In short: A casting director finds the actors for a film or TV drama, organises auditions and presents shortlists to the producer and director. They also negotiate the actors' terms and record them in a casting advice note or deal memo. Casting directors are hired by the production company, and a producer on a small job may run the casting without one.
A casting director finds the actors for a film or TV drama and judges whether each person fits the role and can play it. They are hired by the production company, and they work from the script to the final offer.
What a casting director does on a shoot day
Casting usually happens before filming starts. A casting director reads scripts and talks through the type of person needed with producers and directors. They scout talent at theatre productions and graduation shows, organise auditions, and review headshots, demos and reels.
They weigh availability alongside talent, since an actor who cannot hold the dates can hold up a whole schedule. Once the candidates are in, the casting director presents a shortlist to the producer and director. They then negotiate the actors' deal points and record them in a casting advice note or deal memo. The production uses that note to draw up contracts with the actors' agents.
Who they work with
The casting director works with producers, directors and sometimes writers. They also deal directly with actors and their agents. ScreenSkills says the casting director is hired by the production company and presents candidates to the producer and director, who decide.
Kit and skills
ScreenSkills lists these skills:
- Industry knowledge, including trends in film and TV.
- Knowledge of actors and the craft of acting.
- An eye for talent, and the patience for a thorough search.
- Communication, including giving direction to actors in an audition.
- Negotiation, financial skill and budget discipline.
How to become a casting director
No qualifications are required. ScreenSkills says wide knowledge of productions, good taste, experience working with actors and industry connections matter most. Common routes include:
- Casting assistant. ScreenSkills describes this as a good way in, and it has a separate profile for the role.
- Production runner. Many people start here, and ScreenSkills links the runner profile to the casting route.
- Talent agency. Junior roles or work experience build an understanding of talent and of working with actors.
- Trainee schemes and courses. The ScreenSkills Trainee Finder helps build contacts. Degrees in media, film production or film history can help, and courses with the ScreenSkills Select award are recommended. A-levels or Highers in drama, theatre, English or film studies are useful at school level.
- Networking. ScreenSkills suggests its events, such as Open Doors, LinkedIn, ScreenSkills profiles and industry groups. Free crew databases include those run by Wales Screen and Northern Ireland Screen.
Bectu, the union for workers in the creative industries, offers career development support to members.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A corporate film or a podcast with a presenter: no. The client or producer usually chooses the presenter, and an agency or a casting site can supply candidates.
- A short drama with a few roles: a producer can run the casting with a clear breakdown of each part, or a casting director can take it on.
- A larger drama with many roles, or one that needs known actors: yes.
Casting is not one of Granary's services. The hub has guides for actors preparing for casting: actor headshots, showreels and self-tapes.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Casting director (film and TV drama), read 5 November 2026
- Bectu, home page, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a casting director do?
A casting director finds actors for film and TV drama roles and judges whether each person fits the part and can act it. They organise auditions, review headshots, demos and reels, present shortlists and negotiate the actors' deal points.
Who makes the final casting decision?
The casting director presents candidates to the producer and director, who make the final decision, according to the ScreenSkills profile. The casting director also weighs availability, fees and how much audience appeal an actor might bring.
How do you become a casting director in the UK?
There are no set qualifications. Many people start as a production runner or casting assistant, or in a talent agency, and ScreenSkills points to its Trainee Finder scheme for building contacts. Word of mouth matters most.
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