The Stage

Code of conduct for casting directors

Published Wednesday 19 May 2004 at 10:15 by Jeremy Austin

Casting directors will be called on to sign up to a code of conduct and will be registered as approved by Equity, following the acceptance of a motion from the Scottish National Committee by conference.

Responding to what the motion called “the proliferation and ubiquity of casting directors” leading to “much bad practice and inconvenience for actors”, the motion called on Equity to set up the code that would establish payment for travel costs and out-of-pocket expenses for recalls.

Among other examples of bad practice, according to the motion, were actors being kept waiting for hours, having to perform to a video camera, being subjected to several unnecessary recalls and never meeting the director.

Presenting the motion, Michael Mackenzie said: “It isn’t good enough. It is about time casting directors got their act together. Lazy directors should see more of the people they are casting and casting directors should abide by the code of conduct. It isn’t much to ask.”

An amendment by the North West London Branch, calling for Equity to liaise with the Casting Directors’ Guild in the setting up of a register, was also accepted by conference.