How to become A Casting Director

• CD
• Talent Director

What do Casting Directors do?

A Casting Director would typically need to:

• Study the script to understand all the roles; work closely with the director and producer to understand their requirements; supervise casting assistants
• Know and suggest ideal artists for lead and smaller roles; review resumes and call suitable actors; arrange and conduct interviews and auditions; complete availability checks
• Work closely with production accountants to prepare the casting budget; offer each actor an appropriate fee to appear in the film
• Understand how contracts work; talk to agents in procurement and contract closing and gain their trust; negotiate contract terms and conditions with them once casting is complete; draw up deal memos and contracts
• Multitask on more than one production at a time, handling multiple personal schedules for casting and production
• Attend plays, showcases, film screenings, and drama school productions to scout for new talent while keeping abreast of current industry trends

Casting Directors would typically need to be on the move, visiting theaters and film sets, or traveling nationally and internationally in search of talent. The job involves large amounts of administrative work and is heavily dependent on other people. At all times, Casting Directors must liaise with their assistants, producers, directors, writers, casting agents, talent agencies, actors, and actresses. The dress code tends to be business casual.

A Casting Director working for a studio usually keeps fixed hours Monday through Friday. Self-employed individuals may have to work flexibly as everyone else is operating around other commitments and on a budget.

Casting Directors are usually self-employed. However, they may also work for a studio or theater company’s in-house casting department or own a casting agency or work for one.

Casting Directors are generally employed by:

• Studios
• Theater Productions
• Film Productions
• Advertising Agencies
• Television Productions
• Casting Agencies
• Talent Agencies

Professional casting organizations provide a database as well as a support system to its members. You can search for a member or contact another casting professional directly. You will have access to the latest rates and regulations and a host of useful information about casting.

• Intermittent employment, necessitating a constant look-out for the next work project
• Watching and re-watching innumerable audition tapes to create a shortlist
• Getting to know the characters on a personal level
• A high-pressure job since any mistakes would be public knowledge; workplace politics make it necessary to maintain calm and diplomatic relationships with directors and producers
• Maintaining a work-life balance

Watching documentaries on casting, an informal apprenticeship, and getting involved in casting for school plays or films would benefit prospective Casting Directors. So would voluntary work internship and work experience in writing and producing.

Casting is a unique mixture of acting, directing, and producing. Understand how the industry works to become a bankable Casting Director. Acting classes will help you understand actors and the acting process better; they will also help you recognize talent.

A two- or four-year film and theater arts course at a prestigious university would prove valuable along with a relevant course in business management. Casting Directors need to know how to negotiate contracts and understand the complexities of working with union employees; understanding labor laws is vital.

Though it is not mandated, certification from an objective and reputed organization can help you gain professional credibility, stand out in a competitive job market, and become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. Investigating members who practice outside the Code earns the community’s trust and respect, which are the most critical elements in securing a Casting Director’s future.

Many Casting Directors begin their careers through one of these approaches: as casting assistants to Casting Directors, as interns for talent agencies and production companies, or by apprenticing under casting agents. Eventually, you will begin the climb up the ladder to become an Associate Casting Director. Starting as an actor can also lead to a more impressive career as a Casting Director. Career advancement is most feasible when you have a good relationship with the Casting Director. If the relationship continues to go well, and the business grows, a Casting Director can grow to become a partner. A Casting Director’s success depends on their pay, the popularity of the project they are working on, and the popularity of the actors they hire. It takes time, patience, and effort to appear on the radar of top producers in the business.

Casting Directors face intense competition for jobs. Those who are good at networking, have a fair amount of work experience, and hold a degree in the field have the best prospects.

A Casting Director must have a good eye for spotting talent. They meet with thousands of actors over a given year, not to mention a lifetime, before zeroing in on an actor who is the best fit for a character. Making connections and keeping good relations with talent agencies, theater companies, and acting schools will help you move up in your career and give you the contacts you need to make good casting decisions.

The Casting Director acts as a pre-screener for directors, writers, and producers, who make the final decisions.

Tools of the Trade

The advent of the internet makes it imperative for Casting Directors to know how to use online services such as Breakdownexpress, Castingnetworks, or Voicebank to find talent. Perks of the Profession Agents will take you to the theater and Press Nights and after-show parties; actors will offer you complimentary tickets to see them perform in shows; you may get occasional invitations to film and TV screenings.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Employment is both freelance and seasonal to a certain degree, thereby intermittent. Being a freelance Casting Director offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented.

While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing comes with less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A full-time Casting Director has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Even so, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Casting for extras is as challenging as casting for lead roles. Despite their hard work, there are no Oscars for Casting Directors!

An acting portfolio reaches the table of a filmmaker via the desk of the Casting Director. Casting Directors who study a script, understand the story, and analyze each character to find the best actor for the role, are the secret weapons of a production company. You never know which of your films would give birth to the next superstar!

The more open-minded people there are - like Casting Directors and producers - the better things are likely to be. After all, a large part of the job of directing a movie is casting it well.