CastingDirector
Seattle, WA
Male, 29
As a casting director, I'm responsible for outreaching, interviewing, producing, and delivering cast to a network in accordance to their direction for a specific show. Ask me anything!
I was working on an “American Idol” type show where I was auditioning an individual that had me on the fence for whatever reason on whether or not I should pass him through. For whatever passed him through and he ended up winning the entire show!
The show is too similar to American Idol, which in my opinion is already way overexposed. I have tried watching episodes of X Factor and it is too over the top and drawn out. I think the other night there was a three hour episode! Basically it is a carbon copy of AI with a bigger budget. The whole group aspect is lame as well. Because Simon is the natural "bad guy" it is easy for critics to want to see him fail.
I cast primarily for unscripted television. I have done a couple of jobs casting for commercials. I don’t like that as much, not as fun as really getting to know an individual. In unscripted casting it is the casting directors job to find the most interesting nuggets on that individual, make his or her personality shine. Over the years I have definitely met some unique individuals.
In unscripted I am just in charge of presenting the network with GREAT options. In the end, they make the decision.
Emergency Room Manager
What is the most bizarre thing you've seen in your ER?Border Patrol Agent
Do you ever feel sorry for the illegals you catch trying to cross the border?Former IRS Revenue Officer
Are IRS auditors more accommodating when you're polite with them?Casting directors who work consistently can earn anywhere from high $60k to low $100k’s.
Sadly yes. Viewers love train wrecks. It makes them feel better about themselves. Stereotypes are always a hit as well.
Many casting directors are freelance for hire. The appeal to this is you can jump from project to project, negotiating your rate each time. The drawback is your work isn’t consistent. I have gone months without having a project to work on. Hello unemployment! There are production companies do hire casting directors “in house”. The money isn’t usually as good as working freelance and companies often will put you in charge of multiple shows at a time. On the other hand there is a consistent paycheck.
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