A casting call is a notice that is posted by a producer or casting director that is announcing a job opportunity for an actor; looking for parts in movies, television, on stage or even in a commercial. Typically talent agents or managers are the only people who have access to see the casting calls offered in Hong Kong. These opportunities are listed in a daily distribution called breakdowns. Depending on the importance of the role that is being cast, casting calls may be open to the public as well. That usually happens with productions that are community theatre or non-union films.
Casting is an important part of the pre-production process, during which a casting director, producer, director and or choreographer selects a cast for a production project. If your agent or manager thinks that you may be the right fit for the part, they then will take and submit your headshot and resume to the casting department of that production in Hong Kong. If the casting director then feels like your look and experience fit what they are having in mind for that role they will call your agent and have you come in for an audition.
There are several stages involved in a casting call. In the first audition, the actor will be required to have an acting piece prepared, which may vary depending on the project type. For example, you may be required to perform a prepared monologue. A monologue is an uninterrupted speech directed towards another character. It is important to remember that the monologue that you choose should also reflect your ability to play the role you are auditioning for. You may even be given sides, which are a scene from the script that you are auditioning for.
As part of the casting process, you will be required to perform these sides with the casting director. During this the casting director will be seated and reading the other character’s lines off for you in a deadpan manner and monotone voice. This is where you are required to evoke the emotions that are needed to best portray the character and scene. If you are auditioning for the stage, you may be required to prepare a song. The song you choose should once again highlight your ability to play the character you are auditioning for.
If the actor or actress does well in their first audition in Hong Kong; they may get what is known as a call back, or second audition. At a callback, an actor will be required to perform the same piece they did in the first audition. However, at the call back, the casting director or director may give you direction on your performance. Oftentimes, they are testing your ability to take direction. Even if they thought you did an excellent job in your first audition, they will need to see your aptitude for working on set.
For print advertising or TV commercials, talent will be individually called into a room by a casting director, photographed with a Polaroid camera or put on video. All of the talent from that day is then viewed on a website by the clients. They might make a choice that day, the next or even a few days before the production begins in Hong Kong. Commercial and print casting calls occur more frequently than any other type.
One of the most important things to remember when going on a casting call is that preparation is everything. Even if you are not right for the role, you must leave a good impression with the casting director if you ever hope to be called in for another role. Acting classes and private coaching are invaluable in making your casting calls turn into leads in movies or on stage. Becoming an expert at casting calls is a sure fire way to turn your acting dreams into a reality in Hong Kong.
