Filmmaking / Directing : Casting..........how important is it? by Ozzie Stewart

Very important, some of these actors/actresses would not have gotten the chance to be known if not for casting directors.

The casting director can make or break a film Certain movies you couldn't picture anyone else in the part

Casting is insanely important. The look of the actor and their delivery is insanely important.

The question is why do casting directors not get their just rewards?

What do you mean. Don't they get paid?

They do not get recognition for an Oscar award. Why not? Should they?

Couldn't agree more, Ozzie.

famous actors, directors, producers all have sent letters to the association of over the Oscars and they never responded to any of their letters. I believe they should definitely be nominated for a award though. Then again, how often are they used now?

One of the most important parts to get your vision represented is to match the talent with the characters but also have the talent with the flexibility to discover new things about the characters. I'd say it is high on the list of importance.

Poor casting can destroy a good story. Good casting can elevate a moderate story. Good casting makes direction easier - definitely VERY important

Great to get the feedback guys. Yet I've learned that some film directors see themselves as the last word in the casting process, so the reverence/importance of the casting director is neglible. What do you think?

Oh my , this is the MOST important in making a good Film , There are many many films were the Actors to not fit the Role ,

Last week for 1/2 price tkts w/headshot @ NYC Village Cinema for CASTING BY the documentary. Check out the following: http://www.sagfoundation.org/allevents/detail/10334 http://www.backstage.com/news/case-casting/ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/woody-allen-pens-rare-open-651493 http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2013/11/why-casting-directors-deserve-acad...

Casting is extremely important!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmovies/article/Hollywoods-Biggest-Castin...

HAPPY GOBBLE GOBBLE ONE AND ALL!! On the way to making history, next stop at Hudson http://timeandspace.org/movies 'Casting by": Revolution in Hollywood A film by Tom Donahue. "Outstanding!" - Leonard Maltin. ". . . Jampacked with evocative film clips and a who's who of actors and filmmakers." - Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times. The surprising, never-before-told tale of the indispensable yet unsung casting director iconoclasts whose keen eye, exquisite taste, and gut instincts redefined Hollywood. This is the story of Marion Dougherty who launched the careers of the biggest stars in the world. Directed by Tom Donahue 2013, 89 minutes

Casting is extremely important. And you don't necessarily get what you pay for. I've seen bad union actors and great first-time actors. Good actors make the Director's job easier - and can add a lot to a weaker story.

When a play is read, the characters are defined beforehand. (usually one or two sentences). So I wonder what the casting director gets when they look at a script besides the story. Is there a sheet of descriptions attached to the script?

When I cast I give the auditionees the whole script and a character description. They need to know the context of the scene they are auditioning as well as "who" the character is.

Watch any film you like. Did you like it? Did the cast play well together? Then ask if casting is important.

Casting can be extremely difficult because depending on how big your project is your dealing with multiple personalities! You want to cast people who visually fit the script and have actual talent! You want to cast responsible actors. You cast someone who is not serious, or disciplined, the director will have to end up playing babysitter, or Mommy/Daddy on set. You want to cast people who are reliable. If someone says they are going to do it then backs out, this can delay your shoot. If you cast professional people then you won't have too much of a problem of them getting along on set. People who respect the craft and are invested in their art form want to see the project to the end. Casting is like performing an Job interview, except you;'re doing the hiring. You want to make sure the person is going to be committed and professional! Casting the wrong people can prevent your videos/films from being made!

One director said if you cast a movie right, your job as a director is nearly done.. if you cast poorly, a grand task is just beginning...

I disagree. A catastrophe is beginning (if you cast poorly)! ;-)

that is essentially what I meant , grand as in huge... vast not as in good or great.

I know! I thought your comment would have more impact when expressed in a more exaggerated manner! ;-)

indeed , casting is critical and so many low- no budget films... well there are amateurs that can play the part and ones that cannot ... work with what you've got.. but allocate them to the right place... and remember some actors role is best carrying the lights ...

And speaking of budgets, I am reminded of the noble Polonius who once said, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."

casting is essential; so is the script.

Ellen Barkin and Jack Nichelson (sp?) could not save "Man Trouble".

Hey there. Great to hear from you especially as I've been off the circuit for the last year. CHEERs

Casting a role is like picking the right singer for a songwriter. You make the widgets, they take them to the public.

In a word - vital.

Everything

...an 8 year old post... where are these coming from???