Demystifying Casting
Date & Time
Location
Description
Martin Scorsese famously once said, “Directing is 90% casting.” Casting is a vital yet misunderstood craft, often either cloaked in mystery and lore or dismissed as simply thinking of a list of ideas. This workshop is designed to offer both a practical breakdown of the nitty gritty of what the casting process looks like, as well as an exploration of the instinct and creativity that guides the craft, all through the lens of low budget filmmaking.
The casting workflow will be explained from beginning to end of the process, including hands-on practical activities; this will cover understanding a script’s characters, creating casting calls, researching talent, conducting effective auditions, recognizing great performances, and making selections that serve the character and ensemble.
We’ll dive into some of the creative mysteries surrounding the craft by exploring real-life examples of auditions and experiences, working as a group to define that “it factor” for ourselves. We’ll also touch on ethics surrounding casting talent from marginalized communities. From the subjective art of recognizing diamonds in the rough, to imagining working actors in roles that go with or against type, we’ll discuss “street casting,” discovering new talent, and the world of actors.
Tuition
Instructor
Abby Harri
Abby Harri is a BIFA-nominated casting director, director, non-actor acting coach, and casting scout. She was recently named a 25 New Face of Independent Film in Filmmaker Magazine. She specializes in non-traditional casting and finding new talent on films such as Savanah Leaf’s BAFTA-winning EARTH MAMA (A24, Sundance 2023) with newcomer Tia Nomore, which Dixie Chassay (POOR THINGS) called “a masterclass in casting” (Indiewire); Jane Schoenbrun’s WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR (Sundance 2021), Anna Cobb’s feature debut, as well as Jane’s critically-acclaimed follow up, I SAW THE TV GLOW (A24, Sundance 2024); Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker’s film debut JANET PLANET (A24), for which she did casting, acting, and acting coaching for lead actor Zoe Ziegler, whose performance has been described as having “a subtlety and emotional acuity that’s astonishing in such a young and inexperienced actor” (Hollywood Reporter); Riley Keough and Gina Gammell’s WAR PONY (Cannes Camera d’Or, 2022), which was cast entirely on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and “features two star-is-born performances from its two young leads” (Indiewire); Zia Anger’s feature film debut (MUBI) based on her critically acclaimed performance of the same title, MY FIRST FILM; the Safdie Brothers’ UNCUT GEMS; and Seasons 1 and 2 of HBO’s EUPHORIA.
Class Registration Guidelines & Cancellation Policy
- Space is assigned on a first-come basis. Registrations must include payment in full. Registrations are accepted after registration deadlines if space is available.
- If minimum enrollment has not been reached by 7 days prior to the start date of a class, FilmNorth may cancel it, in which case registrants will immediately be notified and receive a full refund within 2 business days. A check will be issued for registrations that were paid in cash. In lieu of a refund, students have the option of applying their tuition to another class scheduled in the same calendar year.
- For those needing to cancel a registration at least 7 days prior to the first class session, 100% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. For registration cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the first class session, 50% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. As of 5:00 pm the day prior to the first class session, no refunds or credits/exchanges will be given (Friday at 5:00 pm for Sunday classes).
- Tuition is not prorated for missed class sessions.
- By registering for this class you are agreeing to our Community Values Statement.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding this class, please send us an email or call (651) 644-1912 ext. 2.