Having worked for 13 years in casting I have never received a telephone call or query from a producer. Many years ago I rang one to introduce myself as a casting director. His response was “Good for you” and he promptly hung up. When I told people in the industry about this phone call, they seemed to think I was mad to have even considered I would be greeted with any civility or interest.
What hope have young actors in pursuing a career when lack of interest is endemic in the industry? Thankfully, American television and commercial producers have not shown the same reticence.
It is disheartening for actors and crew alike that there can be such inertia and I can only hope that your article will make RTE rethink their statement that “casting actors repeatedly, as they mature and develop their career, is just the nature of the industry”.
Carmel O’Connor
Ballsbridge, Dublin