Many RealityWanted members have emailed asking for tips on how to properly apply to a reality show. This week I sat down with Jean Arthur to gain insight into the reality TV casting process. This is the second interview in our “How to apply to reality TV” series.

Jean Arthur has been in the Entertainment business for over 10 years. She has worked on shows like The Swan, Married by America, Wife Swap, Starting Over, and Don't forget the lyrics. She has worked with companies such as Sony, Endemol, Bunim-Murray, and RDF Media.

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 tape.
A. Jean Arthur: Start off by making sure we can hear and see you clearly. It might be a good idea to use a tripod or place the camera on a shelf. Applicants will want to include all their contact information on their video. I have seen some people hold a piece of paper or poster board with all of their information on it at the start of their video. If you send in pictures make them up to date. Send in a DVD or a VHS, anything longer than 10min is useless. We want people to be themselves, and if you are trying to Mr. Joe Cool we will see through it. Our job is to judge people. We may just want their personality.

Q. Mark – RealityWanted.com – What is the best format that applicants should use when mailing in a video?
A. Jean Arthur – DVD or VHS are the best formats.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: What about people who are really good with graphics and have the ability to add special effects, etc. to their tape?
A. Jean Arthur: Don’t really need it. The tape will be so short it will distract us. We want to get to know you and your personality.

Q. Mark RealityWanted.com - Lets touch on pictures. What can you suggest to applicants when they are sending in photos or placing them online?
A. Jean Arthur – Please don’t send outdated photos. We need to see what you look like today. Don’t send in headshots or photos that are not clear. Some applicants will cover a part of their face or body, and at times they will send in pictures when they are dressed in costume or add visual effects, these are all bad ideas.

Mark Realitywanted.com – Great tips, I do see members upload pictures of themselves with visual effects added or photos of just their eyes.
A. Jean Arthur – This will delay the process and/or get them eliminated. We need to see a clear face and full body shot.

Q. Mark – RealityWanted.com – Any final photo tips?
A. Jean Arthur - Once you apply for a show do not change your look. Don’t cut your hair, change hair color or grow a beard. Let’s say I am casting clean cut 25 year old guys, review an application, ask the person to come in for a face to face audition and find out he has colored his hair and grown a beard out; I am probably going to pass on him.

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. Jean Arthur: Come prepared. If you can go online and fill out an application prior to attending that would be helpful. Don’t come up to the people working the casting call and ask how much longer it will be. We try and give everyone the same amount of time. You must be patient. Don’t be rude to the people working since it will get around. I like people who are friendly and like to have fun. My biggest pet peeve is when I am working on game shows that shell out a million dollar prize and applicants become impatient. We need time to find the best cast. Waiting stinks but be prepared to wait, talk to others in line and don’t be nervous.

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. Jean Arthur: Be straight and to the point. I don’t want to read 6 paragraph answers. Also, please be honest with every question

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 what it comes to applying and communicating with you online?
A. Jean Arthur: We are very busy, so once you apply we have your information. I know this sounds rough but we are all very busy, so please don’t call us, we will call you. It can hurt your chances and get you kicked out if you keep calling, emailing, etc.

Q. Mark - RealityWanted.com: Anything else you would like to add to help applicants?
A. Jean Arthur: The number one thing I can suggest is please don’t try and be something your not. We can see through it and we may actually be looking for your personality, so acting like someone your not will hurt your chances. Lastly, people ask us all the time about what we look for. Many times we won’t know what we are looking for until we sit down with you.