The Casting Handbook: For Film and Theatre Makers - Softcover

"This is by far the most comprehensive and informative compilation of facts and professional guidelines on the infrastructure and process of casting for all live and recorded media. A wide range of essential information, step by step instruction and tips are arranged in an absolutely clear and thoroughly engaging manner and interspersed with specifically relevant in-depth interviews with some of the most prominent industry professionals. With their admirable attention to detail, Catliff and Granville have demystified casting and have created an incredibly useful source of reference for all theatre and film practitioners. A ‘must have’ for actors, directors and all involved with casting."

- Amir Korangy - President, Theatre of Arts, Los Angeles

"From the opening chapter ‘What is Casting’, to ‘Where to Look for your Cast’ and ‘Casting Children’, the book will give you the right information in a clear and concise way of going about choosing the right actors for any project ...It outlines the potential foibles and pitfalls, whether it is giving advice on budgeting for actors or helping with ideas on how to remunerate people who are going to work for free...If you are after some more knowledge on this subject and the best way to approach agents and the like, this book really does have all of the answers."

- Ben Taylor, review for Raindance Film Festival

Casting is a crucial creative element of any production - and yet the craft and skills needed to put together a successful and exciting cast are often overlooked. The Casting Handbook explains the casting process from beginning to end and covers everything producers and directors needs to know - as well as proving a fascinating and illuminating read for actors. The book explores:

• how to prepare a breakdown
• where to source actors
• how to prepare for a casting session
• how to make casting decisions
• how a cast is put together
• how deals are done
• ethics and the law, with special reference to casting children
• how a casting director contributes to the initial development of the script
• how the casting works from fringe theatre to Hollywood blockbusters

The Casting Handbook considers actors', producers', agents' and directors' relationship with a casting director, the day to day work that is casting, and how approaching it in a professional and informed manner can make the difference to the final product.

Including interviews with actors, agents, directors, casting directors and producers; case studies; exercises; and a fact file of useful templates and contacts, this book offers a thorough induction into the casting process, suitable for students and early career professionals in any media.