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Characters & Themes

Casting About (2007) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 86 min · English
Directed by
Barry J. Hershey

Filmmaker Barry J. Hershey takes viewers behind the scenes to explore the complex art of casting. The documentary chronicles his search for the ideal actress to star in his upcoming dramatic feature, revealing the often-intricate process involved in finding the right performers to embody characters and bring stories to life. It offers a candid look at the challenges and decisions faced during this crucial stage of filmmaking.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (2)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Casting About
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Casting About (2007)

Where can you watch Casting About? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Kanopy and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Setting

Where and When Does Casting About Take Place?

The setting of Casting About (2007): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Late 2000

The late 2000s marked a transformative period in the film industry, characterized by a greater emphasis on diversity and representation in casting. Filmmakers began to explore innovative storytelling techniques, often merging documentary elements with fiction. This time also witnessed technological advancements that changed the way auditions were filmed and distributed, making the casting process more transparent.

Location

Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles

The documentary takes place in major cities known for their vibrant arts and acting scenes. Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles host diverse talent pools and unique cultural influences, making them ideal locations for casting calls. These cities have longstanding reputations for their contribution to theater and film, offering a rich backdrop for exploring the casting process.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎬 Film Industry

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

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2 major themes

Casting About Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Casting About (2007) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Artistry

    The theme of artistry is prevalent as the documentary showcases the craft of acting through the audition process. It highlights the dedication and vulnerabilities of actresses striving for their roles, emphasizing that acting is both a skill and an emotional journey. The film honors the creative talents of 184 actresses, inviting viewers to appreciate the artistry behind each performance.

  • Voyeurism vs Intimacy

    This theme is explored through the filmmaker's perspective as he captures the auditions. It raises questions about the boundary between observing and engaging with performers, prompting viewers to reflect on the nature of vulnerability in the public arena. The documentary encourages a deeper understanding of how these two elements coexist in the world of acting.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

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Character & theme questions

Casting About Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Casting About (2007): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does the documentary take place?

The documentary filmed casting calls across five major cities: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles. These cities were chosen for their vibrant arts and acting scenes, each offering unique cultural influences and talent pools for the casting process.

  • casting cities
  • berlin
  • boston
  • chicago
  • london
  • los angeles
  • filming locations
Q2

When is the documentary set?

Casting About was produced in the late 2000s, a period that marked a transformative era in the film industry. This time was characterized by growing emphasis on diversity and representation in casting, as well as technological advancements that changed how auditions were filmed and distributed.

  • late 2000s
  • time period
  • 2007
  • film industry era
Q3

What is this documentary about?

The documentary follows filmmaker Barry J. Hershey as he searches for the ideal actress to star in his upcoming dramatic feature. It provides a candid behind-the-scenes look at the complex casting process, revealing the challenges and decisions involved in finding the right performers to bring stories to life.

  • casting process
  • barry hershey
  • documentary
  • filmmaker
  • auditions
Q4

What are the main themes explored in the documentary?

The documentary explores two primary themes: artistry and the tension between voyeurism and intimacy. It showcases the craft of acting through the audition process, highlighting the dedication and vulnerabilities of actresses. Simultaneously, it examines the ethical dynamics of observing performers, raising questions about vulnerability in the public arena.

  • themes
  • artistry
  • voyeurism
  • intimacy
  • acting craft
  • vulnerability
Q5

How many actresses appear in the documentary?

The documentary features 184 actresses who participated in the casting process. This large ensemble allows viewers to appreciate the diverse range of talent and the variety of approaches to the craft of acting.

  • 184 actresses
  • cast
  • talent
  • ensemble
Q6

What does the voyeurism vs intimacy theme mean in the documentary?

This theme explores the relationship between the filmmaker and the performers being observed. It raises questions about the boundary between observing and engaging with actors, prompting viewers to reflect on how vulnerability exists in the public arena of auditions and how intimacy is created through the camera lens.

  • voyeurism
  • intimacy
  • observation
  • vulnerability
  • filmmaker perspective
Q7

Who is Barry J. Hershey in the documentary?

Barry J. Hershey is the filmmaker behind Casting About and the director conducting the casting search. He serves as both the observer and decision-maker, guiding viewers through the intricate process of finding the ideal actress for his upcoming feature film.

  • barry hershey
  • filmmaker
  • director
  • casting director
Q8

What makes this documentary unique?

Casting About stands out as an observational documentary that transforms the typically behind-the-scenes casting process into the main subject of the film. Rather than focusing on dramatic narrative elements, it presents a steady, process-oriented examination of how actors are selected, emphasizing the artistry and emotional vulnerability involved in auditions.

  • documentary style
  • unique
  • observational
  • casting process
  • behind the scenes
Q9

Why were these specific cities chosen for the casting calls?

The five cities, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles, were selected for their longstanding reputations as major centers for theater and film. Each city offers a distinct cultural influence and rich talent pool, making them ideal locations to find diverse performers for the feature film.

  • acting cities
  • talent pool
  • film industry
  • theater
  • casting locations
Q10

What does the documentary say about acting as an art form?

The documentary presents acting as both a skilled craft and an emotional journey. Through the audition footage of 184 actresses, it honors the creative talents of performers and invites viewers to appreciate the dedication required to bring characters to life, framing auditions as art in their own right.

  • acting
  • art form
  • craft
  • performance
  • audition
  • artistry

Movie threads

More Movies Like Casting About, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Casting About tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Films About Artistic Process Like Casting About

Documentaries that offer a quiet, intimate look at how art is made. For viewers who appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at casting in 'Casting About', this section highlights other documentaries and dramas that explore the creative process. These movies are ideal if you liked the intimate, reflective feel of observing artists at work and want similar films about filmmaking, music, painting, or other crafts.

  • observational
  • reflective
  • intimate
  • candid
  • process-oriented
  • meditative
  • Tone: neutral, observational, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, process-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, process-oriented structure, tracking the journey of making something from inception to completion. The narrative is driven by observation and reflection, emphasizing the 'how' over a traditional plot with high-stakes conflict. The emotional arc is often built from the inherent vulnerability and dedication of the creators.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a focus on the act of creation itself. They possess a similar neutral, observational tone, steady pacing, and light emotional weight, prioritizing an authentic and intimate look at craftsmanship over manufactured drama or suspense.

Movies with Intimate Vulnerability Like Casting About

Quiet films that focus on capturing raw, honest human moments. If you were captivated by the candid and vulnerable audition scenes in 'Casting About', this collection features similar films. These movies, including documentaries and character-driven dramas, share a focus on raw, honest human moments and a gentle, observational approach to their subjects.

  • intimate
  • vulnerable
  • candid
  • impressionistic
  • humanistic
  • reflective
  • Tone: neutral, candid, vulnerable
  • Pacing: steady, observational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern here is often episodic or mosaic-like, weaving together small, intimate scenes to form a larger impression of a person, place, or community. Conflict is internal or interpersonal on a small scale, derived from the reality of the situation. The journey is emotional and psychological, centered on revelation through authenticity.

Why they belong together: This thread unites films through their shared mood and focus. They all possess a high degree of intimacy and a candid, sometimes vulnerable, atmosphere. The pacing is typically steady, allowing the viewer to sit with the characters and moments, and the emotional tone is often neutral or reflective, letting the subjects' humanity speak for itself.

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Every angle

Casting About (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Casting About in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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