Why did you choose the name www.TheCastingDirector.com ?
We chose our name because we feel casting directors are some of the most knowledgeable industry professionals. Actors look to the CD's for help, just like our actors look to us for help. We are in no way trying to compete with casting directors. They play a very important role in production. They choose the actors! Anyway, the name is pretty cool and easy to remember.
Why do you do what you do?
Our website started as a blog where actors could post their experiences with companies they feel ripped them off hoping to prevent others from going through the same. Four years later, we decided to revamp the website into a one stop shop for Actors and Filmmakers. Actors can get audition training, headshots and submit to auditions for a low price without going broke. Filmmakers and casting professionals would get assistance throughout the casting process from our staff in anyway they see fit. Basically, we act as casting assistants to those that use our site for casting.
What is a Mock audition?
Mock audition night is our FREE training night that we donate to our members. We do this several times per week. Basically, actors show up to the office just like a real audition, they read, we put them on video and that video is available to the actor by the next day. We have tons of cold reading material at the office or actors can bring in their own audition material. Every actor should be taking acting classes but if you can't afford classes, this is the next best thing.
What's your opinion on workshops?
It's unethical to charge actors to meet casting directors. An audition is basically a job interview. Would you pay to interview at Starbucks? Well, some of you might:)
What makes you better than the other casting websites?
We provide a much better service than other casting websites. Aside from free headshots, free training and the other services we offer for free, actors can call the office and actually talk to a staff that cares. We go above and beyond what anyone else will do for actors and we know our members by name.
Casting a project for the first time?
We get tons of people asking to use our space for casting. We're not casting directors but we do help with a lot of auditions so we know how to organize a casting session. If you're not using a professional casting director feel free to ask us for some advice but the key is organization. If you're an organized person, you'll have very little issues. Most filmmakers that use our service do a great job but there is the occasional knuckle head that really makes life difficult for everyone. If you've never cast before, having plenty of sides for your actors, scheduling actual time slots (no open calls) showing up at least 20 minutes early (In case actors show up early) and keeping the flow of traffic moving and not wasting time will make your casting operate very smooth. Remember, we're here to assist you.