Hey, my Stage 32 actors! I just typed up a lengthy response to a member who was casting for a role in his feature, but from this listing it seemed like there were significant details missing. I would love to share what I laid out as the basics of a Casting Call (post) and hear from y'all about what all you would add! Maybe we could add it as a pin in the Jobs Section? I'll see what I can do!
Here is what most professional actors will expect to know upfront:
1) The basics of the project - logline, format (short, feature, pilot, etc.), genre, and approximate rating (if it's adult, rated R or higher, they'll want to know what makes it a higher rating, including but not limited to violence and nudity), and SHOOT DATES
2) Details of the role(s) you are looking to fill - character story and description, including age range
*This is particularly important because actors know to brand themselves for particular roles, so this description allows them to know if they qualify for what you're looking for
***This is also important because if you don't have a description, then the assumption is you don't have a comprehensive script AND don't care what your lead looks like, and what is the point of getting a leading role if you weren't _chosen_ for the role, but rather got it because you said "yes"? Actors like to be flattered, and that's not very flattering
3) Compensation, including, but not limited to: copy, credit, meals, accommodations, travel reimbursement
4) The intended distribution of the project - an actor will want to know if it's only ever going to live on YouTube, if it's going to tour the film festival circuit, go Direct to Video, or have a theatrical release.
5) If you have them, sides - what scene will you have them read as part of the audition? You can add that to your listing so that they can email you with their audition, not just their headshot (which does not tell you how they sound, how they move, or how well they act once the camera rolls).
Anything else you would include?
6) UNION or NON-UNION. If Union, which agreement are they working under? Is their paperwork still pending? The level of contract for SAG-AFTRA will determine whether or not a speaking role gets your eligibility.
7) If it looks like there are stunts or intimacy, a stunt coordinator or intimacy coordinator should be listed. Additionally, do they have production insurance? Most actors won't care, but if there are stunts, you want to know that they are investing the money to keep everyone safe and covered.