My day as a casting director

Sometimes, I get the chance to wear a different hat and play casting director. I recently had the opportunity to request submissions for the male lead in a short, comedic film.

"Do you know anyone?"

"Sure! I can find someone." (Not really, but I'll just put out a casting call. How hard can it be?)

Ha! So, you want to hear about some of the pitfalls I encountered? Sure you do.

You get what you pay for

Since this was an unpaid project, I had to go through Facebook to find suitable candidates. Unfortunately, those just starting out are the ones who can afford to take unpaid work, while the more serious actors have either left for greener pastures, can't take non-union work, or just won't take anything unpaid.

Open ethnicity, but...

Being in Florida, I got a ton of submissions from hispanics. That might sound racist, but demographically speaking, it makes sense. I didn't want to limit myself on any talent, so I left ethnicity open in the casting.

Unfortunately, the director really was looking for a more plain-jane/everyman type and the majority of submissions I received, well, they read very, very exotic.

Again, it sucks because I know what it's like to be judged by your appearance, but it further proves my point that not every role is meant for every actor. As they say in the car business, "There's an ass for every seat." Can't take casting personally.

I'm really 35, but I look 22

So, while I actually have the opposite problem (and it's not just in my head because I get told this constantly), some people only think they can play younger.

I received a submission from a gentleman, allegedly in his 30s, who said he could play a twenty-something. Unfortunately, while he had a great character face, it reads much older than thirty. In fact, I would have placed him at forty. He also had a much older-sounding, albeit marvelous, deep voice with a hint of a southern drawl. I watched his reel, and he had some really nice moments on camera. Still, he was paired with women in their mid-late thirties, early forties.

There's no reason why I shouldn't cast him at some point in something - he's fabulous! It just won't be for this project because the character will be playing opposite me as my husband, and well, I look like I'm eighteen apparently.

Saying "no"

Some people don't take rejection very well at all. Some people, including yours truly, don't do well doling out bad news. There's a ton of great talent out there, and I love diverse, nuanced roles. The best I can offer is that I'll keep you in mind for future work. And I will, I promise you that.

Are you a casting director? Have you ever had to cast for your own film projects? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!