SOCIALBILITTY • GLOSSARY DEPARTMENT
Performers, casting, auditions, representation, stand-ins, background actors, and the processes used to find, prepare, and manage on-camera talent.
The cast is the group of performers appearing in a film, television program, commercial, stage production, or other performance-based project. A cast may include principal performers, supporting performers, day players, guest performers, background performers, and other credited or uncredited talent depending on the production.
View Definition →An Audition is an evaluation in which a performer demonstrates their suitability for a role or engagement. Auditions may involve prepared material, cold reads, sides, improvisation, singing, movement, self-tapes, callbacks, or interviews and may be conducted in person or remotely by casting professionals, producers, directors, or other authorized decision-makers.
View Definition →A Headshot is a professional portrait used by actors and other performers for casting and representation. Modern headshots are typically color photographs designed to show a performer’s current appearance clearly and are submitted digitally through casting platforms, agents, managers, and production workflows.
View Definition →Cattle Call is an informal and increasingly dated casting-industry term for a large open audition in which many performers may be seen for one or more roles. More neutral terms such as open casting call or open audition are generally preferable in current professional use.
View Definition →A Casting Director is the professional responsible for organizing and leading the process of finding performers for roles in a film, television program, commercial, music video, or other production. Working with producers, directors, studios, networks, and representatives, the Casting Director develops role breakdowns, identifies performers, conducts or coordinates auditions and callbacks, and helps assemble the…
View Definition →A Talent Agent is a licensed or otherwise legally authorized professional, where required by applicable law, who represents performers and other entertainment clients in seeking and negotiating employment opportunities. Agents may submit clients for roles, negotiate contracts, coordinate with casting and production, and advise on career opportunities. Union performers may also be subject to union…
View Definition →A Talent Manager is a professional who advises and guides an entertainer’s career, including strategy, positioning, professional development, relationships, and long-term planning. Managers generally do not perform every function of a licensed talent agent, and the legal distinction between managers and agents can depend on jurisdiction and the services actually performed.
View Definition →In film, television, commercials, casting, and related production work, talent is an industry term for performers engaged to appear or perform in a production. Depending on the project, talent may include actors, hosts, presenters, models, voice performers, dancers, musicians, stunt performers, or other on-camera or recorded performers.
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