In the last month I’ve been asked what is the difference between a casting director and a casting agent? Or are they the same thing?
There is one essential difference: Whether a casting director is independent (like me) or in-house (within a production company) their aim is to help the director achieve their artistic vision, securing the best possible cast by searching all avenues; a casting agent is employed by an agency and offers only artistes represented by that agency.
So why should emerging film/programme makers use a casting director?
Well... a good one will help you to:
- Break down the script & define the roles
- Write an eye catching casting breakdown
- Create a buzz about your project
- Lend credence and weight to your film
- Handle the pressure of running a casting session
- Secure the high profile names you want
- Discover brand new talent and introduce them to you
- Encourage the best from actors attending the casting
- Advise you which actors will enhance your film
- Steer you from those whose performance could be mediocre
- Negotiate with agents on your behalf
This list is not definitive, but hopefully persuasive.
I recently cast 2 comedy series for BBC3, both with a brief to find fresh talent for the lead roles. The RTS North West Awards are coming up shortly and both casts will be represented in the Best Comedy Performer category with Chris Hannon nominated for Lunch Monkeys and Ross Adams nominated for The Gemma Factor.
In addition, 3 of the Lunch Monkeys young cast have just made the cover of The Big Issue, billed as ‘Rising Stars – Northern actors taking on the world’, confirming that I helped to make the right choices and that their talents can indeed enhance a project!
www.janethampson.co.uk
