Casting Sabotage?

Ever feel like you are being sabotaged by people involved in casting? It could be actually be happening or you might just be paranoid, but let’s assume you are right. Casting is largely made up of actors or former actors and who’s kidding who? …
Some of them are not that happy to be sitting watching people doing what they would prefer to be doing themselves…and of course everyone can have a bad day due to their spouse or kids or whom/whatever.

So if you find yourself being downtrodden or otherwise abused by someone like a casting director, what do you do? Well as in all things acting, the main thing is to “Be cool Hunnybunny, be cool”. Whatever they throw at you, remain calm. First thing is to assess the situation. What are they doing or suggesting you do, and how do you feel about it…and seriously…take your time. If they redirect you into a choice that you don’t agree with at all, you can politely refuse, regardless of whether it is the director or just a casting associate. If it is an associate, I would be more sure of yourself since they probably have no idea of what the producers are looking for other than what they know based on who is being called in and other basic stuff that you too already know, so don’t let an associate dictate to you, unless it is to go further with what you are already doing or maybe pulling it back a little.

If the director/producer makes a suggestion, first figure out if you know what they are talking about, and if not try to get clarification. If it’s a major change, you can ask for a few minutes to rework it. I’ve run producer sessions where an actor flat out refused to take direction and simply stated that was how he saw the part and I’ve seen people come in with the wrong sides and say they need a few minutes, and that’s normally not a problem since they are looking for the right person and they want you to do your best, so take the time you need and ask questions if necessary. You are all on the same team, and it makes no sense to do something that is going to make you less desirable in their minds, not to mention jeopardizing your chances at getting called in in the future again.

The best way to handle this type of problem is to try to figure out ahead of time what you would do and practice it a couple of times with someone else, maybe even in an audition class…you could ask your teacher to throw you off somehow and see how you handle it. If you practice it in a relaxed learning environment, you will probably see that it’s no big deal and handle it like a pro if/when it happens in a live audition.

In any case, casting directors for better or worse control an actors destiny to some degree, so regardless of how they behave, you have to maintain your composure whichever course of action you decide is appropriate.

Ciao from the Lido deck!