Casting on the spot.

[Azmyth]

I've never had to do this, but on my new film I've had several actors already who have absolutely floored me with their initial taped auditions, which has inclined me to want to call them and get the ball rolling on casting them without seeing anyone else (because they may become booked by someone else first if I don't act fast). I know its always good to see everyone because you "never know", but these auditions literally were exactly what I wanted.. is this considered ok to do? Because that means I will effectively cancel about 15 auditions if I were to cast this role right now. Is that normal?

 

[jghenderson]

I've never had to do this, but on my new film I've had several actors already who have absolutely floored me with their initial taped auditions, which has inclined me to want to call them and get the ball rolling on casting them without seeing anyone else (because they may become booked by someone else first if I don't act fast). I know its always good to see everyone because you "never know", but these auditions literally were exactly what I wanted.. is this considered ok to do? Because that means I will effectively cancel about 15 auditions if I were to cast this role right now. Is that normal?

I think it's the same issue with deciding whether or not to do another take of a shot. There's always a chance you could get a "better" shot or a better actor, but I think sometimes you just need to go with your gut and run with it.

 

[tired]

I think you owe it to every actor who is ready to audition - to see them. you may find someone better or you may confirm your initial choice or you may find a talent that you can use in another role or you may find an actor you never want to see again!- either way you win in the end.

If I get an audition and put in effort to learning lines and interpreting a script & character, I want to have a shot at it. if we as filmakers all cancelled auditions when we found 'the right' actor - would actors start putting less effort into preparing for those auditions?

 

[kevin baggott]

I get yelled at by producers cause I do this all the time. I might not even audition them. I might put an ad up and meet with my 3 fav peeps for each role - and then meet them for coffee and a chat. You can tell some technical things from an audition - but they're usually a nightmare for all involved - anyway - I'd rather meet them and see if they have what I need. Always works for me.