Casting Director

Job Description:

Casting Directors facilitate the casting process for finding actors for movies, TV, commercials, and most mass media. This job starts with reading a script, then discussing with producers and directors to get a vision of the type of people they look for when casting a role. In some productions, the casting director deals with an actor's contract that they decide to sign on, but for lower budget ones, the casting director holds auditions for the role. Casting directors need to be well versed in the changing industry of acting/cinema and its characteristics, while also being diplomatic and patient with the production team.

Salary: “According to Glassdoor, the estimated total salary of a casting director is $72,560 a year, including an average base pay of $56,750, plus an additional $15,810 in cash bonuses, commissions, and profit shares.”

One to four years of experience: $52,000
Five to 19 years of experience: $77,511–$82,500
20 or more years of experience: $135,500

Occupational Outlook:

“Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,400 openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.” (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

To become a casting director, you will need to be interconnected in the industry. While some have bachelor degrees in Film, Photography, or Acting, it is only preferred and not required. Others may start as Casting assistants, or work for internships, fellowships, or mentorships, which help prepare for essential parts of the job, like communication skills. Over time, dedication can allow for an increase in position, like assistant to associate.

New York University

Address: New York City, NY

Website: https://tisch.nyu.edu/

Information on the Major: https://tisch.nyu.edu/film-tv

University of Kenutcky

Address: Lexington, KY

Website: uky.edu

Information on the Major: https://finearts.uky.edu/theatre-dance/certificate-filmmaking-production-and-dramatic-writing

Western Kentucky University

Address: Bowling Green, KY

Website: https://www.wku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.wkufilm.com/

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Collaborating with producers, directors, and writers to determine the scope of productions.
Analyzing scripts and role characteristics.
Distributing information on available parts to talent agencies.
Contacting short-listed leading actors or their agents to verify availability.
Scheduling and conducting auditions.
Presenting a list of possible leading actors to producers and directors.
Issuing casting calls for minor acting parts and conducting auditions.

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Get to see rising actors in action
You hold a lot of power in fulfilling the vision of a production
You get to develop a lot of connections with producers and directors.

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

The pay fluctuates, not guaranteed an amazing salary
You have to consider the feelings of the producer, director, and the actors, which may be overwhelming
Have a lot of responsibility in choosing the perfect person for the role, lots of pressure for decision making.

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Many CDs work full-time to keep up with deadlines, and sometimes work on weekends and/or holidays. Casting directors could travel to an actor's home for the sake of the role, or set up a casting call in some obscure settings.

Career Researched By: Inshira Agyemang