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Writer's pictureWalid Chaya

What is the difference between a casting director and an agent?

Acting Tips for Aspiring Actors


A casting director and an agent are two different roles in the entertainment industry, although they both play important parts in an actor's career. Here are some differences between the two:


1. Role: A casting director's primary responsibility is to find actors to fill roles in film, TV, and theater productions. They work with producers and directors to identify suitable actors and organize auditions. They may find the actors from agent or manager submissions. On the other hand, an agent's central function is to represent actors by finding auditions and negotiating contracts on their behalf.


2. Employment: Casting directors are usually hired by production companies or studios to cast for specific projects. They may work on multiple projects at a time, but they are not typically employed by individual actors. Agents, on the other hand, are hired by individual actors to represent them in their careers.


3. Payment: Casting directors are paid by the production company or studio that hires them. Agents and managers, on the other hand, are paid by the actors they represent, typically taking a percentage of the actor's earnings.


4. Relationships: Actors usually have a professional relationship with their agent, who helps guide their career and secure auditions and jobs. Casting directors, on the other hand, typically have a more temporary relationship with actors, as they are focused on casting for a specific project.


Casting directors and agents play different roles in an actor's career. Casting directors are responsible for casting actors in productions, while agents represent actors and negotiate deals on their behalf.




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