Is It Too Much? – The Worst Ways to Connect with Industry Folks

Episode #362

Air Date: 4/17/2025

Title: Is It Too Much? – The Worst Ways to Connect with Industry Folks

Hey there, actors and industry hopefuls! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast that lifts you up, gives you the inside scoop, and—today—might save you from yourself. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach, your host, and today’s episode is all about… doing too much.

Yes, my friends, we need to talk about The Worst Ways to Connect with Industry Folks. Or as I like to call it, How to Make a Casting Director Pretend They Don’t See You at a Coffee Shop.

Actors are excited to network. I get it! You want to make connections, get noticed, and build relationships that lead to work. But sometimes… well… let’s just say enthusiasm can turn into desperation, and desperation can make industry pros do that awkward slow back-away motion.

So today, I’m breaking down some of the absolute worst ways to connect with casting directors, agents, and managers—and, of course, how to do it the right way. Buckle up!

CATEGORY 1: THE UNSOLICITED EMAIL ATTACK

Let’s start with the classic: the unhinged email.

Subject line: “PLEASE READ – IMPORTANT – NEED REP ASAP!!!”

Whoa, slow down, Shakespeare!

Unsolicited emails can be a great way to introduce yourself, but there’s a right way and a chaotic way to do it. Here’s what not to do:

• Sending a novel-length email detailing your childhood love for theatre, your high school production of Grease, and your cat’s opinion on your monologues. Keep it professional and to the point.

• Attaching every headshot you’ve ever taken. (Why is there a photo of you at a birthday party?)

• Following up five times in one week because “maybe it went to spam?” (It didn’t.)

BETTER APPROACH: Send a short, professional email that includes: ✔ A friendly greeting (without groveling) ✔ A brief introduction (who you are and what you’re looking for) ✔ A link to your materials (headshot, resume, reel – not a Google Drive folder with 37 random files) ✔ A polite closing and a one-time follow-up if you don’t hear back

CATEGORY 2: THE MYSTERY PHONE CALL

Now, imagine this: An agent is in the middle of negotiating a contract, their phone rings, and they pick up to hear:

“Hey! So, um, yeah, I’m an actor and I was wondering if you’re taking new clients?”

CLICK.

Actors, cold calling without context is a crime against networking. If you’re calling someone who doesn’t know you, you better have a solid reason for the call—and “I exist” is not a reason.

BETTER APPROACH:

• If you must call, make sure they allow phone inquiries (many don’t!)

• Have a clear, concise reason for the call

• If possible, email first and only call if invited to do so

CATEGORY 3: THE ONE-MEETING EXPECTATION TRAP

Here’s a classic mistake: You meet a casting director at a workshop, or you have a two-minute convo with an agent at an event. The next day, you send them a message like:

“Hey! So great meeting you! I’d love to work with you. Can you get me auditions?”

Uhh… what?

Actors, one meeting is not a career contract.

Just because someone was nice to you does not mean you now have VIP industry access.

BETTER APPROACH:

• Follow up with a polite “Nice meeting you!” email.

• Don’t immediately ask for something. Build relationships before making requests.

• Stay on their radar by sending updates about your work—not just asking them for favors.

CATEGORY 4: THE PUSHY “NOTICE ME” TACTIC

I once had an actor send me a singing telegram to pitch themselves for a role. A singing telegram. At my office.

Creativity? 10/10. Professionalism? 0/10.

Other pushy tactics include:

• Showing up unannounced at an office (“I just happened to be in the area…”)

• Sliding into DMs with “Hey, cast me in something!”

• Commenting on every social media post with “Check your inbox!!!”

BETTER APPROACH:

• Respect people’s time and space.

• Use official channels for submissions.

• If networking in person, be natural and genuine, not forceful.

CATEGORY 5: NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW INDUSTRY FOLKS WORK

Actors, I love you, but some of you think casting directors, agents, and managers are magicians.

• Casting directors don’t “hire” you—they present talent to directors and producers.

• Agents don’t create work for you—they find and submit you for existing opportunities.

• Managers guide your career, but they’re not personal assistants who “make you famous.”

If you approach industry professionals expecting them to make your career happen, you’re already on the wrong foot.

BETTER APPROACH:

• Do your research. Know what each industry role actually does.

• Be realistic about what they can (and cannot) do for you.

• Approach them as a collaborator, not someone who owes you a shortcut to success.

SO, HOW DO YOU CONNECT THE RIGHT WAY?

Glad you asked! Here’s how to network without making people uncomfortable.

1.    Be Patient – Building relationships takes time. Treat networking like planting seeds, not shaking a tree for fruit that isn’t ripe yet.

2.    Be Professional Yet Personable – Industry folks are people too! Be natural, be polite, and don’t force the connection.

3.    Have Something to Show – Instead of begging for an opportunity, show them why you’re worth noticing. Work on your craft. Build your resume.

4.    Engage Authentically Online – Follow industry pros on social media, but engage meaningfully. No spamming. No desperate messages. Just be present.

5.    Stay in Touch Without Being Annoying – A check-in every now and then is fine. Weekly emails about your new headshots? Not fine.

WRAPPING UP

So, my dear actors, the moral of the story? Enthusiasm is great. Desperation is not.

Networking is an art. You want to be memorable for the right reasons, not the person who made an agent fake a bad connection to get off the phone.

Thanks for tuning in to Casting Actors Cast! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow actor who needs to hear it. And remember—good networking is like good acting: it’s all about connection, timing, and not forcing it.

See you next time!