What's in the Mind of a Casting Director?

In the clip provided -- Ocean's Eleven, Act One -- we get to overhear the protagonist, Danny Ocean, unfold the entire plot of the story, a complicated heist (with a few mixed but unseen motivations). Take a few minutes to refresh yourself with the storyline: https://youtu.be/IpStO3Voxd0?feature=shared.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a casting director? These professionals play a pivotal role in bringing stories to life on the big screen. Here's an interview with a Casting Director: https://youtu.be/r1Xl6w8Ch7k?feature=shared

One concept that casting directors often use is the idea of Centers and Margins. In storytelling, the Center refers to the main characters or plot points that drive the narrative forward, while the Margins consist of supporting characters or subplots that enhance the overall story.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for casting directors as they work to assemble a cast that will effectively communicate the story's themes and emotions. Let's take the film Ocean's 11 as an example of how casting can make or break a movie. In this heist film, the central characters are a group of skilled thieves led by Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney. The casting of each member of Ocean's team was crucial to the film's success. From the smooth-talking con artist to the tech-savvy hacker, each character added a unique element to the group dynamic. The chemistry between the actors elevated the film beyond a simple heist story, creating a sense of camaraderie and tension that kept audiences engaged from start to finish.

As a casting director, it's not just about finding actors who look the part; it's about understanding how each character fits into the larger story.

By playing with Centers and Margins, the next time you watch a movie may hold the key to unlocking the full potential of the story.

In whose story do you live at the margins, looking into the center and playing your bit part? By who have you been surrounded, yet hardly recognized their bit parts that advanced your story? What, or perhaps who, makes of the periphery, the margins, the side-plots of your life?