Task 1a: Professional Profile

How important is the CV?

I've seen casting directors browse at people's CVs and they immediately discard it, but why?
I guess it could be for many different reasons like its not clear, it doesn't have relevant information etc, so is there such thing as a perfect CV? I personally don't think there is.  
What interests me is that no one in the world will have the same CV as you.  Everyone may have the same training but then may go on to do different things so I actually haven't got a clue how casting directors decide who they want. 

This is a excerpt of my professional CV.

INFO:

DOB: 13.12.90

Height: 5”3

Hair: Dark Brown

Eyes: Brown

Nationality: White British

Ethnicity: Mixed – White and Chinese

Measurement:

Bust: 33” 

Waist: 29” 

Hips: 32.5” 

Shoe size: 3

Dress size: 8

Theatre Credits:

2013: “Vibe 25”• Singer/Dancer • Performers College • Directed by Chris Baldock

2013: “Young Frankenstein” • Ensemble • Millfield Theatre • Directed by Simon Adkins and Choreographed by Emma Rogers 

2013: “Peace in Our Time” • Performers College • Directed by John Brant

2012: “Strictly” • Singer/Dancer • Performers College • Directed by Chris Baldock

2011: “In The Zone” • Singer/Dancer • Performers College • Directed by Chris Baldock 

TELEVISION/FILM CREDITS: 

2011: “Children in Need, Eastenders”• BBC Television • Dancer • Choreographer Paul Domaine 

2011: “Text Santa” • ITV Advert • Choreographer Adrian Gas  

Other credits:

2014: Character and Parade Performer • Dancer/Animator • Disneyland Paris

2013: “Daisy Ball”• Grosvenor House Hotel • Choreographed by Brain Rogers  

2012: “Basildon Fashion Awards” • Model • Southend College

Training: Performers College – National Diploma in Musical Theatre

Dance: Classical Ballet, Pointe Work, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Fosse, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Partner Work.

Vocal range: Soprano • G2-D5 

Singing:  Grade 8 ABRSM Singing, Individual Singing, Harmony and Close Harmony Work, Ensemble.

Other Skills:  Grade 8 Flute and Singing, Piano, Strong Swimmer, RLSS Lifeguard, Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Qualified Zumba Instructor, Tennis, Cycling, Gymnastics, Juggling, Basic Stage Combat, 3 A Levels, 3 AS Levels, Full UK Driving License, Modelling.

From looking at Anthony's blog http://antgifford.blogspot.co.uk I have noticed that I am not the only one who has more than one CV. I actually have three CVs which I use for different jobs.  The one above is my professional one and I also have a normal work one and a fitness one.  I do think this is a good idea as most casting directors don't really want to know about what bar/retail work you have done and employers just find that dancing on television is really fascinating and can't stop talking about it.

With my professional CV I actually swap and move things around depending on the audition I am going to.  For example if its for a musical audition I would have all my singing experience and qualifications first rather than my dance and vise versa.  I'm not sure if this actually works but I personally think it makes it stand out more and is more appealing to the casting director.

At the moment from looking at my CV I think got too much writing but at the same time I do feel that it is all relevant as I am afraid of taking away information that may help me get a job. 

My Headshot

This is my headshot that I use on my CV.  I have always thought that professional head shots have been changed so much that they don't even look like the same person anymore, for example erasing blemishes and making everyone look like there skin is amazing when in reality that is not the case.  When I was having my photo shoot for my headshot I did my best to look the same in everyday life but in auditions I sometimes put far too much make up on and then my headshot looks nothing like me. I do however think that a headshot is important in any professional CV as it gives an outlook on who you are before anyone has seen you and then the casting director can then relate to your credits.