I Tracked My Auditions for a YEAR! | Actor in Los Angeles

I’m Will Westwater, a union actor in Los Angeles, and I tracked my auditions for a year! How many jobs did I go out for? And how many of those did I book?! How many of them were in-person or self-taped? And more! In this video I go over all the data, what I learned from tracking my auditions, and I give you a free blank template of my audition log (see below) so you too can track your auditions! Break legs everyone!
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Follow me: @willydubz and check out my website: willwestwater.com
FREE Blank Audition Log: docs.google.co...
Videos talked about (in-order):
(VO Mic Setup) Acting in Quarantine: • Recording a Commercial...
How to Get an Agent: • HOW TO GET AN AGENT | ...
How to Move to LA and Become an Actor: • HOW TO MOVE TO LA AND ...
How to Self-Tape on Any Budget: • HOW TO SELF TAPE ON AN...
How to Make a Reel from Scratch: • HOW TO MAKE A REEL FRO...
Want more? Here’s my acting playlist: • Acting
Equipment I use:
Sennheiser MKH 416 mic: amzn.to/3ispXpf
Universal Audio Arrow Preamp: amzn.to/2ZD15ma
iPhone Tripod: amzn.to/2S0PmIQ
Umbrella Lights: amzn.to/2vKEmqp
My Self-Tape camera: amzn.to/2vJ7P3F
Ring Light: amzn.to/2vL77mK
Manfrotto Tripod: amzn.to/2PCb7ll
Manfrotto Tripod Head: amzn.to/2Dpr9YG
Paper roll wall mount: amzn.to/3lItf9I
Photography paper blue mist: amzn.to/3lLpxMD
Photography paper fashion grey: amzn.to/2DmmI31
Photography paper super white: amzn.to/31PpDdY
Microphone: amzn.to/2BdF6r5
Aputure COB 120d ii light: amzn.to/35X1ouK
Blue Yeti Microphone: amzn.to/2U89CZH
Drone: amzn.to/2KV5Lul
“The Money Book for the Young Fabulous & Broke”: amzn.to/2FtAP7b
Beauty products I use:
Philips Norelco Trimmer: amzn.to/2zwxtOa
Gillette Proglide Men’s Razor: amzn.to/2X7eSQX
Hanz de Fuko Invisible Shave Cream: amzn.to/3cwuIe2
ELTA MD SPF 30 (face lotion): amzn.to/2yIJEaB
Lubriderm Body Lotion: amzn.to/2yKgqIr
Aqua Velva Aftershave: amzn.to/35X0Eps
Lather and Wood Aftershave Balm: amzn.to/2WuSotG
Maui Moisture Shampoo (not in this video): amzn.to/2WZ8BXs
JINRI Hairdryer: amzn.to/2WS7qJ7
Kevin Murphy Knight Rider (hair product): amzn.to/2Z1ADUA
Music: www.epidemicsound.com
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Will Westwater 2021

[@tennesseenomad]

I'm not an actor or pursuing that career, but I really enjoy watching your journey. You give great, clear information. Keep the videos coming.

[@levi_bernhardt]

been watching you for a while now, cool watching your progress! keep it up man

[@taddehvartanians2058]

Good on ya!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes 100% to this! I track all of my auditions/callbacks in a spreadsheet and it has been a game changer for me. Always take the scientist mindset when working towards your career as an actor. It has really helped me build my career in theatre. THanks for sharing!

[@MatheusNascimento-kk1gh]

You is such an inspiration to me. Thanks so much for this (always) incredible content!

[@Ethan-dk]

I second this!

[@BelgicaPaola]

Wow! You got so many auditions. I've been using sheets to track my auditions for a few years (posted a video about it in Jan 2019) and love it. I also track the payment amount and received date among other things. In 2020, I just let my agents get me the auditions because I wanted to feel protected from an unsafe set (covid wise) as much as I love working in indie films.

[@philwurtzel2461]

Great video Will! I'll come at this as an active indie producer and you tracking all your auditions and contacts is perfect. This process is the difference between treating acting as a career compared to treating it like a hobby. By tracking CD's and Producers/production companies you can then go onto iMDB-Pro (cost $150/year) to: *Put a "tracking alert" on those CD's and producers/prodco's so when they do anything new like option a script or go into development you then email them a "Hi, remember me and I'd love to audition for your next project when it's ready" kind of message. Be in their face without getting in their face. Casting is one of the worse aspects of any project in the sense of time and cost it takes. It's much easier to call several actors that you know from previous auditions that have kept in touch with you so as a producer you can send the script over to them and have them read (especially 5 and under + day parts). *In regard to the "remote audition process" you really can't send in a shitty audio/video audition. It will literally get deleted in seconds by casting or the producer. Get on Amazon and buy these small/cheap 2k or 4k video cameras with EXTERNAL mics, they cost about $150-$200 and buy a cheap tripod (don't hold it yourself). Self holding a phone is rough, usually not good sound and by holding it yourself your focus tends to not be on the reading but other things. *So you got your cheap 2k/4k camera on a tripod and the external mic, great. Take the copy and memorize it or tape it behind the camera because when you audition your face must be seen and you can't stumble over words, it will throw your performance off. Treat the camera as the other scene partner or if a monologue talk into the camera. That eye contact you make with the camera is gold for the people casting. Slate at the beginning properly and after the audition do a second reading with some BOLD CHOICES. I mean off the wall. There are really no wrong choices: example an actress on a previous project did a second take of a monologue talking about her mothers funeral, first take was solemn and sad like most people did. The second take was her finding the humor in the whole event and then the rage at her mother from past problems then finally grief, it was brilliant and she got the role. Don't play it safe, why would you play it safe, ONE SHOT. Make them remember you. Good luck Will and again great KZbin channel.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

great info thanks for sharing!

[@torilaneross]

Love this! Yeah, the one thing I would say is to add any notes on how you feel it went, what you were wearing/what your appearance was like, and any feedback so you can compare that to your bookings and see trends in what worked.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Yes! Great advice. I have these added in mine as well and it's been a valuable tool for me just emotional almost like a journal when I log what I felt and any wins I can celebrate along the way.

[@ewalad]

I really enjoyed that! I've actually started an actor's log myself a few months ago. I've been getting a lot of auditions for commercials. Still need to learn how you do those diagrams that you show and calculate the percentages.

[@WillyDubz]

Thanks! It's not too hard actually. I did it all with google sheets! Worth a google!

[@ewalad]

@@WillyDubz Thanks!

[@jacquelinewongyu219]

Thank you, Will! I'm now using your audition log template that you provided and I feel oh so fancy. Love your content and have been watching your journey for a while now. We're rooting for you, dude!

[@WillyDubz]

Awwww! Thank you! Break legs!

[@darkisabella]

Great video. I like to track what I wear. Not in detail but maybe the color shirt etc. Sometimes callbacks are a week or two, or sometimes a MONTH in the future, and I can't remember what I wore in the initial audition, so I like to refer back to wear the same thing. I'll use a sheet or go back through videos to refresh my memory.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Same here. I like to track what I wear and how I felt after submitting the tape or being in the room. Super helpful to look back on and refer to at later dates.

[@cchristophersalcedo]

Congrats on all the roles you landed! all the best for the future!

[@gregoryjamescohan6783]

Outstanding video. I'm joining you in this tracking! This is one of the many things you can do to TRULY treat your acting career as a business. I'm going to use your spreadsheet, but for me, only thing I would add is a "COACHING" column. I'm someone, that if I get an opportunity that's a big one, I buck up and I hire a coach. Great content for any current or aspiring working actors out there!

[@WillyDubz]

Big love ❤️ I definitely have a coach in mind when it comes to it.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

This is a fab suggestions! adding this to mine right now.

[@joelmuza362]

Thank you for your hard work seeing how passionate you are makes me feel to happy

[@ProMSL]

Was looking for suggestions on spreadsheet info to track myself, thanks bro!

[@RoySFord]

I just found your Channel by searching "Voice Actor Vlog" - - Very interesting videos and love the content. SUBSCRIBED!

[@momentswithmarlon5599]

Just watched you in Genera+ion! Incredible! Keep it up!

[@pepperbea7149]

Great video, thanks 😊 I’ve been preparing for my auditions with the rehearsal app Dialogmaster Pro, which has been very handy. I’m still adding to my self-taping setup but I’m getting there 😊

[@kaliandracapri]

This is super neat ! I’m an actor in Canada and I’ve noticed Wednesdays seem to be very popular for in person auditions and callbacks.

[@theanthonylee]

Very impressive stats. I have my excel tracker also, with most of the same....date, day, casting director, production company, self tape, in person. I like tracking, as it allow me to measure my performance each year. Compare.

[@kingbabynate1231]

Wow, this is fascinating👏🏽👏🏽. I haven't tracked mine like this yet, but I Should definitely start with at least something similar👏🏽👏🏽.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Tracking has been super helpful for me. I'm in theatre but we are pretty much doing the same self tapes and online submissions these days as film/tv.

[@jaleinjames5452]

Dude.. I love your channel. Watching you put in all this work is making me want to move out to LA and grind.

[@СашаИванова-т6й]

Hi! :) I saw you in Shameless last episode :)))) So happy for you!

[@khloekloset3645]

Great advice, as always. Thanks for this :)

[@iamelijahkhan]

Yeah mate, I've only had one in-person audition this year. Nice video.

[@gogoldude]

Thank you for taking the time and making this videos!

[@Xelanderthomas]

Amazing. Thanks for your painstaking stats - also sharing the types of auditions you are doing.

[@isaacleer3487]

Incredible, as always. Can’t say thank you enough :)

[@sabreewowweeanderson9205]

Shout out for the 2020 grind WW..( W-Squared) ... your videos been very helpful during this...umm.. Co-BID pandemic.... cant wait till the 2021 results 👍 respect from the Mid-atlantic Market ( D.C)

[@kerryfongthavisay]

Amazing video! Thank you so much for giving great advice for aspiring actors!

[@meghanbarton2917]

Such a great video! Love hearing your stats

[@spiffymunchkinxd]

I’ve binge watched all your vids! I’m a new actress and I need info! Thanks for your videos!

[@AustinZajurLife]

Yo I'm also an actor and your vids are dope! You'll get a big break soon!

[@stephenmoran9105]

This is so awesome thank you for keeping track!!!

[@michaelsix9684]

I think all actors should do this, it gives you a sense of progress and focus

[@Enzo-fb6og]

will you put out some seriously good content! keep it up! thanks for all the motivation!

[@ShenitaMoore]

Tips for joining a loop group? I’ve been looking for one for years!! 🤞🏾

[@jijodobbas]

great vid! super insightful!

[@Dapper_Kraken]

You should do a daily routine video! Work, working out etc

[@8HoneyBun8]

Hey! Do you think you could do a video on commercial acting or auditioning for commercials? I’ve been getting more commercial auditions and it feels like a different world than my normal indie film work. Love your videos and I can’t wait to see your future work.

[@CharlesBClark1]

Will you please do another one of these videos? Tracking for 2022. Im curious how the data is different in post Covid times

[@jovelroystan]

This was really cool, and comforting in a way. Thanks for sharing.

[@GossipGurlGurly]

Great video! Would you consider doing a video on how to slate and the etiquette/rules of slating? Especially if no instructions are given. Thank you!

[@boiyuta573]

17% dude that’s insane keep up the hard work

[@uniqueanartist6792]

I’m definitely doing this. Can see the progress. I’m in the process of getting a theatrical Agent/Manager. My old manager not it, he was disrespectful.

[@YassinAdam]

definitely appreciate your videos

[@YassinAdam]

sounds weird to say but keep up that work ethic^^ i admire the consistency and your organization

[@itscaseyisabel]

I already know that doing this is going to hurt my feelings so much in December 2021 LOL thank you for the template!

[@gbgaertner]

You’re amazing bro! I’ve been watching you for a while, and you look so humble! I’ll start at SMC this year, so, I’m moving to LA! Any tips about how get an apartment, or how to find a roommate? Thank!

[@jellybeanspider7130]

love the hair man :)

[@racheloliveira1905]

Could you make a video on LA x Atlanta? Which city in your opinion would be better for an aspiring actor?

[@carlitostaquitos1179]

You guys might not believe it, but he was this handsome back in high school too

[@WillyDubz]

😂

[@bunzy5648]

I think I’m first but I’m sure the other comments just haven’t loaded yet

[@ahmedkamal7095]

welcome back again sir

[@chrismilar8124]

actors do relationships😊

[@ahmedkamal7095]

@@chrismilar8124 yup

[@29af]

Really enjoyed this video!! I track the jobs I book, but I've been considering tracking auditions. You might have sealed the deal for me. Video request: Would love a video about the different regional markets. For instance, Atlanta vs LA vs NY vs Chicago and even some smaller hubs like KC, St. Louis, Seattle, Portland, DC, etc. I might be moving to Portland, but I have no clue what the market looks like there (is it good for film, commercial, modeling, or...nothing).

[@Kileeeela]

I just started self submitting on actoracess, I’m always unsure about what to put in my notes since I don’t really have any experience, just taking classes from college and acting studios.

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

For your notes, just put anything relate for that audition. Keep it simple and you don't even need full sentences. Ex: available for all dates of project. Or if they asking for someone specific like speaks Spanish and you do that thing then just write: Fluent in Spanish and English.

[@charlottesun8557]

Love your content!

[@ChrisTrovato]

Isn't this a good thing? That just means that no matter where you're at, you can audition & chase your dreams. Covid just forced companies to have to start being more efficient(more people working at home now vs before) & likely will stick

[@WillyDubz]

I like the change. I can work farther away from the city and casting directors like it too! This just means to get your home setup figured out.

[@maloganson6481]

How do you keep going when you just aren’t landing jobs? I’m currently applying to acting colleges and have been rejected three times with no acceptances yet. I’m trying to to get discouraged but it’s harder than it sounds. Love your videos!

[@WillyDubz]

To be honest it’s brutal, and when it gets tough I try to look at the numbers, e.g. if I just keep applying myself and working on my skills then at some point someone is going to have to give me a position. Baby steps forward.

[@seancolby]

Love the channel man :)

[@AngelaAgain]

Super interesting to see how 2020 was as an American actress currently living in Paris and now looking to move to LA. I'm curious, if I were to take Sunday as my reset day rather than Saturday, do you feel like the percentage would flip? In other words, how vital is it to have Sunday as an audition day?

[@TacoGrande007]

So how much would a unknown actor expect to earn in a year? What is salary range?

[@YourExpatInvestor]

why do you credit( early summision), to booking a self-tape / is it relevant.

[@21Q-h7h]

Matthew mcconegghui (i dont now how to spell it.)

[@WillyDubz]

Alright alright alright

[@dakotafortner8781]

so I saw your description and may I ask, whats the difference between a union actor vs nonunion actor? I've searched this up before, but I've never understood.

[@shanvivarya7491]

HELLO, I AM SHANVIV ARYA AND I AM FROM INDIA AND I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL . SO I WANTED TO ASK THAT IF SOMEONE FROM INDIA WANTED TO MAKE IT BIG IN HOLLYWOOD SO HOW HE DO THAT .AND ALSO WANT YOU TO MAKE VIDEO FOR INDIAN ACTORS ABOUT ACTING SCHOOLS , CAREER GUIDENCE ETC . WE LOVE TO WATCH VIDEOS ON THIS. THANK YOU

[@TheRealNabil]

So what sites do you recommend for self submitting. I know of Backstage and Actors Access but is there anything else or are those the way to go?

[@torilaneross]

In my experience, those are the best!

[@VirtualTeachingPro]

Those two are the best but also check out Casting Networks.

[@RyceTV]

Do I self submit for jobs I know that my agency would not go for?

[@Keturah.]

Definitely doing thhd

[@rumeysaakturk1065]

Can you do a video about how a foreign person can come to usa and start acting? I really need a video like that.

[@WillyDubz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKXHiHWdmquipLs

[@rumeysaakturk1065]

@@WillyDubz I didn’t see this thank you so much 😊

[@georgebarnes4283]

Will, how many in person auditions came with less than 24 hours notice (either now or pre-covid)? For those who can't switch shifts in time, what's that reality look like if they're regularly getting opportunities?

[@georgebarnes4283]

Forgot to say - you're awesome!

[@WillyDubz]

Hmmmm that’s tough. I usually have about 48 hrs notice, but it does happen from time to time. Fortunately, so many opportunities are self-tapes and you can do those more on your own schedule.

[@MrRorosuri]

❤❤👊🏼

[@BradyMartinOfficial]

Do you listen to the Audrey Helps Actors podcast?

[@WillyDubz]

I don’t 🙃

[@greggh]

You said, "my agents." Plural. How many agents do you have? Don't most actors have just one agent?

[@noahprincivil103]

He would be Perfect as wally west in a flash movie

[@Charlie-fb1hu]

You remind me so much of Peter Mckinnon, Idek know why ahaha

[@likua8]

Yea, expect with less expensive cameras lol

[@madihjorth8164]

Me and my roommates always wanted to move to CA because of their film industry. We live in Idaho. But Wtf, LA is twice more expensive than Boise!🥺

[@Emma-nw2xg]

Try 10 times more now w Biden and Newsom. I live in LA

[@madihjorth8164]

Well I hope you got yourself roommates. Damn LA rents are ridiculously expensive!

[@aprilwalterscheid]

i was shocked too about 7 years ago but i’m living here and don’t notice as much. political parties haven’t changed the prices up or down. covid-19 has brought prices down a tiny tiny tiny bit.

[@thewaltersshow609]

I just want to do some voiceovers.

[@sparkspirit4501]

How long have you been acting for?

[@natashyasmith5360]

Just subscribed

[@Enzo-fb6og]

would anyone be willing to critique some of my self tapes on my channel? no pressure! they're unlisted right now because i'm a bit nervous, but i trust this crowd.

[@melaniegutierrez9286]

Why haven’t you been posting

[@asyamaria7325]

are you non-union?

[@Feliciatanktop]

You look like a guy I used to date and it makes me feel uneasy

[@alexrezel8860]

Damn! What a cliche to perceive an actor as an emotional type only. Look at the systematic approach of Will.

[@WillyDubz]

Data doesn't have emotions!

[@alexrezel8860]

@@WillyDubz It's the 'feet on the ground' part which actually helps to safely keep 'head in the clouds'.