The very talented Katy from Ali & Katy Casting joined us recently to discuss how actors can best connect with Casting Directors.’Ali and Katy have worked together long enough to finish each other’s thoughts, and share a deep knowledge of Ireland’s acting talent.’ Together they have cast for such projects as ‘Cocaine Bear’, ‘Irish Wish’ and ‘Outlander’.

1. How can actors build genuine professional relationships with casting directors?

The good thing about Ireland is that it’s a small industry so I think actors and casting directors really get to know each other here. I would recommend that actors touch base with casting directors maybe twice a year to say hello. Just a simple email with an updated cv, headshot and preferably a scene or showreel and any news of what they have been up to. But be aware that we get a lot of emails so you might not receive a reply. It’s no harm to say something a little memorable in your email if you can to show a little personality. Beyond that I think it’s about being professional and prepared at auditions and available/quick to respond where possible.  

2. Are workshops and showcases worth it from your perspective?

I love attending them but it really depends on my schedule and what I’m working on so these days I mainly get to know new actors from taped scenes. So I love showcases with filmed scenes I can watch in my own time and I refer to them regularly when I’m selecting actors.

3. What’s the best way to stay on a casting director’s radar?

A strong audition or a strong scene. We’re always looking for people who can bring something special to a performance. At the end of the day that’s what we’re here for. Beyond that be sound to everyone you meet and a pleasure to work with. And always be honing your craft – working on something new.

4. What type of communication do you find most useful from actors, and what should they actually include when reaching out?

Email is best. We get a lot of messages so make sure everything is easily accessible in your email. CV/headshot and showreel or scene. It’s important to have some work to show. If it’s not a full showreel, a scene is fine but only share what you’re really proud of. Don’t bulk it up. I’d rather see one strong scene. It’s good as an actor to keep the acting muscle going in quiet times so get together with friends and give yourself a project whether it’s writing something or working on a scene that you can then share with casting directors. It’s nice to have a little body of work maybe a comedic scene and something more dramatic. And be really careful with accents. So many actors think they can do an accent and it can be very jarring when it’s off. I’d much rather a scene in your own accent. Include scenes in other accents as additional material and only if you’re really confident in them. It’s good to have someone from the place watch them if possible.

5. What makes you more likely to bring an actor in again after an initial meeting?

Talent. At the end of the day we want someone who will give a strong performance. I think it’s important to bear in mind what you’re auditioning for. With commercial auditions or for smaller drama roles it’s often just about the person who can make it feel as real as possible. Sometimes this is a small moment. These can be very hard to make natural – it’s sometimes easier when you have more to get your teeth into. But try and think about what they are after – if it’s a simple one liner try and bring as much reality to it as you can. If the scene is comedic try and find those beats but keep it as real as possible. And then if it’s a meatier role don’t be afraid to make a strong choice as long as it feels authentic rather for than for the sake of it. Always know what’s been happening for your character just before the scene starts so it’s like we come upon you in the middle of your day.

6. What has been your favourite project to work on, and what made it stand out?

Oh that’s a tough one…I really loved working on Michael Inside with Frank Berry. It was a really special process. I also loved my very first project which is an indie film called White Lightnin with Edward Hogg and Carrie Fisher-  I was a production assistant brought in to help on casting and I just fell in love with the process. I also love working on commercials – they have a super quick turnaround and I love particularly working on ads with loads of quirky characters.

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A big thank you to Katy for her wonderful advice! Stay up to date with Lucky Break News for more Q&A’s.