Questions, Answers, Finding my Footing

Okay. I just want to write a quick post here to say that I'm still getting my bearings as to what my web presence can realistically be. While I was genuine in wanting to hear what questions you might have for me, when I started replying to comments (which became in and of themselves "mini-blogs") I realized I don't have the time to respond to individual comments. My apologies.

My ultimate goal is to be able to tape short videos that I can post on my web site, which, along with my blog posts, would address your questions and continue to fill you in on what my daily life as a casting agent is like. Writing is labor-intensive, and to be honest here, I barely have time to do my day job. One of my priorities this year is to figure out how to build the multi-dimensional web site I have in mind, but at the moment, I don't have the time I need to devote to it, and haven't yet gathered together the web design team I'll need. In the meantime, I pasted in below some of the questions that I answered as they cropped up in a recent post's comment section, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to them all. (I'll try to fold my answers into future posts.)

I'll figure it out. And I'm glad to have all of you along for the ride as I do. Thanks for reading.

Question: I have always wondered if a role ever goes to an actor that was found at an "open call" audition. The one for True Grit has been going on for a while and I think you held one for Little Fockers a while back. Did the kids that got those roles come from those open calls? Are open calls usually just a publicity thing for the movie or do the people that attend open calls actually have a chance in moving past being "seen" at that open call? Also, how important is experience as opposed to talent?

Answer: Kaleigh, those are both great questions. To answer your first one, strictly speaking, you don't need an agent to read for me. But the chances of your knowing what roles I'm casting increase dramatically when you have an agent, as that's how most of the information gets disseminated about all the roles. Also, if you don't have an agent, it's assumed you're an entry-level actor as opposed to a working one, so chances are you'd only be thought of for the entry-level roles. Complicating things these days is the economy. There are fewer productions, fewer roles, and less work to go around in general, so experienced actors are now willing to take the one-line roles, squeezing out opportunities for the novice. As to your other question about whether to go with a N.Z. agent or one in the states, what matters most is that you find an agent who connects with you, believes in you, and is passionate about promoting you. Agents in other parts of the world know how to reach me. The main thing is that you have a solid relationship with an agent who works hard for you. I'll address your question about experience vs. talent soon. It's a fantastic question, and I want to give it some thought.

Answer: Now to the question about the open calls. First of all, open calls have very little to do with a movie's publicity. The movie hasn't been made yet, and it can be years before it's released. When I hold an open call, I'm doing due diligence, going full circle, genuinely looking for the most talented actors that exist for any given roles. My policy as a casting director is to look in every and all directions, high and low. So you should never pass up an opportunity to go to an open call. Even, as is often the case, the role goes to a more known or experienced actor, or the studio decides they want to head in a different direction, it's always good to get in front of me. I have a great memory, and I make it a point to remember talent. I've definitely called in actors for other projects that I remembered from past open calls. Your job is to come prepared to an open call, be on top of your game, and make an impression.

Question: I am so glad i read your blog today as i have a question/thought- as a casting director your aim is to find the perfect actor for the job, so besides talent what else are you looking for?? I am sure you see hundreds of people for any one role, and i am sure most of them are talented and fit the brief, so what else will get them a call back or even better, the job?? Thank you!

Answer: It's interesting that you asked about this right now. I've been thinking a lot about the question Kaleigh posed about talent vs. experience, and decided I'd like to dedicate a post to it. I just returned today from Washington D.C., where I was giving a seminar about talent, so when I get a chance to write a post, I'll address this issue at the same time. Thanks for reading.

Question: I have both an agent and a manager but when I find a project that I am passionate about I will submit "direct" if they failed putting me in front of the Casting Director. How do you feel about actors being proactive and what are your thoughts regarding "outside the box casting"?

Question: Ok, so not being a kiss ass or anything, I have to say you have the most valuable feedback I have ever come across. I'm sure you get thanks all the time but thanks again. You seem to make the time for actors even though you are probably so short of time! Looking forward to your post about talent vs experience. Also should you have any more of that precious time, I believe actors should always train to master their craft but wondering how much training is too much training? Basically, can you overtrain?

Question: Joseph, thank you! It is a privilege being able to ask for your advice and opinion! I was looking up a reputable agency here, and they only represent actors with more than a year's experience. Catch 22 situation?

Answer: I didn't have the chance to write a comment to this question, but it's a good one and I'll try to get to it soon.
Question:

Question: Hi Joseph,I was wondering if you are interested in an actor (who has read for you in the past) sending you clips of their work in films. In other words, do you take the time to view clips of an actor's work for future reference so that if they were not right for a particular role for one reason or another (experience vs. talent, etc...), you can see how that actor continues to develop his craft?

Answer: I'll get to this too, as soon as I can.