Casting a Film
What, may you ask, does the screenwriter have to do with casting? Aren't there special agencies that do that?
Don't Producers and Directors think it presumptuous of writers to even think about casting?
Well, yes and yes. And yes. But ScreenplayWire isn't concerned about that, because we know that one
doesn't write with a vacuum. (Ed. Note: probably means "in" a vacuum)
Screenwriters are always aware of which actors are hot, who is bankable and can help sell a project. Sometimes an
actor has a persona or film presence that makes them just right for a part, or even suggests the idea for a plot in the first place.
Let's look at how to think about casting from a screenwriter's point of view.
Casting to Type
Many parts are properly given to actors based on their past roles. The audience already accepts them as a given type, and they will
deliver a convincing performance. The writer can draw upon this by creating a character based on an actor who fits the type.
For example, screenplays for sequels to Elizabeth: The Golden Age might suggest replacing Cate Blanchett in the title role
with an actor suited to a particular time in the main character's life. Consider:
Elizabeth: Back to School - Dakota Fanning Lizza' E: Hoop, There It Is! - Rosario Dawson Elizabeth X: Sin Country - Jessica Alba with
Denise Richards and Amanda Peet Elizabeth: Queen of the Hop - John Travolta Elizabeth: Britannia Rules the Waves - Spongebob Squarepants Eliz.a_beth: Halo 2029 - Sigourney Weaver Elizabeth: The Golden Girl Age, England Depends® on Me -
Judi Dench
Casting with Technology
The use of CGI (computer generated imagery) in film has reached a remarkable new zenith (witness My Bloody Valentine 3-D and All About Steve). Who's to say this incredible
technology won't reach back in time to allow new possibilities in casting. Fred Astaire and John Wayne have already
returned to life as pitchmen in TV commercials, selling "Dirt Devils" and beer.
Soon, using CGI, the industry will cast long gone (and hence, free) actors in new films. Suppose the 2007 film We Own the Night had been done with
computerized versions of the main characters. Let's recast:
Mark Wahlberg Robert Duvall Joaquin Phoenix
replacing them with:
Cliff Robertson George Washington Marlon Brando
Imagine the power and sizzle of bringing past greats to life on the screen! And no outtakes!
So when you write, do think about who should play the part. It will come out on the page.
For example, screenplays for sequels to Elizabeth: The Golden Age might suggest replacing Cate Blanchett in the title role
with an actor suited to a particular time in the main character's life. Consider:
