If you are looking for actors for your video production process, it’s important to follow the right steps involved so you can get the right talent and skill. The process of finding actors for a film pre-production process is called casting. The person in charge of the casting is referred to as the casting director. So what exactly does a casting director do to source for the best team out there? And how do you cast actors for video production? Let’s get you started.

There are two options you could go for when casting actors for your video production. First, you could hire a casting director if you want to make things more professional and streamlined.  Second, the director or the producer handling the production could own the casting process. It all boils down to your budget and what you are looking for.

Another additional option for a cost-effective budget production would be the showreels. It’s quick and cheap. What you need to do is to ask for a showreel of their highlighted work. Most union actors will have a reel. But the more inexpensive or newer actors most likely will not. If wondering where to get them, you can find the showreels on specialized websites such as SF Casting or backstage casting. Watching a showreel helps you get an impression of potential actors’ talents, physical presence, and versatility.

It’s also important to note that you can further break the casting director role to the principal casting director and the background casting director. The principal casting director typically handles all speaking roles, while the background casting director will be in charge of all non-speaking roles. Check more insights on background casting directors.

Why casting actors can make or break your production

Even with all the filming equipment in the world and a gorgeous location, having a miscast for your video production will directly affect performance and a disconnect with your target audience.

You want actors who will suit and bring out well the performance of a particular role. Can the audience believe in your actors’ performance? Because, believe me, if they won’t believe, they won’t be invested. While the script might be good enough, you have to keep the audience interested; otherwise, anything to the contrary will work against your TV show or video.

The casting process is extremely systematic, and it calls for ample time that is hard to rush. The timing also has to be good coupled with instinct and critical analysis.

Casting Actors for Video Production

There are vital steps you should take when casting. You’ll want to check out the tips below.

#1. Do a Script Breakdown

First, casting directors will need to read and reread the script to familiarize themselves with the plot, characters, and major themes. After that, they will need to create a speaking role for each character description. Ideally, the casting director should come up with a character breakdown sheet containing detailed information on age, character, personality, interests, dislikes, etc. This exercise gives the casting director ideas on the best talent to source. It also helps a potential candidate more easily fit the role, if the description is poignant instead of vague.

#2. Open Casting Call

Getting the right talent follows that you send out calls to interested actors. Your options are wide. There are actors with experience, while others are ripe graduates from college seeking to build a portfolio. Post your call on online platforms and also in places you know actors like to hang out regularly. Your other option would be film schools; it’s easy finding great actors there. Casting sites and forums can also be your go-to points for actors.

You want your post to include some basic information that lists who you are, your business or company’s name, and your list of requirements. You should also let people know how they can reach out to you. Are you able to get more detailed? For example, you will need to tell them what the role is about and their age and gender preferences.

You have to set clear expectations. Have a balance between mystery and openness to not come off as too open or quite selfish with information. This is one of the key steps to how to cast actors for video production. In essence, you’ll want the actors to be able to find themselves at the audition and bring life to the role. Maybe it’s a sad role and they really go for it with the emotion! Or perhaps they hold it back and then let it loose at a particular line on the script.

#3. Schedule Auditions

Once you start getting enough responses to your casting call, schedule auditions. Auditions are a key and fun stage that involves putting your potential actors into action to bring your characters into life. There are two ways of conducting auditions: The self-tape and the in-person. With self-tape, the potential talent will record their audition and send it to the casting director. The in-person option involves the director meeting with a multitude of actors and putting them in character with their roles. In-person auditions are more optimum since they allow you to communicate with your actors more effectively.

#4. Have Callbacks

Scheduling and holding auditions is never a one-time process. You want to interact with many actors as much as possible. This helps you to understand their talent and abilities for given roles before narrowing them down. An actor may have exhibited a dismal performance in one role yet fit very well in another. Callbacks allow you to analyze that; you compare performance and pick the best.  The other thing you should look for during callbacks is the chemistry between the actors. How do they relate and do performances with fellow actors? It is something your audience will love and cherish if you do it right. You should give your actors the chance to perform vital scenes with their colleagues, record the sessions and see how it plays out. At the end of the process, ensure you get the best talents for your roles.

#5. Do a Screen Test

A film audition is what we call a screen test. It involves an actor performing sides on camera. The casting crew uses the screen tests to analyze performance, costumes, counterparts’ chemistry, and make-up. Your role as a casting director is to ensure that actors are falling in line regarding the parameters. Apart from the in-person auditions, doing a screen test will help you know how good your actor can perform for the camera and whether they fit the role. When trying to cast the best actors for video production, you’ve got to keep the end of your project in sight. Will this actor really resonate with your final video?

#6. Select the Right Actors

The decision to choose the cast for a video production squarely lies on the casting director and the producers. Depending on your budget, only select the best talents in the market to give you the results you desire.

Wrap Up

You now know how to cast actors for video production. The tips provided should guide you in the auditions and the decision-making process. Never rush through the process; this is something you want to invest as much time as possible. Putting down a good script is good, but you have to get the right talent in place for playing out the roles. Your job is to get the right talent and not make friends, so don’t be afraid to send out rejections. We hope you choose the best actors.

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