Become a Member
How to Become a Casting Director?
To do their job, Casting Directors draw on years of artistic exposure, imagination, knowledge, research and political expertise – all this before the collaboration with the Director, Producer, writer etc begins. The job is to provide and be in sync with their vision not your own.
Who Should Join?
Independent Casting Directors.
The CDC is a collective of independent Canadian casting directors. To join the CDC, a casting director must have completed two full and consecutive years as a fully independent casting director (as defined below) and independent status must be sustained for the duration of membership within the CDC.
An independent Casting Director is defined as a “free agent” receiving payment for their services from the Producer and not the Talent; that payment must be from at least two different sources, they must either operate a completely financially independent office/place of work or have such office provided by the producer for the duration of the project/work required and at no time should they be considered “in-house” or “under contract” solely to one producer, group of producers, other Casting Directors etc.
Alternatively, a fully functional and financial partner of any established CDC member in good standing, may apply for full membership after a period of six months.
Why Should You Join the CDC?
The CDC is much more than just a database – it is an association that works to help the casting industry as a whole.
We offer support: if you’re having difficulty negotiating your contract, our suggested minimum rates offer a starting point for discussion. If you’re being asked to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing, you can consult with your colleagues about how to handle the situation. If you’re having trouble getting paid, the CDC can help.
We offer one voice: the CDC works to represent casting directors in Canada with one strong voice. We are constantly striving to raise the profile of casting directors. We endeavour to get more mentions in the press (see our News page) and to make sure our contributions are recognized.
To that end, in 2006, we secured the establishment of a Gemini Award For Best Achievement In Casting. Starting in 2013 the name was changed to The Canadian Screen Award for Best Achievement in Casting.
We offer visibility: as our website becomes increasingly essential in the industry, it will be important for you to be included - it will make it easier for producers and directors to locate you, including links to your personal website or IMDB listing.
How to Join
Please complete the Application Form below. You will be notified of your membership within 30 days. If all criteria have been met you will be asked to send payment for your yearly dues and to submit your contact information for the website.
If you have any further questions about the CDC you can contact any member of the executive and we will be happy to speak with you.
The CDC Executive:
Co-chairs, Film & Television - Marsha Chesley & Jenny Lewis
Vice-chair, Film & Television - Marissa Richmond
Vice-chair, Commercials & Real People Casting - Andrew Deiters
Treasurer - Stephanie Gorin
Secretary - Jason R Stroud