November 22, 2007
Jennifer Marosy is a Casting Producer. If you want to be on a game show or reality show, this is the person you need to impress! Marosy has worked on shows such as American Idol and Hell's Kitchen, and is currently casting for the new FOX game show The Moment of Truth. She was kind enough to answer some questions for us, and share her tips for potential game show contestants.
Question: Can you tell us a little bit about what your job is, and your background in casting?
Jennifer Marosy: As a Reality Casting Producer it's my job to find the right REAL talent for Reality Competition Shows, Game Shows and Hidden Camera shows. I like to consider myself a storyteller. As it says at my MySpace page, "Everybody has a story... I'm trying to get yours told on TV."
I graduated with High Honors and a BA in Art Film Making from Montclair State University, NJ. My first Casting job was about 4 years ago as an Accomplice Coordinator for the Sci-Fi Channel cult classic Scare Tactics. I proudly boast the casting of the viral video favorite "Rat Monster" as my "Claim to Casting Fame." That bit was named by VH1 as the number one hidden-camera bit of all time. It is a classic -- very funny stuff!
Q: You'll be at the open casting calls for The Moment of Truth in Vegas and Chicago, right?
Marosy: For The Moment of Truth I'll be in Las Vegas (11/24) and Chicago (week of 12/2) looking for interesting, outgoing people who have full, rich lives with lots of stories and experiences to tell. I look forward to meeting everyone who has ever wanted to be on a game or on any reality type show.
Q: What exactly are you looking for when you review an application for a game show?
Marosy: I like it when a person really takes the time to answer all questions completely. It's a good way for them to prepare what they want to say at the brief interview when we meet. The application gives a candidate a good idea of the kinds of things I'm looking for. Contestant candidates should be prepared to talk about themselves. I want to see how forthcoming a person can be with all details of their lives. When I meet someone I want to see their fun side. A game show set is no place to get too serious.
Q: How can potential contestants stand out from the rest of the crowd without going overboard?
Marosy: Good question. Everyone will get a chance to introduce themselves. That's a great time to say something that might stick in my mind, like stating your name and adding, "but my friends call me ________, because I..." Or if you have an unusual talent or profession, tell me! I may not remember your name but there's a good chance that I'll remember, for instance, "the guy who is a make up artist at a funeral home."
Q: If I were showing up at a casting call for a show I really wanted to be on, my first thought would be, "What the heck should I wear?" Any suggestions?
Marosy: Start with comfortable shoes. Chances are good that you'll be standing a lot. TV is a visual medium. Treat the open call like a date that you really want to impress. You will probably be photographed and/or video taped, so you want to look your best. And like your Mom always said, "Be yourself." After all this is reality TV and I am looking for REAL people.
