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.
While we are being transparent….i had parmesan crusted chicken from Carrabas. Then a Gotta Have It sized Choc chip milkshake from Coldstone…..it was ALL delicious.
Recorded live on June 11, 2012 8:33pm ET
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23253624 (roughly the 11:30 mark)
By: BLCastingTeam
How long does it take to hear from you guys after the Casting Call?
Brandon Nickens, Supervising Casting Producer of “The Biggest Loser” responds:
Hmmm (sp) What? How long before they hear from us? Oh gosh.
The question was, How long before they hear from us, after their, umm (sp), well I gotta imagine, we will always say, if your phone starts ringing and it keeps ringing and we’re bothering you, that’s always a good sign.
Umm, when we stop calling you, it’s probably we’ve moved in a different direction, umm, as far as creative with the cast.
I would say, finals is supposed to be August 30th, the last week in August, so, I would imagine, like late July, especially for the 1st, the 1st sets of cities, like, you’ll be hearing, ya know, no later than that, cause we gotta start getting stuff from you guys, background, all that stuff, so if the phone starts ringing at that time those are good, good signs, if it’s not, umm, it’s not that we don’t love you, umm, you just don’t fit into what the network is going for this season.
BLCastingTeam’s actual video of their LIVE Chat (in 5 parts)
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23253624
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23254044
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23254147
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23254214
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/23254249
——————————————-
Should have been a PI says:
August 4, 2012 at 9:32 pm
I received this in response to my comment on this page:
“Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
You may want to check back later, to see if it has been released.
Oh man! Today was a horrible food day! Why is it that when I get the exercise part going…. I can’t manage the food thing….. and when I manage the food thing….I can’t get the exercise going!!
Bridge mix…Large Chocolate shake….Grilled cheese on rye with tomatoes and bacon….pancakes for breakfast.
I think it is time re-introduce my body to fruits and veggies!!!
Went with my god daughter to Red Lobster today because she’s pregnant and craving oysters. Had oysters (no biggie), shrimp scampi (not bad), french fries (uh oh), and FOUR Cheddar Bay biscuit (um…). Still within my calorie count according to My Fitness Pal but I just left my grocery store with plenty of fruits and veggie (and orange creme almonds).
@SCQueen. I love those biscuits! I usually ask for extra so I can bring some home.
Tomorrow I start my 30 day detox diet again. Pray. For. Me!
I’m having a munch-tastic morning, just can’t stop. Was scared to put it on My Fitness Pal but, surprisingly, the calories, about 500, aren’t bad. That’s because I’ve tried keeping it to my fruits & nuts (but two wings and a cold chicken tender did manage to sneak into the group). Think the grapes just capped it off.
On another note: I’m giving my phone until Wednesday to start California ringing. If it doesn’t, I’ll consider myself completely out and fully switch gears to thinking about what I’m teaching this year.
I just decided that I am going to make it on this season! and when I do, I promise to come back on this board and let people know. have any of the BL alum done this in the past? If not they should
yesterday I received some clothes that I had ordered online, including a shirt/blouse that I ordered in my size but it was a maternity shirt. it was really cute so I thought, what the heck, no one will know, and…. I tried it on and the damn thing is too small!!!!!!!!!!! A size 22 maternity shirt is too $@’&% small. So I had 2 doughnuts for breakfast – only 432 calories of pure sugar. I must be insane. I hate PLUS SIZE shopping!!!!
HATE, HATE, HATE it
LOL. I was determined to get the eating under control today… started good with my eggs and salsa….. daughter decided she wanted to celebrate her birthday TODAY….. with mexican and pie ala mode. Can I do it?
Well… it may be possible…. but why not just start tomorrow? What’s one more day…? LOL.
Pizza tonight. Diet tomorrow. First day of teaching tomorrow. School starts too early tomorrow. There are jazz hands in my lesson plans.
Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Lol easier said then done.
I have had some great success with Body By Vi….I went to Costco and got my frozen strawberries and some more peanut butter and Silk Milk after church today…..gonna start preparing for my first workout on the ranch b/c I KNOW you all are going to talk about me and how pitiful I look
LOL but seriously, I got out of bed today and saw me in the mirror across from me and realized that life does not have to be this way. I say this EVERY YEAR that I am not gonna wait for this dang show to pick me up as a contestant so I can lose this weight.
Ummmm I will put off till tomorrow
I should not have purchased those Orange Creme Almonds. Think I just finished off my calories for the day. =( Gonna go input this with my tail tucked between my legs. No dinner for me.
Yep, I’m done, 65 calories over. =( I feel some WiiFit coming on. Actually, the sun’s still out. Let me strap on my sneakers and get in 15-30 minutes of exercise. So disappointed. I was doing well. Positive note: I don’t feel like eating anything else today (as of right now).
Ok, just completed 36 minutes of power walking. I feel better now.
Good job In Miami!
Thanks. This app is definitely keeping me accountable. Now that I’ve entered the exercise, I’m comfortably within my calorie count. Going to get up in the morning (since I drop my son off to practice at 6) and get in another 30-60 minutes. Guilt is a helluva motivator. I felt so bad going over my 2000 calorie allowance.
Anyone from the west coast on here?
@Anonymous.. What is the detox? Is it available online? Goodluck
-OSF
@CHEEKS… GOOD LUCK on the show.. Tug your ear, so we can know it you ; )
_OSF
Is it me or is it that during casting time, you get more motivated and start losing weight. Then once its over and your standing on the other side of the TV you go back to Ice Cream and Pizza.
Need to break the pattern…
-OSF
I use the detox by Arbonne, but you can do it without buying product. It’s basically a liver cleansing diet…Colin cleansing, etc. no real processed food (I do Arbonne shakes and supplements). Clean eating. Organic and antibiotic free as much as you can. That’s the short of the long of it. It cleans out the toxins in your system. No dairy. Boo.
Did anyone here watch ABC’s “Secret Millionaire” on TV tonight?
Tonight’s episode was based in Miami and, as always, it was a great show.
Never heard of the show. What station?
@CHEEKS… GOOD LUCK on the show.. Tug your ear, so we can know it you ; )
_OSF
@OSF
will do!
Thank you!!
Struggling right now. Let me start off by first saying I am completely at peace with NOT being selected for the show, and have made great progress on my own in the last few weeks. I am really looking forward to seeing the new season beginning in January, or at least I thought I was. Yesterday, I had an “encounter” with a rather arrogant young man who let it be known he IS moving forward in the casting process (he said he knows he made it to finals week). Foul mouthed, haughty and self-absorbed are a few of the adjectives I will use to describe him, but they are probably not strong enough. I asked him what he intends to do to pay it forward, should he be fortunate enough to be selected. He informed me he will be too busy getting paid and getting laid to do anything for anyone else. DIS-GUS-TING. I really hope the CD’s are able to see past junk like this, because if that is their idea of a positive, relate-able person I will NOT watch the show anymore. Whew. Sorry ya’ll…had to vent.
@BigMamaLove I have so many things to say about this but I’m gonna sleep on most of it…HOWEVER, I will say, I think it is very unlikely this individual knows definitely that he is going to finals week…I could be wrong and considering I have never actually been given an invitation to attend finals week that is very likely…but I wouldn’t pay that SOB any mind lol.
Rogue, I am good to go now that I had a chance to vent. But I better not see his nasty self on my t.v. in January. If I do, I’m totally going to run over here to the discussion boards and put his behind on blast (not that it would matter at that point anyway…LOL). I just really really REALLY want to see some genuine folks that will inspire the rest of us who didn’t make it. Bring back the Olivia’s, the Hannah’s, the Matthew McNutt’s….
@BML Why are you even paying him any mind? Do you know him in person? Where did you come across him? Keep in mind per the CDs finalist will not even be chosen until mid august and notified around that time…so it has not even happened. Second, he is probably just saying those things to upset you, given the adjectives you share, I would not doubt that is the case. Unless he has evidence of the “doo doo” that he is spewing from his mouth, I would shrug it off and rejoice in knowing he is probably the last person they would even consider.
Sunshine, because even now, he is self-promoting. He kind of reminds me of a snake…Arrogance is one of my biggest pet peeves. I’m a big fan of a little humility and gratitude, especially in the face of a chance like this one. Dag-nabbit! LOL
@bigmamalove
bigmamalove says:
August 6, 2012 at 1:09 am
“I really hope the CD’s are able to see past junk like this, because if that is their idea of a positive, relate-able person I will NOT watch the show anymore.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oh, you mean like the contestants they chose last season, right.
@ SCQueen
Should have been a PI says:
August 5, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Did anyone here watch ABC’s “Secret Millionaire” on TV tonight?
Tonight’s episode was based in Miami and, as always, it was a great show.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SCQueen says:
August 5, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Never heard of the show. What station?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
abc – (I do not know what number that would be, where ever it is that you live)
Secret Millionaire – http://abc.go.com/shows/secret-millionaire/
Tonight’s Episode: Marcus Lemonis: Miami – Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis returns to his hometown, Miami, seeking individuals worthy of donations.
Tonight’s episode should be available online soon.
I believe, I’ve seen every episode so far, of this new show and they were all great. A GREAT FEEL GOOD SHOW…
@bigmamalove
BTW, I completely agree with @RogueWarrior and @sunshine & raindrops, there’s NO WAY he could possibly know at this point “he made it to finals week”. IT’S WAY TO EARLY!!!
Remember what @Big Fat Guy has said a few times “there’s always the classic case of the Hopeful that was actually told she was a finalist, given a ticket, then told no and they took the ticket back…but that was only once I’ve heard of…”
ANYTHING CAN STILL HAPPEN!!!
Does anyone know how many times that your video is watched is a good sign?
@bigmamalove: Who is this “guy”….you are talking about.. how do you know him..maybe he is a liar.?!!?
The casting directors said they will tell the people that made it to finals week by mid august.. and its only the 6th… soooo…???
@JUST ME They could watch it 140 times… LOL or they could watch it once and like you from the start..It just matters when you get a call asking for information..
I wonder if this week they will ask for the doctors notes?!?!?
@Just me….
The way I understand it, they are all watching tapes… if they find one they like they pass it on…. as for how many times it gets passed around before they give you a call? I think that is anyone’s guess, and it could vary for a number of reasons. One gal a couple of seasons ago claimed she was watched 4-5 times but never got the call.
How many people do you suspect they are pitching… hmmmm!?
how many people make it to finals week?
and roughly how many make the show?
I guess Chunky Monkey is not lurking…
Anyone else on here receive just a phone call asking to submit an HT?
@bfg what do you mean just a hometape…are you refering to when the CD request all the bgc/bio/photos?
checking vimeo every 20 mins……..no plays.
guess it doesn’t pay to be a procrastinator and send application in at the 11th hour
@ awesome
there used to be videos on youtube showing some of the ‘behind the scenes’ of sequestering in LA, including a line up of potential contestants waiting to be interviewed, or weighed in. footage of contestants weighing in and being interviewed by dietitians, being fitted for clothes, etc, etc. they had clips from the season with Ron and Mike, which also included all of the contestants being given a inspirational speech by JD Roth. I can’t seem to find those anymore although, they do have clips on youtube of Tara,and Laura, and Carla and …whatsherface. (forgot her name). Sione and Filipe with random videos from sequestering.
…the videos were really interesting to watch because you got a sense of the number of people that were considered, at least for that one season. i couldn’t give you an actual count but there were quite a few. 40-60 maybe!?
trying to find the videos now lol…. the only info i’ve read about finals week in LA was from this blog ..or amanda tysons blog if you know of the title in youtube ill search for it
@awesome
i’m almost positive this is where all of the other videos used to be but are no longer up. if you find them let us know!
the channel is ‘biggestloservideos’
ps…i think ‘diets in review’ used to have some too
okay.. i am on the BLcasting youtube channel and will feed through the diets in review w/ amanda? : )
@awesome
FYI – the videos I’m talking about are not on the BL casting you tube channel. They are on the ‘biggestloservideos’ channel