A behind-the-scenes look at casting movies
By Aaron Starmer
Have you read How to Get Cast in a Film: Part I yet?
When a movie production sends a character breakdown to InstantCast and talent agencies, they will scour their files and compile a list of possible actors who fit the criteria. They'll send back headshots, resumes, videotapes - whatever it takes to get their clients noticed!
After sifting through mountains of applications, casting directors will call in a handful of actors to audition. When you show up for an audition, you will either perform a practiced monologue or do a "cold reading," in which you're given a few pages of dialogue you've never seen before. This can be intimidating, so it is part of the casting director's job to keep the atmosphere casual but professional.
If you do a great job at your first audition, you may be asked for a callback, or a second audition. This may be a more in-depth and involve reading alongside other actors already cast in the film. Nail the callback and you'll find yourself on a movie set!
Parts for background actors are often cast by a separate casting director who specializes in this process. These casting directors will often work on a local level, so find out which agencies cover your region and keep an eye out for their projects.
Don't have an agent? Don't worry, the casting process differs from film to film, and you don't always need representation to get an audition. More and more casting directors are looking to the Internet to find the next big thing. Professional casting directors are actively searching for talent on InstantCast every day!
You may attend many casting calls and auditions before you get a role in a film. But the more auditions you take on, the more comfortable you'll be, and the more casting directors will remember you.
And who knows...maybe someday you'll get a call from a casting director asking you to star alongside George, Brad, and Matt in Ocean's 24.
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