Members must always exercise extreme caution when attending casting and audition sessions where they are unsure of the validity of the sessions. Particularly during this crisis, we are concerned that members may be more vulnerable, and we have had reports of suspected abuse of casting networks.
Please note, unfortunately the Casting Directors' Guild are not in a position to manage complaints against non-members, however, please use the following email to report any suspicious activity to the CDG: reportcastingabuse@thecdg.co.uk.
Members can also report incidents to Equity's Bullying and Harassment Helpline: 020 7670 0268 and further information can be found on our Bullying & Harassment page.
Prior to the Audition
- Research the individual and/or the company to identity if they have credits and a presence in the industry
- If the individual and/or the company is claiming to be a casting director please check that they are members of an industry body such as the Casting Directors Guild or the Casting Directors Association etc
- Speak to your agent and / or Equity if you are unsure and need further advice
Physical Auditions
- Physical auditions should be held in accessible, appropriate and recognised work spaces. Do not attend auditions in the person's home or alone in a hotel room
- The CDG Code of Conduct states casting directors should "refrain from facilitating and actively discourage one-to-one meetings in non-professional environments"
- Be conducted in the same manner as other work-related recruitment processes, with a clear remit and questions and avoiding inappropriate familiarity
- Must NOT include requests to undress in whole or in part unless a mutually agreed observer is present
- Must NOT include requests to perform simulated sex acts
- Make sure if the audition is filmed the film is not used or distributed for any other purpose without consent of the performer
- Equity further recommends that Casting Directors make the requirements and nature of the job clear to members at the time of casting
- If you are concerned, please think about bringing a friend or family member with you and / or leave all details of the casting and audition with a friend or family member i.e. names, address and telephone numbers
- If you experience any sexual or physical abuse you must inform the police
Online Auditions / Self Tapes
- Be conducted in the same manner as other work-related recruitment processes, with a clear remit and questions and avoiding inappropriate familiarity
- Must NOT include requests to undress in whole or in part
- Must NOT include requests to perform simulated sex acts
- The film is not used or distributed for any other purpose without consent of the performer
- Equity further recommends that Casting Directors make the requirements and nature of the job clear to members at the time of casting
- If you experience any abuse, you must inform the police.
