COURSE OVERVIEW
Learn the art of casting – an essential element of all film, television and theatre productions - on our award-winning course.
To achieve a successful career in casting, you will need a wide range of skills at your disposal; an encyclopaedic knowledge of actors built up over years, aptitude for interpreting material and understanding how it can be brought to life, instinct about which actors best serve the script, with the ability to articulate and demonstrate the reasons why, a well-developed support system within the industry and good financial awareness. This course has been carefully designed by working Casting Directors to help participants develop all the skills you need to jump into a busy office as a Casting Assistant.
Content Tabs
This blended learning Certificate course is supported by the CDG (The Casting Directors' Guild of Great Britain & Ireland). From knowledge and experience to building relationships within the industry, this evening course will give you the practical skills and knowledge needed to start your career in casting, with insight from influential Casting Directors and key players in the business. It is delivered weekly online, with occasional sessions at the NFTS London base in Golden Square.
Over the 24 weeks of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of the entire cycle of casting. From how the role of the Casting Director evolved, to the basics of how a casting office works and the differing roles within it. You’ll be taught how a project is cast from start to finish: from reading scripts and pitching for a job, to finding, presenting and auditioning actors. You will learn how Casting Directors work effectively with producers and agents, navigate codes of conduct and keep a firm hold of schedules, budgets and deal negotiations, and will learn the basics of British PACT, Equity, Cinema and TV union agreements. From street casting to working with minors, down to how open call auditions are organised, no casting stone is left unturned. In addition, you will be given assistance finding a work experience placement within a Casting Director’s office.
Module 1 – Casting Fundamentals
The course begins with learning the background of the casting industry. You will then look at examples of casting in films and TV shows and compare and contrast them. We will explore how a casting office works and learn at what stage a Casting Director comes on board a project. You will discover the basics of casting a project from start to finish: reading scripts and pitching for a job, presenting actors, auditioning and closing deals. Getting to know script etiquette and distribution is key, as is knowing what a role breakdown vs a script breakdown is. You will consider how to challenge stereotypes and underwritten roles considerately and carefully.
Module 2 – Actors
Working with actors is a fundamental part of a career in casting. You’ll learn how Casting Directors build their knowledge of actors and their bodies of work and how to best present their ideas to Directors and Producers. You will develop your knowledge across the board, distinguishing lead actors to day players to supporting artists. Knowing who’s who is at the heart of casting. While it’s easy to be aware of bankable actors, spotting up and coming talent is one of the most important and rewarding parts of the job. How do you hone this skill? And what is the difference between an audition, a pre-audition, a self-tape, a screen test and a chemistry read? You will learn the etiquette behind organising one-to-one meetings with a Director and actor and the requirements of setting up and ensuring the smooth running of a casting session. Finally, you will look at etiquette and codes of conduct in the workplace: in front of and behind the camera.
Module 3 – Union Agreements and Equal Opportunities
This module takes a step by step look at the myriad unions, guilds and agreements you will need to be familiar with primarily PACT British Equity Film and TV Agreements. You will be armed with information on how to analyse the complex issues around portrayal on screen relating to fair representation of gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+, ensuring fair representation behind and in front of the camera. You will learn the format of a deal memo, Special Stipulations for contracts and how they may be applied and used in negotiation by agents and lawyers.
Module 4 – Specialist Fields
This module turns the spotlight on a range of different casting fields from casting for both subsidised and commercial theatre to fringe and regional venues, from street casting and open calls, to commercials and casting children with expert guest speakers who will share their experience, expertise and advice. Students will be given the opportunity to attend a theatre performance and to analyse and compare the differing demands of casting for the stage with those of other platforms.
Module 5 – Benefits of Training
Module 5 explores the skills needed to work effectively and efficiently and develop your role within a casting office.
Before applying for any work as an assistant in casting you will need to be aware of how the Industry operates and have an understanding of the contribution of an assistant. You will create a CV that is accurate and honest to help facilitate your entry into the industry and learn about resources you should utilise to look for industry vacancies.
Is casting a freelance world? If you land a job that is self-employed and not PAYE you will need to take care of your taxes each year. What are the pay expectations within the industry and how do earnings as an Associate or Assistant vary?
Advice on how to become eligible to join the CDG (Casting Directors Guild) will be provided.
Module 6 – Final Assessment
The course culminates with a Final Assessment presentation where you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding in a real world task which you will present to an industry panel.
This course is open to UK applicants and EU/EEA Nationals with UK pre-settled/settled status (subject to meeting residency requirements) and applicants who are currently in the UK on a valid visa for the full duration of the course.
We are looking for people who are passionate about entering the world of casting. To be successful requires excellent communication and collaborative skills, a hunger to get ahead with an awareness of the discretion and sensitivity essential to the casting process. You will have strong opinions on writing you admire across film, TV, theatre and non-traditional formats and be able to articulate the reasons why. You should have a good general education, but no other specific educational requirements or casting experience are needed for this course. You need to be 18 years or over.
If you have any questions, please email info@nfts.co.uk
The following item(s) should accompany your online application:
- Please tell us about any relevant experience you may already have, if any, in theatre/film/TV. (300 words max.)
- What characteristics do you have that you think make you a good Casting Director? (300 words max.)
- Summarise a film or TV show that exhibits exceptional casting. (300 words max.)
Video applications may be accepted in the place of the above written statements. Please include the link in the first textbox field if this is your preferred option.
We are happy to receive applications until the midnight of the application deadline date.
Funding Available
The NFTS wants to encourage applications from the brightest and best talent out there, whatever your background. That’s why we have made bursary funding available for this course. A high percentage of students will receive funding to undertake the course. You will be invited to apply for funding should you be offered a place on the course.
Tutors
Meet Our Graduates
In March 2024, Jina Jay, Shaheen Baig and Jane Arnell were awarded the Casting Society Artios Creative Collaboration Award in recognition and celebration of the NFTS Casting Certificate.
Find out more about what makes this course so special from some of our graduates…