Something that happens quite frequently in the industry is that your agent will say you are “on hold” for a part. The first time you hear it, it can be confusing, and it is a part of the industry that can be likened to limbo. On one hand, congrats!!! You almost have the job! On the other hand, “on hold” could mean several things and you don’t have the job YET so don’t get too excited.
“On hold” can mean that the job is up in the air and the producers don’t know if they want you or another actor to play the role. It can also mean that they are considering you for a different role, or seeing if the other previously cast actors feel chemistry with you, or, or, or… “On hold” means that they want you but they’re not 100% sure, so wait here and don’t take any other jobs while we decide. It can be awesome when you book the job. Not so awesome when you don’t.
If you are put on hold or not is up to you. It is technically time that could be spent booking something else so always keep that in mind while considering the project that you are being put on hold for. All in all, it’s way better than a callback. So pat yourself on the back and keep looking forward!
After being put on hold is it ethical to write to the casting director may be thanking him and assuring him that you would be the right pick?
While it is technically ethical, it is not recommended. The casting director typically does not have final say in who is cast in the production, so it is not sure that it would be a fruitful message to send and may come across as needy. It is better to make a casting director remember you by delivering an excellent audition in the room, and if you aren’t right for this particular part, trust that you did your job well enough that they will call you in for something else. Please let me know if this answers your question and if there is anything else I can help you with! Thanks!
Yes it was helpful and nice thank you! I will ask one other question…… Is it normal to be kept on hold until the very last minute? I am on hold since Thursday last week and wardrobe is Thursday this week. Could I possibly be kept on hold until Wednesday? I’m sure it is possible but is it common? Thanks again!
So in our smaller New Zealand market I’ve had maybe 5 callbacks, 8 on holds and booked 2 commercials in seven years as a lead. Doesn’t sound great but less auditions here. However, i have now had 2 callbacks and 3 on holds and booked 1 in the last year alone. 2 on holds in my last 3 auditions. Currently on hold for one and waiting to hear. So maybe I am starting to get my groove.
Hey Sean! Sounds like you are doing a great job and keeping at it (which is one of the most important things one can do in this industry)! Excellent work, and let us know when you book your next part, we will be more than happy to share it on our social media! Thanks for commenting and keep reading!
I was a commercial actor in my early twenty’s for about 9 months.. I went on six auditions and booked 3, but don’t recall ever being put on “hold” After 25 years away I decided to get back into the industry, in the past 2 weeks I have had 5 auditions and 3 call backs and just an our ago my agent called me to tell me I have been put on hold – I wasn’t really sure what that meant. Now I know… and now I wait! lol
Hey Stu! Those are some pretty impressive numbers! Great work, and fingers crossed for you! Let us know *WHEN* you book the job and we will promote it for you! 😉 Looking forward to what is next for you and thanks for reading! Enjoy!