How to understand the TV and Film casting process

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The Casting Director is hired somewhat similarly to how the actor is hired. Studios and production companies will have a particular Casting Director in mind that may share their same vision for the project. Once the Casting Director is tapped and has all the specific details of the project, they can then put out a Breakdown.

The Breakdown is a service that organizes all the projects that are casting by roles and their description. Agents and Managers receive these notices via an exclusive online service. Actors can gain access to a very small select few of these Breakdowns through web sites like ActorsAccess.com and LAcasting.com
Step 2

Now the Breakdown has been released and your Agent and/or Manager is able to review them. Once the clarify which clients fit each available role, they submit a package to Casting. This is done either by hardcopy (8x10 headshot with resume attached), electronically through the Breakdown Service site, and sometimes via fax or email. Actors can submit themselves per the preferred methods via one of the mentioned sites listed in #1 above.

You may always wonder why your agent or manager asks that you never call or visit until after 1pm. This is typically because they are so busy focusing on the Breakdowns and getting them ready for the messenger service.
Step 3

Once the packages are delivered by the messenger service, or via online options, casting will review all the submissions. This may take several hours to several days depending on the particular project. Typically, TV will happen quickly as FILM may talk much longer.
Step 4

Now that the Casting Directors have reviewed the submissions, they will contact the submitting party (agent/manager...) and set an appointment for each appointment. In Los Angeles, this typically takes place every evening between 5p and 7p.

These appointments are most often for the next day. That gives you that evening to read the script (if provided) and familiarize yourself with the audition materials (called SIDES). You will also need to fit in time to do research for the project. Thankfully for the Internet, this is typically pretty easy.
Step 5

So now you have your appointment and have prepared for your audition.

Your first audition is called the Pre-Read. You do not need to be completely off book with your side and you can and should take them him the room with you. Use them.

Arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early and sign in.

You will want to keep to yourself in the waiting room as to avoid having anyone say anything that can take you out of your audition mode.

Once you are called in... JUST BE YOURSELF. Don't try to be extra kind/nice, crack jokes, etc. And NEVER be DESPERATE. Just be you. Never shake a casting directors hand unless they offer it to you first.

If someone in the room stops you are at some point ask you questions, just simply answer them in full complete sentences. Don't try to figure out why they are asking these questions... just go with it.
Step 6

Ahhhh, so you got a callback. The Callback is when Casting has expressed interest in seeing you again for the same role. And on rare occasions for a different role.

This time you will want to make sure you have your sides off book and you do not take your sides in with you.

Wear the same outfit to your callback. Don't give them a reason to change their mind.
Step 7

Did you really get yet another callback!? How exciting and they must really like you for this project.

Now you need to not only be off book with your sides, but you should have read the script as well, if one is available.

Again, wear the same thing.

For TV... This session is usually with the Producers and is called a Producers' Session.

For FILM... This session can be with either or both the Director and Producers. This is called a Director's Session, depending on how is hosting the session.

Either way, you need to be on top of your game.
Step 8

WOW... you got yet another call.

FOR TV
You are going into a Network and Studio test. This is very stressful because you are going into a very cold (seemingly unfriendly) room of about 9 people in suits. And they are very serious. This is called TESTING... Network Test and Studio Test.

This means you are one of a few that are being considered for the role.

FOR FILM
If you are called back you are probably going to do a work session where you act out the scenes with other actors to see how you fair.

Comments

ActorAndHost said

on 6/5/2008 This is good. One of the best Q&A's I ever had with a casting director in an evening forum was when this particular one talked about the casting process. I think that's incredibly important for actors to know about.
I could use a similar article for my website ActingCareerStartUp.com . Hint Hint!