Top casting directors discuss how they’ve seen the casting process evolve over the years, from in-person auditions to self-tapes.
The path to the audition room has transformed over the last decade. What was once a world of physical headshots and in-person sessions has shifted into a more digital landscape of self-tapes and global reach. While the pandemic accelerated this move toward self-taping, the evolution of technology has permanently reshaped how performers are discovered, seen and hired.
We spoke with some of the industry’s top casting directors – including Andy Pryor CDG, CSA (It’s a Sin, Doctor Who), Kelly Valentine Hendry CDG (Rivals, Bridgerton), Rosie Pearson CDG (Starlight Express, Titanique) and Kristina Erdely CDG, CSA (The Brutalist, Love, Death & Robots) – to discuss how they feel technology has changed the audition process.
By understanding both the efficiency of the self-tape and the enduring value of human chemistry, you can better position yourself to thrive as the industry continues to transform.
What you’ll learn from this video:
- The impact of more people being involved in modern casting decisions.
- Why self-taping has made the industry more accessible to performers outside of major hubs like London.
- The enduring importance of chemistry and why casting directors are fighting to get actors back in the room.
- How the explosion of streaming content has created more platforms for emerging talent to shine.
From Physical to Digital
For veteran casting directors like Rosie Pearson, the industry used to be defined by the physical. “Everything was much more analogue and much more in-person,” she reflects. However, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid technological evolution has permanently shifted the landscape toward the digital.
Andy Pryor notes that this has also broken down geographic barriers, as “You source people from many more different areas.” Actors no longer need to live within a certain distance of a London studio to be considered for a major role. The internet and self-taping have widened the possibilities, allowing casting directors to find actors from diverse areas and backgrounds.
The Power of the Room vs The Reach of Self-Tapes
While the accessibility of digital casting is a “wonderful platform”, as Kristina Erdely puts it, many casting directors feel the loss of the human element. Lissy Holm highlights a sentiment shared by many in the industry: “There is nothing like the connection that you get with an actor reading an actor in the room.”
The current challenge for the industry is finding the sweet spot between these two worlds. Rosie Pearson emphasises that while online tools are efficient, the goal is now to balance digital convenience with the “personal touch of being in the room, and having that chemistry and relationship with actors.”
A More Crowded Table
It’s not just the how of casting that has changed, but the who. Kelly Valentine Hendry points out a significant shift in the hierarchy of decision-making. Where a session might have once been the sole domain of a director and producer, today casting directors often navigate the opinions of “20 to 30 people” above them, making decisions.
This shift reflects the scale of modern production, but it also means that more eyes are seeing actors than ever before. As Lucy Casson mentions, even social media has become a useful resource (even if she doesn’t use it that often herself!), making the industry more accessible for those who know how to use the tools at their disposal.
Ultimately, the casting landscape has become a balancing act between the efficiency of the digital age and the irreplaceable spark of human connection. While the methods of discovery continue to shift, the core of the craft remains the same: a relentless search for the authentic chemistry that only happens when the right performers meet the right story.
Key Takeaways for Actors
- Embrace the Digital Reach: Use self-taping as an opportunity to be seen for roles that were previously out of reach because of your location.
- Prioritise Connection: When you do get the chance to be “in the room”, focus on building a genuine relationship and showing your unique chemistry.
- Master the Self-Tape: Ensure your technical setup allows your performance to shine through the screen.
- Stay Proactive: With more content being made than ever before, use social media and digital platforms to make yourself “accessible” to casting teams.
Take a look at our website for more interviews and video advice from actors and casting directors.
