If you’re serious about acting research into the industry is absolutely necessary. You need to know exactly what’s going on in the film industry; Who are the up and coming directors and producers? More importantly, who are the casting directors who will connect you with those industry professionals and jobs? This an industry you want to be part of, so you need to be on top of it. When you watch films and go to the theatre look at the credits and make note of the crew. And make sure you see films that aren’t just the typical mainstream blockbusters – independent cinema in the UK needs support as it is in industry you might be working in one day!
Remember, just because ‘Best Casting’ isn’t an award at the Oscars doesn’t mean casting directors aren’t a huge part of the success of a project. Casting is always in the interest of the success of the feature, short film or theatre project, regardless of the budget and is very much considered an art.
Below is a small introduction to a few top casting directors mostly based in and around London. Some of these professionals are relatively mainstream, working on British film features, and others work with smaller commercial production companies. You can check out a full list of even more casting directors and their preferred method of contact in the Spotlight Contacts book. I’ve been asked to put a full list here along with contact details but all details are in Spotlight or the Casting Directors’ Guild website.
Fiona Weir
Fiona Weir has been involved in the casting for the Harry Potter franchise since Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and in my opinion discovered the perfect Luna Lovegood, portrayed by actress Evanna Lynch.
Lucy Bevan
Gemma Arterton’s career was launched when Lucy Bevan saw her showcase at the prestigious drama school RADA (Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts) and considered her for St. Trinian’s (2007). Now Gemma is one of the best up and coming British talents. Lucy has been the casting director for some great British films such as The Duchess (2008), Dorian Gray (2009) and The Golden Compass (2007) where she she discovered Dakota Blue Richards for the role of Lyra. Lucy learned her tricks of the trade from the now legendary casting director Mary Selway working as her assistant alongside Fiona Weir.
Nina Gold
Nina Gold has an extensive list of film projects to her name. Nina Gold has recently worked on the latest Narnia installment; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). Nina also considers all international talent as she states in her opinion article in the Independent in May 2008. I agree that a casting director should never limit their choice of actors for the best casting options.
Pippa Hall
Pippa Hall is the UK’s leading casting director for children’s roles. If you’d like Pippa Hall’s insight to working with and auditioning children you should read her article on Not A Pushy Mum.com. She talks of what she looks for in child actors and also how the parents can be rather annoying at times! Pippa Hall’s credits include Eragon (2006), Nanny McPhee (2005), Billy Elliot (2000) and the first two Narnia films, discovering the natural talent Georgie Henley.
Shaheen Baig
Shaheen Baig set up her own casting company in 2002 after working alongside the awesome Jina Jay and Patsy Pollock, discovering fantastic new talents such as actress Juno Temple for the film Notes On A Scandal after an open casting call in 2006. Shaheen Baig has a knack for discovering fresh actors by means of open castings and searching through local drama groups.
Of course, this list is not exclusive – there are so many great casting directors out there, discovering the best British talent and launching actors’ careers. Part of a casting directors’ job is to constantly be on the look out for the next-big-thing by seeing live theatre performances and many new films and shorts at film festivals. An actor should be doing the same, getting in touch with new filmmakers, fresh performers and of course, know who they might be auditioning for next!