I just wanted to quickly clarify what is due this Wednesday, in terms of character descriptions.
What is due:
A typed copy of the character descriptions for each major speaking role (this should be 4 or less for most of you) in the project.
Character descriptions are different from character breakdowns - they are short, concise descriptions to be used to in your casting call notices. The reading on casting discusses some do's and don't's for these descriptions, but the best way to see what they look like is to do some research!
Check out posts on casting call sites to get an idea of what generally goes into these descriptions. I've linked some of these kinds of sites on the right-hand side of the blog. Bear in mind that not every casting notice you see is written well or effectively. You'll see plenty of examples of what not to do! It'll take some critical comparison between what you've read and what you see to make that call for yourself. Try to sample a large group of casting notices to get a better feel for the best kinds of descriptions (i.e. don't just copy the first one you find!).
If you are continuing to struggle with what goes into your character descriptions, check out this article, which has some examples at the bottom under "Character BIOS."
"How to Write a Casting Call"
In general, your character descriptions should follow the basic format of:
Character Name, Gender, Age range or looks like -
A brief description of some facts about the character that are essential to what you'll be looking for in the casting call. Give a brief (one sentence) description of the character's context in the story (if needed). Physical description - only if it's crucial to the story. Character attitude - helpful, but keep in mind that most actors will feel they can "play depressed, upbeat, etc," so it might cast a wider net, which means more work on your end, narrowing down the potentials choices. List any special skills that might be essential or preferred. List any special production requirements of the role, such as stunts, nudity, special makeup, etc.
If you haven't written your descriptions yet, try to reflect on what you saw last Saturday and how you might be able to target those actors with specific talents.
Your actual casting call notices must include information about actor compensation, shoot dates, and a further description of the project itself. HOWEVER, for your homework, I am just looking to see that you have the character descriptions worked out. Just turn in the character descriptions, with your name, the project name, and Producer, DP names, if you have them.
As always, email me with questions!
See you Wednesday!
What is due:
A typed copy of the character descriptions for each major speaking role (this should be 4 or less for most of you) in the project.
Character descriptions are different from character breakdowns - they are short, concise descriptions to be used to in your casting call notices. The reading on casting discusses some do's and don't's for these descriptions, but the best way to see what they look like is to do some research!
Check out posts on casting call sites to get an idea of what generally goes into these descriptions. I've linked some of these kinds of sites on the right-hand side of the blog. Bear in mind that not every casting notice you see is written well or effectively. You'll see plenty of examples of what not to do! It'll take some critical comparison between what you've read and what you see to make that call for yourself. Try to sample a large group of casting notices to get a better feel for the best kinds of descriptions (i.e. don't just copy the first one you find!).
If you are continuing to struggle with what goes into your character descriptions, check out this article, which has some examples at the bottom under "Character BIOS."
"How to Write a Casting Call"
In general, your character descriptions should follow the basic format of:
Character Name, Gender, Age range or looks like -
A brief description of some facts about the character that are essential to what you'll be looking for in the casting call. Give a brief (one sentence) description of the character's context in the story (if needed). Physical description - only if it's crucial to the story. Character attitude - helpful, but keep in mind that most actors will feel they can "play depressed, upbeat, etc," so it might cast a wider net, which means more work on your end, narrowing down the potentials choices. List any special skills that might be essential or preferred. List any special production requirements of the role, such as stunts, nudity, special makeup, etc.
If you haven't written your descriptions yet, try to reflect on what you saw last Saturday and how you might be able to target those actors with specific talents.
Your actual casting call notices must include information about actor compensation, shoot dates, and a further description of the project itself. HOWEVER, for your homework, I am just looking to see that you have the character descriptions worked out. Just turn in the character descriptions, with your name, the project name, and Producer, DP names, if you have them.
As always, email me with questions!
See you Wednesday!
