HOW TO CAST ACTORS AND WHERE TO LOOK FOR THEM

What does it take to make a good video? The first thing that comes to mind is a fresh idea. It turns into an interesting script, and as soon as it is ready, you can start looking for a professional team, rent equipment and hire actors. Depending on your goals, the last point may take a long time. Of course, if you want to save time and save yourself the hassle, there are a couple of simple options – hire a team of newcomers in just a few clicks or try on the role of an actor for yourself. But no matter how good your crew is, a bad game will ruin any project.

If you are not satisfied with this result, you will have to learn a little about the art of casting. And here's the first lesson: successful casting of actors requires a lot of planning and preparation, both from you and from the actors. Let's look for the perfect candidate for the role in your video.

THE ROLE OF CASTING IN THE VIDEO AND FILM PRODUCTION

First, a little basics. In advertising and cinema, casting is a stage of pre-production, during which you select talents for a video or movie, including not only actors, but also dancers, singers and other specialists you need. They go through a series of auditions before a selection panel consisting of a director, producer and director. The whole process is usually recorded on video.

Many directors believe that casting is the most important part of pre–production, because only the right selection of actors and the creative vision of the director allows you to achieve maximum realism and authenticity. Unlike feature films, short promo videos and advertising clips do not need ultra realism and the viewer's compassion for the actors (in most cases). The main purpose of casting in video production is to make sure that the appearance and acting of the actor are able to encourage the viewer to buy the advertised product or subscribe to the promoted channel.

When working with actors, you will face a dozen problems. Proper casting can help you avoid them. Let's say you planned to spend a week casting, but instead decided to reduce the time to one day. The actors chosen hastily seem to be coping well with the roles, and if something goes wrong, a couple of extra takes will hide the shortcomings. In reality, this approach does not work. All unresolved problems at the casting stage (for example, the actor's inability to give out the right emotion) will begin to creep out, and no editor will be able to fix them. Each additional day allocated for screen tests of actors will save you from having to spend two more on reshooting unsuccessful takes.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR ACTORS?

Even if you are filming short video, the talent search process can become a stumbling block and take away a lot of precious time, especially if your budget is small. We recommend starting the search from specialized sites and communities. Depending on your finances and connections, one of these options will suit you.

ACTING AGENCIES

Almost every major city has acting agencies that, for a fee, will help you find the perfect candidate for your project. Acting agencies are companies responsible for talent search and other details related to casting. Each agency has its own database of actors, which are classified according to appearance, age or talent and supplemented with portfolios and video recordings of samples. Working with the agency, you get a team of professionals who know how to organize the casting process. Fast and convenient, but expensive. If your budget is limited, there are more economical options.

THROUGH ACQUAINTANCES IN THE INDUSTRY

If you have managed to get connections in the field of video production, use them. Contact your friends and ask if they know someone who would be suitable for your roles. This method has two big advantages at once – it's absolutely free, and you may not have to waste time on screen tests, because it's unlikely that you will be advised by a bad actor.

IN SOCIAL NETWORKS

Acting groups on Facebook are another way to save on agencies. Just type "Actors (your city)" in the search bar of the site and select the largest community. Try other keywords to search for, such as "Casting", "Video Production", "Crew" and so on. Write to the administrator and ask if any of the subscribers he knows are looking for movie auditions without experience.

IN THE LIST OF ACTORS YOU HAVE WORKED WITH

Of course, an actor may not be suitable for any role, but if you have already shot or ordered videos, someone from those with whom you have already collaborated can harmoniously fit into the image. Review your old videos again – are there any suitable candidates? Usually, young actors are happy with any offer, so they will gladly agree to work with you again.

HOW TO CONDUCT A CASTING

So, you already have the main ingredient for the samples (that is, the actors). Now we need to make preparations. First of all, you need to make sure that you have everything you need so that candidates can reach their full potential. The more responsible your approach to listening, the better the result. Follow these step-by-step instructions so that you don't miss anything.

PICK A PLACE TO LISTEN AND PREPARE IT

The choice of location depends on your budget. Knowing how much you can spend, you can immediately weed out too expensive options. You need a room with at least two spacious rooms. Make sure there is enough room for everyone in the waiting room. In the audition room, nothing should constrain the actors in their movements. Prepare a table for the jury and a stage for the actors, do not forget about the forms to fill out.

REREAD THE SCRIPT AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

Even casting in advertising requires the maximum participation of the entire film crew. How can you demand high professionalism from actors if you don't know the details of your own project yourself? Reread the script several times in case you have to answer questions. You need to know your characters better than anyone on your team - so you'll have a clearer idea of what type of actor you need.

TAKE CARE OF COMFORT

Casting in a movie is not a corporate event, there is no need to make friends here. You have to get used to saying no. There is no need to console everyone who did not come up with false hopes. But at the same time, actors need to see that they are being treated well. So that candidates don't get nervous, be polite and let them know that you appreciate their work and talent.

MAKE NOTES

Acting auditions can last a long time. You'll have to listen to a lot of people, so don't try to memorize everything. Pay attention to some details and write them down. Watch how the actors move, whether their appearance is suitable for the roles. How do they play, sound? Write down your thoughts and ideas to make room for new ones. This way, you don't have to concentrate on something for a long time, missing important details.

CHAT WITH THE ACTORS

To unlock the full potential of an actor, it is necessary to interact with him. First, conduct a short interview, thank you for coming. Tell me what you expect from him and explain the idea of the video personally. If he is not familiar with the script yet, hand over the excerpt. Be friendly – the conversation will not only help you clarify the situation, but also calm the actor.

LET ME IMPROVISE

Screen tests should not be strictly scripted. Invite the candidate to play a couple of scenes with transitions between different emotional states. It is better to finish listening at this stage. A good actor can easily cope with the task. Ask if he wants to add something to his role. Maybe it will make you rethink some aspects. Be open to new offers.

DOCUMENT

Notes alone are not enough. Usually, auditions are filmed on video. Casting is 20% of the audition and 80% of the revision of the footage. To get everything into the frame, you need to prepare a platform – draw a mark on which the actors will stand. So it will be easier to remove all their movements, not just their faces. Before you start listening, ask them to say their names and show both profiles to the camera.

Choosing the face of your company or brand is not an easy task. In addition to attractive facial features, the candidate must be at least a little talented. A convincing and realistic game will make the audience sympathize with the character and, more importantly, believe you. Now that you know how and where to find actors and arrange an audition, there should be no problems (at least major ones). Be organized, treat the actors with respect – and a boring audition will be a pleasant and valuable experience.