I know there is no hard and fast answer, that time frames are different, and manners I suppose vary. I've read through several posts where there appears to be a lot of waiting and lack of information available and that is likely the nature of the industry.
How long afer does it take for your children to decide to move on...for you to discount a role as being likely unsuccessful if you haven't heard? It seems recalls happen quickly but then a huge variability in hearing following between never hearing anything(very rude) to several weeks, according to a few have spoken with whilst waiting with dd, even when successful?! Wouldn't some kind of code of practice be useful? Or is there one already, or is everyone fine with this anyway?
re castings and callbacks/recalls
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horace-wimph
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
Will! wrote:I'm not a parent, I'm a kid, but from my experiences so far the parts I haven't got I never heard back, but despite there being a lot of people who don't let you know, there are also lots who do.
Recalls don't tend to keep you waiting too long, but it depends on the part you're auditioning for, or the size of the project. For Harry Potter, the call for recalls came a few weeks after, but honestly it varies. I think the best tactic is to do the audition for experience and then try and forget all about it afterward (hard, I know!), then if the call comes it's a bonus!
A very sensible kid too !
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
Completely agree with Will. My dsis 9 and has had lots of castings and as soon as he leaves the building it's in the past and he just looks forward to the next one. If he get's it then that's great but tbh, he loves the castings so much he thinks he is successful by being asked to go to them.
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
That's a great attitude Mpesm. Casting Directors would agree I think. An actor IS successful in a way if they have been invited to a casting/audition for drama: they have already beaten off a lot of competition.
In my experience, it is very rare indeed to hear a "no" for commercials and quite rare to hear a "no" after first round auditions (i.e. not getting a recall). It is more common to hear back from recalls and an agent will normally be able to find out a yes or no from a recall from a drama audition if you are desperate to know (though I would always take an agent's advice on this, they'll usually know the best protocol for each casting director).
I think it depends princiapally on the numbers being auditioned and the casting director.
It would be good to hear a yes or no, and with the ease of email communication, you'd think it wouldn't be too much to ask. However, the time involved for casting director and agent is precious and the unhappy truth is that actors tend to be at the bottom of the heap until they are needed/wanted! It's tough, but part of the business and not very likely to change I don't think because of the rule of supply and demand.
In my experience, it is very rare indeed to hear a "no" for commercials and quite rare to hear a "no" after first round auditions (i.e. not getting a recall). It is more common to hear back from recalls and an agent will normally be able to find out a yes or no from a recall from a drama audition if you are desperate to know (though I would always take an agent's advice on this, they'll usually know the best protocol for each casting director).
I think it depends princiapally on the numbers being auditioned and the casting director.
It would be good to hear a yes or no, and with the ease of email communication, you'd think it wouldn't be too much to ask. However, the time involved for casting director and agent is precious and the unhappy truth is that actors tend to be at the bottom of the heap until they are needed/wanted! It's tough, but part of the business and not very likely to change I don't think because of the rule of supply and demand.
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horace-wimph
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
I think that good attitudes of course are vitally important and what stands out is the aboves wilingness which is fantastic, to be involved. There is someone who is also probably involved in facilitating this willngness.
I think good manners are equally important, and it's jolly easy to have an automail to send out to those unsuccessful, which doesn't take any time at all. It just appears that there is an inequity regarding importance of time spent arranging to get ones thespian darling offspring to these events.We are all very aware how important the CD's are and ther jobs etc but, I just wonder if we under estimate our own importance in the process. We are after all in reality not only the providers of talent but also the consumers ultimately. I think and may be shot down in flames for this a very female thing to under value own imput.
I'm not really trying to change the world, just want to stimulate thought and remind everyone that it sounds like they're doing a fine job!
I think good manners are equally important, and it's jolly easy to have an automail to send out to those unsuccessful, which doesn't take any time at all. It just appears that there is an inequity regarding importance of time spent arranging to get ones thespian darling offspring to these events.We are all very aware how important the CD's are and ther jobs etc but, I just wonder if we under estimate our own importance in the process. We are after all in reality not only the providers of talent but also the consumers ultimately. I think and may be shot down in flames for this a very female thing to under value own imput.
I'm not really trying to change the world, just want to stimulate thought and remind everyone that it sounds like they're doing a fine job!
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
In response to the original question about timing:
This depends on so many variables to do with the production that it probably is impossible for there to be a pattern that everyone could stick to. An agent or independent applicant should be able to get an idea though, if they ask when they accept the audition. Sometimes the CD or director will volunteer the information when you go to the audition e.g.: "we will be making decisions next week". The trouble is, the CD might give you information at the audition and then something happens in the production schedule or in another area of casting that means that answer turns out to be inaccurate.
In terms of actors not making a fuss because they want to appear to have a good attitude (if I've interpreted that correctly) I agree with you! I'm guilty of it some of the time in some areas of the business. It depends how brave I'm feeling and how nervous I am about annoying the person with the perceived power.
There are any number of things about the way the profession works that I don't like at all. There is a danger that we are all so mortally afraid of offending that we don't value ourselves highly enough and actors tend to be very nervous about making a scene (no pun intended). I do think that it would be better if CDs spent a little time informing those who were unsuccessful. I make a point of thanking those CDs who do bother and letting them know that I appreciate it. I tend not to complain if I'm not informed.
Another bugbear of mine is the proliferation of unpaid work. I no longer do any unpaid work. It's still tempting occasionally, when I haven't had a sniff of a job for ages and a creatively interesting opportunity comes up. I don't think any of the unpaid jobs I've done have been particularly useful - though I did them because I hoped that they would be. I just feel older, wiser and poorer now - and recognise that it is the paid jobs that have given me the best experiences, the most worthwhile credits and the most worthwhile contacts. I have, almost without exception, been treated with far more respect when I have been paid - from the first casting to the hand-shake at the end. I think, like lots of things in life, something you get for nothing is not regarded as very valuable! I often try to let other actors know about my experiences and even try to discourage actors from applying for unpaid work. I am rarely successful and I think this is because actors have to find out the hard way that working for nothing is a bit of a mug's game.
What do you think could or should be done about the lack of communication from CDs?
This depends on so many variables to do with the production that it probably is impossible for there to be a pattern that everyone could stick to. An agent or independent applicant should be able to get an idea though, if they ask when they accept the audition. Sometimes the CD or director will volunteer the information when you go to the audition e.g.: "we will be making decisions next week". The trouble is, the CD might give you information at the audition and then something happens in the production schedule or in another area of casting that means that answer turns out to be inaccurate.
In terms of actors not making a fuss because they want to appear to have a good attitude (if I've interpreted that correctly) I agree with you! I'm guilty of it some of the time in some areas of the business. It depends how brave I'm feeling and how nervous I am about annoying the person with the perceived power.
There are any number of things about the way the profession works that I don't like at all. There is a danger that we are all so mortally afraid of offending that we don't value ourselves highly enough and actors tend to be very nervous about making a scene (no pun intended). I do think that it would be better if CDs spent a little time informing those who were unsuccessful. I make a point of thanking those CDs who do bother and letting them know that I appreciate it. I tend not to complain if I'm not informed.
Another bugbear of mine is the proliferation of unpaid work. I no longer do any unpaid work. It's still tempting occasionally, when I haven't had a sniff of a job for ages and a creatively interesting opportunity comes up. I don't think any of the unpaid jobs I've done have been particularly useful - though I did them because I hoped that they would be. I just feel older, wiser and poorer now - and recognise that it is the paid jobs that have given me the best experiences, the most worthwhile credits and the most worthwhile contacts. I have, almost without exception, been treated with far more respect when I have been paid - from the first casting to the hand-shake at the end. I think, like lots of things in life, something you get for nothing is not regarded as very valuable! I often try to let other actors know about my experiences and even try to discourage actors from applying for unpaid work. I am rarely successful and I think this is because actors have to find out the hard way that working for nothing is a bit of a mug's game.
What do you think could or should be done about the lack of communication from CDs?
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daisydancer
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
I'm so glad about these postings as feel it is outrageous the way children are treated by casting directors. My DD has been fortunate to have had two paid jobs, so we've seen what it is like when you do get a callback/recall and eventually a job, but we have also seen what it is like with numerous other castings when all there is is silence and waiting and waiting. I simply don't understand why in this day of e-mail etc the CD cannot let people know the score as it is not the 'nos' that are a problem - can easily deal with that - but the never knowing.
Everyone talks about CDs being busy people but aren't we all these days? and simply saying that 'it's the business' is crazy as it does not have to be that way and should move with the times, like everything and everyone else has to. I also don't see why the job of a CD should be considered so stressful; they simply sit and watch auditions all day and make judgements I'm sure any person with a passion for theatre could meet. It is not rocket science.
I agree with the previous post when someone said that it is about us thinking we are less valuable. Each and every child who auditions is valuable and time, energy and money has been spent getting him or her there. I guess we put up with it because we hope for a big break, but what message is that sending to our kids? Put up and shut up? Sadly, in this world it is people who stand up for themselves and aren't afraid to rock the boat that get ahead. Just read some biographies of great performers or artists or musicians or inventors. So from now on we always ask what the next stage is and get clarity from the CD so that if we don't hear by so and so date at least we know the score. I really wish other people would do the same and stop being so darn scared of these people - if more of us do it the more likely it is that things will change and CDs will start to get the message and start treating us as the valuable human being we all are, and inform everyone whether it is a no or a more please.
Everyone talks about CDs being busy people but aren't we all these days? and simply saying that 'it's the business' is crazy as it does not have to be that way and should move with the times, like everything and everyone else has to. I also don't see why the job of a CD should be considered so stressful; they simply sit and watch auditions all day and make judgements I'm sure any person with a passion for theatre could meet. It is not rocket science.
I agree with the previous post when someone said that it is about us thinking we are less valuable. Each and every child who auditions is valuable and time, energy and money has been spent getting him or her there. I guess we put up with it because we hope for a big break, but what message is that sending to our kids? Put up and shut up? Sadly, in this world it is people who stand up for themselves and aren't afraid to rock the boat that get ahead. Just read some biographies of great performers or artists or musicians or inventors. So from now on we always ask what the next stage is and get clarity from the CD so that if we don't hear by so and so date at least we know the score. I really wish other people would do the same and stop being so darn scared of these people - if more of us do it the more likely it is that things will change and CDs will start to get the message and start treating us as the valuable human being we all are, and inform everyone whether it is a no or a more please.
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
Hi daisydancer, I guess everyone deals with it differently. I actually think that if we knew we would hear by such and such a date it would make the process feel more stressful as we build our hopes up waiting for the call The way we or should I say ds deal with it all definitely works for us. The only times my ds has been disappointed have been when the cd has told him the classic we'll be in touch, better to do the casting,leave and move on. I do get your point though.
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horace-wimph
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
We're back to the concept of common courtesy and as I type I think OMG I am turning into my parents!!
As an earlier post suggested there is a supply vs demand issue, so it makes the whole process inequitable, with the power always with the CD's who as a consequence believe that their time the priority.
I think if this were ever to change that it should be the CD employers who should be targeted.
All pie in the sky really but an institution like auntie beeb should be at the forefront, demanding that all applicants should be contacted following audition whether children or adult. Perhaps agents also need to be more demanding, requesting appropriate and timely information.
Good manners cost nothing and perhaps if there were more of them, the world might be a slightly nicer place- (climbs of soap box and skuttles into corner to practise her grumpy old woman routine)!!!!
As an earlier post suggested there is a supply vs demand issue, so it makes the whole process inequitable, with the power always with the CD's who as a consequence believe that their time the priority.
I think if this were ever to change that it should be the CD employers who should be targeted.
All pie in the sky really but an institution like auntie beeb should be at the forefront, demanding that all applicants should be contacted following audition whether children or adult. Perhaps agents also need to be more demanding, requesting appropriate and timely information.
Good manners cost nothing and perhaps if there were more of them, the world might be a slightly nicer place- (climbs of soap box and skuttles into corner to practise her grumpy old woman routine)!!!!
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scriptassistant
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
While many CDs tend to take the 'too busy to let everyone know' approach, I've found that some of the most succesful ones (e.g. Fiona Weir, Pippa Hall) have always managed a 'thank you for coming' letter or email even when its a 'no'. May be others should take a leaf out of their books! With regard to timescales for hearing back, I'm still as confused as when DS first started going to auditions 5 years ago. One part he got after a single audition and was informed by a phonecall in the car on the way home from the audition. For other parts he has had 2 or even 3 recalls (once 5 recalls after an initial workshop audition!!!!) Sometimes we have heard back within a couple of days, often it has been about a week but on two occasions we have been phoned back many MONTHS later and asked to attend a recall. I agree with the 'do the audition and move on' theory of those above. It really can be quite random.
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janine
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
I completely agree with scriptassistant !!!Dont know whether its just me, but in my experience, the more professional/ high profile the production/ film ect ,ect, the more curtious the CDs. Whenever we have attended these auditions we have heard back when promised, & been treated very well,& she has done really well from these auditions, however My daughter auditioned for 6 student films ,a few months back, just for showreal.She got 4 of the roles but the other 2 were so rude, both to myself & to her, (just because of her height which was clear on her CV).... SHE IS ONLY 7! I was disgusted, but didnt rise to it & remained calm & polite-( those who know me know this goes against my nature).Methinks the saying ' a little power....' 
Just wondering if anyone else has ever been treated badly for no reason at an audition , & if so what if anything they did about it??? ( Ive never really got over not saying anything)
Just wondering if anyone else has ever been treated badly for no reason at an audition , & if so what if anything they did about it??? ( Ive never really got over not saying anything)
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Irishdancer
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
My ds went for a film audition last January, we arrived early they let us go in with a other woman and a boy a year younger than ds this boy and ds looked very alike, the boys mum said that he went to cd drama classes, they asked us all in firstly the little boy went up the cd said to producers oh this is my star pupil he is really great my ds and me where standing there she sat and talked to her star pupil then when it came to my ds they just asked him a few questions and said go over there and pretend u are a bully think it was for a part as an extra as ds looked very like other boy no way where they going to us him I just went up and said Im sorry he has done a lot and dose not do extra work to which they where really nasty, saw some one come in who I sort of knew through a friend did the same to him he was much younger just left him standing there. I was so cross it was a very cold day had taken son to London Dungeon spent a lot of money only to go to an audition where they knew who they where going to use. Saw children comeing in and out they just looked at them and turned them away got audition through Starnow I emiled the cd and complained as she know she wanted her star pupil she just waisted my time. It was a low budgit film never heard of cd if it had been a big block buster would have just grined and beared it but hen a good cd would not treat u like that would not even be allowed in the room
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janine
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
Well done you Irishdancer for standing up for yourself! Wish Id had your courage. Terrible treatment like this shouldnt be tollerated. 
On the plus side you got to go to 'the dungeons'- my daughters dragged us there 3 times in 18mths, she loves them!!
On the plus side you got to go to 'the dungeons'- my daughters dragged us there 3 times in 18mths, she loves them!!
Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
I was not impressed with Little Aeroplane productions - like many on here my dd auditioned fro a part in 'Small Potatoes' - a children's programme, through Starnow. We were told that she must learn a song and a rap and would be asked to do both at the audition.
It was a vile day, pouring with rain and a long walk from nearest station. We sat outside the audition room and listened to several other children go in and sing/rap. Every one of them got to do both in full. Then it came to my dd. She went in, I heard her sing the song and then she was straight out again - looking very upset. I asked why she hadn't been asked to do the rap and they said,'No, it's either one or the other!' A blatant lie, since I'd just heard 3 other kids doing both. I said, 'Excuse me, but the last 3 children did both,' and she just walked away and closed the door on us, in front of the next lot of waiting hopefuls. I found this very humiliating and my dd was in tears as she thought she must have been so bad that they didn't want to hear her do the rap. (Which she wasn't - she sounded great!)
Afterwards I had a moan on here and found out that other people had had a similar experience. So I'll give that company a wide berth in future!
It was a vile day, pouring with rain and a long walk from nearest station. We sat outside the audition room and listened to several other children go in and sing/rap. Every one of them got to do both in full. Then it came to my dd. She went in, I heard her sing the song and then she was straight out again - looking very upset. I asked why she hadn't been asked to do the rap and they said,'No, it's either one or the other!' A blatant lie, since I'd just heard 3 other kids doing both. I said, 'Excuse me, but the last 3 children did both,' and she just walked away and closed the door on us, in front of the next lot of waiting hopefuls. I found this very humiliating and my dd was in tears as she thought she must have been so bad that they didn't want to hear her do the rap. (Which she wasn't - she sounded great!)
Afterwards I had a moan on here and found out that other people had had a similar experience. So I'll give that company a wide berth in future!
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daisydancer
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Re: re castings and callbacks/recalls
Am so glad you are posting as, although there are some CDs out there with manners and respect for all those who attend auditions, there are still far too many out there who don't. It is shocking to read about the treatment some of you have experienced and hope you made a complaint, otherwise change won't happen. Also in this day of automated e-mail I can't see any reason why agents/parents can't be informed of the process and told whether or not they are being recalled or if it didn't go their way this time. I really don't feel we, and our children, should put up with such rudeness - it's just plain wrong and has to change.