Learn the art of casting – an essential element of all film, television and theatre productions.
This course has been carefully designed by working Casting Directors to help participants develop all the skills you need to jump into a busy office as a Casting Assistant.
Course Outline
This blended learning Certificate course is supported by the CDG (The Casting Directors' Guild of Great Britain & Ireland). From knowledge and experience to building relationships within the industry, this evening course will give you the practical skills and knowledge needed to start your career in casting, with insight from influential Casting Directors and key players in the business. It is delivered weekly online, with occasional sessions at the NFTS London base in Golden Square.
What You'll Study
Over the 24 weeks of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of the entire cycle of casting. From how the role of the Casting Director evolved, to the basics of how a casting office works and the differing roles within it. You’ll be taught how a project is cast from start to finish: from reading scripts and pitching for a job, to finding, presenting and auditioning actors. You will learn how Casting Directors work effectively with producers and agents, navigate codes of conduct and keep a firm hold of schedules, budgets and deal negotiations, and will learn the basics of British PACT, Equity, Cinema and TV union agreements. From street casting to working with minors, down to how open call auditions are organised, no casting stone is left unturned. In addition, you will be given assistance finding a work experience placement within a Casting Director’s office.
Entry Requirements
We are looking for people who are passionate about entering the world of casting. To be successful requires excellent communication and collaborative skills, a hunger to get ahead with an awareness of the discretion and sensitivity essential to the casting process. You will have strong opinions on writing you admire across film, TV, theatre and non-traditional formats and be able to articulate the reasons why. You should have a good general education, but no other specific educational requirements or casting experience are needed for this course. You need to be 18 years or over.
The NFTS wants to encourage applications from the brightest and best talent out there, whatever your background. That’s why we have made bursary funding available for this course. A high percentage of students will receive funding to undertake the course. You will be invited to apply for funding should you be offered a place on the course.
