What Makes a Good CV

We've looked through a lot of CVs this week.  We are up to 262 individual HUMAN applicants (plus a few dogs - actual canines).  Some of these people either asked to be considered for multiple parts or they didn't specify at all, and we tagged them as interested in one or more roles based n their appearances and experience.  That makes 437 applications (when you count multiple roles).

That's a LOT of paperwork (and one REALLY big spreadsheet).

One thing we've become adapt at is what makes a good CV and what makes a bad CV.  Here's some of the things that we like:

• Pictures embedded in the CV, not sent as separate files.  This is because we end up having to save multiple files and it makes it difficult to match a face with a CV.
• URLs to ShowReels.
• Multiple pictures.  At least a face and a body shot.  
• Untouched photos.  Some people have gone hog wild with photoshop plugins.  How does that help us know what you look like?  We know that you know photoshop... but... that's not what we're looking for.
• When you tell us the roles in which you're interested.  It helps us narrow it down.
• Personal information - like that you speak Farsi or were a firefighter.  We like that.  It has put some people on a short list when they otherwise would not have been.  (Stage fighting did this on two occasions.)
• Directors that you worked with in the CV - that's cool.  We talk.  Knowing who to ask helps.
• PDF files, not word documents.  Word sucks.  I can't view them on my tablet or mobile phone either (where I do half my work).

For agents - 

• Consistent formatting is huge!  If you're going to send us ten CVs, it makes it easier on us if they are all in the same format.
• One applicant per e-mail.  When you send us three in one e-mail, it makes sorting more difficult.
• Help us narrow it down - if you have three people who are your best leading ladies, highlight them.

Do you know what your CV looks like?  Make sure that you know what your agent is sending.  We've seen some real horse fritters.  Bad formatting, spelling mistakes, horrid pictures, missing information (like a phone number)... ugh.

We REALLY REALLY like StarNow.  It gives us consistent formatting, it is somewhat searchable, and allows us to tag people in roles.  If you are intimidated by creating a CV, go with StarNow.