This recorded session with the Fishpond team, led by Aislinn Ní Uallacháin (Head of Casting), focused on helping actors improve their Fishpond profiles to stand out to casting directors. Topics covered included profile presentation, headshots, showreels, self-taping tips, and making the most of Fishpond features like showcases and searchable skills.
Date 14th May 2024
FP Hosts Siobhán Aislinn / Aislinn Ní Uallacháin
Key Takeaways on Optimising Your Fishpond Profile
1. Profile Essentials
• Fill every field: Include details like playing age, accents, languages, physical attributes, and special skills.
• “About Me” section: Use this space to reflect your personality, goals, and professional tone. Present yourself as a collaborator, not just a job seeker.
2. Headshots
• Main headshot = first impression: This is all a casting director sees in search results.
• Have 5 strong photos: Show different looks, character types, and include a full-body shot.
• Tips for DIY headshots:
Use natural light.
Avoid selfies; use a tripod.
Choose a plain, non-distracting background.
3. Showreels & Video Content
• Keep it short & sharp: Start strong – casting directors often decide within the first few seconds.
• Highlight transitions: Show emotional range and character journeys.
• Multiple reels: Have different reels for different strengths – comedy, drama, languages, accents, etc.
4. Voice Reels
• Important and often overlooked: Make sure it’s high-quality and clearly demonstrates your vocal ability.
• Voice work = a growing industry: Especially relevant in Ireland with increasing international productions.
5. Self-Taping Tips
• Always landscape, steady camera, eye-level framing.
• Learn the full scene: Don’t just memorise your lines – understand intentions and relationships.
• Subtlety wins: Especially for camera acting, small moments and reactions are powerful
6. Technical & Strategic Advice
• Regularly update your profile: Especially after new projects, training, or physical changes.
• Use Fishpond links: Add to email signatures, social bios, and digital portfolios.
• Enter challenges/showcases: They give you footage, exposure, and searchable “winner” badges.
Memorable Quotes
“Your headshot does more than show what you look like – it shows your attitude and your level.”
“Casting directors are visual people. Help them imagine you in their scene.”
“If you say you can do something, prove it. Don’t just say you sing – show it.”
“Present yourself as a professional artist, not someone begging for a job.”
“So much in this industry is out of your control. Focus on what you can control – your profile, your materials, your attitude.”
“Less is more. Make the Caster feel something. That’s your job.”