Several members have emailed us asking for tips on how to properly apply to a reality show. This week I sat down with Shannon McIntosh to gain insight into the reality TV casting do's and don'ts.

Shannon's background: Shannon started casting commercials and features in Atlanta 9 years ago, she then began working as a regional casting director in the south for several different shows like, "Joe Millionaire", and "For Love or Money". After moving to LA four years ago, Shannon worked on almost twenty different reality and game shows, including "The Bachelor", "Survivor", "Average Joe" and "Who Wants to be a Superhero". She also recruits regularly for several new and existing MTV shows. Anyone on Myspace that would like to check out Shannon's profile and occasional casting bulletins, can find her at: http://www.myspace.com/goodeyecasting. Shannon primarily uses RealityWanted.com to spread the word about new projects that she is casting!

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Let's discuss the audition tape. Tell us the do's and don'ts when it comes to making a reality TV audition video.

A. Shannon McIntosh: The first thing they should do is simple, read the instructions and follow them. Most reality TV audition tapes should be no longer than three minutes. Always be sure to label your tape with all of your contact information such as name, age, city, state, and the show they are applying to.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: What about people who are really good with graphics and have the ability to add special effects, etc. to their video?

A. Shannon McIntosh: Just because someone is great with computer graphics doesn't mean we will be interested in them. Some applicants spend too much time editing a reality TV audition tape and highlighting everything but their personality. If the personality is poor and/or we don't get to see their personality in the tape it doesn't matter how much flare they add.

Q. Mark RealityWanted.com: Let's continue to talk about pet peeves or other don'ts when it comes to making an audition video:

A. Shannon McIntosh: Don't film yourself against a window since you will end up looking like a shadow. Make sure you have balanced lighting on each side. It's a good idea to have someone else film you since they can view audio levels, zoom in and out, etc. If you're shooting a scene outside you will want to do it during the day so we can see you. Don't film yourself in a loud environment such as near a street with car noise in the background. I have had tapes with people on the beach and we hear too much background noise from planes, the ocean, and other people talking.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: What are some of the things you like to see in an audition video?

A. Shannon McIntosh: What we really want to see from an applicant are different looks and a day in their life. We like to see where they work, where they live, who they live with. It's great to see a shot or two of an applicant doing one or two of their favorite hobbies.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Lets talk about the Open Casting Calls, can an applicant prepare for one of these? I get questions like this on our site all the time.

A. Shannon McIntosh: People have to realize that they may have only 60 seconds during their first interview. If they need a shot of tequila or a shot of espresso in order to loosen up or jump start their personality, they should do it. We want to see who they are. They may want to project themselves and tell us what character they think we will pigeon hole themselves in. For example: Are you the hot girl, the funny guy, the bitch, the hero or instigator? It all depends on the show they are applying to.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: What about dress code when coming to an open casting call?

A. Shannon McIntosh: Unless you're going to apply for "The Apprentice", don't overdress. We might even ask them to remove articles of clothing. (Again, this is all relative to the show that they're applying for!)

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Another big part of the casting process is the written application. I have heard from some people in casting not to overdo it and others recommend filling out as such information and detail as possible. What are your suggestions?

A. Shannon McIntosh: We don't like one or two word answers. If an applicant is married, they should give us a sentence or two about their spouse and what they're like. We like to see and read examples of things applicants tell us about. If you think you are a risk taker give us an example of why you are, don't just say "I'm adventurous", give us and example as to why.

Don't go on too long and don't get writers cramp, that's what the audition video is for. Don't lie about things like your height, weight, etc. If you are a finalist, we're going to be meeting with you in person at some point. We will also more than likely conduct a background check. People need to remember that if we don't use you for the show you applied for, we do call strong applicants back for other shows we work on.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Another part of the application process are the personal pictures. We allow people to upload photos onto our site and I know every reality show requires at least two personal pictures, a full body shot and a face shot. Tell us a little bit about what you look for.
A. Shannon McIntosh: The first thing I want to tell applicants is not to send us photos they want sent back, no pictures are returned. You're right, we need a full face and a full body shot. However, we do not want people to send in professional headshots since 99% of the people who send them in do not look like their professional headshot. A simple clear picture from your digital camera works great. Make certain your photos are clear and you are easily seen.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: As you know our site, Realitywanted.com, allows applicants to apply to shows online. The same goes for Myspace, craiglist, etc. What are some things applicants should stay away from when it comes to applying and communicating with you online?

A. Shannon McIntosh: They should only apply online once. It's a good idea not to harass the Casting Directors on Myspace or send multiple emails and applications. I have seen applicants who have posted Casting Director's email addresses and phone number online asking their friends to call and vote for them, when there isn't a voting system in place. This is a quick way to get eliminated. Once you have applied we have your information and we will call you if we are interested. The best rule of thumb, apply once and follow the application instructions.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: I have seen this online as well. Speaking of communication what should applicants do and not do when it comes to calling or following up with you?

A. Shannon McIntosh: This may sound harsh but don't call us, we will call you. We are usually very busy and under very short deadlines. Just make sure as an applicant you place all your contact information on everything you send to us.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Do you ever run into people who try and act like someone else. Maybe they see an episode of "Survivor" and think, I will be that crazy guy or girl so I can be picked for the show, but in reality they are more conservative and low-key?

A. Shannon McIntosh: This brings up another great point. Reality TV applicants need to be themselves, we can see through it if you're not. Additionally, don't use adjectives to describe yourself without having good examples. As mentioned above if you say you're a risk-taker, give me three examples of why you're a risk taker. If you say you're adventurous give us examples of how you're adventurous. Don't say you're a risk taker and adventurous because you party too much and partake in RISKY behavior. If you say you're adventurous, maybe it's because you kayak three times a week for exercise, or base jump off bridges. Being the drunk party girl or guy and acting like a fool isn't adventurous or risky.

When say you're "funny" or "fun" or "always the life of party", give us examples of why you would say that about yourself. If you're applying for a dating show and think you're a catch, tell us why. That's not the time to be shy or hold back. If you apply to a dating show and we ask why you're not married, don't say it's because you're "picky". Let us know why you have not been impressed with someone or maybe what might be wrong with you. Brutal honesty is very intriguing and that's what we're looking for.

Just because you're single doesn't mean you're a catch. Do you have an MBA or doctorate? Are you a performer with tons of fans? Are you very successful and just too busy to date or look for someone? Elaborate.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Anything else you would like to add to help applicants?

A. Shannon McIntosh: Make sure you know that if you make it into the finals, that you're not necessarily on the show. You should be 100% committed to doing whatever it takes and withstanding all of the steps you have to go through to be selected. If you think something will come up during interviews or taping, please be upfront with us so we don't spend time and money flying you out to the finals. Most likely, there will be time you'll need to take off from work or life to meet with Producers, network executives and to undergo certain checks and balances to make sure you're right for the show.

Again, no one-word answers, and send plenty of non-professional clear photos. When you make a tape, show us a glimpse of your life, and finally label everything you send us with your contact information.

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