A casting director works to find actors and actresses that can fulfill open parts within productions and also helps to arrange the auditions for them. A large number of casting directors in the United States are part of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and are hired by producers and directors of different types of productions, including films, plays, and movies. Even though there is no exact requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to become a casting director, obtaining education in film or art is beneficial. With the right types of skills in addition to plenty of experience and networking, anyone can become a casting director.
You will probably find it very helpful to complete some type of film and/or theater degree program at a two- or four-year college. Understanding the complex industry that a casting director works within can begin in the classroom. It is also wise to obtain some type of education within business management or administration, which will help you to learn how to effectively craft and negotiate contracts with the actors and/or actresses with which you partner. To be a successful casting director, you must understand the acting process, making it very important for you to take some type of acting class as well.
The skills that you must have in order to become a casting director will be mastered through experience, with the best way being to work underneath other casting directors. Many people choose to acquire an internship, as this helps them to get their foot into the industry. A lot of effort must be put forth by a casting director to ensure the right actors/actresses are obtained for character parts. As soon as you acquire an internship, you will quickly notice that you must be willing to work long hours, possess strong communication skills, and be able to effectively collaborate with people.
You may feel that the duties that you complete as an intern have nothing to do with becoming a casting director. Sorting through mail and being a personal assistant is not anything like being an actual casting director, but experience and networking are acquired through being an intern. Networking is essential in being a successful casting director because it will allow you to make connections with people in the industry that can help to expand your career.
In order to become a casting director, there are a variety of interpersonal skills that you should work to have. In addition to being able to multitask, you should also have superb organizational skills. Your negotiation skills should be top notch and you must have the ability to be patient yet persistent. It also helps for you to pay close attention to details, such as names of actors/actresses, where they are from, and in what they are interested. Honing these skills will help you to gain success in this industry.
