Screenwriting : How do you present your ideal casting? by David Chester

I don't know the answer to this, but I'll be interested to see someone who does weigh in. I wouldn't think mentioning someone like Jennifer Garner in a pitch does much for you. If she or he won't sell a movie, what's the benefit in dropping their name unless it's solicited? But again, that's my gut talking, not experience. Watching this thread for a better-informed answer.

John Hunter pretty much hit the nail on the head. In every screenwriting class I've taken, article I've read, and website I've visited, it was made very clear, "DO NOT" present anything in the way of suggesting a cast for your project. Not in a pitch, synopsis, treatment, nothing. IF ASKED, of course, go ahead and say I can see Scarlett Johansson as the lead and so and so as the co-star and hope they agree. But, only if you're asked. Producers, studios, etc... spend big money on casting professionals who have better ideas in that arena. Also, the producers and such have deeper pockets to pay those actors and actresses. I've been told more than once that it's considered an insult for the screenwriter to tell the producer, director, etc... whom they should cast in "their" movie which, if they purchase it, is exactly what it will become... theirs. Don't make the mistake of ruining your opportunity to move up in the world of screenwriting by worrying over matters which are outside of your control. However, one way to attempt to get the lead actor/actress you desire is to figure a way to get your screenplay to them. IMDBPro.com has all the info. But, that nut has a hard shell to crack. You can imagine how many screenwriters are trying to reach actors/actresses. They're quite guarded. I was shocked to actually get a response from Ice T's manager when I wrote to him suggesting a project for Ice T. He was real cool. But, that's not everybody and he's not an A list actor. Good luck!

I never mention ideal casting because it will just end up being the unideal cast in the role, so I focus on the character. When I'm writing a script I always imagine what would happen if they cast Whoopi Goldberg... would it ruin the movie? (Whoopi Goldberg used to be regularly cast in action movies when male leads dropped out, FATAL BEAUTY, BURGLAR, etc.) I want to make sure the character is strong enough to work no matter who plays the role.

You don't.

I read somewhere it was wise to answer this question like 'I think that is a decision the producer should make as he has to care for the budget blah blah'. It was said in this article that this question is a test how professional you are, because of course we all have faces for our characters and ideas which actor would fit - but we don't have the money to decide and as a beginner should keep quiet. Just as it was said here above. Bring the money or convince them you are Clint Eastwood then they won't have further questions. In all other cases give them the feeling how much you appreciate them producing your film and value their work.

Yea, I agree. I wouldn't mention cast at all. its not your job. if its good enough, they'll know who should play the role.

Casting is not your decision. I would only provide an answer if I was asked it. Never give that info up in a pitch.

What would happen though if a writer wrote a character specifically for a particular actor or actress? Would they be able to mention that in a covering letter/synopsis or pitch?

Rosalind, as you can see by my earlier post, I was also confused on this matter. However, I just got some great advice form a very reliable source. In a pitch, synopsis, etc..., I was told that an acceptable way to ease in your suggestion for an actor or actress is to include something in your character description like, "Countess Bradford (37) is a Scarlett Johansson type, seductive yet calculating as in Lucy..." Of course you don't have to include the movie reference, but it would give them a more in-depth view into your character as any A list actor/actress will have played multiple roles which could vary greatly depending upon the movie. By doing it this way, you're simply giving them an A list actress/actor as a reference point. You're not telling them how to cast their movie. It's subtle and acceptable and, who knows, they may see what you see and if they buy the script, that A list actor/actress may just end up in that role. Hope that helps.

Thank you CaSandra for all the information, that's really great... difficult isn't it? I have a client who is writing a novel and she's writing the lead character for a specific actor and we're hoping to present it to his own production company once we have it in screenplay format, but we are keeping our options open and may have to pitch it to other producers - yours and everyone else's advice here is invaluable, thank you.

Rosalind, no problem. Best of luck with your screenplay project. I also wrote a novel for a particular person, an R&B singer actually who's also done some acting (TV) and was darn good. I'll be adapting it into a screenplay in the coming months and I'm definitely pitching it to her first. The good thing is her mother's her manager. She's a lot easier to get to than these industry insiders. But, if I can get her attached, I'll have a much easier time getting people inside the industry to read my script. And, she'll be working with her contacts as well. Fingers crossed. :-)

Best of luck Rosalind. My best script was written with a couple of great mature actresses in mind, and while I didn't specify who they are in the script, their personalities definitely shaped the work.

Consider this flack. Steven, that is a very bad idea.

What's good, guys… good morning, Stephen! We all appreciate your passion as a novice. But venting gut reactions is not how we conduct business as professional screenwriters. Write a post about STAR CASTING. Listen to the vets - increase your understanding. Have a great day, buddy!

Sorry, Steven, but that's not realistic, nor practical, and rather considered "bad form." Why pigeonhole yourself and your project, or antagonize a potential producer by "insisting." They may not have access to that actor. That actor may not be available or may not be interested. If you feel so strongly about an actor, then when pitching -- preferably ONLY if/when asked -- mention that you could see this character as a type, like so-and-so. Refrain from specifically listing, mentioning, or writing an actor within a spec script. Focus on creating a great character that many actors would like to play. Unless you are producing the film yourself it's really not the screenwriter's job to insist on casting.

You're so good, Beth… I don't have the patience… Gotta work on that.

Thank you Virginia and CaSandra - we'll see what happens.. there seems to be different opinions on here, the consensus being that you shouldn't say you insist to a producer that you want a particular actor or actress to play the parts, I do like the idea of saying something like.... "the character is like, or based on a certain actor or actress", probably a better idea to be a little more discreet about it. I do like the idea that sometimes producers do ask if the authors of the screenplays have someone in mind for the part/s and I would like to think that most producers would ask the question, giving the author the chance to put their ideas forward.

If you do not have the connections or the pull then insisting on a certain actor/actress is useless. The more credits and success you have the more you can call your own terms. You have to create a character that draws that actor to the part. Or others wanting to fight for that part. Create yoir buzz with your writing.

Rosalind, No problem. Just tread lightly. The main thing we all want to do is sell our work. Once we're in the door, and in there pretty good, I'm sure our opinions will be worth a lot more. At this point, not so much and rightly so. We haven't proven ourselves and the decision makers have a lot more to lose than we do. Best of luck!

It's worse than useless, @David. "Insisting" on anything will position you as someone producers don't want to work with. When you work for hire you have to have the temperament to eat a bag of dirt then smile through brown teeth and request a second helping. If you show yourself to be uncompromising, even if they like your script they won't want any further dealings with you personally. And that is not good for your career.

@Kerry. I knew and understood that already. I've eaten shit and called it chocolate pudding many times.

@David, please, let's leave our private lives out of it. TMI, dude.

The above post was a joke, intended for entertainment purposes. End disclaimer.

Hard to tell the tone of comments at times. No worries, all good.

Great thread. So awesome to see the new guys growing as soon as they get here! Welcome to S32.

For reasons I am unclear of, I am just now seeing all these responses to my question. I'm grateful that people took time to post these comments. That said: This is what Joey said: ". Start by setting up the world this takes place in and then the protagonist (name, age, an actor that could play him/her, etc). " Because he said "an actor that could play him/her," that's why I posted this question. In all the times I've done this, I've never been told by Joey or anyone else "Don't tell us who you have in mind for this." So, I am still divided on this point. I do like what CaSandra Mathis said: "Countess Bradford (37) is a Scarlett Johansson type, seductive yet calculating..." This gives a quick idea of the type of actress that might be suitable for the role. At any rate, if Joey had not suggested naming an actor, I wouldn't have bothered. So, for all the people who have said, "You don't."... I assume you are not pitching your projects via Stage32? Anyway, I appreciate these comments and simply must check in more often. Thank you.

Nice comments, Joey, re a pitch, but what about a script - I wanted a certain look for a character and wrote something like "it's as if a young George Lucas stood before you" - I received considerable criticism and deemed inappropriate - but I beg to differ, young George had a very intense look and a great beard and thick head of hair, a "look" important for the part I had in mind - is this type of writing inappropriate?

Thanks, Joey, appreciate the advise.