Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Elise Buedel · Accepted Answer

“When you get your foot in the door and land that first job, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Buedel also advises to speak up. Casting is a subjective career. The ultimate decision is always made by the Director (in film) and the studio/Showrunner (in TV), but casting offices can have enormous influence on who gets major consideration.
Also, Casting Directors value the viewpoints of their Associates and Assistants, and when asked for their opinion, a Casting Associate just might be the deciding factor when it comes to recommending that an Actor go through to the next round of auditions.

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Elise Buedel · Accepted Answer

A lot of Actors think that going into casting will help them with their acting careers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Casting offices will not let their employees go on auditions or take time off to shoot a film or a co-star role on a TV show. And they certainly will never suggest one of their Casting Associates for a role for which they are casting.

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Elise Buedel · Accepted Answer

“Why do I want to do this?” Being a Casting Associate can be a highly rewarding job, but it’s not easy. And it requires the ongoing nurturing of relationships with Actors. Buedel stresses that anyone considering a career as a Casting Associate be certain that they are enthusiastic about working with Actors and putting in the time and energy towards their acting success.

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Elise Buedel · Accepted Answer

“Positivity.”

Question 5

What is the role of a Casting Associate?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Casting Associate works side by side with the Casting Director to accomplish the task of casting roles for a film, television show, or other form of entertainment. A Casting Associate may assist with scouting for talent, evaluating casting choices, and managing auditions for various roles.

Question 6

How do you become a Casting Associate?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The position of Casting Associate is a mid-level role that requires experience and expertise to attain. If just starting out in casting, you will likely first take on the role of intern, Production Assistant, or perhaps Casting Assistant. With time and skillsets gained, as well as established relationships with others who can provide a Casting Associate job, you can make the leap to that position.

Question 7

What is the difference between a Casting Director and a Casting Associate?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Casting Director leads the casting team on a project and finalizes the casting suggestions that will then be provided to the Director, Producers, and anyone else making the definitive decisions on whom will be cast in each major role. The Casting Associate provides invaluable support to the Casting Director by facilitating the process by which talent is found, auditioned, and decided upon.

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Casting Associate