As another pilot season grinds away, I find that the questions asked and comments made by actors highlight a fundamental lack of understanding as to casting directors do and why they do it.
So, let’s look at the other side of the desk.
What Are the Different Types of Casting Directors?
There are two genres of casting directors: Those who work at a studio or network and oversee pilot casting and independent casting directors whom the networks and studios hire to do the actual casting. As with actors, casting directors must compete for those jobs. There are a lot of casting directors so, in order to get work, they must stay in the good graces of those who can approve them. As with anyone who is hired, casting directors can and do get fired.
Years ago the relationship between the buyers (networks) and the sellers (the studios or producers) was a partnership, and casting directors were an integral part of the equation. The networks respected the producer’s vision and, while they still had the ultimate right of approval, they did not bully them into hiring only actors whom they wanted. Added to this, the networks are in fierce competition with each other over the select actors whom they consider “gets.” The result is that casting directors have far less creative input than in the past and must respect the wishes of the studio execs.
What Do Casting Directors Do?
The first step is to make up lists, comprised, mostly of the actors networks want. In effect, all the networks are working with the same lists. The casting directors must separate the actors who are not available or do not want to do TV from those who are attainable. Since the name of the game is “let's get him before the other guys do,” most of these actors are “offer only,” meaning they don’t read for the role. Thus, during the opening weeks of casting there are few actual readings. As it is imperative that the pilot set the one or two lynchpin actors before they build the rest of the ensemble, even if there are some casting sessions, no decisions will be made before the leads are set. As a safety blanket, casting directors might read actors while an offer is out for the same role.
Since, in theory, all pilots are “cast contingent,” if the pilot does not lure in the right actor, it won’t go further. Often, casting directors are blamed for this, which puts them under a lot of stress—stress that can be projected onto actors.
Keeping all this in mind, here are four things you should remember about pilot season:
- Everyone is terrified. Producers want a show on the air. Casting directors walk a tightrope trying to please everyone. Actors put too much pressure on themselves to control an uncontrollable situation.
- It can be boring to listen to actor after actor repeat the same words. Since most actors go for a similar generic interpretation they yearn for, the actor who makes his reading individual will get the attention of CDs and producers. Remember over the course of a series, characters and actors merge so show them who you are now as well as where you can take the character.
- Even if you were told to prepare more than one scene, they do not need to hear more than three lines to know if you are right for the role. Don’t be bummed if they only want to hear one scene. If you don’t look right, they don’t even need to hear that much.
- Some scripts aren’t very good. Therefore even if an actor comes in wearing floppy shoes, a big red nose, and shoots from a seltzer bottle, the scene will still fall flat. Unfortunately, no writer will admit that, nor will the networks say that to them. When casting reaches that impasse, a new casting director is brought in.
Taking that into account, here are the questions and answers actors ask most frequently:
1. Why didn’t they give me any notes? Because they might know from the start you are not right for the role or they don’t know how to give them.
2. Why didn’t they laugh? To laugh at something is to express an independent thought which can be dangerous. When you test at the network level, oftentimes, no one will laugh or comment until the “big boss” does so first.
3. Why didn’t they tell me if I got a callback? They might see someone whom they like more, or the concept for the role might change as the rest of the cast emerges.
4. Why was the reader so terrible? I do better when I read with an actor! Unfortunately, sometimes readers just aren’t good. Your job is to make your choices based on hearing and thinking. Plus even if you get cast, the lead might not be there for your closeup, and you will have to act with a monotone production assistant. Or maybe the other actor who is cast isn’t very good and will, also, give you nothing. My best advice is to get over it. It is your job to make it work so use what you are given.
5. Why did they give me new material at the last minute? I couldn’t prepare. Script changes are frequently made on a set so you will often have to shoot material you haven’t seen before. That is why I caution actors not to become too dependent on working with coaches. When you get new lines on set, you are on your own.
6. I heard the other actors read and they were awful! Don’t put yourself in a position that you can hear them. Wear headphones and listen to music or go sit in the hall. Paying attention to that or any waiting room chatter will just distract you.
7. I got lost in a scene and used the wrong word. What do I do? Your character did not memorize the script nor does he know you used the “wrong word.” It doesn’t matter! Either stop and start again or continue. If you roll down the hill after your mistake, that will be what your audition is about.
8. The casting people weren’t very nice. While that is unfortunate, they are human beings who comprise lots of different personality types, and pilot season is exhausting. The way they are has nothing to do with you. Your job is to be the host of the party and make them feel comfortable.
Pilot season is extremely difficult. You have chosen a very competitive business and, make no mistake, it is a business, one where decisions are based on personal taste. There is no right or wrong answer. Maybe you are the best choice for the role, but believing that does not factor into reality.
Think of it this way: Some people like soft oatmeal cookies while others like them crunchy. It’s just a personal choice. No one is right…but, while I mention this, how do I get Pepperidge Farm to start making them crunchy again?
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