ABSTRACT
In the United States, animation casting is often done through a casting director, who calls voice-over agents. The agents send their actors to audition for the casting director or record an audition for him at the agent’s office. The casting director then recommends several actors to the producers/directors, who will choose the one they prefer for the part. In Europe, a specific studio is often chosen for a project, and the studio uses actors who are affiliated with it. Casting director Michael Hack typically allows the agencies to conduct the first auditions as that can be done for no charge and saves on the budget. Casting directors say that clients rarely know what they want going into the audition process, so, initially, the casting director can’t give much help to the actor. Skills in sketch comedy and improv are useful in animation. Some casting directors search for talent at local clubs.
