Casting directors: the unsung heroes of Hollywood

Thursday, February 27, 2014

As we count down to the Oscars, the industry has some unheralded stars whom you've never seen.


You probably don't even know their names and would not recognize them. But they are some of the most important people in Hollywood.

They are casting agents, who can help turn a good film into an Oscar contender.

One of the leading contenders for Best Picture features major parts for just two people, and in that sense, 'Gravity' is unusual.

Most movies competing for Oscar's top prize have large casts of performers and that got us wondering how they were chosen.

The director has final say over who gets to appear but first actors must get past the head of casting.

For example, Nosheen Phoenix isn't a household name yet. Her fate lies in the hands of Lisa Beach, who found actors for roles in dozens of hit movies, like "We're the Millers', and 'Identity Thief.'

Lisa usually gets involved after the stars are already on board and on this day, she was looking for someone funny.

"A casting director works very closely in collaboration with the director and helps him or her, find the absolute perfect person for each speaking role in a movie," she said.

They've been called The Unsung Heroes of Filmmaking, and a recent documentary, 'Casting By', celebrates one of the best.

Many familiar faces were once unknown until Marion Dougherty made sure they got discovered.

"You're humbled by someone who sees something in you before you even see it yourself," said actor Danny Glover.

And for the casting director, watching magic in humble surroundings never gets old.

Angelina Jolie won an Oscar after Lisa suggested she get cast in 'Girl Interrupted.'

She is an Oscar voter who will help to determine this year's winners, but for all their influence, Lisa and her collagues still lack respect in Hollywood.

It wasn't until this year that casting directors had their own branch within the Motion Picture Academy, and there has never been an Oscar given out for casting. So instead they have to pat each other on the back at the 'Artios' awards. Artios in Greek means perfect fit.

Sometimes the right casting involves people who are not even actors. Bruce Dern, Will Forte and June Squibb star in 'Nebraska'. But quite a few of those who appear opposite them are ordinary residents of the state, chosen to be on screen because they quite literally looked the part.



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