1/8 | ADVISOR STUDIO: Writing a Great Screenplay with John August ($10) → Register Now
1/9 | ADVISOR STUDIO: Mastering Film Festival Q&As ($10) → Register Now
1/8 | ADVISOR STUDIO: Writing a Great Screenplay with John August ($10) → Register Now
In Advisor Studio sessions, film and television industry professionals share field experiences and insights into their specific areas of craft, including writing, directing, and producing for TV and film.
Casting is one of the most crucial creative partnerships in filmmaking. The way in which filmmakers communicate with their Casting Director can make or break a film’s opportunities for success, both artistically and financially. With independent film, artists are usually working with limited resources, and hiring a Casting Director is often considered an essential way forward.
In this Advisor Studio, veteran Casting Director Richard Hicks will guide you through the full casting process, from breaking down scripts and developing character briefs to crafting a strategy for outreach, auditions, and offers. You will gain insight into how Casting Directors interpret a filmmaker’s vision, present creative options, and balance artistic goals with understanding actor market value, budget, and scheduling realities.
Through independent film case studies, the session will explore how smart casting can elevate a story, attract financing or distribution, and set the tone for the entire production. Filmmakers will also learn how to communicate effectively with casting teams, manage expectations, and create an environment that draws out the best performances from talent.
Designed for directors and producers, this session offers practical tools and professional insight into how the collaboration between the filmmaker and Casting Director can shape the emotional core of a film, long before the cameras roll.
If you would benefit from an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please complete this form, contact us at (435) 776-7790, or email us at accessibility@sundance.org to discuss your specific requests. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; however, requests made within 5 days of the event may not be guaranteed.
A recording of this Advisor Studio will be posted to Sundance Collab on the first business day after the live event. Once it is posted, all registered attendees will find the recording in the “Purchases” section of their account.
