Essential Guidelines for NZ Casting Directors and Actors

Guidelines for Actors and Casting Directors in New Zealand

At Collaborate Management, we strive to maintain a high standard for our talented actors while partnering effectively with casting directors. The guidelines for casting in New Zealand, last updated in October 2022, serve as a benchmark for ensuring fair, professional, and transparent practices. Here’s a concise breakdown of these best practices:

Core Principles of Casting in New Zealand

New Zealand casting directors, alongside Equity New Zealand and the Actors Agents Association of New Zealand, emphasise that every audition process should aim to achieve the best outcome for each performer. This involves thorough preparation, transparent communication, and respectful handling of materials and performers’ work.

Key Guidelines:

1. Advance Notice: Casting directors should provide as much lead time as possible for auditions, ideally 72 hours for TV drama or film roles, and at least 36 hours for TVCs. While time constraints sometimes necessitate shorter notices, performers should be adequately supported with scripts and materials.

2. Provision of Scripts: Complete scripts, character descriptions, and relevant materials should be shared with performers to enable optimal preparation. In cases where full scripts can't be provided due to confidentiality, casting directors should offer sufficient background and assistance.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy: Audition materials, scripts, and footage are to be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Only essential team members should be present at auditions, especially those involving intimate scenes, and privacy should be maintained at all times.

4. Self-Tapes and Flexibility: Self-taped auditions are accepted, acknowledging that performers may face constraints in accessing professional facilities. The emphasis is on performance quality rather than technical perfection. Self-tapes should be uploaded securely, and all submissions will be reviewed as outlined.

5. Accents and Special Skills: Adequate time should be given for performers to prepare accents or special skills required for roles. Best practice dictates 72 hours’ notice for roles requiring specific accents or skills.

6. Intimacy Protocols: Any audition involving intimacy must adhere to guidelines ensuring no nudity or direct physical contact. A support person or intimacy coordinator should be present if required, and scenes are to be simulated respectfully.

7. Juvenile Safety: Special considerations apply when working with young performers, including mandatory police vetting for all involved personnel.

We are dedicated to supporting our actors by advocating for adherence to these casting guidelines. Ensuring transparency, respectful communication, and preparation leads to better performances and strengthens trust among casting professionals, agents, and actors.

By fostering an environment aligned with these industry standards, we continue to position Collaborate Management as a leading agency that champions professionalism and equity in every aspect of the casting process. This commitment ensures our actors are given the platform they deserve to excel in the highly competitive film and TV industry.

For more information about our representation and services, visit our website or contact us directly. At Collaborate Management, we’re here to help your talent shine.

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