Casting
Casting is the process of selecting actors for a film, TV series, play, musical, or other audiovisual work or project.
Who is a casting director?
A casting director is a film industry professional who specializes in casting for films, TV series, television shows, stage plays, and commercials. The right choice of actors has a significant impact on the success of the entire production.
The role of a casting director includes the following responsibilities:
Collaboration with the production team:The casting director works closely with the director, producers, and screenwriters, who provide the casting brief. Based on this brief, the casting director proposes a cast and strives to meet the production’s requirements.
Casting:The casting director uses the script to identify actors suitable for the project. This process may involve organizing casting calls and auditions, during which the casting director works with the actors on their lines and helps them bring the character to life.
Contract Negotiations:In some cases, the casting director negotiates contract terms and fees with actors and their agents.
Networking:A casting director must have an extensive network of contacts and stay abreast of current developments in the audiovisual and acting industries.
Does a casting director take a commission from actors?
Usually not. Casting directors generally do not take a commission from actors. Instead, they are paid by the production company that hires them. Their fee is part of the project’s budget and does not depend on the actors they cast.
Actors often have their own agents or managers who help them find work and negotiate contracts. These representatives may then take a commission from the actors’ earnings, which is the standard way they are paid for their services. The commission rate is usually around 10% of the actor’s earnings, and around 20% for commercials.
When casting for commercial advertisements, the casting director or casting agency also secures the actors through a contract, for which they then charge the client a 20% agency fee in addition to the actors’ fees. However, they do not take a commission from the actors.
Actors should be especially wary when someoneasks them formoney,fails to provide clear contractual terms, orrefuses to name the producer.
Warning signs for actors:
Payment Request from an Actor
Casting directors and agencies are not entitled to any fees or commissions from an actor’s fee for participating in a casting, signing a contract, or “securing a role.”
If someone asks an actor for money, it is highly suspicious.
Unclear or Missing Contracts
If an actor does not receive a written contract, or if the contract contains only vague wording (“as agreed,” “to be specified”), this is a problem.
A proper contract must clearly specify: the fee, deadlines, the manner in which the performance will be used, and who the producer is.
Discrepancy with the official producer
If an actor isn’t sure who they’re actually working for (who the producer is, who owns the rights), that’s a red flag.
A legitimate project will always list the name of the production company.
Pressure to sign quickly
“Sign now, or we’ll replace you.”
If there isn’t time to read through or discuss the contract, this may be an unfair practice.
Requests outside standard practice
Unprofessional conditions: for example, requests for intimate photos, promises such as “you’ll get more opportunities for this role,” etc.
As soon as it’s not directly related to the acting performance, it’s cause for concern.
Uncertainties Regarding Rights and Use
If a contract states that the producer (or someone else) holds “all rights to performance in perpetuity and everywhere” without clearly specifying the intended use, this is risky.
Can a casting director or agency sign a contract with an actor instead of the producer?
Yes. A producer can have casting directors or an agency sign contracts with actors on their behalf. They should be paid extra for this work and should not accept money or a commission from the actors for it.
Stop Double Commissions (Kickbacks)
What it is:A situation in which a casting agency or director secures you a role but takes a percentage (often 10–20%) of your fee as a “casting fee.”
In plain terms: Protection money.A casting director is an employee or contractor for the production. They are paid to select a professional. If they ask you for money as well, they are essentially “selling” you to the production while also “cashing in” on you. That’s not casting; it’s a hidden agency fee that no one has approved.
Why this is bad practice:
Conflict of interest: Did they hire you because you're the best, or because you'll make them the most money?
Lack of transparency: An actorshould receive the fee he or she has negotiated. Any deduction “for brokerage” by someone who is not his or her exclusive agent is unethical.
Devaluation of the profession: Professionalcasting agencies (such as those affiliated with international associations like the ICDN or CSA) are prohibited from doing this.
Who is an acting agent?
An acting agent is a professional who represents actors and actresses in film, television, theater, and advertising. Their main role is to negotiate actors’ fees and the terms of their employment contracts with producers. They manage the promotion of actors and actresses, handle their commitments, and schedule their appointments. They help their clients develop their careers and ensure they have access to job opportunities.
At the start of the working relationship, an acting agent enters into an exclusive representation agreement with the actor. The agreement is typically for one year.
Actors should check what they actually receive in return for the portion of their daily fee that they pay to their agent. They should be aware of their rights and obligations.
What is an acting agent's commission?
Both here and abroad, it is standard practice for an acting agent to take 10% of the fee for their comprehensive services in cases of exclusive representation. For commercials, they receive a 20% commission (agency fee) in addition to the actor’s fee. At least in most cases.
If the agency fee is to be included directly in the actor’s fee, it is up to each actor or actress to decide whether to accept this arrangement.
There is no fixed percentage anywhere, but the percentages mentioned are common in our industry. If someone were to ask for more, it should serve as a warning sign for the actor.
What is the typical acting fee?
The producer determines the actor’s fee based on the budget. Every project is different, and it is necessary to familiarize oneself with its financing. New actors receive a different fee than established actors. However, everyone can negotiate their fee with the producer. The fee is agreed upon per shooting day (SD), and the total amount for the project is a multiple of the number of these days.
What about advertising?
Fees for acting in the advertising industry consist of two main components:
Performance Fee
This fee is paid for the actual filming of the commercial and includes:
Shooting Days: Actorsare paid for each day of filming. Their pay may depend on the length of the workday, with the possibility of overtime pay or compensation for working in adverse conditions.
Rehearsals and preparation:In some cases, an actor may also be paid for days spent rehearsing or preparing.
Usage Fee
The usage fee covers the rights to use the actor's performance in the advertisement for a specific period of time and in specific geographic areas. This fee may include:
Duration of use:The fee is determined based on how long the advertisement will be aired (e.g., three months, six months, one year).
Geographic areas:The fee varies depending on where the ad will be broadcast (local, regional, national, international).
Media platforms: The feedepends on the number and types of media platforms (television, the internet, social media, movie theaters, etc.).
Shooting Day (SD)
"ND" is a term used in film and television production to refer to a working day during which actors are filming.
A working day is typically 12 hours, including a lunch break, with the shift starting when the actor arrives at the makeup room. When filming takes place outside the actor’s place of residence, the shift begins when the actor crosses the city limits.
A shooting day may span two calendar days; the number of hours is what counts.
Half-day acting gig - fee
If an actor is on set for less than 6 hours, this is considered a "half-day." If a half-day is requested by the production and subsequently specified in the contract terms, the fee is typically 70% of the standard daily rate.
Overtime
A shift should last no more than 12 hours. An actor is not required to agree to overtime. If they do agree, they may be paid for overtime hours, but this must be specified in the contract. Each hour of overtime started is billed at 1/10 of the daily fee (sometimes 1/12).
An actor should have a 10-hour break between shooting days. This is standard practice. If the time between shooting days is shorter, the actor may be paid for so-called compensatory hours. This must also be specified in the contract.
Acting Contract
An acting contract is essential for establishing clear and legally binding terms of cooperation, thereby preventing misunderstandings and disputes between actors and production companies. The contract sets forth the rights and obligations of both parties and includes various clauses regarding working conditions, fees, the duration of the agreement, and other important aspects.
Read the contract before signing it!
If you are unsure, you should discuss the contract with a lawyer or a copyright expert. Actors typically sign a CONTRACT FOR THE CREATION OF AN ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE AND THE GRANTING OF A LICENSE with producers.
WARNING!Actors and actresses should not sign representation, exclusivity, or external representation agreements with casting directors or agencies. Doing so may bind them to a working relationship that is not suitable or beneficial for them in the future.
Tip for actors:
How should I present myself?
Actors can use their profile on our acting platform, Actorsmap, to let casting directors and agencies know about their current projects and availability. We recommend including a link to your profile in your email signature and on social media. That way, you’ll always have your digital acting resume with you.
Headshot
Portrait photography is an essential tool for anyone seeking to succeed in an acting career. At Actorsmap, you’ll find a list of photographerswho specialize in headshot photography.
Why headshots are important:
First impressions:Headshots often form the first impression that casting directors and producers have of an actor.
Purpose:Headshots help casting directors and producers easily identify and remember actors during the casting process.
Professionalism:A high-quality headshot shows that an actor takes their career seriously and invests in their professional image.
Quality:Headshots should be professionally taken and well-lit to best capture the actor’s appearance.
Update:It is important that headshots are up to date and accurately reflect the actor’s current appearance, including changes in hairstyle, style, or other physical characteristics.
Showreel
A showreel is a short video (usually 1–2 minutes long) that features clips of an actor or actress’s performances in various projects. Currently, it is not easy to obtain the rights to the material used in showreels.
Introductory video
An introductory video is also sufficient for self-promotion—ideally in multiple languages. Again, it should be filmed in good lighting and with the highest possible quality, even if shot at home on a smartphone.
Now available on Actorsmap Selftape Studio, where you can record three versions of videos in different languages. You can use it for acting scenes, monologues, or dialogues, for example. Once recorded, the video will automatically appear on your profile, and you can update it at any time.
Self-promotion is an ongoing process that requires effort, investment, and strategic thinking. The key is to be visible, professional, and constantly improving.
What is a self-tape?
A video recording that an actor makes themselves (usually at home) to demonstrate their acting skills for a specific role.
We now have a new feature on Actorsmap Selftape Studio, which you can use to record a professional self-tape. You can easily record, label, and send your video to the designated location.
Give it a try—it’ll make your life easier and ensure you’re submitting your video in the right format. Casting directors can request your self-tape via messages on your actor profile, so be sure to check them. But don’t worry—you’ll also receive a text message and an email notification.
A self-tape is used in casting calls instead of an in-person audition. The casting director or producer sends the script, scene, or assignment, and the actor films themselves:
Just record it on your cell phone; you’ll need a quiet environment, good lighting, and clear audio. Performance and authenticity are key.
Self-tapes give actors the opportunity to audition remotely, even from abroad.
Name your videos with your name and the role you’re applying for—this will ensure your video doesn’t get lost in the sea of others. And that’s exactly what our Selftape Studio
AI and Digital Identity Protection (Your Face Is Your Asset)
In the era of generative artificial intelligence, you are no longer just a "live actor," but also a dataset (biometric data). Your face and voice are of immense value for digital post-production and synthesis.
Digital Double
Synthetic voice and dubbing
Transparency in the casting process
Data Protection on Actorsmap
At Actorsmap, we actively prevent bots from "scraping" (mass-downloading) your headshots and videos for the purpose of illegally training AI without your knowledge.
How can you spot a fraudulent offer or a fake casting call?
Unfortunately, we have recently been seeing an increasing number of fraudulent offers that could lead to the misuse of personal data.
Please pay particular attention to the following points:
If it is not clear from the proposal who is producing the project, for what format, and in what context (film, TV series, commercial, audio), it is wise to exercise caution.
We recommend searching for the company name on Google (e.g., company name + “scam”) and verifying its VAT number or registered office.
Please be aware if:
The text is clearly generated by AI, and the communication comes across as chaotic or unprofessional
During the casting phase, do not share: copies of documents, your social security number, your address, or your bank details
Professional casting does not require any registration or administrative fees.
Any request for payment is a red flag!
Be careful if the fee seems unrealistic or is listed in an unusual way
Pay attention if the reward is:
unreasonably high, listed without reference to the scope of work, in unusual currencies, and without explanation
Generic or non-standard email addresses often do not match the typical communication patterns of film production companies, casting agencies, or other verified entities.
We recommend:
Search for a production company or client in the registry, look up their previous projects (IMDb, ČSFD), and compare the information with standard industry practices.
If you're not sure, please contact us and we’ll review the offer with you.
Unfortunately, such attempts are part of the current trend.
Be cautious and don’t let yourself be pressured into taking hasty steps.
Glossary
All broadcast media– all moving media
ALL media– all media
ATL –Above-the-Line (ATL) is a method of conducting campaigns at the macro level (national, regional, or even broader). The message is designed to reach as many people as possible. It utilizes mass media (television, radio, print media, out-of-home advertising, in-theater advertising, etc.).
A banneris usually a rectangle or square located near the edge of a webpage, at the top of the page, or embedded within the webpage’s content. It typically consists of an image, a video clip, an animation, or interactive graphics that encourage the customer to interact with it or showcase a product or brand.
Billboard – an oversized outdoor advertising space, such as those on buildings or along major roads (measuring 9.6 × 3.6 meters)
Billboard– a large-scale advertising sign. Billboards are most commonly found on highways, in city centers, and similar locations. (They measure 5.1 × 2.4 meters.)
Buyout –A one-timepayment for the right to air an advertisement (use of rights). It is often confused with the fee for a day of filming.
BTL- Below-the-line communication
CLV (City Light Vitrin)– illuminated outdoor advertising space
Exclusivity– the client requires that the actor not sign (either in the past or in the near future) a contract with any other client in the same service segment or promoting the same product
Callback – The second(and subsequent) round of auditions, which is open only to the selected finalists.
Cross-media– the same ad appears across different media (TV, print, web)
Cross-Promotion– Joint Product Promotion. Products that complement each other
Fitting – Costumefitting. In advertising, this is often a separately billed service (or should be).
Hero shot –The most important and visually striking shot of the actor with the product, which will be the most prominent element in the commercial.
Merchandising– promotional advertising using promotional products (T-shirts, keychains, pens, etc.)
Megaboard –an outdoor advertising space measuring 16 by 9 meters; however, it can also be a megaboard measuring 30 by 10 meters or even larger.
Shooting day
OOH – outdoor advertising, also known as Out-of-home. This primarily includes megaboards, billboards, bigboards, and citylights, as well as benches, banners, phone booths, and all forms of moving or live advertising.
Online advertising—also known as internet or digital advertising—is a form of marketing and advertising communication that uses the internet to deliver promotional marketing messages to a target audience. This type of advertising can take various forms and utilize different channels, including PPC ads on search engines, banner ads on websites, video ads on YouTube, ads on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, email marketing, and more.
Options—Termsthat the production “reserves” for an actor (Option A and B). The actor must wait for them, even if he or she does not yet have a contract.
PD – semi-detailed
Packshot – A shotof the product itself (yogurt, car, beer). These are often filmed without an actor, but the actor must make proper eye contact with the product in the preceding shot.
POS/POP– a collection of promotional materials and products used at the point of sale to promote a specific product.
Poster
Public relations- PR [pi-ar] This term comes from English and can be loosely translated as "public relations"
Roll-out –Extending the campaign to other countries or for additional periods, for which the actor should receive additional compensation.
SoMe– Social media (often referred to as social networks) are online services that allow individual users to stay in touch and create content. In English, they are sometimes referred to as Social Networking Services.
Social media only—The admust not appear on TV, only on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
TV Advertising – TV advertising is a form of marketing communication in which advertisers air commercials or sponsored messages on television stations to promote their products, services, or brands. These ads can be aired at various times throughout the day or night, often during commercial breaks.
Video banner– A video banner is a modern form of online advertising that can very effectively capture the attention of potential customers. The ad appears on a specific website, where the advertiser pays to have it displayed in video format. Unlike a traditional banner
A video bumperis a short, typically six-second video ad that airs before, during, or after an online video. These ads are unskippable, meaning users must watch them in their entirety before they can continue watching their original content. Bumper ads are popular on platforms such as YouTube, where they are often used to raise brand or product awareness.
Wild track—Recordingvoice or sound directly on location, but without a camera (audio track only).
AUTHOR:ACTORSMAP