Casting Director Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Casting Director do?
Casting directors oversee workflows and operations related to the search, outreach, and securing talent for films, television, and other visual media. They determine talent needs and lead outreach, negotiation, and contracting of talent within a specified budget. In addition, the casting director liaises with agencies and external talent resources to build strong relationships to ensure efficient talent acquisition.
How much does this career make?
According to Glassdoor, Casting Directors make a national average of $83,159 annually (as of July 2023). In general, entry-level casting directors make around $41,000 annually, with senior-level casting directors making $124,000 a year. But, of course, this wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the film industry?
Casting directors are one of the most important players in the creative process. They work closely with directors and producers to understand the overall creative vision. In addition, by selecting talent, they can aid the careers of actors and agents.
What is the job outlook for a Casting Director?
Film revenue is forecasted to grow to $392.34 billion by 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the directing field (including Casting Directors) are expected to increase at a rate of 24% this decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Familiarize yourself with casting trends.
- Do an internship with a casting agency.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Film Career Guide.
Learn from:
Judd Apatow, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor, Film director/producer/screenwriter/ comedian
Related Careers:
Screenwriter | Executive Producer | Producer | Storyboard Artist | Casting Assistant | Associate Producer
