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!
Being a casting director is more of a-learn-as-you-go gig. Like many jobs it is very helpful starting at the bottom and working your way up in order to be a rockstar casting director. Being able to see the “big picture” of what goes into casting is the difference between a good casting director and a great one.
I went to undergrad majoring in speech communication with an emphasis in broadcasting. After college I headed out to Los Angeles and lived with a roommate who had interned at Fear Factor a couple of years prior. She introduced me to one of the producers who needed help on another project for “Dr. Phil”. As a production assistant I was able to prove myself and received a recommendation at Fear Factor as a casting assistant.
To tell you the truth, we look for candidates who are genuine. It is easy to see who is just being "wild and crazy" on the interview tape, but are not like that in their every day life. As a casting director we have met THOUSANDS of individuals and there is a certain "salt of the earth" quality that certain individuals possess. What makes you stand out, unique, or memorable? These are usually the people who make it own a show. Of course being good looking, funny, having a full set of teeth, unusual occupation, and engaging are all great things that don't hurt one's audition.
Surprisingly these are not staged. Every individual auditioning has to sign an appearance release as part of the process. This gives the production team freedom to capture every moment of failure, and programs like American Idol permission to air on national television. Of course there are a number of individuals who just want to appear on television...and I am sure their performance is staged.
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Which cable company do you think has the absolute worst customer service?That show is a different ball of wax. I am sure not ALL shows use "actors", but they more than likely pay a stipend in order to get an appearance release signed from the individual.
They are actors and they normally get paid a small stipend. Some idividuals have no shame when it comes to catching that cheddar!
I think putting your best foot forward and bringing a little extra energy can't hurt. Casting auditions should be treated like a job interview, only maybe you are the "two drinks in" version of yourself. Within 1 minute of talking to a Casting Director is should seem really effortless to carry on a conversation. I definitely do not advocate drinking before an audition though, that is the quickest way to get "dinged' out of being on any program. There really is no clear cut formula to making it on a show. It is almost like putting together a puzzle when it comes to assembling a "cast". If there is already the hot model in the group with an amazing personality, chances are another model not as interesting would be passed on. We are looking for a dynamic/engaging/melting pot baby! Basically we look for the "Salt of the earth".
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.
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.
Not really a melt down, but in casting capturing the ever elusive "Man-cry" during interviews is GOLD. Especially if it is a big rough and tough type.
Relying on individuals to submit casting videos for consideration on certain types of shows. Many times a casting director is at the mercy of individuals submitting videos. All we can do it wait and hope the video turns out ok.
Saying things like "Everyone always tell me I am the life of the party", or "My friends tell me I am so funny", and the best is "If I make it on TV I know SO many people in my hometown I will get to watch the show!" Yeah, I am sure you do. Your 84 friends watching you on won't exactly make a big impact on ratings. SHOW ME DON'T TELL ME why you should be on TV.
Haha, surprisingly no. I do know a number of friends in the field who have had a relationships with people auditioning for a show they were working on.
In "reality" television it is a myth. If a casting director was accused of making a pass at a potential contestant, their career would be short lived.
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