sign up for?

The Bitchlorette says: Depends on the site. As with any website, you have to make sure you’re not handing your personal info over a phisher or spammer or hacker (those sounds like celebrity baby names, no?). I’m a fan of simply going to the network website or production company to apply for a show – but often times you might not know which is what or where to find them. So yes, sites like RealityWanted.com are a great resource to see what’s out there. You do have to sign up, add a photo and fill in some basic stats to get full access, though. They also offer a paid membership for those who want to get a more robust experience. Also, Infolist.com is newer site with less bells and whistles than RealityWanted, but it offers up a lot of Now Casting info and show biz news and happenings. You also have to sign up for this, though no pictures o height/weight stats are required. I’m a member of both!

Darryl asked: Can I apply for more than one reality show at a time?

The Bitchlorette says: Sure! You just can’t BE on more than one show at the same time. Typically, if it’s a big show (like Survivor or The Bachelorette), they want to make damn sure you’re not going to be on another show before, after or during the season you’d be on theirs. And they’ll make you sign a heap of paperwork promising such. Read the fine print!!

Monica Land asked: How did Snooki get on Jersey Shore?

The Bitchlorette says: Jersey Shore was not Snooki’s first rodeo. She was cast on a short lived MTV show called “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” prior to her pickle sucking stint with her fellow guidettes and guidos. My guess is that she made quite an impression on the reality TV casting peeps and when it came time to cast for Jersey Shore, she had a leg up.

Check it out:

Bill asked: Do I need to live in L.A. to get on a reality show? I don’t live there but have dreamed of getting on a few different shows and am starting to feel like my best bet is to move west… Hope you have a different solution (since I like where I live).

The Bitchlorette says: If you don’t need to move to LA, don’t move to LA. I used to think everyone should live in LA because the weather is so gorgeous all the time, but frankly since I moved back to the west coast after five years in NYC, the weather in LA has been poopy! Sorry for the caveat. The answer to this Q is NO, of course not! Casting directors and reality shows are ALWAYS looking for people all over the country. In fact, it’s sometimes better to not live in a major city like LA because we are looking for “types” from different regions. Stay where you are! That’s what the internet is for!

Kyle B. asked: I just went to the open call for BB in Seattle and totally bombed it. Any pointers on how not to screw up next time? My ego can’t take it.

The Bitchlorette says: Watch this video about how to learn from reality TV rejection.

How Can I Learn From Reality TV Rejection?

Janey S. asked: I have been applying to Survivor for years but never hear back. What am I doing wrong?

The Bitchlorette says: This is why I wrote a book! The answer to this question is much bigger than I can answer here and can be answered a million ways. I’d like to say that you aren’t doing anything wrong and it’s the casting departments who’s missing the boat. But that’s not always the case. There are a TON of factors as to why you’re not hearing back. But the first place you need to start figuring out why you might be slipping through the cracks is by revisiting your application and video. Were they TRULY the BEST they could have been? Check out these quick vids for more info on how to make them that way!

Reality TV Application or Video: Which Carries More Weight?

Casting Tip: I Guarantee You’ve Never Thought of This Before

Have a great weekend! Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mamma’s of the world!