castingdirector

July 17, 2024

From auditioning in the mountains to an acting job in Paris

The Casting Director has one goal in life: helping artists get their dream job. Meet Veerle Van Dyck: one of our many satisfied clients. Veerle (56) is a teacher with a long standing passion for theatre.

When she was a young girl, she enrolled at the conservatory of Mechelen — and you could often spot her on stage at an amateur theatre company nearby. After that, she registered at (amongst others) The Casting Director. Since 2004, our platform helped her procure some parts in commercials.

We asked her about her most recent experiences with our new and improved platform. And we weren’t disappointed!

Hi, Veerle! Tell us… how did you end up at The Casting Director?

Well, my passion for theatre was just too big to ignore. During my time in my theatre company, it seemed like an obvious step to also register at a casting agency. After some Googling and asking around, there was no doubt: The Casting Director was the place to be. Great! I didn’t hesitate — and enrolled.

And you know what? I’ve never regretted it since: it was always a pleasure to team up with Dag. When I came a knocking for advice or help, I knew I was always in for a lovely conversation. And another thing! When I applied for a casting through The Casting Director… I almost always got the part.

Which past job comes with the best memories?

Ohh, the first thing that comes to mind, is a commercial for Revitive Medic. What an experience: I sent in my casting video through the Casting Director platform — and before I knew it, I got the part. In Paris, of all places!

So, on Monday, I found myself on the TGV to Paris, and the butterflies in my belly sure enough joined me! Upon arrival, I was picked up with a cab — and driven to this unbelievably beautiful location next to the Seine. I was treated with kindness and respect - just like a ‘real’ actrice! (laughs)

How did the videocasting go?

Exquisite! (smiles). In the past, I had to drive all the way to Ghent for a casting. In other words: I had to take the day off, had to spend money on getting there and… most of the time, did not even get the part. A waste of time, effort and money.

Such a relief to be able to do it completely online, now! When the casting came online, I was abroad on a ski trip. Not a problem, thanks to the miracle of videocasting: my husband pulled out his phone and we were good to go. And right there, in between the snowy mountains, I presented myself, my experiences, my occupation and my hobbies. Send — and done!

After a couple of days, I received the question whether it was possible to send in a second video. This time for a first reading of the lines. Easy from the comfort of my couch — done in a couple of minutes. Love it!

Any clever tips for your fellow actors?

Oh, that’s difficult! (laughs). Uhm. It’s not like I know everything there is to know… but I do have a couple of ‘rules’ I hold on to when recording a new video.

Firstly, I’ve learned to record frontal videos. Just like many others, I always used to think I looked better from a top view. And while that may be, it’s hardly ever what the producer is looking for: they want to see your face from a clear and realistic point of view.
Next to that, make sure you’re looking well, without making it obvious you put a lot of effort in it. Keep it simple and neutral: fix your hair, but don’t go to the hairdresser. Choose simple make-up, without layers and layers of foundation.
Also important: good lighting. I myself don’t have professional lighting at home, so I always record my videos outside. After all, natural light is the most beautiful light!
Last but not least, I find it very important to introduce the ‘real me’ in every video. I’m not afraid to come across a bit spontaneous. I try not to act, but instead try just talking a bit about myself. Just me: Veerle, 56, cheerful and with a great passion for acting. No faking. Just, being real. (smiles)