In most cases, when casting actors for a film, you are meeting them for the first time. Anyone taking the art of filmmaking seriously already knows that its a bad idea to cast friends in movies. What inevitably happens, I have found, is that during and after the working process, many directors and actors become really good friends. You like how they work, how they are supportive of the family that became closer after a production, and the professional barriers that seperate people in this business are broken down.
Then it becomes time to cast another project, and you have a shortlist of actors you know that were a pleasure to be around, and that most of all, are talented as hell. I have been privileged many times to simply pick up the phone and call friends I have worked with, while being able to avoid the traditional casting process altogether.
In some cases, I have, and continue to write parts for specific actors (or with them in mind). This is the apex of collaboration in the business. Nothing like being a fan of an actor's work AND having a personal relationship with them. It makes the work, non-work. And you get excited about providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents the way you have always envisioned them doing so...and on your movie, no less.
Here is one of my favorite directors PT Anderson discussing this idea and way of working, a method I as a director, have sort of adopted myself.
- Princeton
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