Casting About

After reviewing over 70 hours of casting footage collected during auditions for his dramatic film, Hershey realized the material was rich and compelling enough to stand alone as a documentary. The decision emerged from his original concept to integrate some casting footage into the fictional film itself, which was inspired by his casting experiences during film school two decades earlier.

His earlier casting experiences in film school had planted the seed for this documentary approach.

Over 350 actresses auditioned for the three key roles in Barry J. Hershey's dramatic film. From these auditions, 184 actresses were featured in the final documentary, showcasing their performances through monologues and scene work.

The auditions were held across five major cities: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles. This geographic spread allowed Hershey to capture a diverse range of talent and perspectives from actresses across different regions.

The concept originated from Hershey's experiences in casting during film school over two decades prior to making this documentary. His initial intention was to integrate some of the casting footage into the final fictional piece, which then evolved into the idea of creating a standalone documentary that explored the casting process as an art form itself.

His earlier film school experiences directly influenced his approach to this project.

The documentary provocatively examines the fine line between voyeurism and intimacy in casting, exploring how personal stories become public performances. It places viewers in the filmmaker's seat, offering insight into actresses' personal lives, vulnerabilities, and dreams while honoring the rigorous artistry involved in acting.

The documentary's title itself hints at the dual nature of casting, both seeking and being observed.

The film features monologues inspired by works from seven celebrated contemporary playwrights: Eric Bogosian, David Hare, Richard LaGravenese, Susan Miller, Keith Reddin, Nina Shengold, and Alfred Uhry. These performances contribute to the documentary's rich artistic tapestry.

The documentary provocatively examines the boundary between fiction and reality because the casting process inherently blurs these lines, actresses deliver fictional performances while revealing their real vulnerabilities, dreams, and personal stories. This exploration invites audiences to reflect on their own role as viewers watching these intimate audition moments.

The documentary's structure, blending audition footage with interviews, directly supports this exploration.

Hershey meticulously reviewed over 70 hours of casting footage collected during auditions held across multiple cities. This extensive collection represented the diverse talents and performances of the hundreds of actresses who participated in the casting process.

The documentary places viewers directly in the filmmaker's seat, allowing them to observe actresses showcasing their talents while gaining insight into their personal lives, vulnerabilities, and aspirations. This perspective transforms the typically private audition process into a public exploration of artistic dedication.

Casting About delves deep into the complexities of the casting process by highlighting the challenges actresses face in seeking recognition and opportunity in the industry. The documentary reveals the interplay between artistic evaluation, personal vulnerability, and the competitive nature of Hollywood, portraying casting as far more nuanced than simply selecting an actor for a role.