casting Archives - SFTV Student Production Handbook

Do’s and Don’ts

BEFORE THE SHOOT

Be honest with your actors about what the shoot will require of them. Set expectations early and clearly about your rehearsal schedule and any sensitive or physically challenging work that will be required of them.

DURING THE SHOOT

Ensure actors have a private place to change and something accessible to cover up with between takes if they are performing scenes undressed or partially dressed. Do your best to provide a quiet rest area so that the actors can collect themselves between set-ups. Be sensitive to the emotional work they are doing to bring your film to life. Create a plan to take care of the actor’s comfort and safety when shooting scenes that require repetitive eating, drinking, or physical activity.

AFTER THE SHOOT

Keep the actors informed about your post-production schedule. Let them know when you will be done with the project, when the screening is scheduled, and when they can expect their copy of the film.

MAKE SURE ALL YOUR ACTORS GET A COPY OF THE PROJECT

The reason actors want to work on student films is to get a tape of the film to show to agents and casting directors. If it’s going to take some time to finish the project, let them know. Call periodically and fill them in on your progress and reassure them that you haven’t forgotten them.

Be up front about what deliverables you will provide your actors. It is standard to give actors a digital copy of the completed film, but some directors are happy to provide NON-COLOR CORRECTED raw footage with UNMIXED audio of their actor’s scenes for their reel. If you and your editor have the time to give actors a copy of their takes it goes a long way in creating mutual beneficial relationships. Remember to tell your actors to how you’ll allow them to use your media. You don’t want them editing their own film out of your footage!

Auditions

For Fall 2022, Auditions should be held remotely (Zoom) for all projects. Remote casting is the new normal and students should practice what is being done in the Industry.

Be sure to attend the virtual Open Casting Call with LMU College of Fine Arts Theater students to find some talented actors right here on campus. Here are links to last year’s event for reference.

Zoom Recording of Open Casting Call

Resume and Headshots

Self Tapes

Master Audition Spreadsheet

Note: some of the actors from last year may have graduated, so be sure to wait for the Fall 22 Casting Call when casting for your film.

In Person Auditions

In person auditions are not allowed at this time but this can be your reference for when auditions on campus return.

Post signs with the room number on the doors to the lobby and the casting board in the lobby. Put a sign outside the audition room “CASTING – PLEASE WAIT IN HALL” If appropriate, leave copies of the script pages (sides) outside the door for waiting actors, and have someone there to greet them when they arrive.

Tape the auditions. The Camera Department will check out a camera to you for this purpose, people often look different on tape than they do in real life. If possible, film your actors with the same focal lengths you plan to shoot with on their production day. This will give you the truest sense of what they look like on camera. Don’t forget to get some close-ups. If this is a dialogue film, it is always good to have someone else there to read opposite the actors. This not only makes the audition more professional, but also allows the director to concentrate on the acting. When it is over, let them know when they can expect your call.

Remote Auditions

It is increasingly common to audition actors virtually. This method presents both pros and cons for the director and actor alike. On the plus side, a virtual audition is easy and convenient for all involved, however, old-school in person auditions will give you a sense if an actor can be counted on to arrive at a location at an agreed upon time. If you make it too easy for an actor with whom you’ve never worked it may be harder to ascertain their reliability.

Schedule a call back for an in person audition. You want to make absolutely sure that your actor is perfect for the part and you’ll never know until you see and meet them in person.

Auditioning Children

If you’re casting children remember that you’re also auditioning the parents. A pushy, difficult, demanding parent can make your life difficult. Spend some time talking to the parent(s) at the audition and get a sense of whether or not you can work with them.

After the Audition

Always call the actors back – even if you didn’t cast them! They will appreciate this professional courtesy and in the event that your first choice drops out you it doesn’t hurt to have a good relationship with your Plan B actor. Also, until your first-choice actor has officially accepted the part, do not turn the other actors down! Some actors who have accepted a part have bailed on the student filmmaker days before shooting was to begin (because they got a paying gig).

Before The Shoot

Confirm dates, times, places (the best thing to do is to email your actors the call sheet- including a map to the location).

Have them sign an Actor Release Form (and Nudity Release Form, if applicable) before they appear on camera.

Casting The Right Actors

CASTING IS STEP ONE IN MAKING A GREAT FILM

It cannot be overstated how much casting the right actor (or settling for the wrong one) can make or break your film. Casting is an art and like all good art it takes time. Start early and don’t rush the process. Find the best talent you can. Knowing the character thoroughly at the beginning will help you talk to actors intelligently and get them interested in donating their time to your project. Write clear and detailed character breakdowns. Have a plan. Know what “types” you’re looking for and be willing to deviate from your plan when a type you hadn’t considered blows you away with an amazing audition.

Online Casting Services

These services are free to students (the actors have to pay to be listed). Read all the information carefully. Fill out the information about your project (locations, dates, format, etc.). Be sure to indicate that your project is “non-union”.

Backstage offers SFTV students FREE use of their casting services. Visit Backstage.com, click “Post a Job” to add a casting notice, then use the coupon code during checkout. (Contact the Student Production Office for the coupon code.) Check out the “How to Cast” powerpoint containing tips for online casting and rehearsing. Here are a couple of other suggestions from Backstage to get the process started!

Requesting self-taped auditions through Backstage keeps your work organized. You can see a tutorial on requesting self-tapes here.
Students can also set up virtual auditions using a video chat to meet and read actors. Read more about the system here.
Students are setting up Zoom sessions to hold table reads with their cast, which gives them some of the experience of directing actors while they aren’t able to film in person.
If you would like to spotlight or boost your Casting Notice in order to generate more interest or if you have any other questions, email Gerry Maravilla: gerardo.maravilla@backstage.com

Castnet.com 323 964 4900	Actors Access	LA Casting
Backstage 323 525 2358	Mandy.com	Now Casting 818 841 7165
Breakdown Services	Casting Networks

Posting a Casting Notice

The first step is to break down the script and make a list of all the parts that are big enough for “professional” actors. The reality is that a role with one line – or a non- speaking part – aren’t going to be of any interest to actors.

Write a brief description of each character. In general, short posts attract more submissions that long ones. Write just enough to get the actor interested. Make the role sound as appealing to an actor as possible.

Have someone you trust proofread the descriptions to see how well you’ve described the role. Check for spelling and grammar so your post reflects on well on you.

If the role involves nudity you must include that information in the posting.

Narrowing the Field

Don’t rely on just the photos. Check out the resumes too. A good-looking but inexperienced actor may require a lot of patience and directorial energy. Talent and experience can be more valuable than the perfect height or hair color.

Talking to the Actor

Prepare a short synopsis of the script and a short description of the character. Know when you are going to shoot, when you want to hold rehearsals and auditions. Know the room number you’re going to use for auditions. Have directions to campus ready. Give them your phone number should something come up.

When you actually speak to the actor, be prepared for all their questions. Know the character. Be enthusiastic. Be professional. An actor needs to trust the director implicitly. That trust starts with the first contact.

Be sure to check their availability at this point. (Why audition someone who can’t make the shoot?) If they are interested and available, schedule an audition. Allow at least twenty minutes for each audition.

Additionally, if you are interested in working with SAG actors, please review SAG’s Signatory Application for student films, and make sure to contact the Production Administration Team with any questions that you may have.

CASTING WITH BACKSTAGE.COM AND ANDREW VAN HEUSDEN TRAINING