Parting the Clouds of Callbacks and Casting

The commercial casting process doesn’t have to be a mystery. While every job is unique, there’s a fundamental structure that casting professionals follow because it’s effective. Actors often feel a “cloud” of uncertainty around callbacks, especially about what happens afterward.

Since the stakes are higher during and after callbacks, you deserve to be just as informed about this stage as you are about the rest of the process. Knowledge is power, so let’s clear up some of that confusion and anxiety.

So, you had a terrific callback. What happens next? For you, not much changes immediately. Just confirm you’re clear on wardrobe and shoot dates, then await an avail call.

What happens in the room with the director, casting, and agency? A lot.

After the callback concludes, selections are typically made immediately. A “yes pile” of digital photos is often accumulated, and decision-makers re-watch auditions, as minds can be fatigued by then.

Sometimes, making selections is easy; other times, it’s challenging. I’m occasionally asked to pull up an actor’s resume or review additional photos showing different facial hair or hairstyles. Sometimes, an internet search is conducted to gather more background information on an actor.

Occasionally, I’m asked about an actor’s past work and their reputation, including how they are to work with. These steps should not be underestimated.

Having an updated resume and diverse photos—including multiple options with different facial hair or hairstyles—is essential for optimizing your chances of booking a job. And of course, being a fantastic, responsible actor with an excellent reputation is always imperative.

Most often, a first-choice cast is selected along with a backup. Occasionally, two backups are chosen.

Depending on the comfort level with the choices and the available timeframe, an additional callback may be necessary. These are becoming increasingly common. Actors who could not attend the callback rarely make the selections list. It’s worth noting that backup actors book jobs fairly often.

Understanding Availabilities and Booking

Typically, availabilities are posted on the same day as the callback session or the following morning. If no callbacks occurred, actors might be directly booked without an avail call. You may have heard that some casting directors put all actors who had a callback on availability at the time of their appointment. While not a widespread trend, this does happen, often because a production company or casting director has previously faced issues with desired actors becoming unavailable. Avails are communicated by phone as well as email.

The selected choices are usually presented to the client the following day. The timeline can vary depending on the lead time before the shoot, which is why it’s crucial to confirm your availability as soon as possible.

It’s problematic for an agency to present an actor who then becomes unavailable for the shoot. Once the client approves an actor, it creates complications when that actor has to withdraw. Approved actors can be booked as soon as the afternoon after the callback or as late as several days into the shoot, depending on the number of shoot days.

After the Callback: What You Can Expect

Ideally, you’ll receive word that you’ve booked the job or that you’re released from your availability. I’ve heard many understandable complaints from actors who are never officially released from their avails. This does happen. Sometimes the casting director simply doesn’t get to it (my apologies), but other times, a general release of availabilities is provided via Casting Networks, and either the agent isn’t aware or didn’t relay the message. Communicate with your agent. They can inquire with the casting director for an update if they haven’t heard anything. Alternatively, you can generally assume that if the wardrobe date has passed, you didn’t book the job.

Hopefully, this clarifies some of the post-callback process. Ultimately, as an actor, your focus should be on what you can control: being prepared, delivering a strong performance, being capable of taking direction, maintaining a positive attitude, keeping your headshots and resume updated, ensuring your stats are current, maintaining a good industry reputation, and being clear on wardrobe and shoot dates. Once you’ve checked these boxes, you have the luxury of simply sitting back and letting go.

Final Takeaways

The commercial casting process can feel confusing, especially after a callback, but understanding what happens behind the scenes can ease that uncertainty. While actors wait to hear if they’ve booked, casting teams are busy making important decisions based on many factors beyond just the audition. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect and how to stay prepared.

After a callback, casting directors review auditions, resumes, photos, and sometimes background info before making selections.

Having updated headshots with varied looks and a current resume is crucial for standing out.

Availability confirmations happen quickly—usually the same day or next—and clear communication with your agent is key.

Backup actors are often chosen and can book jobs just as frequently as first choices.

If you don’t hear an official release, check with your agent, but generally, if wardrobe dates pass, you likely didn’t book.