{"id":1414,"date":"2021-06-02T13:53:57","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T20:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sftvproductionhandbook.lmu.build\/?p=1414"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:17:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:17:43","slug":"casting-the-right-actors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sftvproductionhandbook.lmu.build\/index.php\/2021\/06\/02\/casting-the-right-actors\/","title":{"rendered":"Casting The Right Actors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CASTING IS STEP ONE<\/strong> IN MAKING A GREAT FILM<\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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 \u201ctypes\u201d you\u2019re looking for and be willing to deviate from your plan when a type you hadn\u2019t considered blows you away with an amazing audition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online Casting Services <\/strong> <\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These services are free to students (the actors have to pay to be listed). Read all the information\u00a0carefully.\u00a0Fill out the information about your project (locations, dates, format, etc.). Be sure to indicate that your project is \u201cnon-union\u201d.\u00a0

Backstage<\/a>offers SFTV students FREE use of their casting services. Visit Backstage.com<\/a>, click \u201cPost a Job\u201d to add a casting notice, then use the coupon code during checkout. (Contact the\u00a0Student Production Office<\/a>\u00a0for the coupon code.) Check out the “How to Cast”<\/a> powerpoint containing tips for online casting and rehearsing. Here are a couple of other suggestions from Backstage to get the process started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n