First assistant to the film cast

Role and missions

Working in close collaboration with the director, the casting director immerses himself in the script to find the profiles he feels match the characters. A real talent scout, he or she is responsible for finding both lead and supporting roles.

He contacts the agents of the actors under consideration to organise auditions. He may also spot people in the street, although this remains marginal.

He watches the actors’ screen tests, works with them to define their limits (e.g. not acting naked) and lists their skills (e.g. playing the piano, riding a horse, singing).

For each role, he selects several possible actors and suggests them to the director.

He then notifies the agents or actors directly of their participation in the shoot.

Diplomas and training

There is no training available on the market, but audiovisual studies are recommended to enter this field, and the 3-year course offered by CinéCréatis provides all the foundations needed to one day become a first assistant in film casting.

Some casting directors started out as actors before expanding their network and changing their status. In this case, it’s the experience and the address book that count.

Skills and qualities required

The first film casting assistant must have good interpersonal skills and have the intuition to understand the personality of the actors he or she is auditioning in order to find the right one.

Rigorous and organised, they have an up-to-date catalogue of actors from which they can draw if necessary.

Punctual, he keeps a strict schedule so that the actors have as many tests as possible in as little time as possible.

Ideally, they speak English, or even other foreign languages, as they may work on shoots in France for foreign directors.

Charismatic, they have a nose for spotting new talent. Bringing out future stars is a casting director’s best calling card.

Careers and career opportunities

Before you can become a first assistant film casting director, you have to work your way up through the ranks and build up your experience. You start out as a casting assistant, then become a lead (the person responsible for finding extras) before becoming a casting director. To do this, you need to build up a large catalogue of actors and develop your professional network. To make a name for yourself, you need to have the flair and intuition to make the actors you select stand out in the public eye. In this way, they will be appreciated and warmly recommended.

After that, they may take an interest in the director’s trade by becoming second or first assistant director before moving on to directing.

Another possibility is for him to switch to the actors’ side, which he knows very well, and become an agent for one or more actors, particularly those who have become stars thanks in part to him.

Salary expectations

The first casting assistant for film roles is a casual entertainment worker. The casting director only works on demand and alternates with periods of unemployment. For a beginner, the gross monthly salary is 2800 euros.

With experience and recommendations, the salary can rise substantially.