Casting Directors Society of Canada
Founded in 1981
Who We Are
The Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC) is the only organization in Canada to represent professional casting directors working in every medium where professional actors are required; film, television, commercials, theatre, industrials, even trade shows. We provide casting expertise in finding candidates for reality television as well as hosts and presenters. We will also work on the casting of non-union projects as required.
Although we are not a union, we have attained the highest level of professionalism which the entertainment industry in Canada expects and requires. Our members are knowledgeable about actors and also about all collective agreements governing the employment of actors throughout the country. That knowledge extends from high budget international co-productions to small independent low-budget films and shorts as well as national and local commercials.
We have members in every region of Canada from coast to coast. We also have representation from the French branch of our industry in Quebec.
Who We Are Not
We are Casting Directors. There is no such thing as a Casting Agent. Talent Agents represent Actors. Casting Directors hire them.
Talent agents are paid by the actors they represent, usually by taking a percentage of their clients’ earnings. Casting directors never receive any money or payment from actors or agents. They are hired by producers to cast their shows and are paid a fee by the producers.
Talent agents are the salesmen. Casting directors are the buyers.
History
The Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC) was born in 1981 in response to the need for a collective identity and sense of community among casting directors working independently across the country. It was a means of providing communication and support for everyone.
Interaction within the casting community means better information for everyone, which is the most indispensable tool of good casting. Sharing information allows for an exchange of ideas, more knowledge, better and easier negotiations, and above all, better protection for all our members.
Mandate
The CDC Constitution guarantees uniform and superior standards and business practices by all members, building an improved level of service for all clients. Our clients come from every part of Canada as well as dozens of countries around the world. They are all treated with the same superior level of service and expertise. CDC members maintain professional and friendly relationships with all agents throughout the country. The CDC shares many common issues and goals with The Theatrical Agents and Managers Association of Canada (TAMAC) and both organizations are signatories to the Entertainment Industry Code of Ethical Conduct and Behaviour. We also both fully support The Actors Fund of Canada, which helps any entertainment industry professionals who are in need of financial aid.
CDC Statement On Diversity
The Casting Directors’ Society of Canada is committed to diversity in the performing arts in all its forms. The CDC and its members recognize that the live and recorded arts should reflect our society and the world in which we live and encourages all its members to be mindful that audiences are diverse and that diversity in casting is crucial to engagement with those audiences.
It is the aim of the CDC and its members to achieve a balanced portrayal of Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Differently Abled People.
The CDC and its members shall strive to enable the casting of actors from all backgrounds, regardless of socio-economic status, and to engage with producers and directors to create opportunity and access to the industry by all actors.
The CDC will continue to engage in collaboration and discussion around the subject of diversity with our industry colleagues and other professional organizations.