What do Producers Look for when Casting Talent?

As a casting company, we often face the common question from actors -

"What are you looking for?"

And the truth is, the answer varies significantly! Each project that Aura Casting undertakes involves a myriad of factors that influence our casting decisions. Are we casting a small group of 2 individuals or a larger ensemble of 200? Do the actors need to fit a specific time period or possess a particular skill set? Are we aiming for a cohesive group dynamic or do we seek individuals who can stand out on their own?

Producers, the visionaries behind the projects we cast for, are ultimately seeking what will bring their creative vision to life. By the time a producer approaches our team for casting, their project has typically been through the meticulous preproduction phase, undergoing multiple revisions to precisely convey the message they intend to communicate. Sometimes, the script is still a work in progress when it reaches our casting desk, but we have a general understanding to kick off the casting process.

Producers may provide us with a mood board, depicting the exact look they envision for the characters, essentially looking to bring those images to life through casting. Alternatively, they might task us with casting a wide net to explore various options for suitable talents. An actor's unique interpretation or appearance can often be the key to landing a role. It's crucial for talent to understand the essence of the project and deliver your performance authentically, in your own distinct manner.

To all actors out there reading this - our advice is simple:

Be yourself!

Allow your natural charisma and personality to shine through in your auditions. Embrace the nuances of a character and have fun exploring different roles. Authenticity and genuine connection with the material can truly set you apart in the casting process, capturing the attention and admiration of both the production team and the casting director.

If you are a producer intrigued to learn more about our casting process, please take a look at our work. Let us help you bring your vision to life through the art of casting!