Stick to the Brief!!!

Location > Networking > Forum > Stick to the Brief!!!

	Topic: Stick to the Brief!!!
Posted : 25/02/10 / Views : 950 / Replies : 10 /
Lorna.Bursell 49 posts last on: 03/02/12 send private reply	why is it, when a casting brief is posted...the cds never ever ever stick to it. If we're expected to adhere to a strict brief then why cant they. example, i was up for a part which stated, pale skinned, fair haired, genuine yorkshire accent. the girls that got through to next stage....Dark hair, tanned skin in some cases....some not even yorkshire. now, whats the point calling us for auditions if you are going to do the total opposite to what you originally specified for? kinda wastes our time as well as yours.......

[add comments | all topics]

	Reply #1
Posted : 25/02/10
Prudence 110 posts last on: 5 hours send private reply	Hello, I think I know which, casting your talking about. I went to it. It's very frustrating!!!! x

	Reply #2
Posted : 25/02/10
Lorna.Bursell 49 posts last on: 03/02/12 send private reply	did u get the same thing at yours??

	Reply #3
Posted : 25/02/10
alibellfish 43 posts last on: 07/02/12 send private reply	LOL. I remember many years ago going up for a really great part, 5ft 7, Geordie, tough, tomboyish with a whole backstory that was fascinating. The girl who got the job was none of those things, and they had evidently had to re-write the whole script to accommodate this different character. People change their minds. It never bothers me much if the actor getting the role is really good, only when they're not! ;-)

Reply #3

Posted : 25/02/10

alibellfish
43 posts
last on: 07/02/12
send private reply

LOL.
I remember many years ago going up for a really great part, 5ft 7, Geordie, tough, tomboyish with a whole backstory that was fascinating. The girl who got the job was none of those things, and they had evidently had to re-write the whole script to accommodate this different character.
People change their minds.
It never bothers me much if the actor getting the role is really good, only when they're not! ;-)

	Reply #4
Posted : 25/02/10
Lena.Andersson 60 posts last on: 04/01/12 send private reply	The trouble is, it's often not the casting directors fault. I'm told that often they are given a strict criteria, but they also have to second guess the director/producer because if they call in one type of person and after seeing half the actors the director changes his/her mind then the casting director needs to do a quick U turn so often they call in actors other than the brief as a back up. I think it's easier if you try to imagine yourself in the casting directors shoes a little bit. They are under a huge amount of pressure to get the right person in and it's not their decision ultimately. They are working freelance generally aren't they? I think they have more pressure than we do to be honest. If you get called in, it's because they have got you through the door, ultimately it's a good thing. As frustrating as it is - at the moment I think getting to be seen is quite an achievement.

Reply #4

Posted : 25/02/10

Lena.Andersson
60 posts
last on: 04/01/12
send private reply

The trouble is, it's often not the casting directors fault.

I'm told that often they are given a strict criteria, but they also have to second guess the director/producer because if they call in one type of person and after seeing half the actors the director changes his/her mind then the casting director needs to do a quick U turn so often they call in actors other than the brief as a back up.

I think it's easier if you try to imagine yourself in the casting directors shoes a little bit.
They are under a huge amount of pressure to get the right person in and it's not their decision ultimately.

They are working freelance generally aren't they?

I think they have more pressure than we do to be honest.

If you get called in, it's because they have got you through the door, ultimately it's a good thing.

As frustrating as it is - at the moment I think getting to be seen is quite an achievement.

	Reply #5
Posted : 25/02/10
Lorna.Bursell 49 posts last on: 03/02/12 send private reply	I was having a major benny when I wrote this, now I've calmed down I'm seeing things a littlre more logically. I do understand they have a difficult job to do....Its just so frustrating.....

	Reply #6
Posted : 25/02/10
anonymous	On another note - just saw a breakdown today which ended with the line - acting experience essential... Um, sorry?... You've just posted this on a casting website which specifically requests that as actors we have 3 or more professional credits or have been professionally trained?? This is not the first i've seen either. I'm a bit concerned.

	Reply #7
Posted : 25/02/10
anonymous	Ooooh Lena - have you gone blonde? VERY like! You look amazing!! :)

	Reply #8
Posted : 25/02/10
clairedodin 425 posts last on: 2 hours send private reply	Sometimes this can play in your favour. I'm currently shooting a film and my character description is still on the script "Male, Irish, 40s or 50s" I asked them about it and they said they just loved my audition but wasn't right for the character I auditioned for, so they thought about what they could give me and thought that this character could as well be me. I'm sure all the Irish men who auditioned for it must hate me! My point is that nothing is ever set in stone and it can be a good thing for you. If people like you enough, they'll change the part for you (unless it is a known play, even though I did sing Johanna with my dark hair and we joked about it! Anything is possible). I'm sorry this didn't play in your favour this time, but another time it will! :-) I actually like that there is flexibility in casting because how often to you see casting notices that are exactly you? (personally, nearly never) Well those that aren't are still possibilities, and that's good news.

Reply #8

Posted : 25/02/10

clairedodin
425 posts
last on: 2 hours
send private reply

Sometimes this can play in your favour. I'm currently shooting a film and my character description is still on the script "Male, Irish, 40s or 50s"

I asked them about it and they said they just loved my audition but wasn't right for the character I auditioned for, so they thought about what they could give me and thought that this character could as well be me.

I'm sure all the Irish men who auditioned for it must hate me!

My point is that nothing is ever set in stone and it can be a good thing for you. If people like you enough, they'll change the part for you (unless it is a known play, even though I did sing Johanna with my dark hair and we joked about it! Anything is possible).

I'm sorry this didn't play in your favour this time, but another time it will! :-)
I actually like that there is flexibility in casting because how often to you see casting notices that are exactly you? (personally, nearly never) Well those that aren't are still possibilities, and that's good news.

	Reply #9
Posted : 25/02/10
alibellfish 43 posts last on: 07/02/12 send private reply	Every audition is a blessing and an opportunity to show your talent and professionalism to both the director and casting. They may change their brief but you still had a chance to shine. You may be right for something else. Good for you for getting seen!

	Reply #10
Posted : 25/02/10
Lena.Andersson 60 posts last on: 04/01/12 send private reply	Oh Vanessa! Thank You :) Yes I went Auburn in an idiotic bid to get more castings - needless to say - it didn't work! LOL

[add comments | all topics]

Please note: Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of Casting Call Pro, nor have they been vetted by Casting Call Pro staff. If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.