Casting (performing arts)

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Cast Types and Roles
– Main cast or starring roles in film, theatre, or television
– Leading actor/actress as the protagonist
– Ensemble cast with equal screen time
– Supporting actor/actress with important but less significant roles
– Bit parts with limited dialogue

Casting Process
– Auditions conducted by a casting panel
Casting director assists in the selection process
– Performers present audition pieces such as monologues or scripts
– Auditions often videotaped and shared with producers and directors
– Actors read material from the work under consideration

Casting Director/Casting Agencies
Casting director oversees the casting process
Casting agencies connect performers with directors/producers
Casting director advises and presents talent to the director
Casting agencies have knowledge of actors and suggest suitable candidates
Casting director or agency may negotiate contracts and fees

Role of Casting Director/Casting Agency
– Maintain a list of actors with availability, headshots, and videos
– Understand the story and characters by reading the script
– Run auditions and recommend actors to the director
– Negotiate contracts between actors and the production team
– Serve as a liaison between director, actors, agents/managers, and the studio/network

Decentralization and Attachment Phase
Casting process may be decentralized geographically
– Personal channels used for top parts, involving direct contact with the director
– Attachment phase involves sending the script to agents for coverage and generating casting ideas
Casting directors create their own idea lists and check actor availability and interest
– International co-productions tap into home markets for casting purposes Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casting_(performing_arts)

In the performing arts industry such as theatre, film, or television, casting, or a casting call, is a pre-production process for selecting a certain type of actor, dancer, singer, or extra for a particular role or part in a script, screenplay, or teleplay. This process may be used for a motion picture, television program, documentary film, music video, play, or advertisement, intended for an audience.

Casting call for black cats, Los Angeles, 1961; seeking cats for Tales of Terror
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