Spencer Lanoue
Casting calls are an essential part of the pre-production process in the film, television, and theater industries. They serve as the primary means of finding the right talent for your production. But how do you write a casting call that attracts the perfect candidates? Let's break it down, step by step.
Start With a Clear Purpose
Before you even start typing, it's crucial to understand what you're looking for. Are you casting for a lead role, a supporting character, or perhaps background extras? Knowing the specifics of the role will guide the entire casting call process. Think of it as the foundation of your casting call. Everything else builds upon this.
For instance, if you're casting for a quirky, comedic character, your call will differ substantially from one seeking a dramatic, intense role. The clearer you are about your needs, the better the responses you'll receive.
Example:
Casting Call for "Project X":
Role: Lead Character - Alex
Description: Alex is a witty and charming individual, aged between 25-30, with a knack for getting into amusing predicaments. Comedic timing and improvisation skills are a plus.
Define the Role Clearly
Once you have a firm grasp of the role's purpose, it's time to elaborate on the character details. This includes the character's age range, personality traits, and any specific skills or experiences that are necessary or preferred.
It helps to be as descriptive as possible without overwhelming potential applicants with too much information. Remember, you're painting a picture of the character that actors can envision themselves playing.
Consider including a brief character backstory if it helps provide context. This isn't just about the character's present but also about what makes them who they are. Even a sentence or two can add depth and interest.
Example:
Character: Jamie
Age: 30-35
Background: Jamie is a self-made entrepreneur, fiercely independent, and quick-witted. They grew up in a small town and moved to the big city to pursue their dreams.
Include Project Details
Actors need to know what they're signing up for. Be transparent about the project they're auditioning for. This section should include the project's name, type (film, TV show, theater), shooting or performance dates, and location.
Additionally, mention any union affiliations, such as SAG-AFTRA, if applicable, and whether the job is paid or unpaid. These details set clear expectations and can prevent misunderstandings later on.
For instance, if your project is a short film shooting over a weekend, specify those dates. If it's a touring theater production, include the expected duration and locations of the tour.
Example:
Project: "City Lights"
Type: Short Film
Shooting Dates: March 10-12, 2024
Location: New York City
Union Status: Non-union
Compensation: Stipend and travel expenses covered
Set the Tone With Your Language
The language you use in your casting call can attract or deter potential applicants. Friendly, enthusiastic language can make your project sound appealing. Overly formal or terse language might put people off.
Consider the tone of your project and mirror that in your casting call. A comedy might benefit from a light-hearted, humorous tone. A drama might call for more serious, engaging language.
Remember, you're not just casting a role. You're inviting actors to join your creative journey. Make it sound like an opportunity they wouldn't want to miss.
Example:
We're on the hunt for dynamic, talented individuals to bring our story to life. If you're passionate about your craft and eager to collaborate with a creative team, we'd love to hear from you!
Outline the Audition Process
Clarity in the audition process is crucial. Specify how and where auditions will be held, whether they'll be in-person or via video submission, and what materials actors should prepare.
If you're requesting video auditions, provide clear instructions on format, length, and content. If possible, include a short script or monologue for them to perform. This reduces confusion and ensures you receive materials that meet your needs.
Also, mention how callbacks will be handled and the timeline for decisions. This helps actors plan accordingly and reduces the uncertainty that often accompanies the audition process.
Example:
Audition Details:
- In-person auditions on February 15, 2024, at Studio 101, NYC.
- Prepare a 2-minute comedic monologue.
- Callbacks will be held on February 20, 2024.
- Final decisions will be communicated by February 25, 2024.
Provide Contact Information
Ensure that applicants know how to reach you with questions or submissions. Include an email address or a phone number, and specify how you prefer to be contacted.
It's also helpful to mention any deadlines for submissions. This encourages timely responses and helps you manage your casting schedule more effectively.
Consider setting up a dedicated email address for casting submissions to keep everything organized and separate from your personal or business email.
Example:
Contact: casting@projectx.com
Submission Deadline: February 10, 2024
Inquiries: Please email with the subject line "Casting Inquiry - [Your Name]"
Make Use of Spell for Efficiency
Writing a casting call can be time-consuming, but tools like Spell can streamline the process. With AI-powered assistance, you can draft a professional casting call quickly and efficiently, ensuring you cover all the necessary details without missing a beat.
Spell helps you edit your text using natural language, making it easy to refine your casting call until it's just right. Plus, you can collaborate with your team in real-time, ensuring everyone's input is considered.
Review and Refine
Before you hit send or post your casting call, review it for clarity and completeness. Is everything spelled correctly? Are all the necessary details included? A second pair of eyes can be invaluable here, so consider asking a colleague to review it.
Ensure that your casting call aligns with your project's tone and vision. If something feels off, don't hesitate to tweak it. A well-crafted casting call reflects the care and attention you're putting into your project. That starts with clear, polished communication.
Example of a Final Casting Call:
Casting Call for "Project X":
Role: Lead Character - Alex
Description: Alex is a witty and charming individual, aged between 25-30, with a knack for getting into amusing predicaments. Comedic timing and improvisation skills are a plus.
Project: "City Lights"
Type: Short Film
Shooting Dates: March 10-12, 2024
Location: New York City
Union Status: Non-union
Compensation: Stipend and travel expenses covered
Auditions:
- In-person on February 15, 2024, at Studio 101, NYC.
- Prepare a 2-minute comedic monologue.
- Callbacks on February 20, 2024.
- Decisions by February 25, 2024.
Contact: casting@projectx.com
Submission Deadline: February 10, 2024
Inquiries: Please email with "Casting Inquiry - [Your Name]"
Final Thoughts
Writing a compelling casting call is your first step in building a successful production team. By defining roles clearly and providing detailed project information, you attract the right talent. It's a process that can be streamlined with tools like Spell, which helps create and refine your documents efficiently. Remember, a well-crafted casting call sets the stage for discovering the perfect actors for your project.
