British Casting Directors You Should Know

When we hear about open castings, there are a few names that are continuously linked alongside them. Here we've selected the most recognisable Casting Directors, names you should recognise. We've documented their work in the film industry here, so check it out for a few names and films you might know... think any other Casting Directors should be here? Let me know! This article was written entirely by Olivia.

Fiona Weir

Fiona Weir is mostly acknowledged for her work on Harry Potter and The Golden Compass.

"The casting process of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - which looked at 40,000 applications after a single BBC Newsround appeal - was so lengthy, it apparently led the casting director, Susie Figgis, to pull out in frustration." Source  

Fiona Weir stepped into the shoes of Susie Figgis, the previous casting director, who reportedly left the film due to difficulties brought on by the director's vision of an American lead. Although Fiona Weir has only helped to cast the last three Harry Potter films, she has been in charge of the impressive casting for the characters of Luna Lovegood, Lavender Brown and Tom Riddle, searching an estimated 25,000 teenagers altogether. Phew! An enormous amount of work, considering the history of Harry Potter Open Castings that the franchise is famous for. On the very first appeal for actors for the films, 40,000 letters were sent. Just imagine how many Ms. Weir must get per day, from all over the world, wanting to be part of Harry Potter.

The image above is from this interview with CBBC Newsround that called for girls to play Luna Lovegood. Fiona Weir not only cast Evanna Lynch but also Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra in The Golden Compass. However, those who discovered the famous trio (Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint) can be acknowledged as Susie Figgis and Karen Lindsey-Stewart. (And both their CVs are as equally impressive!)

Pippa Hall

This casting director specializes with the casting of children and teenagers, but most importantly, she deals with the casting of the child actors in the Narnia Chronicles, and casted Georgie.  Her films include: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005), Nanny Mcphee (2005), Thunderpants (2002), and many others. Her big break happened when she found Jamie Bell to play the lead role in the very successful Lottery-funded film Billy Elliot (2000).

"When I meet with the children, I am always looking for character, and for a child who isn't self conscious. Parents can be a bit off putting sometimes. I hate it when they try to have a 'chat' when there are clearly 30 children waiting for their turn, and also when they say things like 'what's this for then?' or 'When's this filming?' etc - I really don't think they should be taking their children to auditions where they don't know the content, or the schedule!! I hate it too when the children say they want to be famous, or when they ramble on about wanting to be in the army or a policeman when they grow up, or about how they watch Eastenders - and worse of all I hate it when they don't look at you, or speak to you, and they clearly would rather eat a bowl of dog food than be auditioning!!"

Click here to see more of what Ms. Hall told Not A Pushy Mum.Com about being a casting director. What she says is really interesting if you're looking for tips on auditioning, so check it out! She also adds; "Children with no previous experience never put me off either, so don’t worry, I will want to see anyone suitable."

Shaheen Baig

Not only has Ms. Baig been involved with casting on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but she has also been involved with the casting of children in Love Actually, Peter Pan (2003) and the latest film, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

You can also watch her in action. Ms. Baig appears in this video footage of the auditions for Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, talking to the girls who are auditioning.

The image above is from a report on the Peter Pan auditions for the role  of Wendy which of course was won by Rachel Hurd-Wood, a star in the making! Perfect casting Ms. Baig!

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