*** EDIT *** I’ve closed the comments on this thread because it was just getting too huge; if you want to post questions or comments, do so on my Updated Biggest Loser Casting Tips page!
It’s that time of year again … the Biggest Loser is casting, which means I get lots of emails asking for advice on making a video for the application! 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 frontload 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 editting 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 editting for a living. In fact, it can distract from who you are. I’m a video editting 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 descibing 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 Deleware 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!
There’s probably other things to say, but that’s all I can think of at the moment! If you have other questions, post ’em here and I’ll add it to the list! Good luck!
*** EDIT *** I’ve closed the comments on this thread because it was just getting too huge; if you want to post questions or comments, do so on my Updated Biggest Loser Casting Tips page!
1,067 responses to “Biggest Loser casting tips”
OOH and TO JD and MARY JANE…
What are ya’ll eating this week?? I see you’ve both lost 6 pounds and that ROCKS!!
I just finished a boiled egg and oatmeal for breakfast.
The biggest problem I have is I end up getting bored and going to eat pizza.
LOl
HELP!!!! What are more options for food besides grilled fish?? That isn’t plentiful here in MS. LOL
What’s your sample diet day like? Are you both journaling as well?
Today is my first day.
I am so glad that wed is gonna be here soon..so then that little part of hope in me will finally have its answer. If I dont make it then I can move on with my life and start reading the book "where did all the fat go" and do it on my own….
Hey Matt, I kind of got through most of these posts, and realize and it’s getting close to knowing one way or the other, but my question to you is, had you not called them every 2 weeks to see what was up, do you think they would have contacted you through that time?? I only ask because I haven’t tried contacting one way or the other, and I feel like everyone that is in contact with their “cd” has emailed or called them first, but would they take the time out to contact you first to just let you know your in the running after going through more than a few steps in the process? because it just seems unlikely to me with their busy schedules that they would.
any contact i've had has been initiated by me. i'm an impatient bi-yatch.
Hey JD…
Well, I just got back from the store with rabbit food in tow. 😉 LOL
I’m all ready.
Time to get busy eh?
I’m about to do some yard work, but will do my workout this evening when it’s cooler…Down here it’s pretty dang hot today…
Hope everyone has a great week! :_-)
See, in my case…mom TRIED to get me eat my vegetables, but she got tired of wearing them every time she made me eat them. SO! I became a substitute kind of individual, and started eating LOTS of salads. So, for lunch, I went the Johnny’s Cafe, and he made me my special salad…romaine only, balsamic dressing, double chicken, and homemade wheat bread croûtons…then, a small cup of homemade low fat chicken soup… 🙂 All in all, it’s about 450-500 calories total for lunch.
It’s awesome to hear, Mary Jane, that you were doing it without the book. While the book is not needed, it SURE does help, from a knowledge stand point.
And, it’s a GORGEOUS day here today…just simply incredible outside… 🙂
Any news yet? I have never heard a single word, not a one…
Samantha, I have that same question. I’ve gotten the background check, have the blood relation, the good interviews, the requests for more videos, etc. but the only contact I have had with casting is when they call to ask for those things…no extra emails, phone calls etc. I read here about how all these people are in contact with a CD and it makes me want to call or email them desperately. But I keep going back to the instructions I received in my very first contact with them which said NOT to call or email…that they would contact us if anything firther was needed, and, as it happens, they have contacted us…but only when they needed something.
So, yeah, I wonder if the people who have been in weekly or bi-weekly contact are initiating the contact themselves or if it’s initiated by the casting directors/department. Not that I would judge either way, but it would certainly be telling to me if it was initiated by NBC or 3Ball.
Hey, just a reminder … this is my personal blog/site, not a boxing ring. : ) As I've mentioned before, I delete posts I think are overly arguementative or overly tense. I'm all about differing opinions – just as long as it doesn't get too hot.
Also, I love all the conversation about Dr. Huizenga's book, "where did all the fat go?" It really does spell out how Biggest Loser contestants ACTUALLY lose the weight, as opposed to the watered down Biggest Loser online club.
I would say if you haven’t made any contact, and you were given a phone number or email, then pop a line or drop a call and ask for an update. Just tell them you were wondering at the status of casting and if there is anything you needed to know or be doing. : )
And regarding the exercising at five in the morning … that’s Dr. Huizenga’s favorite time. NOT mine. I exercise around eight or nine in the morning. The point is to have about 6-8 hours between the two workouts to give your muscles time to recharge.
Matt I agree with you on the watered down Biggest Loser online club I joined it thinking there would a lot of info and there wasn't great support groups though but thats about it there were exercise tips but not much different from the books. I need will power help any tips I am such an emotional eater take care everyone Christina
W0w…s0 how was every0nelses day. Any 0ne have ne g0od news cast related 0r n0t.
No news. I did call Angelic…although she never answers the phone anymore. Her voice mail message says the same thing as the email. “Finalists will be notified the first week of April”….I’m thinking we’re all not finalists.
I should be careful how I phrase that, though – the online club is a good club in that it provides tons of recipes, advice, etc. By watered down, I'm referring to them advertising it as though it's what the contestants do to lose the weight and it's not. Dr. Huizenga's book is the only thing out there that actually details how the weight is lost so dramatically and quickly.
I have to agree, very much so. I got all excited, becoming a BLC member, thinking, "this will be great, they'll give me exercises, tell me the best way to do them, meal plans, shopping lists, etc." Fortunately, you made mention of the book and Beth gave me an idea of where they might have it in stock so that I could go pick it up. I've learned more getting through the first 6 chapters in maybe an hour and a half of reading, than I have learned from being a member for about a month or so. All of which I have been able to implement and has been pretty successful. I'm 100% certain, that if I were to fully apply it's principles and stick to the plan it lays out, I will definitely be down to where I want to be within 4-6 months. I just have to get "motivated" and over the "pain" involved….LOL 🙂
Matt, would you be open to adding a discussion board about the book, it's principles, and somewhere for everyone to help each other? Report in progress to each other, hold each other accountable, etc…IN A NICE WAY of course… 😛
Other than that…it's Tuesday…need there be any more said…hahahahaha… 🙂
Have you seen this? They are reposting the casting notices.
This was posted today 4/07/2008 on the website:
THE BIGGEST LOSER IS NOW CASTING!
NBC'S THE BIGGEST LOSER IS CURRENTLY CASTING TEAMS OF 2!
WE ARE SEARCHING THE COUNTRY FOR TEAMS WHO WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT AND SHED THE POUNDS ONCE AND FOR ALL AND COMPETE TOGETHER! *
We are looking for outgoing and charismatic TEAMS OF 2* with personality who have the WANT, DESIRE and COMPETITIVE EDGE to vie for this all-expense-paid chance of a lifetime.
IMMEDIATELY CASTING:
FAMILY MEMBERS (including but not limited to: parent & child, couples, cousins, siblings, grandparents) TWINS MARRIED COUPLES ENGAGED COUPLES CO-WORKERS FRIENDS FORMER TEAMMATES/ATHLETES RETIREES COLLEGE STUDENTS.
SEND IN AN APPLICATION AND VIDEOTAPE ASAP!
You must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of the U.S.
**Teams should mail the application and tape(s) together whenever possible.
How to Apply:
Step 1: DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION – CLICK HERE
Step 2: MAKE A VIDEOTAPE (only VHS, DVD or MINI DV will be accepted) AND TAKE A PHOTO OF YOURSELF AND INCLUDE.
Step 3: MAIL THE APPLICATION, PHOTO AND TAPE TO US ASAP (photo and tape will not be returned)
What to include in your 10 MINUTE videotape:
Show us why you (with your teammate) should be on The Biggest Loser.
Make your video as personal as possible. Start with your name(s) and hometown(s). Take us on a tour of your typical day at work and home. Let us know (and see) how you and your teammate are connected. Show us, don't just tell us, why you need to lose the weight. Remember, we want to see your personality. Have fun and good luck!
SEND YOUR TAPES WITH APPLICATIONS ASAP TO:
The Biggest Loser Casting
c/o Central Park West Productions
P.O Box 578
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267-0578
*If you do not have a partner, you may submit a tape as an individual.
So, is that for Season 7 or are we all supposed to send in new stuff trying to catch their eye yet again? Cuz I'll bombard them with new pics and a new video if I have to! LOL
Well, the dream has come to an end haha. After being on this blog last night I felt like I had to contact my CD and find out once and for all. It was a no go. The only info that I really have to pass on is that I know 3Ball pitched their people to NBC last Friday. So that is the stage they are in as far as Casting goes. Good luck to everyone else. I won't weigh enough to try out for another season of BL. I am so beyond determined. Skinny Jeans here I come!
If they pitched for season 6 and had people to turn down, then what's with the new "casting now" thing on the website. Would they have already started for season 7? If so, I'm making a whole new video and new photos and everything and I'm sending it in. I want on! I need to get away from my surroundings so that I can make the changes I need to make. My environment right now is not helping matters. Then again, if I don't get on I'm not going to sit around waiting forever either. I just don't know where to go really to get help. I don't have money. I can barely afford to eat anything as it is let alone afford a trainer and all the healthy (expensive) food that I'm supposed to have. Noodles, potatoes, and eggs are the cheapest, most filling thing I can afford right now ….. I'm just so lost and I don't know what I can do to change anything when my life and status doesn't allow for anything. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?
I met with my CD in February. The 12th I am pretty sure it was. With the anticipation of waiting to hear if I will be chosen or not all of my goals and dreams took a back seat with me telling myself " I will lose the weight when I get on. No need to start now." With that attitude I added 6.6 lbs of weight to lose. All because I was focused on a one in how many thousands chance. Biggest Loser is a life altering experience that some are SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY to experience, but we can't count on it. I understand not having a lot of money etc.. but there is a side walk or street to walk on or a park or somewhere to get exercise. Small changes will help. I did my first mile this morning and I am so invigorated. I can't wait to run it several times. My Aunt and I set a goal that once we each reach our weight that we are trying for we are going on a vacation. What an incentive! I would just say use websites etc for that encouragement. I have found several great resources over the last few hours. Biggest Loser isn't your only shot! You can so do it!
It was the 16th of Feburary. Sorry!
Well does this mean that its 0ver for every0ne. Have the finalists been n0tified. I guess id like t0 have s0me closure.
If you have been in contact with a CD I would suggest calling. I was in the same boat. I couldn't get motivated unless I knew that door was closed. My CD responded to me fairly quickly. I think it must be hard for them too. They liked you enough to take you to the network and they know how badly you wanted it and how disappointed you might be. I would assume if the network has seen the pitch they have at least narrowed it down and people have moved on the final stages. Like Matt said they aren't completely done until Jillian and Bob are in your face.
My CD let me know that the Finalest should know by tomorrow april 9th and that SEASON is going to be a FAMILY Show.. so Only FAMILY COUPLE… sucks b.c. i made it to i guess semi finales and last min they change it. But For those of yall who tired out with a co worker or temmates /friends… this just isnt our season
The phone is going to ring
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
TBL will call
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away my sadness,
And my sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck with a doubt
or a cloud
that discourages me
I just lift up my faith
And PRAY
And Say,
Oh!
The phone is going to ring
Tomorrow
So ya gotta HANG ON
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're only
A day a way!
Nice song Matt! Luv it. Hope we get call tomorrow. It is my anniversary and this would be the best anniversary if I could make my dreams come true.
I e-mailed my CD and no news, I am so freaking out that I may not be picked, I shouldn't give up, but I am so depress for waiting and now I hear that they may not even be ready for casting.
Tomorrow I will wake up to a phone call from my CD and everything will be okay.
For s0me reas0n i dnt feel that this will come 2 an end tmrw. Why are they still posting 0n nbc and craigslist and many 0ther sites if this is supposedly 0ver t0mrw. I dnt kn0w but i feel that its just time t0 be d0ne.
it won't be over tomorrow. we might know more friday, but even then who knows where they'll be.
casting directors are supposedly going to be a t a health fair in LA this weekend, so who's to say?
Ok, last nights show made me cry when they watched their own tapes…
WOW. What an eye opener!!! It really hit home with me. Sometimes I feel like I'm 2 different people. One time, I lost 70 pounds and that's when I taught aerobics.
Now, however, at my all time HIGHEST weight EVER, I feel like someone else.
I can't wait for the day I can look back on old tapes and say "She's gone FOREVER. The REAL me is here now."
One thing Bob said on one episode also hit home with me…
He was teaching the contestants how to do yoga and the guy was really doing well at it.
Bob was surprised and said "that fat doesn't belong to you!!!"
How true that is.
It doesnt' belong to ANY of us. We are ALL athletes and fighters deep under this fat…
I have GOT to burn this off and be ME.
I've never even seen what I'd look like THIN and HEALTHY. The smallest I have ever been as an adult was 180!! I wanna hit that 145.
As far as news, none here so far….
Hang in there…
Oh and WALTER…That song was too great! LOL 🙂
I have a feeling I'm not one of the 20… no news yet… Curious if people could suggest great music to work out to for my IPOD.
good walking music=goldfrapp; supernature. makes you walk fast and feel sexy at the same time.
i have a compilation list of really fast songs for running that has a catchy beat, like raconteurs "salute your solution".
but it also depends on what kind of music you like and what you do to work out.
I guess I'm loking for anything that will motivate my 271 lbs to move! ha ha ha dance, fast, not picky! just fat and done being that way! decided that since I haven't heard anything, I'm taking control! Going to the gym this weekend to take out a membership (lets be honest…. leaving a few play days in there 'just in case').
I guess I'm loking for anything that will motivate my 271 lbs to move! ha ha ha dance, fast, not picky! just fat and done being that way! decided that since I haven't heard anything, I'm taking control! Going to the gym this weekend to take out a membership (lets be honest…. leaving a few play days in there 'just in case'). Ordered the 'where did the fat go?' book and ordering the body bug. will recreate the ranch if I cant go there myself.
patience is a virtue
Well today will be a long day. But its time for s0me closure
thanks for the music suggestions, will look them up later. as far as music goes….anything w/ a fast beat!
have leared a lot from 'shadowing' this sight in the past week! Thanks MAtt for setting it up. Also, love your positive outlook!
Secret_thinggirl: I love to listen to Avril Lavigne..not real sure if that is your type of music but a lot of her songs are up beat and my fav is "hot"….up beat music make me want to move faster and makes me feel like I have more energy….good luck!
nobody shoot me: i love to dance to britney!! and "blackout" is a great album!!
Hey guys! So is today the day or what!? What does everyone think? I am guessing they are having difficulty finding what they want but who knows…just speculation on my part. Anyone applying for season 7? Is it really couples again?
Has anyone heard anything at all from a CD?
haven't heard anything. I think they were having trouble finding the types they wanted because one of the contestants was even making posts on myspace to help one of the casting directors find more of a certain type of couple. She said they were down to 48 hours and needed replies fast. It blows my mind that they could be done today, but it IS Hollywood we're talking about here!
Assuming I'm still fat by the time they cast next season then I'll try again.
i don't think we'll know anything until the end of the week, and possibly into next week.
it's like matt's said–it ain't over till it's over.
Wat r they still l0oking 4. Ive seen that they need min0rities. But they c0uld atleast inf0rm the people that have made it this far 0n what the update is. This is just insane.
i've heard they're open to any and all ethnicities and are looking for parent/child, brother/sister (20's-30's), and married couples.
"just me"… you made me laugh, thanks!! Also, gave me a little hope. perhaps I'll wait on that membership a little longer…..I haven't said anything to many, finally told my bost on Tuesday, which she was excited for me if I made it and then realized I'd be taking time… she wsa ok w/ it. Otherwise… mum's the word. I'll keep matts advice in the back of my head…… aint over……
cuious what personaity types would be their ideal…so many people, all applying, all with a common goal……
thanks for the music advice…. always open to more…. don't care for metal. Will give Avril a listen, might go well there I think.
Britnay…..will take an aprehensive listen… works for you? might for me!
on another website the last date to get all your stuff in was today (they did say it had to be parent/child, sibs or grandparent/grandchild), so i dont think everyone is going to hear today
Ya you would thnk that the cds w0uld update the people that are in the running.
Anon–what website are you talking about that said the info had to be in by today? I'm sure we are not the specs that they are looking for, or we would've heard already, but I'm curious what website you were looking at.
THanks.
it was on craigslist (I'm not going to link to the specifics b/c I don;t want to ruin it for anyone who might have applied via the site)
http://www.talent6.com/castingcalls.std.php?view=…
Casting ID: 215996
Listed on: April 03, 2008
Expiration Date: April 09, 2008
Location: Los Angeles, California
Gender: Both
Age Range: 18-24, 41-55
Category: Reality TV / Talk
Rate: $To Be Determined
Casting notice ID 215996
To get more info call
NBC's The Biggest Loser is now casting teams of TWO. We are looking for related teams of 2 aged either 18+ or 50+: Married Couples, Siblings, Parent/Child, Grandparents, etc. to lose weight and compete together on the show.
We are also seeking married couples of all ages. Whether you've been married 3 months or 30 years, we want couples who would like to renew their life together and get healthy once and for all. We also want family pairs that have gained the weight together and want to lose it together.
Also casting other family members (teams of 2): Cousins & Grandparents, etc. to lose weight together. Must be related!
To audition:
contact asap.
YOU MUST include your names, ages, height/weight/how many lbs you'd like to lose, pictures of both you and your partner, brief bio and Why you want/need the show.
We will only return emails that include photos. We are on a TIGHT deadline so please get your info and pics in asap!!
Shhh.
Thanks for including the info. Our team of 2 is right inbetween the ages they needed. 🙁
I guess I can finally toss in the towel.
Thanks for including the info. I can finally put my mind at rest.