UPDATE: Biggest Loser Casting Season 11
Since the inception of Biggest Loser in 2004, one person has been behind the scenes selecting the individuals who would go on to weigh-in on that infamous scale. Allison Kaz is the casting director for Biggest Loser, a job she’s had for going on nine seasons. When you speak with her, you can hear her enthusiasm for the job and the role she plays in helping these individuals move forward in their quest for health, and often times happiness.
I had the opportunity to speak with Allison during the summer casting for Biggest Loser 9. The show is currently doing a 15-city casting tour, including Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and for the first time, San Antonio. When asked if there’s a science to the cities selected for open casting calls, Allison replied that they “try to change it up a bit” each season. But the city selection is based on a number of factors. She says they go where the obesity trends are, and pay attention to reports regarding the fattest cities or fattest states in America.
Allison even addressed the question that many of our Canadian readers often ask – “what about Canada?” Due to the legalities of the show involving a competition and prize money, she explained, it’s only possible now to cast legal U.S. residents.
For those of you preparing to attend one of the open casting calls this summer, Allison shares some key advice that could help you make it beyond the crowded lines.
- “Say everything you want to say.” You have about five minutes in front of the casting crew. Don’t walk away wishing you’d said something else.
- They’re looking for personality, charisma, uniquity.
- Know your story! Know who you are, what your motivation is, and why you want to do this. And make that perfectly clear to the casting crew.
Allison also had a couple of tips for things not to do at the Biggest Loser casting calls. Remember, they want to see the real you.
- Do not share your sob story.
- Do not wear costumes.
- Do not try to be something you’re not.
Whether you’re there to earn a spot on the show or to support a loved one, she says the open casting calls can be a “rewarding experience.” Hopefuls form a bond and camaraderie while waiting in line that often goes beyond the audition and creates life-long friendships.
She also advises that the casting calls are not necessary, and that submitting a video and application is just as likely to earn you a spot on the show. Allison confirms that they do watch every video they receive, and people have been casted solely based on their video submisison.