Casting Pros Debate Harassment, Whitewashing and Why the Term “Casting Couch” Is Offensive

Six top casting directors open up about diversity and weigh in on whether they deserve an Oscar category (“Hell yes”).

Between them, they’ve worked on hundreds of films and some of the hottest shows on TV. But unlike the directors they work with and the actors they cast, these six top casting directors wouldn’t be recognized if they were walking down the street.

But now they find themselves in the spotlight — and finally getting together to talk about the issues — after casting became a hot-button topic during the past year due to an outcry over whitewashing in such projects as Ghost in the Shell, Doctor Strange and the Hellboyremake, and an overall demand for more diversity on TV and in film.

Read the full article here.

Press Release from the Board of the CDG

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CASTING DIRECTORS’ GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

16 October 2017

The Casting Directors’ Guild of the UK & Ireland has been closely following recent events.  We completely condemn any and all behaviour that abuses, disrespects and undermines any individual.

At all stages of the audition process, Casting Directors have a duty of care and our members are expected to be vigilant against any abuse of this responsibility, not only with regard to their own behaviour but also that of our employers and collaborators.  It is vitally important to the CDG that all actors feel comfortable, safe and respected at all times and that they are enabled and empowered to audition and work without fear of abuse in any form.

The CDG has the greatest respect and admiration for those who have come forward and spoken out. Sexual abuse, coercion, harassment and bullying have no place in our industry, or any other.

If any actor or casting professional feels personally affected by these unfolding events, please do not hesitate to contact us for support and guidance. Any enquiry will be treated with the utmost respect and in the strictest confidence. Please contact us at info@thecdg.co.uk

Please use this link to download the press release: CDG Press Release October 2017

BIFA lead the way in the UK with recognition of Casting as an awards category

The British Independent Film Awards is set for a significant overhaul ahead of its 2017 ceremony.

Replacing the catch-all outstanding achievement in craft category will be nine separate awards representing different craft disciplines.

They will be: casting, cinematography, costume design, editing, make-up and hair design, music, production design, sound and effects.

BIFA top brass hope that the new system will be “better placed to recognise the wealth of exceptional British talent behind the camera”.

The additions will see the total number of awards categories grow from 19 to 27, including three honorary awards.

At the two most recent editions of the ceremony, the outstanding achievement in craft award had feted Andrew Whitehurst, VFX supervisor on Ex Machina, in 2015, and Robbie Ryan, cinematographer on American Honey, who won last year [pictured]. It was originally introduced in 2001 as the Best Technical Achievement prize.

New system explained:
Entries will be open between May 29 and September 1. The new categories will have long-list nominees selected by groups of 30-40 voters who are largely comprised of film professionals from craft disciplines.

Two rounds of voting, one in late September and one in mid-October, will narrow the long-lists to seven-15 films per category. The final lists will be narrowed down further to three-five films per category, before the nominations are revealed in early November.

The 2017 BIFA Awards will take place on December 10. The event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Last year’s BIFAs crowned Andrea Arnold’s American Honey as the big winner on the night. The 2016 edition also saw debuts for the best debut screenwriter and breakthrough producer awards.

This article was first published in Screen Daily and can be viewed here.

The role of a Casting Director on Radio 4’s Front Row

Victor Jenkins and Lucinda Syson talk to Kirsty Lang about the role of a Casting Director on Radio 4’s Front Row …

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08ksc8s

Casting directors Lucinda Syson has cast Hollywood blockbusters including Gravity, Batman Begins and the new Wonder Woman, and Victor Jenkins who was responsible for pairing Olivia Colman and David Tennant in Broadchurch as well as working on Humans, Episodes and Grantchester.

Casting the new companion in Doctor Who

Our Chair, Andy Pryor, talks about the process of casting the new companion in Doctor Who…

READ MORE

Finding a twin for Lenny Henry: a casting director’s take on Shakespeare

Casting Shakespeare is a complex business. Casting directors work with the play’s director, trying to get inside their head as they get to grips with the play. Some directors have a very clear idea of what they’re after, or have a particular actor in mind – you’re not going to do Hamlet without knowing who your Hamlet is, the same with King Lear. But other directors might be more open to ideas and want us in the casting department to help prompt them. You’re trying to respond to what their concept is, and make it come alive.

READ MORE

Fiona Weir and Nina Gold talk about the process of casting Room and The Martian

As much as the modern franchise era has introduced a certain algorithmic predictability to Hollywood, the art of making movies is still, at its heart, more an alchemy than a concrete science — and few people in the business have learned that lesson better than casting directors. How do you cast a couple whose chemistry must carry a film? How do you find actors who can embody a particular period? And how do you make sure the kid you’re looking at can actually act?

READ MORE