What is an Ensemble Cast — Examples & Characteristics

An ensemble cast in cinema and theatre is like an orchestra, where a group of diverse and talented performers come together, each contributing their unique notes to create a harmonious performance. But what exactly is an ensemble cast? How does it enhance the narrative and engage audiences in a distinct way? Continue reading What is an Ensemble Cast — Examples & Characteristics

The Ultimate Guide to Auditions [FREE Casting Sheet Template]

The project’s been green lit. The script’s been finalized. I’m going to hold an open casting call! Not so fast. If you’re not careful, your open casting call can be disorganized and rushed, netting you less than amazing actors.Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Auditions [FREE Casting Sheet Template]

Stereotypes in Movies and How Filmmakers Can Avoid Them

Over the last century, we made some extraordinary advances in storytelling technology. We can shoot in complete darkness. We can create environments and characters from nothing more than pixels ⏤ even live, in real-time. And we can literally make an entire feature film using our phones! And, yet, stereotypes in movies still exist. The progress needle for non-white character representation hasn’t moved nearly as far. So, in this post, we’re going to talk about how we can be better, more inclusive storytellers by avoiding stereotypes in movies — in our writing, our casting, and other production aspects.Continue reading Stereotypes in Movies…

The 8 Best Free Casting Websites

Casting websites have forever changed the production process. It used to be that the aspiring actor, with their trusty headshot in tow, would make the rounds to casting offices, not quite sure what to expect.Thanks to the wonders of technology, actors now have an abundance of online resources to find legitimate casting opportunities.Here’s a look at some of the best free casting websites out there.Continue reading The 8 Best Free Casting Websites

What Lies Beneath: Know When Actors Exaggerate Their Resumes

Everyone has told a little white lie to get a red-hot job, amirite?  You do what you have to get your foot in the door. But, telling a lie in production is a gift that could keep on giving as long as there is work to be done or a film that stands the test of time.  It can also stop a production in its’ tracks. It is important to know which lies to let slide, which to nip in the bud and which you may have to bounce back from when that happen on your set. There are certain…

The Best Casting Tips for Directors and Producers

One of the most important parts of any project is your cast. A great cast can make or break your film or project. But many filmmakers look at the casting process as a path of least resistance. There are several ways to make the right casting decisions that will drastically improve your chances for success. Here are our best casting tips that every filmmaker should use.Continue reading The Best Casting Tips for Directors and Producers

Working With Celebrity Talent: How I Learned To Respect the Kardashians

Working with talent used to fill me with dread.  Celebrity talent was even worse. Dealing with handlers, agents, lawyers and even personal assistants can try any producer’s patience. But it’s part of the business. If you want to make movies you have to learn to work with demanding celebrities.Continue reading Working With Celebrity Talent: How I Learned To Respect the Kardashians

Indie Film Casting Explained: From Casting Calls to Callbacks

Casting an independent film can be a lesson in the old adage, “You may love filmmaking, but it doesn’t love you back.” You want top talent in your film, but you often don’t have the money or the professional clout to attract them. Many filmmakers take the path of least resistance and end up getting an audience to match. But indie film casting isn’t as hard as one might think.If you want to know how to cast actors for a short film, you need to understand the proper channels and etiquette. In today’s post, we’ll examine the casting process and…

Tales From the Trenches: An Insider’s Hack to Casting Background Talent

Background talent has been a staple of the movie industry since the early days of filmmaking.  The need for background continues today on sets in Hollywood. But now, union rates and minimum wage laws means that it's costly to use a cast of thousands, even when the project calls for just that. But producer’s on a budget and indie filmmakers don’t have to reign in the scope of their imagination or productions. The film industry has evolved to find a way to satisfy the need for crowds in some clever and cutting-edge ways.  Now, the savvy producer can multiply a…