social media comments & more: what REALLY goes through a casting director's mind
After 30+ years in the film/tv industry as a casting director, filmmaker, and educator, I enjoy sharing my experience on social media, and the conversation that ensues. I try to stay positive and focus on the majority of wonderful comments...but lately, messages have increasingly come in sideways.
•Give me a role!
•I'm now a local hire in the SE, I need to meet with you.
•Watch this new scene. Tell me your thoughts.
whaaaat?
Hold up...do you, dear commenter, really think that demanding my time and attention is how one moves forward in this business? Who are you, and why are you speaking to me this way? And...not even a hello?
If it were NASA and you wanted to be an astronaut...would one say 'make me an astronaut' OR demand a direct meeting OR tell the administrator to watch a video of you doing something astronaut related?
actors earn roles & artists collaborate
It takes years, and often decades, of dedicated and focused study, practice, and work on a variety of independent projects, to land a one line role on a major series or film. No one 'gives' a role to anyone, an actor auditions for and lands the role based on their own merit and years of career development.
Same goes for meetings and viewing reels/scenes...there has to be a mutual reason or a foundation of relationship for both parties to carve out the time. Relationships develop through many interactions that accumulate, based on trust, mutual curiosity, and shared goals.
here's what works
Respectful, authentic connection. Communicate who you are and where we might have a connection. Perhaps there is a show I cast that you identify with, a film I directed that you keep thinking about, or something you saw in one of my YouTube videos that informed your craft practice years ago.
Share that, open up, and don't be tied to any perceived result. Treat other artists the way you'd like to be treated if you were in that position.
Thanks for listening! And thanks to all the artists in which this essay does NOT apply...I see you.