Many of you are looking to see any little snippet of advice on how YOU can be on the next season for this life changing oppertunity. As of right now there isn't any deadlines or announcements made over the whens and whats of the new season but there is still a lot you can do NOW before you know the specifics!!!

Here's what you can do!

Start thinking out your audition video now! When the news drops that casting is open again, things really go into high gear and a lot of stress can come from the panic of deadlines and such. If you start thinking and planning your video now, it will be one less thing to worry about. This time of the year is great because you will have the oppertunity to be with family that you otherwise might not see a lot. Why not take that oppertunity to get some video of the special people in your life saying why they think you would be a fabulous person for the show? Coming from someone that also went through this process, I have to say that the more you have to work with for your video, the better it will be, and the better you will feel about it. When I did my videos the most prep I was able to do before shooting was to outline it the night before!!! lol

Watch other contestants audition videos. You can find them on almost every video hosting site, the most of which on Youtube.com. Watch them to get a feel for what you might want to try on camera. Observe common subjects or interviews if you are wondering what to say in your own video.

Begin working out now. Don't try to gain more weight for the show once you're in the process You're thinking about it, I know you are. What greater of an oppertunity to feed your face than the excuse that you want to be the Biggest Loser! I did it and gained another 15 lbs throughout casting last year. If I hadn't done that I would be that much closer to my goal right now. How crappy is that? Instead start taking walks and getting ready for the shows workouts now. Your heart will thank you for it.

The casting process won't be easy, and you will have good days and bad, but the end will be in sight. Try to stay focused on the fact that this is your life and your readiness to say I HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

Keep your chin up, and good luck!!!

edited for TYPOS!! *derrr*

Those are good tips, especially the "begin working out now." This is the time of year when people "abuse" food and not monitor their eating habits. And, of course, it's almost time for new year's resolutions. Why not start the resolution today of daily exercise and good eating habits? Good luck!

I heard somewhere that the average American gains 7 lbs from Thanksgiving to New Years or something like that... It might have even been on one of the episodes of BL.

That kind of statistic is amazingly scary.

So how far did you get into the audition process and what was involved?

Don't EVER ever ever share details of your casting process with ANYONE. Even me. Seriously ... don't do it. It could be the one thing that keeps you from being called.

xmudx lost an amazing 91 lbs since her audition. I'm pretty sure they aren't going to cast skinny people.

Anyway, I just want to know what the audition process is, I don't want explicit details or anything.

I am very much aware of Katies process - and wasn't really speaking about her sharing. If she wants to share that's up to her. My comments were more in line with those wanting to audition for Season 6.

The audition process typically goes like this - but it is not the same for everyone:

For Open Calls:
1. Open Casting Call - interviewed in groups of 10-15 people
2. Call Back for individual interview
3. Wait Wait Wait
4. Contacted by casting for more information - such as a 10 minute video, a biography, to complete legal paperwork
5. If you move on, you're presented to Casting's Executive Directors & Producers.
6. If you're selected, you're presented to NBC's Executive Directors & Producers.
7. If you're selected, you're invited to sequestering in California - lasts about a week.
8. If you're selected, you made the show.

For Video Submissions:
1. Submit your Video
2. Sometimes you're invited to an Open Call - see steps above
3. Wait Wait Wait
4. Contacted by casting for more information - such as a 10 minute video, a biography, to complete legal paperwork
5. If you move on, you're presented to Casting's Executive Directors.
6. If you're selected, you're presented to NBC's Executive Directors.
7. If you're selected, you're invited to sequestering in California - lasts about a week.
8. If you're selected, you made the show.

The key thing to remember is that each persons experience is DIFFERENT and there is no right way or wrong way. You may skip steps if the Producers feel they have enough information from you. You may be called the day before sequestering and asked to fly out to California. Your casting director may love love love you .. and then can't get you presented because someone even better came along. If you have open communication with your casting director still - your chances are good. If your casting director stops answering e-mails and phone calls - you're out.

Hope this doesn't get deleted by the forum police .. I just wanted to help.

If it does, I'm glad I read it now. Thanks, that is very helpful.

That is the best overview of casting I have ever read!!!

I never got the paperwork but was in contact with my CD just up until sequester when the deadline passed on who would move on and who wouldn't. While my CD told me that I was being pitched to executives, I never recieved the 'package', so I either made it to step 4 or 5 of the home video one.

This was my final audition video if you would like to see it.

Katie's Vid!

Didn't realize that was you She Who Must Not Be Named

But seriously.. props on the overview. Even I was kind of like "Ohhhh... so THAT'S how it worked."

lol

Katie - we probably both made it to stage 4 ... on the brink of 5. We were both told over and over again that we were "still in the running". They almost always ask you to write a Bio before being presented to NBC. It's part of their presentation. At least ... from what I've heard from those who went far in the process .. they all wrote a Bio.

Lame.

Which goes to show, that even when you think you're in... until you are on that Ranch lookin' Bob straight in the face, things could change!

The one thing most casting hopefuls have in common is we all thought were were THE ONE and a shoe in for the show. We all heard how awesome we were, and how excited CD's were to pitch us to the uppers.

But for the new crowd looking to get on the next season, you never know!! They have to pick SOMEONE, and who's to say it won't be you next time?! You will never know if you don't try

Something in the process of feeling like I would make the show, and then when I didn't make the show made something click for me. So even if you don't make the show, you just might find some new stronger part of yourself in the journey.

And you and all the other RoWers have done really well ON YOUR OWN! Look at you .. 91 pounds is AWESOME

Word! Support is key key key!!! I am so proud of all of the accomplishments I have seen come out of our little community. I can't wait to watch the next batch of 'rejects' step up and say NO MORE to a life of mediocraty and build their own little haven of support and accountability.

Do you think they would ever even consider a contestant that is in a wheelchair? I lost both legs at the age of 7, and even though I have been very active, I have managed to gain weight. I am now 48 years of age and weigh about 250lbs. I really need some help. I think that it would be quite a challenge for any trainer to take on someone wheelchair bound. If you have any thoughts on this, please respond to my private email at hotwheelslou@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,
TorinoLou

What are they actually looking for? Does anyone know?

Is it really just that "X" factor? Someone that has a magnetic personality?

Also, are either of you allowed to apply again, or is it a one-shot deal? Just curious.

I've applied two seasons in a row - so I don't think there's a limit on how many times you audition. Do I want to audition again? Even if I did - I can't. I injured my knee and have to have surgery next month. Besides - I've lost 45 pounds on my own - and even though I have 100 to go I have no doubt I'll reach my goal by October 2008.

As far as what they're looking for - really sometimes I don't think they even know. Yes .. there is some sort of formula that they follow. Those who have followed all four seasons can see the patterns - I've only seen Season 3 & 4 ... but I can tell there are similarities in personalities. Also, a CD once said that they do cast specific characters.

For the most part they are looking for people who are REAL. That have some confidence and represent themselves well. They want a video that shows your personality ... and they want upbeat smiling happy people on those tapes! Show them the very best YOU. And if you do that ... and they still don't think you'll fit ... know that you have the power to lose weight and get healthy ON YOUR OWN! You do ... it's inside us all You just have to find it!

Hey Guys -

Don't look for casting to start as early this year as it did last year. I spoke with a guy pretty high up in production last night, and he said they're not even going to start casting until Feb more than likely.

And, for those of you who didn't know, there really were 250k+ people who applied for season 4, so to those who did go a few steps in the process, know that at some point they were down to just a few hundred from 250k.

That's a pretty big compliment to have made the cut that far.

I think you're right. I think that they definately cast certain types of people so that they have their characters for the show. There seems to always be, a devoted dad, stay at home mom, the sports star that let himself go, the single mom, the single college girl, the business man...

All you can do is be yourself, and Godwilling, it is meant to be.

If it's not, Gaiscioch is right, the power is inside you, just waiting to be found.

I agree! So my advice is don't wait until you're rejected. Go ahead and start losing today. In my opinion, if you have the drive and determination to go through the casting process, you already have what it takes to lose the weight.

Marilyn
(who never tried out for TBL but has lost 130 lbs at home)

Wow, Marilyn, YAY on the 130 lbs! That is amazing.

Your advice is spot on, and I hope people definitely take it to heart. We all have it inside to do this on our own, but tend to be our own worst enemies.

130lbs is awesome! Great job!

R

I sent in a video for season 2

and then another video for season 3

But I also sat in a line for about 9 hours

in Nashville. I didnt even get a call back.

I am planning on reapplying this time, but through video.

I've been looking around on the internet for sample casting videos

And lets just say, my 2 videos sucked and I gotta do something different for this next one

I'll lose about 25 or 30 lbs then gain it right back.

I have been watching my portions more lately

I think I've lost a couple of pounds, but atleast I didnt gain any!

Not to be mean spirited or anything like that but I'm curious if anyone has ever been slected who applied for a 2nd or 3rd season?

I'm sure applying multiple times you'll put out a better and better package but when you apply the 1st time you are saying you are ready to lose the weight and you have the determination to do it. Seems like the 2nd application is saying to NBC that that you didn't do it the 1st time so why do you think you can now?

It would be great to be on the show but the real prize is not the trip to the ranch or the 1/4 million. The real prize is the weight loss and the improved health. So, if you apply and don't get picked you have the choice of waiting for the next season or the next season, or you can get to it and get the prize all the contestants are earning. I think that's what I'm going to do and not worry about applying. That's what xmudx is doing and I'd call her a BL without being on the show.

TJ

I know one of the Germanakos twins tried out for season 3, and made it pretty far, then made it to the show this season. That said, I absolutely don't suggest to anyone to wait until casting starts to think about their health.

Simply put, with the hundreds of thousands of people apply, there are 12-18 slots, and everyone has a good story. If health and weight loss is your ultimate goal, don't hope that the show is going to be your golden ticket. Whether at home or at the ranch, what has to change is YOU... and you can do that starting now.

*hops down off her soap box*

Like I said in my previous post,

I'll lose 25 or 30 lbs and then somehow gain it back.

One of the videos was for the entire family.

---------------------------

My mom bought me the Biggest Loser cookbook for christmas

I got it tonight and will have to try out some of the recipes!

Just curious..

To the people who have gone through with the process of applying..

Would you recommend sending in a video or attending an open casting call?

Both ways can work for you. I kind of favor sending in a video, because you can take your time to edit it, but it really comes down to a) what character they need for a certain slot and what casting director you get.

You have the bonus during a casting call to stand out over the other people there, but on another note, there is a very limited amount of time you will have there to make an impression. If you do attend a call, make sure you have the application already filled out completely, a couple of candid photos (one face, one body), and if you have made a video, bring a dvd with you.

It never hurts to be prepared, and makes you that much more memorable.

Above all, just be yourself. CD's can spot when someone is trying to hard, or pretending to be something they are not.

Most of all... GOOD LUCK! Whatever path you may take, may your journey to get your health back start now!

I just want to give a big thanks to all the people that have given us such good information. Yall didn't have to do that but you did and thats why I thank you.

That is pretty selfish of you. I remember at open calls we all wanted on the show but everyone was so supportive of each other as well. To add to the thread starter at open calls have a ton of energy my table was crazy. The table across from us the casting Director Tad said tobad you arnt like that other table refering to us and they were all done are table had 5 callbacks out of the total 10 they did. We were about the 7th group in and hundreds of people were still waiting after us. My point is to get that call back have ENERGY. Be happy and have fun.

The idea of not sharing your casting inforamation online is a good one, and should be paid attention to. Seriously. It's one of those things where if you are being considered for the next step, or are being looked at to be a contestant, if 3ball catches wind that you are talking about your personal process (once you've been called back, not when you're just applying), it's a good way to get cut.

The reasoning? If you can't be quiet for a month or two while you're casting, how can they expect you to keep your business under wraps after you go home and don't want the press to see you?

That's it. You'll know what's appropriate to share. And if you're getting called back, asked for more info, etc... tell your close personal friends and family. Don't put it on this board! (Yes, the cd's read this board when necessary)

Don't blog about it on your myspace.

Good luck to everyone who is trying out once casting starts again. And may you find the strength to do it on your own in the event you are not cast.

xoxo - Carrie

Keeping private things... PRIVATE... isn't selfish.

In this process, sharing too much can keep you off the show. For others... their personality and looks kept them off the show. Thousands and thousands of people try out for TBL and the casting directors are looking for ANY reason to knock someone out of the running. IF you made it far enough to be considered then got the boot because you shared your video... you would be whining no one told you to keep it private.

My advice for anyone who wants to get on the show... find someone who actually MADE IT on to the show and ask them for advice. lol

LOL

FINE. I will take my pissant "applicant" advice and sit over here quietly.

XMUDX......I watched your audition tape, I thought it was GREAT!! Even better than most of the actual contestent's tapes..........so this leaves me clueless as to why you did not make it all the way!!!!

I agree! How long are the casting tapes supposed to be? One source said they are to be 5 minutes, but I've seen other tapes that have been for longer. Is there a standard amount of time?

lol

I have always wondered why we never hear much from the people who did make it on the show about what they did or didn't do.

Who knows. Maybe it's some sort of contract thing. (?) There were a couple of past BL people that helped me while I was going through casting, so it's not like they don't help if you ask... maybe they just don't make it so public. I have even heard of a couple of people being directly coached by BL people while making their videos and stuff too...

Anyway, what I was led to believe last year was that first tapes should be between 3-5 minutes, and if you were asked for a second, generally they wanted them to be around 10 minutes. My CD told me I could make it as long as I wanted- as long as it was still entertaining. The scrapbooking part is a bore... and I also think the end with all the pick Katies was overkill, but other than that I still like my video very much

Don't be afraid to get in contact with people that actually made the show... a lot of them are very helpful.

Thanks for the info - it was very helpful! I have communicated w/ one of this season's finalists and she was very helpful in giving some pointers.

btw - I saw your video and thought it was really good!

I don't think we'll hear too much from them publicly - they have this little thing called a non-disclosure statement on their contracts. However - I have "spoken" with many past contestants privately and they ARE very helpful Look them up on MySpace and send them a note - you never know what words of wisdom they might instill.

As far as my being selfish .... well .. let's just say I know first hand what happens to someone who shares too much information. For starters .... they get banned from this forum.

Your initial casting tape shouldn't be more than 5 minutes. If they need additional information, you'll be contacted to provide a longer video tape. I was asked to make a tape covering topics they wanted to know more about, to be 15-25 minutes in length.

The cd's say not to worry about fancy editing, or anything else, but to focus on being yourself, showing your life, your personality, and the real you. They don't care how you would spend the money, they don't care how you think you would be on TV, they've heard it all a million times.

Some of the contestants had great videos, some not so much. What they had was the specific qualities needed for that character slot.

When it comes to casting, the only thing you should remember is this... if you get a callback, don't talk about it, don't post about it, and/or don't private message about it. Get a Fight Club mentality lol

Actually, from my own personal experience, I would highly advise you don't even tell anyone, especially anyone online (EVEN if you trust them because you think they are your friend) that you sent in a tape and/or went to a casting call. And this applies to any show you wish to try out for.

Not even your Mom and Dad? Won't they be worried if you just disappear? You've got to tell SOMEBODY!!!!

Basically to clear up any confusion, if/when you don't get picked after spending weeks/months waiting on baited breath, you are going to spend a long time asking yourself why.

It is possible that if the higher ups in casting find out you are talking about the fact that you are close to being cast that they just might pull you from the casting pool, just on a basis that you can't keep your mouth shut.

By not puting anything in writing (especially on public forums/chat rooms) you are elliminating that risk.

Do I wish I would have stayed quiet? Yeah I do. I am happy that I didn't have to leave my baby/husband for that stretch of time, but when I look at the numbers this season, while I wouldn't have won the whole show, I could have come in second place. The money would have been nice

So keep your mouths SHUT! Woot!

Wow!! You all have given me some great tips and ideas for applying.

I am 280!! Yes a female and 280!! I put on 100 lbs when I got pregnant last year, I was already about 50lbs overweight.. I am reading all your post and love all the advice, my problem is I need to learn how to eat healthy being on the run all the time, and to keep telling myself I can do it. I've reached the point where I just want to give up, but then I look at other people and try to tell myself I can do this.......

ummm poo... was that 2 much info.... IT WAS MY FIRST POST... LOL.... btw xmudx great video!!!

YES!

I need to lose 150 lbs or I fear I will die.

I am 54 and I simply must!

I confess I cannot this time lose weight on my own.

I have gained and lost 1/2 of myself 3 times now!

I have a question, what time of year do they acutally start filming the show? I'm preggers AGAIN this year (seems to happen everytime I lose a little weight), wanted to see if I'd have the baby by then LOL.

They're planning to start casting in Feb sometime for the next seaon, filming to start in April or May.

Well that won't work, lol I'm not due to pop until July.