What does a Casting Director do?

Casting Directors contribute to the success of a production by selecting the right actors for each role. They meet with the Director and Producer, read the script and understand the production’s vision. After that, they source talent and conduct auditions. They also typically take part in contract negotiations and assist with scheduling and communication until the actor is hired and ready to be on set.

Casting Director skills and qualifications

Being a Casting Director requires forethought and strategy. Putting together a cast involves many variables, such as timelines, actors’ personalities and role experience. A strong Casting Director typically has the following skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge of industry standards, best practices and trends
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to identify acting talent suitable for specific roles
• Familiarity with top talent, casting agencies and Agents
• Highly organized to manage multiple audition rounds and contract negotiations
• Understanding of the Producer’s and Director’s vision and casting requirements
• Adept at negotiating and balancing Actors’ needs and production budgets and schedules

Casting Director experience requirements

Many Casting Director and Casting Producer job descriptions prioritize candidates with proven backgrounds in the entertainment industry. Depending on the project size and profile, employers may prefer applicants with an existing industry network of talent, Agents and Managers.

Successful Casting Directors have experience on other productions, either as assistants to Casting Directors or Producers or as employees of a casting agency.

Casting Director education and training requirements

There are no formal requirements for a Casting Director. Instead, employers consider each candidate’s background and real-world experience in theater, TV and movies. However, you may prefer candidates who have a film or theater degree.

Job description samples for similar positions

For more inspiration for your Casting Manager job description, you can review these related options:

• Film Director
• Executive Producer
• Associate Producer
• Producer

Casting Director job description FAQS

Where does a Casting Director work?

Movie studios, production companies and theaters may hire Casting Directors. They may also work directly for an independent Director, Screenwriter or Producer, sourcing talent for a one-off production without a larger company’s underwriting. Some Casting Directors work on a freelance basis, are hired for specific projects or assist Actors or agencies in finding talent for upcoming productions.

What’s the difference between a Casting Agent and a Casting Director?

Casting Directors work for a production, casting Actors for that specific job. Casting Agents work for the Actors seeking work. The Agent represents the Actors’ interests, seeking suitable projects and negotiating deals with the production company. This might include arranging auditions and pitching an Actor’s skills by submitting a reel or resume.

What skills are required to be a good Casting Director?

A successful Casting Director is often skilled at spotting talent and providing feedback to help Actors improve their craft and land jobs. Creativity and forward-thinking can help them choose the right candidates for each role. They also typically collaborate closely with other creative professionals, so working well in a team is valuable. Lastly, organizational skills can help them retain information about each potential cast member.