Casting Tips
Over the last couple years I’ve written and accumulated an assortment of tips and advice for those trying out for NBC’s Biggest Loser. A lot of the advice would probably be applicable to other reality shows as well, but my only experience has been with Biggest Loser. Feel free to leave questions, jump into the conversation, or leave advice of your own!
These are the tips I’ve written, with a focus on the video application (my video is what got me on the show): Biggest Loser Casting Tips (season 11)
Pete Thomas, the season two $100,000 winner and casting guru has a ton of great advice on his site. He has helped with more casting calls than probably anyone out there! www.WinningMan.com
Holland Stripland, one of the lead casting directors for Biggest Loser has contributed a couple times: Holland’s Casting Tips, and More tips from Holland.
Jen Kerns, a season three contestant like myself, and a doctor for the show for seasons four and five, has also put together some fantastic casting advice that you can read here.
Here are some links to my previous posts with casting advice; the link above is the most recent version, but the comments can be fun to read. A number of the people commenting did end up on the show!
Biggest Loser Casting Tips (season 10)
Biggest Loser casting tips – season 9
Biggest Loser casting tips – season 8; part two; part three; part four
Biggest Loser casting tips – season 7
Biggest Loser casting tips – My original post, when it broke past a thousand comments, I realized there were a lot of people out there curious about the Biggest Loser casting process!
So, here’s my question, my coworkers have “weighed” in, and maybe my fellow audtionees can help.
I have auditioned twice, and then got a CB and then made a video (I feel my video has not been up to standards).
I was on recently on Jodi/DJ’s youtube page, and it says their videos were shot w/ the DXG pocket camcorders. I’ve done A LOT of research between them and the Flip, and everything points to DXG except for the massive commercials on tv, DXG comes out on top. One of my coworkers got a Flip, the rest got DXG for the holidays. It seems w/ DXG you can take out the memory card and submit it, and/or it’s just easier for playback, not to mention CHEAPER.
My coworker who got the Flip pointed out some problems she has with it, and I just want to make this as easy for the CDs and editors as possible. And it looks like the file transport is easier w/ DXG, plus you can just remove the memory card if need be. Also, Flip’s USB has been known to break, then the camera is rendered USELESS.
Bottom line, is I figure I will have this camcorder on me for when the right moment strikes, and my video won’t feel forced, b/c both times, my CD has called me asking me to be “more natural”, so this is my plan. Hey, the DXG is like $100, and I can’t find one negative review, so, if this is all that’s in my way, BRING IT ON.
I guess DXG vs Flip is Mac vs PC. I am sure to the average consumer we just know Flip b/c of the commercials, but internet research leads me to DXG for my hometape. Kodak also makes one, but it doesn’t seem like it’s in the same class.
Any input would be appreciated, but it just seems like from a “professional” tv standpoint DXG is much better as a product and better for the BL production team (heck they were using it on the road LAST summer, I never even heard of these until THIS Holiday). Figures TBL would have them, since they are a big show and probably have the best technology before it comes out.
Have you all tried these for your hometapes? Thanks folks. I also emailed DJ and Jodi, as perhaps they would have answers.
For those who haven’t seen their casting tips, you’re missing out. Here’s the link I found on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BucksNRoses
CANNOT WAIT TIL TONIGHT!!!!!!!
Happy New Year all…
T.B.B. 2010
I sent my application package with my husband to the post office, and he accidentally left off the last page when he mailed it! Should I send a whole new package? Do you know if they eliminate applications based on whether or not they are complete?
Thanks.
Hello. I’m currently in the process of filming my video and I am in need of your advice. It says specifically not to edit and to be on camera the entire time.
I want to have an opening screen with my name, age, weight etc. and then go to a screen where I have a skinny picture of myself next to a current (fat) picture of myself. Do you think this would be ok? I don’t want to get in trouble for editing etc. but I’m not really sure how inserting a picture like that and a title screen would fall into the “editing” corner.
I would think it would be ok but don’t want to have my video immediately rejected.
Thanks!
Hi everybody~
Wow! Haven’t been on here since season 9 open casting. How is everybody? I see some new people, as well as some of the old. Yarra, glad to see your still here. I have a question. For any of you who have had Jodi and/or Marc for the open casting calls, what questions do they ask or what is there routine when you get in there with them at the casting call? Last year I went to philly and this year New York, I know different casting directors have different ways of doing things. Please advise. Thanks so much ahead of time, its nice to be back!
~Lily~
It would be a dream come true if I could be on this show
Hey! I am in the process of applying for being on the biggest loser. I am very conservative and wanted to know how to be modest but be able to be on the show and lose weight any suggestions would be awesome! thanks for your time
ShawnaJoy…I just watched your video and it was wonderful!
guess I’d be bitter too if I made it to the ranch more than once and didn’t make it on the show, people check out this blog because we are all confused, anxicous about the process….just trying to be hopeful until I hear others have been asked to see the Dr if I am not asked…