Casting agents, also known as casting directors, are essential professionals in the entertainment industry. They are hired by film, television, theatre, commercial, or other production companies to find the right actors for specific roles. Unlike talent agents who represent actors, casting agents represent the production and work to fulfill its casting needs.
Here's a breakdown of their process:
Understanding the Project
The casting process begins when a production hires a casting agent. The agent receives the script, meets with the director and producers, and gains a deep understanding of the story, characters, and overall vision for the project.
Breaking Down the Script
Casting agents meticulously read through the script to identify every role that needs to be cast, from lead actors to background performers. They analyze the requirements for each character, including age, gender, ethnicity, physical attributes, special skills (like singing, dancing, or stage combat), and the character's personality traits.
Creating Breakdowns
Based on their analysis, casting agents create "breakdowns." These are detailed descriptions of each role, outlining all the necessary criteria. These breakdowns are then distributed widely within the industry, primarily to talent agents and managers who represent actors.
Receiving and Reviewing Submissions
Once breakdowns are released, talent agents and managers submit their clients who match the role descriptions. This is where the work of casting agents directly intersects with that of talent agents.
According to industry practices, a talent agent finds jobs for the actors they represent. More specifically, acting agents submit their clients for auditions, pitch them for roles, follow up on submissions and auditions, negotiate better pay and contracts, and renegotiate existing contracts. Casting agents receive these submissions from talent agents who are performing these exact tasks for their actors. Casting agents review the submitted materials, which typically include headshots, resumes, and demo reels, to narrow down the pool of potential actors.
Scheduling and Running Auditions
From the initial submissions, casting agents select actors they want to see audition. They schedule audition times, coordinate with the actors' agents, and manage the audition process. Auditions can be conducted in various ways:
- In-Person Auditions: Actors perform scenes or read lines in front of the casting director, and sometimes the director or producers.
- Self-Tapes: Actors record their auditions themselves and submit them electronically. This has become increasingly common.
- Callbacks: Promising actors from the initial audition stage are invited back to read again, often with other actors being considered for different roles (chemistry reads), or directly in front of the director and producers.
Casting agents guide actors through the audition process, providing direction and ensuring they get the best possible take.
Presenting Choices to the Production
After auditions and callbacks, the casting agent curates a shortlist of their top choices for each role. They present these selections, along with audition tapes or live performances, to the director, producers, and studio executives for final decisions.
Facilitating Offers and Negotiations
Once the production team makes their final selections, the casting agent facilitates the offer to the actor. While casting agents may discuss initial terms, the detailed negotiation of salary, contracts, and other conditions is primarily handled by the actor's talent agent in direct communication with the production's legal or business affairs team. The casting agent often serves as a liaison during this stage to ensure the chosen actor is secured for the role.
In summary, casting agents act as matchmakers, identifying the talent that best fits a production's needs, managing the complex process of finding, auditioning, and presenting actors, and working closely with talent agents who represent the actors seeking these opportunities.
