For the casting director it’s all about type. When they read a script or a character breakdown, they automatically begin to see each of the roles as a type. They can’t help but do this. It’s almost automatic and as mentioned in an earlier post (11/11/11) the type that they see will be driven by personal taste. By the way, if a given role doesn’t scream a particularly specific type, they will pull one out of their hat. They always have some kind of type in mind.
Last summer I went on a commercial audition. The breakdown called for a Sam Shepard type. It’s a safe assumption that the casting director thought I fit that type, otherwise I would not have been called in. When I look in the mirror and assess my basic human energy, I’d be inclined to agree that I fit into that type. Are there differences between Mr. Shepard and myself? Obviously. But I’m definitely more of a Shepard type than a Jeff Bridges type.
Don’t fight type. Embrace it. Even very successful stars are typecast. George Clooney is basically a Clark Gable type. If you don’t believe me, rent Oh Brother Where Art Thou. If you don’t know who Clark Gable is, go rent It Happened One Night. Is Clooney exactly like Gable? No. But there are enough similarities in terms of look and energy to place the two of them in the same type.
Next… Typing with IMDb
Labels: audition monologue casting director