Casting Guidelines

Casting guidelines for open casting scenarios

We stand for ALL Canadians. This means we’re committed to representing diversity in all its forms. Diversity spans, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disability and much more.

Whether you are casting for a photography and/or video project, over time and across multiple projects, casting should reflect a good representation of those that live and work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples and newcomers.

Default to Open

Casting best practices today are very different to 20 years ago. Before it was seen as helpful to clearly define the actor—by age, gender, ethnicity and so on. Now we know that we can find even more incredible talent by broadening our castings to define the role, rather than the person performing that role.

To truly cast in a diverse way, default to an open casting, unless there is a definitive reason why you need to specify. When you do need to get specific, consider what you can still keep open. For instance, if you’re showing Diwali you might specify South Asian, but not gender, age or ability.

Challenging stereotypes

Real people are so incredibly interesting. We’re looking to convey the richness of Canada through its people. Where possible, challenge stereotypes and expectations—be body positive and consider bodies of all shapes and sizes; consider all walks of life and ethnicities; and when shooting action and sports, consider showing all people of all abilities.

We also show non-family units. Neighbours, friends, colleagues and community groups. These groups are especially fruitful to bring fresh perspectives to what contemporary Canadian life looks like.

Diversity of group dynamics

We seek to represent all Canadians, families and households. These include:
• Single parent families
• Multi-generational families
• Older families
• Families with people with disabilities
• Same sex couples and families
• Blended families
• Families who have adopted
• Representation of families from the many ethnic and cultural origins

Inclusive casting specs

When creating specs for casting agents, keep your description about the character or role, rather than the actor you’re seeking.

Only list what is integral for the storytelling. If the communication does not have an element of race, gender/gender identity, age, disability, etc. specific for the storytelling, bring everybody in.

Instead of this...

• Describe your ideal actor.
• Start with appearance.
• Revert to stereotypes.
• Cast people that only look or sound like you.

Try this instead...

• Say if it’s open to all ethnicities. If you are specifying, list all who may attend rather than being generic.
• Specify gender only if needed and be inclusive of those who identify as non-binary.
• Keep age as broad as possible, e.g. “adult” or “child”, or “looks like 40-70 years old”.
• Specify role, e.g. “mother”, “gardener”, “home chef”, “grandparent”.
• Describe character traits, e.g. “gregarious”, “stern”, “loving”.
• List key actions, e.g. “swimming”, “dog walking”, “assembling furniture”.
• List skills, if required, e.g. “screwing in a wall plug”.
• Share that we will work to meet any accommodations required.

Accommodations

An essential part of being inclusive in casting is ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to attend and succeed in the process. It is up to us to use locations and create spaces that are accessible and safe for all those attending the call.

Check:

• Is your location for callbacks / auditions accessible or are you open to remote submissions?
• Is your set accessible?

Casting guidelines for specific casting scenarios

When to get specific

There are times when we need to specify talent in a shoot. We do this when:
1. We want to connect with a specific target audience, e.g. for Diwali.
2. We have a product we know is highly targeted.
3. We are seeking to create equity in our casting overall.

Provide context

When we need to specify talent, always provide context (you can site one of the three reasons above, adding details). This will ensure that people understand the ‘why’ in each case and see it within our broader commitment to diversity.

How to get specific

• Specify only what’s required and leave everything else as open as possible.
• Use inclusive and respectful language.
• Continue to focus on the role and not the actor for your general description of what’s needed.

Inclusive language

When casting for a role that could be played by an actor of any race/ethnicity, disability, age, or gender/gender identity, make it clear in your casting notice that you want to see actors of all these backgrounds. List them specifically so that individuals can be sure you are talking about them.

Race & ethnicity

Instead of using a term like “ethnically ambiguous” or “mixed race,” list out the ethnicities you’re looking for. For example: “A working mom, Caucasian, Hispanic, South Asian or Black.”

Use proper terms for ethnicities. For instance the term LatinX should be avoided; Hispanic is preferred.

When someone has a multiracial background, it can be triggering to say you’re not “Full <insert race / ethnicity> and therefore unable to represent that community.” If someone is partially indigenous, they are indigenous. If someone is partially Asian, they are Asian.

Gender identity

When you’re casting roles that are not gender-specific, list something like, “all genders” or “any gender identity” instead of “male” or “female.”

If there is a specific gender you are looking for, you can say “male-identifying,” or “female-identifying,” or “gender non-conforming.”

If you are looking for an actor who identifies with they/them pronouns, consider that not everyone is in a safe space to openly announce their pronouns.

Ability

Specify all abilities and acknowledge the actions or skills required, so people are able to self-select the roles they feel they’re a fit for. Encourage people with disabilities to get in touch prior to the casting so we can meet any needs they may have to audition.

Age

Consider broadening your age ranges significantly. What benefit does your casting have by limiting it to “40-60 years old”, for instance. Would an 80-year-old be just as capable and far more interesting?

Specify that you’re after someone who “looks like” they’re of a certain age, rather than their actual age.