Casting Notes!

For those who missed class yesterday or have already misplaced the handout :)  - here is a copy of what I covered in Wednesdays class.

Unfortunately, I had to blaze through this material at the end of class and could not spend as much time on it as I wanted to. At the casting session tomorrow, be sure to make note of any questions you have about the casting process. I'd like to spend some time talking about it next week.

Email or stop by my office with questions or concerns! Stay tuned for a post/email with the full info on the Casting Call tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some links to the info:

Page on Operations Portal

Facebook Event Page

Below is my notes about casting from class. For additional info, check out Jesse Wolfe's slides on the topic here: Wolfe on Casting

CASTING HANDOUT

September 4, 2013 - Casting Strategies and Procedures

Changing Direction pg. 75-99

BEFORE THE CASTING CALL 

1. Understand what you need/want
•  Your vision v. Collaboration - be open to happy surprises!
1. -what’s essential to the role?
2. -what’s essential for your director-actor relationship?
•  CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS (Homework)
1.  Specific facts > descriptive prose
2.  Beware broad age categories
2. Understand the stakes - no time to recast!
• Consider casting backups/ have a plan B
3. Casting Resources
• Casting agencies/Talent agencies
• Casting Call websites

 AT THE CASTING CALL

1. Casting Mindset
• Unnatural process - empathize with actors
• Hyper-awareness 
1. Details about each actor
2. Sensitivity about your own behavior 
2.  Reading Headshots
•  Picture v. Reality
• Union member? Training? (Meisner, Strasberg)
• Special Skills (these can indicate special instincts)
• Look up/talk to people they’ve worked - training, references > experience, credits
3. What to Observe (as much as possible!!)
• Body language, eye contact
• Choices they make about the cold reading
•  Do they seem present? In the moment? ADJUSTMENTS:
1. What new choices did they make? Is it different? Counterpoint?
2. Did they listen? 
3. If you are interested in them, try to adjust them!

• Ask revealing questions - ex. What was the last film that you really enjoyed working on? why?
• What questions do they ask?

 CALL BACKS

1. Give actors the scripts ahead of time (see what they bring to your script!)
2. Introduce them, set a comfortable environment
3. Group actors to read scenes togethe
•  Do they have chemistry?
• Give chairs, what actions do they choose?
4. Schedule to minimize wait time
5. Camera test? 

DON’T LOOK FOR: “They’re perfect.”

DO LOOK FOR: “They have the skills, resources, craft to collaborate.”

CASTING CHILDREN

1. Creativity/Are they having fun? (acting games > readings, sometimes)
2. Response to authority
3. Attention span! 
4. Cast the parents

MONOLOGUES vs. COLD READINGS

Monologues	Cold Readings
Mostly theatre	Mostly film
Presence, projection	Choices made
Height of capability	Adjustable
Not adjustable (in theory)	How do they work with others?