5. Management; Organisational; Administrative Casting Casting Directors organise and facilitate the casting of actors for all the roles in a film. They not only look at the actors themselves but the chemistry between them. This involves working closely with the Director and Producer to understand their requirements, and suggesting ideal artists for each role, giving their opinion and input is essential so that they have the best actors and actresses for their production. This includes arranging and conducting interviews and auditions. Once the parts are cast, the Casting Director negotiates fees and contracts for the actors, and acts as a liaison (messenger) between the Director, the actors and their agents. Casting Directors must have an extensive knowledge of actors and how they could be suitable for a part. They need vast knowledge of a range of actors, and and extensive understanding of their capabilities. They need to have a strong instinct for acting talent and a be very committed and passionate about the job in hand. In pre-production, Casting Directors work with both the Director and the Producer, who rely on the Casting Director to help them to get suitable cast members for the production. This means that the Casting Directors must have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of new and existing acting talent. They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to each role, based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability, reputation, availability and looks. Casting Directors also work closely with Production Accountants to prepare the casting budget. Casting Directors organise and conduct interviews and auditions for each part, and are also in charge of offering each actor an appropriate fee to appear in the film. This means hiring out venues to hold the auditions/interview. As well as drawing up and negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts with agents, once casting is complete. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital in order to communicate with a range of people, this includes production staff, talent agents and the actors themselves. Negotiation and organisational skills are also essential for agreeing actors' fees, and arranging the terms and conditions of their contracts. Being able to persuade an actor and their agent that the film/show they are filming is worthwhile is key. Casting Directors must be ‘patient’ and ‘hard-working’ at all times, as the job can be very demanding. The decisions they make are essential and so a lot of stress and pressure is put on them to succeed.. A basic understanding of how to operate a video camera (framing, focus, etc.) is an advantage. Although there are no specific training or qualifications for this role, Casting Directors are usually graduates of Arts, English, Film, Theatre, Communications, or Media Studies, and so on. Having excellent organisational and presentational skills is key to succeeding in this industry. A lot of convincing is needed to succeed in this job and so confidence with the decisions they make is necessary.
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8. Non Creative Film Transport The transport department supports the production process. It moves all the equipment and crew to every location necessary during filming. On big shoots the transport must be delivered overseas, and it is this department which organises it. They must also organise suitable permits to allow overseas storage. If one element of equipment is not transported, it can set back the filming and can be very costly! This is something that should at all costs be avoided. Distribution Film distribution involves the launching and sustaining films in the marketplace. The film business is product driven, Film Distributors connect each film they release with the widest possible audience. As every new title is distinctive and different, Distributors must be strategic and knowledgeable about promotion and publicity in order to entice audiences to see their films, ensuring successful film release, plans are needed. Health & Safety Department The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on the employer, and employees, to work in a safe manner. Health and Safety- Advisor/Consultant Health and Safety Advisors (or Consultants) in the film industry give advice on health and safety management systems within each film or production, reviewing each company's Health and Safety policy, and ensuring that health and safety arrangements and the appropriate personnel are in place. Publicity/Press Press and publicity plays a vital role in the marketing of films. Press campaigns are carefully planned in advance and encompass both Unit Publicity (carried out during the film shoot) and Distribution Publicity (arranged to coincide with the film's release).