I'll add a little insight.

I intern in a very prominent casting office in NYC. I deal with all the submissions that come through the door. From agents to independent submissions.

For our office, ALWAYS include a cover letter on a full 8.5x11 piece of paper. No post-its, no fancy stationary with your name on the top. Just type something simple up and press print. The only information that needs to be in there is your name, the name of the project and the role(s) you are submitting for. Any other information is most likely not read, and then when a CD wants all the submissions for x role in y show...the headshots and resumes are pulled from the submissions for that role based on the cover letters. So if no role is specified, then it will most likely not get seen.

Hope this sheds some more light. But this is one office in NYC. Not everyone is the same.

BrianM,

Thank you so much for adding to this thread. Your helpful insight is much appreciated.

Here's a good cover letter thread with an example of what not to do, but with some helpful feedback.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6031061/m/587102761

seems like all these letters are for agents. what do you actually write to casting directors?

quote:

Originally posted by cocorico:
seems like all these letters are for agents. what do you actually write to casting directors?

Did you read "all" of the links to the columns on showfax?

Also, there are some excellent books suggested that cover all of your questions on the business of show business in the Getting Started in NY thread. http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/932105/m/10410909

yes i did and they all for agents

quote:

Originally posted by cocorico:
yes i did and they all for agents

Just in case you missed them, the first 3 showfax links at the beginning of this thread are written by casting directors with references to what to write and what not to write when submitting for projects. HTH!

MiB,
Great thread. As usual.
:-)

Thank you, Morgin!

Mominbiz, I have only been a member of this forum for about a week and this is the second post I have found of yours that is full of useful,specific information. I appreciate how much effort and time you put into helping your fellow artists. Thanks so much!!!

quote:

Originally posted by let the wild rumpus start:
Mominbiz, I have only been a member of this forum for about a week and this is the second post I have found of yours that is full of useful,specific information. I appreciate how much effort and time you put into helping your fellow artists. Thanks so much!!!

Aw, thanks back at-cha and you're welcome! Glad to be of some help!

Here's another good discussion and example on cover letters.

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6031061/m/601107681

Thanks for this post. It may have been posted already but i didn't see anything on it, even with a general search, so my question is...

How do CDs and agents feel about handwritten letters. Does this make it MORE personable? And also the size/type of the paper. My past submissions have been handwritten notes on non-plain white paper, nothing fancy though!! (Something like a parchment or resume paper) that are about half the size of a standard 8.5 x 11 paper. I have read different posts saying different things, and there is probably no right answer but what do you all think?

quote:

Originally posted by Trichactress:
Thanks for this post. It may have been posted already but i didn't see anything on it, even with a general search, so my question is...

How do CDs and agents feel about handwritten letters. Does this make it MORE personable? And also the size/type of the paper. My past submissions have been handwritten notes on non-plain white paper, nothing fancy though!! (Something like a parchment or resume paper) that are about half the size of a standard 8.5 x 11 paper. I have read different posts saying different things, and there is probably no right answer but what do you all think?

That's too much work. You better have the best Goddamn handwriting, EVER! You're not going to handwrite 50 of them. A lot of the top agencies admit to RARELY reading them, if they do, they want it super concise. Your headshot and resume should speak for themselves.

I believe that it's alright to handwrite postcards and Thank You letters, but NEVER your headshot/resume and coverletter submissions. Everything seems more professional all printed up. You can make you promotional package personable by addressing the envelope and the coverletter to the SPECIFIC AGENT of the department you're interested in. You can also sign your coverletter with a BLUE BALLPOINT PEN to make it more personable as well.

As an indie film director, I've cast been intimately involved in casting all my projects (with and without casting directors) and I can tell you from personal experience, I rarely read a cover letter.

I will read the intro to see if the submitter was referred by someone I know.

After that, especially if the letter is very long, I will go right to the picture and resume.

So, while I can only speak for myself and my habits, I would suggest a simple, very short note, if you must.

Good luck.

Ron

quote:

Originally posted by Trichactress:
Thanks for this post. It may have been posted already but i didn't see anything on it, even with a general search, so my question is...

How do CDs and agents feel about handwritten letters. Does this make it MORE personable? And also the size/type of the paper. My past submissions have been handwritten notes on non-plain white paper, nothing fancy though!! (Something like a parchment or resume paper) that are about half the size of a standard 8.5 x 11 paper. I have read different posts saying different things, and there is probably no right answer but what do you all think?

For the most part they are probably dealing with so many submissions that letters really slow down the process. CDs and agents are fairly proficient at selecting actors for roles using their keen eye for talent by looking at pictures and resumes, or at least they feel that way about themselves. Some of it is also the references from past experiences of cast and crew while working with you.

It will not harm your efforts to continue to use letters. You might find that Yale grad or someone who thinks you are showing initiative or a willingness to put in a little extra work to have the chance to demonstrate your skills. Maybe it will separate you from the crowd once or twice and earn you one or two additional roles.