Exactly How Casting Directors Find Actors
Production: Glass & Marker
At Aura Casting, we pride ourselves on connecting the right talent with the right project.
Whether you’re working on a commercial, music video, feature film, or anything in between, we specialize in sourcing diverse, authentic talent for your production. But how exactly do we find the perfect actors for your project? Let’s take a look at the process and how we make it easy for producers to find the perfect fit.
1. Connecting Through Diversity and Authenticity
We believe that casting should be about more than just finding “good actors.” It's about finding the right people for your project. We champion diversity, making sure that talent isn't just limited to typical models and actors. We are committed to including real people—those who reflect the true diversity of the world we live in. This helps bring authenticity and richness to every project we work on, no matter the size or scope.
And because we’re 100% virtual, we’re able to cast talent from all over the country, ensuring that no matter where your production is based, we can connect you to the right people.
2. A Vast Network of Talent
We have built an impressive network of over 4,000 talented actors who are eager to take on your next project. Along with our robust database, we’ve established strong relationships with top talent agencies and often use social media to amplify our outreach. By tapping into both traditional and modern channels, we make sure that we reach the broadest range of talent for your casting needs.
3. A Streamlined Casting Process
Casting starts with understanding your project. We begin with a kickoff call or email exchange to discuss logistics—things like character descriptions, rates, timelines, and shoot dates. Once we’ve got that covered, we move on to outreach. We get the word out as widely as possible to attract actors that match your vision.
After receiving audition tapes, we review them carefully and create a curated list of top choices. Once you've made your selection, we handle the technicalities, like availability checks and bookings, and send you a booking sheet with contact information and sizes for your cast.
4. Expanding Beyond the Brief
At Aura Casting, we don’t just stick to the traditional casting briefs. We challenge the status quo to ensure that we’re not limiting ourselves to a narrow pool of candidates. We actively strive to broaden the options by considering diverse talent and thinking outside the box. Our goal is to give you more choices and more opportunities to find that perfect match.
We also know that the technical side of casting can be a hassle for actors. That’s why we’re always available to assist with any submission issues or tech problems that arise during the process. We want the process to be as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
5. Technology That Works for You
We leverage technology to create a smooth and efficient experience for both producers and talent. Our system allows us to customize our presentation to fit your preferences—whether that means showcasing demo reels, including actor sizes, or answering specific questions you may have. Our tailored approach ensures you get the most relevant information, saving you time while helping you make informed decisions.
6. Performance & Compatibility: What We Look For
When we evaluate talent, it’s about more than just their resume. While we absolutely look at past experience, our main focus is performance and how well an actor matches the specs of your production. Is their style in line with your vision? Do they bring the right energy to the character? We assess each actor based on their ability to perform in the context of your specific project needs.
7. Guiding You Through the Process
Our casting team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re in the bidding process for a project, we can assist with discussions on rates and usage terms. And if you’re torn between a few actors, we love to offer suggestions and advice based on our expertise. We’re always happy to help you make a decision that feels right for your project.
8. The Projects We Love to Work On
While we specialize in commercial casting, we’ve also worked on a diverse range of projects, including music videos, features, short films, voiceover work, still photography shoots, live events, and training videos. We’re versatile and can adapt to a wide variety of needs, ensuring that no matter what type of project you have, we can find the talent you need.
9. A Success Story: Real Families for a Covered CA Commercial
One of our proudest moments came when MVP reached out for help casting multiple families for a Covered California commercial. They needed real families—actual individuals, not models—spanning a variety of spots, and they even needed a 3-month-old baby! We went above and beyond to find a new mom willing to bring her infant to set, which was crucial for the commercial's authenticity. The result? The final commercial was a hit, and the authenticity of our cast was praised by everyone involved.
We’re Here to Help You with Your Next Casting Project
Our goal is simple: to connect you with the perfect talent for your project. Whether you need to cast a commercial, feature, or anything else, we’re here to help make the process easy and successful. If you’re ready to start a casting bid or need help with an upcoming project, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited to work with you!
