About Seattle
Seattle is an exciting, vibrant city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It's home to beautiful views of Puget Sound and the iconic Space Needle. The city is the largest in Washington State and is known for its tech industry, vibrant music scene, and rich cultural heritage.
Seattle is also steadily becoming a hub for film production with many casting spaces popping up across the city. It offers a variety of venue options depending on what type of production you are going to be filming. Many casting spaces in Seattle provide green screen capabilities, giving filmmakers the freedom to create whatever environment they need for their projects.
The city is a perfect spot for film productions, with many advantages including nearby cozy housing close to shooting spots, easy access to transportation like buses and ferries, diverse landscape from downtown areas to stunning nature views, delicious food options within a short distance of most sets and incredibly warm locals who are always ready to assist. This combination of features makes Seattle an attractive destination for professional or novice filmmakers alike looking to shoot their projects in one of the best cities in America.
Casting Options in Seattle
- AV Equipment
In a casting or audition, you’ll need a piece of reliable equipment to record the casting videos. This way, you can look back at the recordings and review them later to help you decide on potential candidates. You may also need microphones and a sound system if you’ll be talking inside a large venue to a large group.
- Clothing Rentals
When you require garments for your castings, there are plenty of companies located in Seattle that can offer assistance. From fancy frocks and suits to glamorous accessories, they have the perfect items available to rent or borrow!
- Catering
Are you searching for an ideal caterer to provide delicious food at your casting event? Seattle is home to many acclaimed catering companies that offer a diverse variety of dishes and are very budget-friendly.
Casting Vendors in Seattle
- Arista Catering
Arista Catering is the best in delicious and unique culinary creations, out-of-this-world service, and unforgettable event productions. They will strive to provide you and your guests with a night to remember, no matter the size or type of event. Not only do they provide catering services for a wide range of events, including weddings, parties, corporate meetings, holidays, picnics, and fundraisers, but they also provide event rentals that are sure to please.
- Sound System Rentals
Established in 1987, Carlson Audio is your one-stop shop for all of your sound system rental needs. With a variety of options to choose from, you can find the perfect solution for whatever occasion you’re planning. Experienced staff will help you figure out what exactly you need to make sure your event turns out successful. Whether it’s a large-scale event or just a small gathering, they have the expertise and knowledge to provide your rental needs.
- Seattle Event Decor
Seattle Event Decor is a team of creative stylists who provide rentals and design spaces for events, weddings, parties, and film and TV sets. They have a large inventory of furniture and props, including backdrops and walls, centerpieces, crates, faux flowers, blankets, tables and chairs, lanterns, and more. They can customize their equipment provisions according to specific needs, too.
Pros and Cons of Casting Spaces in Seattle
Holding a casting call in Seattle can be a great way to find the perfect actors for your project. With many different locations available, there is something to fit any budget and style. While having a wide variety of options can be beneficial, it's important to understand the pros and cons of casting spaces in Seattle before you make your choice.
Advantages
- Unique Locations: There are many unique locations available throughout the city that will provide an interesting and dynamic backdrop for any production.
- Variety: You'll find everything from urban settings, industrial warehouses, woodlands, gardens, or waterfront viewpoints.
- Cost-Effective: Become familiar with local indie filmmakers and you may find deals on the perfect location for your project without breaking the bank.
- Professionalism: Seattle is home to a very professional entertainment industry which often leads to high-quality services from vendors in the area.
Disadvantages
- Weather: Rainy days can discourage auditionees to come or may cause delays during travel. Fortunately, rental contracts are often flexible enough to accommodate changes in plans due to inclement weather conditions.
- High Rates: Some rental rates may seem high because of the quality of spaces available as well as their convenience for filming purposes, but it's important to know that these rates can vary depending on individual negotiations with vendors or owners of properties.
- Location Availability: Not all locations are immediately ready for production so if you have a strict timeline, then this might not be a suitable option given that some permits require more time than others to obtain proper approvals and permissions from authorities.
- Security: Depending on location type, there may be additional security measures required such as hiring private security guards or additional staff members which could also increase production costs significantly.
Tips on How to Organize Casting Calls in Seattle
Whether you're a seasoned theater producer or a first-time director, preparing the casting space can be daunting. With so many moving parts and potential hazards, it's important to take the time to plan and prepare before things get underway. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Define the space: First and foremost, you'll need to define the limits of the casting space. This will help ensure that everyone involved knows where they should and shouldn't be during the process.
- Establish a flow: Once the space has been defined, you'll need to establish a flow for traffic in and out of the area.
- Light it up: Good lighting is essential for any casting space. Not only does it help the participants see one another, but it also creates a more professional atmosphere.
- Dress it up: First impressions are everything in the world of professional theater, so be sure to take some time to dress up your casting space by adding chic and colorful furniture.
- Keep it clean: Lastly, don't forget to keep the casting space clean throughout the process! This includes sweeping floors, wiping down surfaces, and taking out the trash regularly. A clean space will help create a positive impression and ensure that everyone involved feels comfortable and relaxed.
Famous Locations in Seattle
- Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery is a quiet oasis that overlooks the hustle and bustle of the city of Seattle. Established in 1869, this sprawling 285-acre graveyard is one of the largest in the United States, boasting more than 40,000 graves. But even if you do not know someone buried here, Lake View Cemetery offers much more than merely a place to visit the dearly departed. Its idyllic setting also provides visitors with a peaceful respite from their everyday lives, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and appreciation for all that has been lost.
- Sonic Bloom By Dan Corson
Dan Corson's Sonic Bloom is an incredible sight to behold. Located on the corner of 3rd and University in Seattle, the large-scale installation consists of more than a hundred metal flowers with ultrasound speakers. Upon activation, the speakers emit a sound frequency too high for human ears but that causes the flowers to "bloom" hypnotically like opening petals. Watching Sonic Bloom in action is both captivating and surreal—no wonder it has become such an iconic Seattle public piece in such a short amount of time.
- Tree Grate Museum
Located beneath the urban jungle of Seattle, Washington lies a museum like no other: the Tree Grate Museum. It houses five different species of trees, each with its own custom-designed grate. These tree grates are decorated with vibrant designs and are thoughtfully placed around the trees' trunks to protect them from traffic and other potential damage. These grates were created by local artists and each one has an informational plaque that lists the tree species, artist name, and location along the Seattle Transit Tunnel. The Tree Grate Museum is an interesting way to appreciate art while also learning more about the importance of trees in our cities. As of April 2021, the trees and the grates have been removed to give way to the construction of the Washington State Convention Center extension.
