This course has been carefully designed by working Casting Directors to help participants develop the skills needed to jump into a busy office as a Casting Assistant. It takes time to build knowledge of actors and to develop meaningful and supportive relationships within the industry. This course offers rigorous training and insight, arming students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to hit the ground running as an assistant. 

During the course, which runs over 24 weeks and across six modules, students will learn the fundamentals of the entire cycle of casting. From how the role of the Casting Director evolved to the basics of how a casting office works and the differing roles within it. Students will be taught how a project is cast from start to finish: from reading scripts and pitching for a job, to finding, presenting and auditioning actors. You will learn how Casting Directors work effectively with producers and agents, navigate codes of conduct and keep a firm hold of schedules, budgets and deal negotiations, and will learn the basics of British PACT, Equity, Cinema and TV union agreements. From street casting to working with minors, down to how open call auditions are organised, no casting stone is left unturned. In addition, you will be given assistance finding a work experience placement within a Casting Director’s office. 

Pictured: Behind the scenes on Season 1 of Netflix's Top Boy

Module 1 – Casting Fundamentals

The course begins with learning the background of the casting industry. Students will then look at examples of casting in films and TV shows and compare and contrast them. Participants will explore how a casting office works and learn at what stage a Casting Director comes on board a project. You will discover the basics of casting a project from start to finish: reading scripts and pitching for a job, presenting actors, auditioning and closing deals. Getting to know script etiquette and distribution is key, as is knowing what a role breakdown vs a script breakdown is. You will consider how to challenge stereotypes and underwritten roles considerately and carefully.

Module 2 – Actors

Working with actors is a fundamental part of a career in casting. You’ll learn how Casting Directors build their knowledge of actors and their bodies of work and how to best present their ideas to Directors and Producers. You will develop your knowledge across the board distinguishing lead actors to day players to supporting artists. Knowing who’s who is at the heart of casting. While it’s easy to be aware of bankable actors, spotting up and coming talent is one of the most important and rewarding parts of the job. How do you hone this skill and what is the difference between an audition, a pre-audition, a self-tape, a screen test and a chemistry read. You will learn the etiquette behind organising one to one meetings with a Director and actor and the requirements of setting up and ensuring the smooth running of a casting session. Finally, you will look at etiquette and codes of conduct in the workplace: in front of and behind the camera.

Module 3 – Union Agreements and Equal Opportunities

This module takes a step by step look at the myriad unions, guilds and agreements you will need to be familiar with primarily PACT British Equity Film and TV Agreements. You will be armed with information on how to analyse the complex issues around portrayal on screen relating to fair representation of gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+, ensuring fair representation behind and in front of the camera. You will learn the format of a deal memo,   Special Stipulations for contracts and how they may be applied and used in negotiation by agents and lawyers.

Module 4 – Specialist Fields

This module turns the spotlight on a range of different casting fields from casting for both subsidised and commercial theatre to fringe and regional venues, from street casting and open calls, to commercials and casting children with expert guest speakers who will share their experience, expertise and advice. Students will be given the opportunity to attend a theatre performance and to analyse  and compare the differing demands of casting for the stage with those of other platforms.

Module 5 – Benefits of Training

Module 5 explores the skills needed to work effectively and efficiently and develop your role within a casting office.

Before applying for any work as an assistant in casting you will need to be aware of how the industry operates and have an understanding of the contribution of an assistant. You will create a CV that is accurate and honest to help facilitate your entry into the industry  and learn about resources you should utilise to look for industry vacancies.

Is casting a freelance world? If you land a job that is self-employed and not PAYE you will need to take care of your taxes each year. What are the pay expectations within the industry and how do earnings as an Associate or Assistant vary?

Advice on how to become eligible to join the CDG (Casting Directors Guild) will be provided.

Module 6 – Final Assessment

The six month course culminates with a Final Assessment presentation where you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding in a real world task which you will present to an industry panel.