THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PILOT SEASON WITH MANAGER SEAN KURZWEIL

Get the Inside Scoop with Manager Sean Kurzweil. Find out what he looks for in new talent and how to succeed this pilot season!

MRPhoto: What type of headshot can help get the actor in the door this pilot season?

Sean Kurzweil: Headshots are far and away the single most important tool to get an actor into an audition. If the casting director doesn’t see what they are looking for in the headshot, it is hard for a manager or agent to convince them otherwise. I tenaciously call casting directors and I’m very much on the front line, so sure I have strong-armed casting directors into seeing someone I earnestly believed was perfect for the role – but for the most part, an actor in the beginning stages, is only as strong as their headshot.

MRPhoto: What things do you love to see on a resume?

Sean Kurzweil: That the resume is typo-free – Come on, be precise and detail oriented about your own resume.  If you can’t do that it calls into question your seriousness and intelligence.  Also, Union credits – Union credits are largely the only credits that matter.  Let’s be real… Casting directors often don’t look beyond the headshot before making their decision to bring in an actor.  When they decide to look at your credits, they will not be moved by the million theatre credits from your home town or college, by your list of non-union short films, or by your web based work. That won’t matter nearly as much as a strong headshot.  Invest in a good headshot it will open more doors for you than your reel.  Casting won’t often get to an actor’s reel but they will get to the headshot.

MRPhoto: What are you looking for in a new client?

Sean Kurzweil: Credits, a great look, intelligence, willingness to be guided, and the client’s ability to invest in themselves so they can handle the necessary business items on their end.

MRPhoto: What common mistakes do you find actors often making?

Sean Kurzweil: Not to harp on it… but I will … It is a mistake to think that a head shot that is simply “ok” is sufficient. “Veteran” actors who have been toiling away at the business for years, yet have not made it, can sometimes regress into the habits of “green” actors by relying on sub-par shots and then sticking with those sub-par shot for years. Also, some think it is smart to pay good money for a shot and skimp on hair and makeup and retouching. More experienced actors can also forget how important it is to be in weekly classes. You have to do the work no matter what, despite your prior achievements.

MRPhoto: What advice do you give your clients after they’ve secured the audition?

Sean Kurzweil: Get off book as soon as possible so you can work with the material. Book a coaching session with your acting teacher for the night before the audition or the morning of.

MRPhoto: Any words of wisdom for those who are gearing up for their first LA pilot season?

Sean Kurzweil: If you aren’t in class, get into a good class … If you haven’t done shots that are strong, do so. Find an agent or manager who believes in you and who will get you out there.

MRPhoto: What are some of the things you’re excited about this pilot season?

Sean Kurzweil: Bookings and more opportunities for versatile actors who defy categorization.

Thank you Sean Kurzweil for your interview.