If you're making a short film, you already know that every decision you make on the page and on set carries enormous weight — but few decisions carry more weight than your cast. The actors you choose don't just deliver your dialogue; they are your film. Here's the challenge so many emerging filmmakers run into: you've got the passion, you've got the script, but when it comes to actually attracting talent without a paycheck to offer, the path forward feels unclear. Maybe you've posted a casting notice that didn't get the response you hoped for. Maybe you've sat across from someone in an audition who was talented, but just not right for the role — and you cast them anyway.
You'll learn from someone who has navigated every one of these challenges — and come out the other side with real results. Kate Rees Davies is an Oscar-qualifying producer and award-winning director with a track record that spans narrative features, short films, music videos, and commercials.
Kate will cover how to write casting notices and character descriptions that actually compel people to say yes, how to run auditions and callbacks with confidence, and why table reads and rehearsals are non-negotiables for getting the performance your film deserves. By the time you walk away from this webinar, you'll have a clear, actionable casting strategy — and the tools, language, and confidence to go out and attract the talent your short film has been waiting for.
Email edu@stage32.com with any questions!
To learn more about the class and to register, click here:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/how-to-cast-your-short-film-w...
2 people like this
Excited for the webinar tomorrow!
2 people like this
Put your questions below for Kate :)
2 people like this
Hi everyone, I'm thrilled to be hosting this webinar, Casting is one of my favorite parts of the filmmaking process, I get to meet so many talented people and if they are not right for my current project, I bring them in on other projects. Casting is so important because without the talents of the actors to bring your characters to life, there is no film! See you soon :)
And I have the privilege of moderating this amazing Kate’s webinar. It will be a learning experience and a masterclass.
1 person likes this
Question: I'd like to shoot my 11-page short dramedy about 2 longtime women friends. My sister is a career actress, although not a known name, but I think would be perfect for part. Her best friend had a major role in a recent hit CBS sitcom which is now over. They have both agreed to do a Zoom reading of script. What would help me decide if they are right for the parts? What else should I consider?
Question 2: I have almost no experience directing, however, I'd like influence over how lines are read. Could I find someone to codirect with? (I directed a short documentary last year that is going through festival submissions now). Any way to get quick basics on directing so that I know enough to be a competent co-director?
Question 3: I have 2 small male roles. I need two particular types, but roles are small. Where best to find these?
1 person likes this
Question: I have 4 characters with speaking roles and one non-speaking. One location. Film includes a party scene, so I will need 10-15 extras. Where best to get those?
1 person likes this
Question: Do you have to have a pitchdeck before you shoot?
1 person likes this
I'm in Los Angeles and would like to shoot here. One location. 5 actors, hoping 4 will be SAG. 11 pages. I'm wondering what you think is a reasonable overall production budget?
Hi, Jane Alcala, I'll ask your questions when Kate ends her presentation. She will reply live.
1 person likes this
Thank you, Sandra! I didn't see another place to post questions.
2 people like this
I plan to save 10 K and am nearly there. I will definitely reach out to Kate. Thank you!!!
1 person likes this
I'd be interested in taking a directing class in the fall.
In the Q&A box at the Zoom, Jane Alcala.
Such a great webinar today. Truly insightful and packed with practical tools we can all use. Huge thank you to Kate Davies for her generosity, clarity, and the way she broke down the casting process with so much honesty and experience. Grateful for her time and for everything she shared with us.
Exactly! Excellent webinar. Big thanks to Kate for her time and to Sandra for moderating. I learned much more about casting and shooting a short film than I expected to in a short time. This is all practical info that I can make use of. Thanks for allowing me to ask and answer my questions!
1 person likes this
It was such a great time, thanks for your kind words Sandra and good luck with your upcoming project.
1 person likes this
Jane Alcala thanks for all the great questions I can't wait to hear more about your project and look forward to chatting more :)
1 person likes this
Thanks also to Dele from Lagos for his kind message : Hello Kate,
Thanks so much for the excellent webinar you've just conducted on Stage32. You covered casting while also touching upon several other critical areas for filmmaking success. You shared your passion for the process, and I was particularly inspired.
I'm in the early development stages for a thriller feature film I hope to shoot this fall. To build credibility as a first-time producer/director, I devised a short film that I plan to shoot this month. So for me, your webinar has been perfectly timed.
I'm based in Lagos, Nigeria and my stories (both the feature and the short film) are set across both the US and Lagos.
Thank you, Kate Davies. The same to you and your new Documentary :)