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.

Casting Calls 101

Casting calls are just about one of the most important things in a singer, model or actor’s career. It is the first step they take towards becoming a significant part of their chosen industry.

Casting calls or auditions are usually not open to the general public and negotiations for an actor to get in a casting call are usually done between casting agents. An actor could also find out about casting calls from ads on TV or Print Media but these are usually what people call “cattle calls” or casting calls for non-speaking acting parts in a movie, commercial or TV episode. Getting in mailing lists could be one way of finding out if any agency is having a casting call but this usually requires an actor to be a member of an actors’ guild of some sort.

If you are planning to venture into the world of acting or performing you must know that casting calls are unavoidable – you will go through it several times in this kind of career. The following are a couple of things you must know when attending a casting call :

1. Dress for the part – If you’re auditioning for the part of the mad scientist who will kidnap the superhero’s love interest, then look like it! When auditioning for certain characters, you will need to convince casting directors that you are fit to play the role – by showing and not telling them.

2. Do not over-act – Sometimes during casting calls, you will be required to say some lines or perform a monologue. Remember to cook it up well, meaning, act the scene out just right. If the script requires you to exude silent grief, don’t roll on the floor and wail in tears! There’s no “silent” grief in that.

3. If you’re auditioning for a play or musical, prepare a song piece. Casting directors may require you to sing in acapella so make sure you get enough sleep the night before your audition. Skip the party and sleep early! Also, prepare an instrumental CD of your chosen audition piece. You never know, some casting directors may require you to sing with musical accompaniment.

4. If you’re auditioning for a Reality TV Show, that’s the time when you can ditch the Superman outfit and just be yourself. But take note – reality show casting directors want people with unique personalities or lifestyles.


And lastly, exude confidence! There’s nothing more eye-catching than a person who lights up the room with a confident and genuine smile on his/her face.