Biggest Loser casting tips (season 14)
Biggest Loser is getting ready to start casting for season 14! Casting calls will be happening this summer and will be posted soon on the Biggest Loser casting website. Basically, this post is a collection of tips I’ve written based on my experience making the cast of season three, as well as some links to casting advice I don’t think you should miss:
- NBC has posted casting information and the application here. They have all the casting news and information on a special blog just for Biggest Loser casting, which you can find here.
- Pete Thomas, the season 2 $100,000 winner has some of the best casting call advice out there, which you can find at his website, Winning Man.
- Holland, a casting director for Biggest Loser sent me a bunch of great advice on how to be casted, you can find it here. She updated them October, 2009.
- I’ve been posting these casting tips for the last few seasons and they always seem to end up with thousands of comments; just about every season has contestants that were hanging out on here, reading and giving each other thoughts and advice. You can find the most recent one here.
- If you’re dealing with disappointment about not being cast, then check out my post on Biggest Loser casting disappointment.
One of the questions I hear a lot is about money … how do contestants afford to be away from home and work for months at a time? I don’t know what it is now, but when I was a contestant there was a $500 a week stipend for cast members on the ranch. When you received the check you could cash it and spend it, send it home, save it, whatever. All airplane tickets, hotel accommodations, etc., for the contestants and potential cast members are taken care of by NBC, and during the casting process it self there was a $50 per diem to cover food costs.
Another question is timing; typically a season lasts for about 8-9 months. About four of this is spent in filming; if you last all the way until the final three or four, you could be away from home for as much as four months or so. Once the ranch filming wraps and the last few contestants are sent home, however, there is still another four or five months that all the contestants have to continue losing weight until the finale. In addition, potential cast members are flown out to California a couple weeks before filming begins for the final round of casting, medical checkups, psychological evals, etc. NBC brings out more people than what they need and the cast is not finalized until filming literally begins. People have been cut at the last minute and replacements flown in with hardly any time to spare. Nothing is in stone until it’s on camera!
When will you hear from Biggest Loser about your video? There is no way of knowing. I heard back a few weeks after I sent it in, but even after that it’s a big waiting game. If you get a phone number or email from a casting direction, definitely drop them a line/call every couple weeks to find out if you’re still in the running or what’s going on. Schedules and plans change almost every day, so it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. If you don’t hear back within a month I would think your video didn’t make the cut. That doesn’t mean you can’t send in another or visit a casting call – it’s just up to you!
Finally, here’s my video application tips! This is by no means a recipe for success; it’s based on my video application and the conversations I had with casting directors out in LA in between things. I was pretty curious about the whole process so I was pumping them for info even after filming began. I’m such a nerd!
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They’ve usually decided if they’re interested in you within the first 30-60 seconds of your video, so front load it with your best stuff. Make it interesting! Start off with something funny or exciting!
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Keep in mind, if you’re going to be cast, your video is going to be watched hundreds of times by producers, executives, casting directors, etc. If it bores you or your friends the second or third time watching it … put some more time into it!
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Special effects? Don’t bother! We’ve all got video editing software with all sorts of bells and whistles on our home computers, but fancy transitions are not going to sell you to people who do video editing for a living. In fact, it can distract from who you are. I’m a video editing nerd and I didn’t use any special effects other than putting my name and contact info on as a subtitle at the beginning.
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Don’t bother talking about why you need to lose weight. When I first started filming my audition video I started describing all of my health reasons for losing weight – but when I was watching it back, I realized … they don’t need to hear it! One look at me was all they needed to know I needed to lose weight! Show them why you need to lose it; I said I needed to lose weight for my kids, and then I followed it with a minute or two of the best footage I could find of me with wrestling with my three boys. We probably filmed half an hour of that insanity and I grabbed the cutest, loudest, and funniest few moments for the audition video. Your physical need to lose weight is not nearly as interesting as who or what your losing the weight for.
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Live loud! Reality TV is over the top, dramatic, and filled with loud personalities. They need to see that on your video! I wanted them to know that even though I was morbidly obese I was up to the challenge of the crazy competitions and workouts – so I threw on a bunch of clips from my different youth group activities; me getting slimed, snowtubing, playing paintball, screaming at events, being on stage, running around … you get the idea. Other contestants did things appropriate to their lives; Tim from Oregon had himself spinning out on his Harley, Tim from Delaware recruited his elementary school class to do things with him, Heather Hanson filmed herself running around in a sports bra all day doing her household chores and errands. The less talking and more action you can have, the better (in my opinion)!
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If you have footage or photos of yourself thin, include those at some point on the video. If you can show them what your after will be, then do it!
Remember, enjoy the conversation here and know that I will never compromise your anonymity – not to NBC, 3Ball, Casting Directors or anyone. You can post anonymously, or you can leave your names and contact information … just remember that NBC likes to be the one announcing their cast for the show, so if you start identifying yourself publicly as a finalist, you’ll probably find yourself eliminated from the casting process. Be aware that casting directors do check in at my blog to see what people are saying, get a feel for what questions are going on out there, and sometimes to give us updates. Good luck to everyone … and let me know if you make the show! I get a kick out of hearing about the different contestants that have hung out on my blog before making the show! 
I'm Matthew, and you've found my blog! I'm married to Heather, a father of four boys, the Youth Pastor at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, and former contestant on NBC's Biggest Loser.
very odd to not have much ‘chatter’ about the cc….I’d love to go to Chicago next weekend…not sure if I can. I’m also having quite a bit of trouble adjusting to this new format. I used to be a regular and now am here a few times a week. Its just hard for me to follow. sorry…
Balzak75 Wow, now to figure this out. I leave for one week and I no longer recognize this place. JK Anyway. Quick question, maybe I heard incorrectly, but did someone mention that they are allowing people to nominate or suggest others? If ‘yes’, how? Happy Belated Father’s Day to all the other dads out there. Had a wonderful time with my family traveling this past week. We drove to Prince Edwards Island in Canada and had a wonderful time. We were in a beautiful wedding. How is everyone?
Yes, if you go on their site they have an email for nominating people. Something like bl14nominate@gmail.com. I’m guessing right now but I think it’s in the FAQs on TBL Casting site.
Sometimes it works and sometimes it don’t.
And yes, for all you English majors, I know the word is doesn’t.
I believe it already has… Just look at the decline in activity.46 comments in 3 weeks, while CC’s are going on. And, more than 1/2 of those are from me, alone. Glad I could be here to keep the comments plentiful.
So, have you???
YAY!!! I JUST FIGURED IT ALL OUT.
Matt cannot find our posts on his own blog.
Matt, don’t feel bad, nobody else can either.
PETITION OF MATT MC NUTT’S BLOGGERS
Although, we the bloggers of Matt McNutt’s “Biggest Loser casting tips” blog, love Matt and appreciate MOST EVERYTHING Matt does, we do not like (in any way) the changes he has chosen to apply to this (his) blog.
At this time, it is our request that Matt would give very serious thought and consideration to him returning this blog’s design, back to the same (USER FRIENDLY) design, implemented throughout Biggest Loser Season 13 and the recent seasons past.
We, the bloggers, request for you to return to this blog’s previous design as soon as possible. Our request obviously should only be considered, if and only if there is NO financial difference to you, in the cost of the actual blog’s design / maintenance expense, etc. (as was suggested there may be, earlier today, by @Big Fat Guy).
We, the bloggers must give credit where credit is due.
We, the bloggers recognize and praise your efforts in your previous blog’s design.
We, the bloggers believe your blog is actually going down in history, as being THE ONLY THING liked / enjoyed about the entire Biggest Loser – 13th Season.
Here’s to hopefully having, yet another great season on Matt’s blog.
Anyone else in agreement with this petition, please reply with, only your true feelings.
Remember, this is a family atmosphere.
Signed,
We, the bloggers…
1. Should have been a PI
Not sure why, but the last couple comments got lost in the latest round of experiments – sorry!
Hey everyone. I haven’t been on this blog- because, frankly- it’s just not that user friendly anymore. . It keeps changing every time I get on to post- and it’s harder to find posts…so….I have just been staying away
This comment was originally written yesterday, but no matter how many attempts I made to get it to “send”, it would not. I will try again now, as I believe it is an important subject.
I just found that @Balzak75 wrote 8 hours ago, attaching his reply (full of questions) to a comment (originally posted 26 days ago). His reply had 3 questions in it? My question is, how would anyone normally know, that new reply was attached to a comment from weeks / pages ago and how would he have any chance of getting an answer to his questions? Just curious…
Yay! This looks so much better!
My CC is in 2 days. Who else is going this weekend?
I wish you nothing but the best Nanny!!! And everyone else going this weekend! I would have preferred to go this weekend, but I will be travelling home from our vacation on Saturday. Afraid that would not work out so well for a CC !!! I will end up going on the 30th…. on the up side, I think I got some good video footage on our vacation!
Tempted how long of a drive do you have next week?
I’m actually headed to the Cleveland audition on July 21st… Though I’m pretty sure the wait is going to kill me! I’ve been a lurker for a while now…. And I agree with Should Have Been a PI- This blog is ABSOLUTELY what I liked most about season 13!! It made me realize the things I liked about the Biggest Loser community still existed despite all the negativity on the show. Here’s hoping that we have a season full of McNuttys! (myself included maybe? lol)
Tempted, Way to look at it in a positive way. Here’s hoping the footage gets attention!
Hearshoping, I completely agree! Best of luck with your CC.
Thanks Nanny! I love your positivity!
@ PI
No I havent recieved anything. I think I may just submit the same SV I made for BL13 and “fogetaboutit”, as I used to say back home. I’d like to know if AM is still the CM, though, if anybody knows…
Yay! This is going to be an awesome season of casting. I have high hopes after reading the interviews with the CDs. So glad they are more for deserving people.
I was wondering the same thing, if AM is the CM because I know she was for The Revolution. Got to meet her. Really nice lady.
Not a fan of this particular layout. Whenever I enter a comment, it takes me all the way back to the June 7th entries. I liked the other layout, just had a few glitches to iron out. But it was more like the comment area on the news articles.
I’ll take going back to June 7th any day after the last one and getting lost in it. I also like having my avatar back.
Suuuuper nervous about Saturday (in Atlanta). I’ve got a lot of personality, but I just don’t see how they’ll be able to see it in literally 30 seconds. And if it’s one of those situations where they ask the group a questions without giving everyone a turn, I’m not one to be rude and talk over other people.
I feel sick to my stomach with nerves!
For those going to Atlanta, what time is everyone arriving? I read that someone got to LA at 6:30 am and was 60+ in line at that point.
Don’t think of it as being rude, think of it as being assertive, or aggressively communicating your personality. It’s a competition for the CD’s attention, not a party or social event. You can’t think of it as a normal social interaction. Good luck!
OK. the layout is improving, though why do I have different avatars on different comments?? and I wish that the responses to my questions were posted with my question. for some reason, the responses may be 10 or more mosts (in line) down the blog, and I only know they were responses to me because in the last (worse) layout, they were nested with my question.
But thats OK, I’m gaining lots of knowledge reading all the posts. and (YAY) now I can read the posts from last season instead of asking questions i know must have been asked previously.
Maybe someone can help. I’m totally stuck on my video….I know there isn’t a perfect answer, but your opinions would sure help.
some people spend weeks making their video, and others seem to spend a day or two. is there an appreciable difference, i.e. will a 3 week video and editing session (I know, no fancy stuff, just cutting and pasting) give me a better chance than if I can get all the footage in a day or two?
in your opinions, would I be better off with more shorter clips (like 15 1 minute clips) or with a few longer clips, maybe 4 or 5 at 2-3 min?
Music (well behind any spoken audio) or no?
Somebody, I think “Big Fat Guy” last season said they took a non-traditional approach on their video. whats non tradtional?
contemplating using short (2-3 second) flashes of either skinny pics, or humorous video (of me) to segue between my more substantial clips. good idea or no??
vimeo, or mail or both?
BL cc rookie, This is only my opinion because everyone’s approach is different. I filmed over the course on a few months starting in March. (I know the show returning was up in the air, but I believed it would be back) If you film within days you may feel rushed and may not present yourself in a true light.
Take your time and think it out. I always mailed mine in the past, but this time I put it on Vimeo. I don’t know if it will make a difference. As I said this is only my opinion others may differ. I hope it helps.
Newbie here…I think I read on here that someone had gone pretty far in the casting process just up until making it to finals. I also read that process was about 15 steps. Could you share, again, the timeline and what those steps were? Just curious…
Since my casting call is so late (July 21) I think I’m gonna go ahead and start working on my video. Can’t hurt! I don’t wanna get my hopes up of course, but I’m excited to go through the process and meet everyone again! Though I will miss my Mcnutty buddy from last years cc. Good luck, brandivah!
@BL CC Rookie,
The way I did this latest audition tape was to compile videoed moments of me from different times/events as well as some clips (intro, action stuff) I shot right before editing. A mistake a lot of the people made on the YouTube videos was that they talked too much. They thought telling TBL all of the things that are wrong with them due to being overweight is what made them compelling/interesting. To paraphrase Matt said above, fat people have fat problems and the producers already know that. What they don’t know is who you are. So, yes, interperse those humorous clips and shoot some recent ones because they want to see what you look like now. And DEFINITELY follow the instructions given on their website (they have a list of no-nos on their Facebook page also). But, most of all, show more than you tell and make your clips as long as they need to be to get to the truth of you. I had one that was 2 seconds and one that was 3 minutes. Just make the best tape you can that you wouldn’t mind watching repeatedly. And leave out the music unless it’s original stuff.
Wow thanks for all of the great tips! Im so excited, I will be attending the casting call tomorrow and can’t wait to see what the day has in store!
I also suggest Vimeo but, if you want, it wouldn’t hurt to do both. I had an instance for another weight loss show where my email hadn’t been received and, luckily, I found that out by talking with a CD one day and I was able to resend and verify it was received the second time. That’s why I’m seriously debating on going to the casting call that’s in my city this weekend as a back up measure. I have things to do in the morning so would get there later than I would like, meaning I’d probably be looking at quite a long line by the time I do arrive, not to mention wet weather. Sigh.
Extra pens- check, photos-check, h2o bottle-check, directions-check, money to park-check. I think I’m ready. Am I forgetting anything?
Wow guys! Sorry, been busy, and just sort of forgot about here
. Nanny GOOD LUCK AT YOUR CC! I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT THE BEST! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SO FAR!
Everyone else going to that CC I also wish you nothing but the best, and good luck to all of you!
Decided to blog about my thoughts on auditioning for this season.
http://queenofmentalvomit.blogspot.com/2012/06/biggest-loser-season-14-audition.html
Think I’ll do one tomorrow evening as well. Or maybe even while on location. Hmmm…gotta fully charge my laptop. And bring a nice big umbrella. And a comfy chair. Argh, forgot to print a photo. Off I go.
Hey all, have great days at cc tomorrow for those going!! I’m still debating..I know i should know by now but my hubby was going to come with me and now he has to work until 3AM . So….we agreed to see how he was feeling. Chicago cc are about 2 hours away…maybe if I just don’t feel the need to get there so early and we just take our time getting down there. last time I went down for a cc we left at like 4AM and just made a day out of it…had a blast!!!!!
Break legs at the casting call tomorrow yall! GO ROCK IT!
Picture finally done. G’nite and g’luck to all going to CCs 2moro.
Hey ya’ll!
I hope everyone is doing well!
Good luck to everyone trying to get on BL 14! I wish you all the best in your efforts!
I’m not auditioning. I just don’t need to because I am still doing it on my own! I’ve lost over 100 lbs. now and still going strong despite lots of health problems. I met with a nutritionist (1st time I’ve had any help besides myself since I started) just over a week ago and have lost 7 more pounds in a week and 2 days.
I was one of you who desperately wanted to get on the show and never thought there was another way to lose the weight. I didn’t want to get on the show just to lose weight. I wanted away from my life for several months. I wanted to show the kids that I work with that anything is possible if you work hard enough. And I wanted to win the money (which I have absolutely no doubt I would have done)!
But there is a way to lose weight and get healthy and it is all inside of you. Plain old fact is, until you do it, you aren’t ready. If you are seriously ready to change your life, do it. Don’t wait on a very small chance to get on a show. Stop making excuses. Get up and get moving. If you have time to watch the BL for 2 hours a week, you have time to exercise.
No offense to anyone but some of you have been on here for several years going to casting calls and waiting for the teensy chance of getting on the show. I was one of you for a long time. But just think that if you had started getting healthy years ago, your “journey” would be close to being finished by now. Stop sitting around dreaming about getting on the show and make your life your own reality show! I wish you could all feel as good as I do knowing what I have accomplished.
Anyway, I do wish you all the best. I just wish that you could all see that you do have the strength inside of you to do it on your own.
Only through HIM,
~Christi
Congrats on your weight loss and staying on your journey. I began mine last year, losing 40lbs, but some really personal stuff just kept happening and sucking the life out of me and piling back on the weight. I’m just now coming out of that slumber and it happens to coincide with the audition. Just made up my mind this past week to even give it a try, but I have restarted my journey. Since I have more than 85lbs to lose, it can’t hurt to go for both ways.
It’s awesome that you were able to stick it out. Can’t wait until I do/say the same b/c losing the weight felt reallllllly good.
SCQUEEN, I just read your blog and think you have an excellent way of putting into words what alot of us feel. Bravo. I wish you luck at your CC. I’m headed to mine today too.
Anyone in a cc line yet? What’s it like!?! So exciting!
Just got back from swim. Lost 0 pounds this week. Plateau?
A bunch of pool guys saw me in my speedo. Glad telnet didn’t pass out from my harness
damn autocorrect! HAWTNESS!
Sitting here in line. Woke up with a could trying to settle in. Popped my vitamin C. Didn’t make it here until 10 on the dot after running my errands so I’m #374 in like. So far, only about 400 people are here.
I forgot to mention I lost 1 more lb this week. I don’t know if we’re still keeping track though.
I think we are still keeping track until Philly?
Still in line and this cold is threatening to win. Still got a bit of a way to go before we enter through the doors. The humidity is killer.
Still in line 5 hours later. Think the casting directors went to lunch. I might have another half hour. Not too many people remaining in line, maybe 100, if that, after me. So if you’re in Miami, come out.
Just finished my interview. If the phone rings, it rings; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. My tape is already emailed so it’s out of my hands at this point.
Best of luck to you all.
I hope the phone rings for you, SCQUEEN!!!
Back from vacation! No way I’ll make it to a casting call today…. I guess I’ll be going next week. I thought if we left the cottage early enough I could still make the tail end of a CC, but, alas, I am too exhausted! I’m DYING to know if it feels any different to those who have been before….
Still in major pain with sciattic nerve issues….. up 1.2 lbs. Last week I was down 1.4. Don’t remember when/if I reported any of it!!