What is A Film Casting? – Movie Actor Tips

What is a Film Casting?

A film casting is where a casting director conducts auditions in the hopes of finding actors for roles in movies. It is being done after a script has been written, a director and producer/producers have been chosen and the budget for film production is in place. The process of film castings could vary but in general, they are a little bit like this:


Step 1: Auditions


Actors come and act in front of the casting director. There are times when a certain part of the movie script will be given beforehand but in majority, those who are auditioning will be put to cold reading.


What is Cold Reading?


A cold reading audition is where an actor will be given a script to read on the spot, in front of the casting director without time to prepare for or memorize the lines. This will give a casting director an idea of an actor’s skills under pressure. The key to nailing a cold reading audition is to read the lines clearly without forgetting the emotions required for the scene and to grasp what the scene is all about with just the information at hand.


Step 2: Callbacks


Getting a callback is a good thing – it means you have done something right or interesting during your audition that fits the movie role you’re auditioning for. This does not mean you got the role, though – not yet. A casting call is another chance to convince the casting director and producers that you are perfect for the job – by acting.


Actor Tip:


In callback auditions, do not change anything you have done from the first auditions. Remember that callbacks mean there is something about your first audition that captured the eye of the casting director. So unless you were directed to change something from the way you delivered your lines or the expressions on your face, stick to it.


Step 3: Deliberation


During this time, all an actor can do is to wait – the casting director or the staff will be calling your agent if you got the role. Or if you’re unrepresented, you will be contacted directly. Remember though that not being able to nail film castings or get the role you’re auditioning for does not mean you are talent-less. It just means that someone else is more perfect for the role than you are.