The Likability Factor
A simple trick to stand out to casting directors.

Have you been auditioning for a while but just haven't booked much or gotten many callbacks lately?

If so, you’re not alone. If you're auditioning but not booking, the problem might not be with your acting ability or marketing materials. It might be with something I call The Likability Factor.

The Likability Factor is a simple but powerful concept. It’s about how relatable and likable you are – not just as yourself, but also in the characters you play.

The more likable you are, the more memorable you become, and the more likely you are to book the role.

Think about it: people naturally gravitate toward those they feel connected to. Even casting directors are drawn to performances where they can see something they can relate to on a personal level.

​When a character feels real, like someone they could know or understand, it creates an emotional connection. And that connection is what gets you remembered and, in many cases, booked!

Now you might be thinking, “But not every character is supposed to be likable. What about villains or antagonists?” Well here's the thing: even the most hated characters need something relatable about them. If a character is purely one-dimensional – just angry, evil, or mean – they become boring. And the audience will tune out because they don’t feel anything for them!

So how do you make a character likable, even if they’re the villain?

Well, you do it by finding the positive motivation behind their negative actions.

Let’s say you’re playing a character who’s angry. Instead of simply being angry, dig deeper. Ask yourself WHY are they angry? Maybe it’s because someone let them down, and deep down they feel hurt because they cared about that person. That small shift – from just anger to anger rooted in care – makes your performance more layered and relatable. And that's what makes it likable.

Here’s an example: imagine a woman who’s super angry with her partner for being late. On the surface, she’s angry. But why? It’s not just about the lateness. Maybe she’s angry because his constant lateness makes her feel unloved or unimportant, and she’s frustrated because she loves him and wants their relationship to work.

​By connecting the anger to something positive – a wanting for the relationship to succeed – you create a character the audience can empathize with and understand.

The Likability Factor is one of the easiest ways to improve your performances and stand out in auditions.

When casting directors find your performance likable and relatable, you’re much more likely to get the callback.

​I hope you found this guide helpful!

I've helped thousands of actors move their careers forward, and I hope that one day we can all end the cliche of "the starving artist" together.

​If you enjoyed this resource and are interested in working with me 1-1, consider signing up for my coaching waitlist here.

 - Martin Bentsen
Actor Marketing Coach