Casting Masterclass with Mel Walden, Kay Green & Kim Rossiter

A massive thank you to everyone who attended our event with Casting Exec Mel Walden as well as Senior Casting Producers Kim Rossiter and Kay Green.

Speakers (left to right) Kim Rossiter, Mel Walden, Kay Green

Joining our MD Matt Born, they spoke about how while the techniques they use to cast their contributors haven't changed, it has become harder to find people in a world where it seems like everyone wants to be on screen; especially when it is often those who make good TV that are usually the very few who don't embrace pop culture. The social media age has both become a help and a hindrance to finding people, with twitter accounts a great way to get the word out for applications, but in some cases - putting potential contributors off by revealing too much about the program at once. 

Guests from Love Productions

The panel highlighted the importance of duty of care, Kay Green stating the importance that "contributors know and understand that there will always be a production member there for them, even after casting" and how to spot TV cliches, with Kim warning them to "watch out for people who tell you what they think you want to hear"; the speakers giving attendees practical advice they can use on their next role. The overarching idea from all three speakers was to trust your instincts.

Casting Executive at Princess Productions, Mel Walden

A key point Mel made was that even after contributors may have been ruled out, she will "always go through the 'no' pile, because sometimes what initially seemed sullen can make good TV".

Senior Casting Producer at Shine, Kay Green

Kay, who worked on series like The Island and Hunted said that with a returning series it's about "interesting, relatable, engaging people. No carbon copies".

Senior Casting Producer at Twenty Twenty, Kim Rossiter

Both Kim and Mel take business cards around with them, often stopping people on their way home to talk about appearing in their programs.

The event was a great success. We were live tweeting it over on @tvtalentmanager, so take look if you want to find out more, and keep checking your emails to find out when our next event will run!