Casting Director?

What does a Casting Director do?

In pre-production, Casting Directors work with and answer to, both the Director and Producer to assemble the perfect cast for the film. As a result, They also may enlist agents and other CD's to assist them. Casting Directors must have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of new and existing acting talent. They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role, based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability, reputation, availability and box office appeal. Casting Directors also work closely with Production Accountants to prepare the casting budget. They organize and conduct interviews and auditions for each part, and are also in charge of offering each Actor an appropriate fee to appear in the film. They also draw up and negotiate the terms and conditions of contracts with agents.

Casting Directors need a vast knowledge of a huge range of Actors and an extensive understanding of their abilities, as well as a thorough appreciation of changing trends within the film industry. This requires a strong instinct for acting talent and great dedication and commitment. Directors and Producers have to be highly selective, and may be extremely demanding, so it is vital that Casting Directors are patient, hard-working and diplomatic at all times. If it is the actors first film and it is a very important role, they may need to know more about the actor 'personally' (a resume showing adequate work experience, ie, extra, featured and principal roles), their family, their support, they want to know all about you and your responsibility.  Does the family or anyone else have issues with what they do? Personally I've seen friends and/or family completely screw up an actor’s chances and sometimes their biggest opportunity to date. For some Casting Directors this project may be their biggest opportunity to date as well and they 'certainly' don't want to be the one responsible for any kind of screw that could cost the entire production. It could cost them their credibility. On larger productions, Casting Directors may supervise Casting Assistants.