Have you ever wondered how your agent knows who to send your headshot and resume to? How do they know about the various castings that are currently going on in your city? Well, they, more than likely, have obtained their information from Breakdown Services. If you have been an actor for longer than a few months, than you are probably aware of breakdown services, yet, they still are a mystery to thousands of actors across the world. What exactly are Breakdown Services? How do you get them? Can actors obtain a copy of breakdown services?
Well, the answers to these questions are surprisingly simple. Let’s start with the first one: What are Breakdown Services? Basically, the Breakdown Services is a list of all available roles that are currently being cast in that specific area. They include the name of the production, the production studio and a detailed list of all characters that are currently available.
These are sent to your agents who then look through their actor profiles and pick the actors that fit the descriptions on the breakdown list. This is an invaluable service that has streamlined the submission process within the entertainment industry. However, can actors obtain a copy of these breakdowns? Well, the answer is simply “no.”
It’s not that you can’t find bootlegged copies of these breakdowns on the Internet, as a matter of fact, I have found many of these copies scattered on various websites, however, they won’t do you much good as a standalone actor. This is because all of the breakdowns clearly state that individual actor submissions will not be tolerated. Casting Directors don’t want to deal with the actors directly. This can become confusing, especially when organizing the audition. Imagine having to call and e-mail hundreds, if not, thousands of actors about one production out of twenty or so – this would no doubt lead to a catastrophic breakdown at the casting directors office. It is much simpler dealing with one person that can organize their fleet of actors.
Also, most actors aren’t aware of the legalities and business aspect of the entertainment industry. What if you obtained the role you submitted yourself for. Well, for one, you would be excited, but then when it comes down to negotiations of the contract, you would be lost. Your agent has been trained to deal with production studios and various employees of the entertainment industry that you, the normal actor, would have no idea on how to even approach the contract proceedings. This is why the breakdown services are not available to any actor.
So the answer to the third question: “Can actor’s obtain a copy of the breakdowns?” Is a resounding, NO, but YES, but again, NOOOOOO, however, I have failed to answer question number two: “How do agents get the breakdown sheets?” Breakdown Services is a company that deals only with established, and legal, talent agencies. Agents pay a fee in order to apart of the daily mailings of the breakdowns.
In order to qualify for the breakdowns the agency must submit all of their information and it is then reviewed by the company. So, as you can see, unless you own an established, or new yet professional, talent agency, obtaining a legal copy of the breakdown sheets will be impossible.
It is very intriguing, the thought of obtaining all of the major audition notices for all the major films and television projects out there, but unless you are an agent, they won’t do you any good. It is best to just stick with an agent, yet, if you feel that your agent isn’t really out for your best interest, or you feel that you are getting lost in the sea of actors within your agency, perhaps it is time to take matters into your own hands. Send casting offices your headshot and resume monthly, let them know you exist. Don’t be forceful, or bad-mouth your agent, but just send a courteous note along with your headshot/resume or a postcard, and just inform them, in so many words, that you’re here, ready to work and can’t wait to meet them. Of course, word the above in a more professional and polished manner.
