Replying to actors you don't cast

H

HockeyFan12

Member
Hi,

I recently post an ad on craigslist for an actor and got a bunch of replies...I picked someone...but I'm not sure if I should reply to the actors I didn't cast and, if I should, what to say? I got responses from a lot of people who looked good for the role so I don't want to offend them, but I also feel bad leaving them hanging. There were too many replies (20+ maybe) for me to personalize each one...would should I do? What is the normal protocol for this situation?

Thanks!
 
it sounds like you didn't even audition them. the only people i call to say they were not cast are actors we brought in for a second audition / "call back".
 
Well, the reason I didn't audition them is because I cast based purely on reel--it was for a voice-over type situation and I didn't want to audition for what ultimately took 20 minutes to record. I guess maybe I could reply only to those who sent in appropriate reels rather than just a headshot...

Thanks for the help, though; that makes sense.
 
if at all practical, you should always reply to people, it's just rude not too. Remember the golden rule.

Just tell them that you thank them for their interest, but you've casted the part, and you'll keep their info in case you ever find a part that might be appropriate for them. Short and sweet. Much better than ignoring them.
 
Ummm...I guess as an actor I have a different take. As a casting person my take is the same as an actor for the most part.

Actor side: I have only gotten a call about not getting a part maybe 3 times in over 30 years and those were when a director called me up and asked me to come read. Except on stage auditions where they often post those cast on a board at the theatre...I seldom hear a thing unless I get the booking.

Casting side: Actors are used to rejection and not getting contacted if they don't get cast. It is part of the game on feature film and TV work. Unless their agent calls to tell them they did not make the list...casting does not. But then...casting is often reading hundreds of people and don't get paid to make all those calls.

That might seem cold..but it IS standard on feature and tv auditions...

If you decide to do something that is cool. Since you did your casting notice on CL, I would say if you want to be nice...post back on CL saying thank you all for the submissions but if you did not get a call or email from us it is because we were not able to use you for this booking. Thank you...we will keep you on file.
 
If nothing else, you should respond by thanking everyone for taking the time to apply, even if it is just a form letter. Let them know that you did find somebody, but hope to be able to work with them on another project down the road. Unless it is Michelle, then you'll end up with 5 pages of flirtation ;)
 
I hate to admit it but it all depends on the amount of work involved in a response. If the production does not have a dedicated casting person, then the replies may only go to the people who got call backs but not the part.

I like to send a personal response to all who've shown interest, but if there's over 50 people who's email is not easily available to me, then it's likely they'll just get the silent treatment if they did not get at least a callback. I hate to leave them hanging and have at times done personal emails to everyone who auditioned for a project. However, lately that hasn't been feasible for me.

Ideally, when someone can concentrate solely on the casting process, I can get a message to all who've submitted thanking them. However, I work a lot in No-budget realm and usually the person who helps with casting is doing all they can to help and I wouldn't burden them with the additional work of rejection follow-up.

Perhaps I can get back to being more attentive to this on future projects as I do like to do it.

-M
 
Martay said:
I hate to admit it but it all depends on the amount of work involved in a response. If the production does not have a dedicated casting person, then the replies may only go to the people who got call backs but not the part.

I like to send a personal response to all who've shown interest, but if there's over 50 people who's email is not easily available to me, then it's likely they'll just get the silent treatment if they did not get at least a callback. I hate to leave them hanging and have at times done personal emails to everyone who auditioned for a project. However, lately that hasn't been feasible for me.

Ideally, when someone can concentrate solely on the casting process, I can get a message to all who've submitted thanking them. However, I work a lot in No-budget realm and usually the person who helps with casting is doing all they can to help and I wouldn't burden them with the additional work of rejection follow-up.

Perhaps I can get back to being more attentive to this on future projects as I do like to do it.

-M
Click to expand...

Agreed, but he says there's only 20, and I wouldn't send a personalized note, just a 3 sentences that you can send to everyone that didn't make it. Seems simple enough to me.

Do you have to, of course not, but then that's not the point ;) Golden rule...
 
Thanks everyone, I suppose I'll send a couple sentences.

It's a touch choice for me, because I know from job applications, etc. that there's nothing worse than not even being acknowledged, but it also seems uncool to send out a note like "I've judged you and you aren't worthy of being in my stupid movie and making barely any money," but I guess I just won't phrase it that way... (Especially because this wasn't the case; simply because I put up money, most of the replies I received far outclassed my movie...)

Anyhow, thanks again for the advice.
 
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I'm with Michelle on this one. I've only ever been notified if I've been called back. I would never expect to be notified if I didn't get past the first round.
 
If the casting was done through an online service like Breakdown Services/Express (aka Actors Access on the actor's side) then I would suggest that one mass email be sent to everyone who showed up to audition and wasn't cast. In the pre-online days this would have been prohibitively time/money consuming, and that's why it still doesn't happen, but online casting has changed that.

As an actor I've almost never been informed of a part I didn't get, even though it's been exclusively through online casting sites. But I've always thought it would have been be nice to know, and easy enough for them to do.
 
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