Call Me! Call Me Anytime. Call Me!
August 18, 2009
I often think that the hardest part about being a Casting Director is that aside from the main purpose of our job, finding cast for a film, we are also self-employed, small business owners. We have to pay the bills: rent, phone, internet, cleaning supplies, printing supplies, water, beverages, food, mail etc. We have to keep the office looking pretty, something we have yet to achieve. In my head it looks very glamorous but that is me in survival mode, I know the place could use a sprucing up and I also know that if we looked a little more together, maybe it would impress a producer or give us an edge in booking a job. Sometimes I feel like the “cool, indie casting office,” but I want to upgrade to “hip/wallpaper magazine inspired casting office…”
If you ever get a chance to walk into the Firefly Casting office (Rubin/Hicks) it is the wet-dream of a casting office in my humble opinion. It is very modern, cool, and Hollywood. They have all the latest equipment and tools. I cried when I went to visit them for lunch, well cried on the inside but became motivated to get to that place where I knew that one day, one day I too would own that thingy that did that thingy to the DVD that allows you to rip a scene form a copy written film onto a blank DVD and I too would have remote access to ALL of my files! But, not yet…nope…all I’ve got is a dream and the phone number of Richard Hick’s computer guy.
But today, that dream gets a little brighter and more hopeful. Today, we are installing a proper phone system with a BRAIN, four incoming lines and up to 20 extensions! I got an amazing deal on the phones and the system and our installer is doing it for a price that seemed fair. I am one small step closer to my casting empire – a real phone system! Now if I could just get rid of all of the dog hair in my office…
Ooh, honey, I feel you on this one! I actually have photos of my dream office in my “intention folder” and regularly crave the cool, organized, really producer-friendly office I know I’ll someday have.
Ah… love that dream!
Congrats on getting one step closer! That’s awesome!
Wow Mathew. I’ve read all of your blogs and comments left to you. You are a wonderful person for giving us so much inside info about what CDs go through and what you are looking for. I’m so grateful that I stumbled onto this site.
I was actually looking for some information about this website called The Casting Director. Here’s the link: http://www.thecastingdirector.com/
Have you heard of this website and whether or not it is legit?
Thanks for all that you do!
Hi Karina,
I did get an email from that website. I have no idea if they are legit or not. The only websites I use for casting are Breakdown Services, LA Casting & Now Casting.
M
I like that site. They gave me free headshots and didn’t try and sell me a thing. It’s rare out here to get something and not ask for anything in return. Got an audition out of it too:) Didn’t book it it though:(
You know what? I have that wet dream too. BUT, I have been casting for just over 30 years….25 years on my own and on the road. I am truly a gypsy casting director. I go from film to film…and THEY provide an office. I have literally NO overhead. I do not have to take on projects just to support a staff and pay for my office. Yes, it’s a bitch to set up an office every time I get a film. But again, I do not have to even think about all the expenses of running an office - ever. I have it down to a science (the move-in and the move-out, and I carry all the wonderful electronica that you covet. After all, we are now a post-production house in casting, aren’t we?!!).
Yes it would be nice to have a cool office with lovely furniture and art and doo-dads, but when it comes right down to it…it’s what happens in the room, and what ends up on the tape (ok, now DVD or link) that really matters. It’s your calming and convincing voice on the phone that helps your team come around to your vision for your cast (while the producers and director and studio execs are all spread out over the country and globe!)
Appearances - the groovy office - aren’t everything!
Signed….gypsy rogue casting director….Marci Liroff
Hello Mr.Lessall,
I was reading through some information about you earlier, it seemed interesting! Now although this question I have isn’t directly about you, I was wondering could you please help me out? I wanted to know: Do you by chance have Richard Hicks casting email address (because I needed it for the film “Real Steal” that’s soon to be filmed), if so could you please email me or just reply back with some contact info. on him?
Sincerely,
Charles
Call the Casting Society of America for any casting director’s information.
Hey Mr. Lessall,
My name is Matthew and I am 15 years young
. I am a inspiring actor and it is my dream to become a professional. I am very easy to mold so I know that wouldn’t be a problem. I was hoping you can help me or give me some tips to get me started in the business.
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cleaning supplies should have earth friendly organic ingredients so that they do not harm the environment :~;
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