ABSTRACT

Casting is a crucial creative element of any production - and yet the craft and skills needed to put together a successful and exciting cast are often overlooked. The Casting Handbook explains the casting process from beginning to end and covers everything producers and directors needs to know – as well as proving a fascinating and illuminating read for actors. The book explores:

  • how to prepare a breakdown
  • where to source actors
  • how to prepare for a casting session
  • how to make casting decisions
  • how a cast is put together
  • how deals are done
  • ethics and the law, with special reference to casting children
  • how a casting director contributes to the initial development of the script
  • how the casting works from fringe theatre to Hollywood blockbusters

The Casting Handbook considers actors’, producers’, agents’ and directors’ relationship with a casting director, the day to day work that is casting, and how approaching it in a professional and informed manner can make the difference to the final product.

Including interviews with actors, agents, directors, casting directors and producers; case studies; exercises; and a fact file of useful templates and contacts, this book offers a thorough induction into the casting process, suitable for students and early career professionals in any media.

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

chapter |2 pages

How to use this Book

chapter |7 pages

What is Casting?

chapter 1|13 pages

Where to Start?

chapter 2|14 pages

The Breakdown

chapter 3|13 pages

Where to Look for Your Cast

chapter 4|12 pages

Casting Directors

chapter 5|17 pages

CVs, Showreels and Planning the Session

chapter 6|11 pages

Setting Up the Session

chapter 7|8 pages

The Session Part 1

chapter 8|12 pages

The Session Part 2

chapter 9|14 pages

The Session Part 3

chapter 10|17 pages

Casting Children

chapter 11|15 pages

The Business of Casting