A primary pre-production step is casting. Getting the correct fit for each character is essential to a film's dynamics, but the process of conducting auditions is often complicated and intimidating for everyone. Here are ten steps to help get the job done.

1. Decide Which Characters You Need to Audition
You will want to cast all the characters in your script. Your speaking roles will take precedence, but if you have two femme fatales, it will save you grief to audition for only the more important role, and cast the smaller to a runner up.

Handle featured extras the same way. If it’s not imperative to get exactly the minister you pictured to stand in the background, put out an “extras” call and sort them accordingly.

2. Choose a Method of Audition
You may plan to use more than one method from the three better-knowns: improvisation, prepared monologues, and reading sides from your script.

Each highlights the talents in different ways -- dramatic parts, a monologue provides a good example of how the actor will perform; comedy, improv tells how well the actor reacts to humorous situations. Sides are the most popular way to go.

3. Reserve a Place and Time
Plan as far ahead as possible - post your call at least three weeks before the audition. The longer it is up, the more turnout you will likely get.

You’ll need a professional, neutral location with an area for actors to wait, a rehearsal room, and a sound-proof or separated area for the actual audition.

The more comfortable the actors, the better their performances are likely to be..

4. Create a Provocative Casting Call
Employ the screenwriter to develop a teaser-esque summary of the film and each character in the appropriate tone. If the story is funny, write with an edge of humor. The same for tear jerkers and suspense flicks. If your casting call stands out, people will want an appointment -- and will keep it.

5. Advertise your Casting Session
The surest resource is the Internet Try Craigs List to call for local actors. Also try sites that apply to your regional area (ex. greenroomorlando.com, bostoncasting.com). Post your casting call with a specialized email account and phone number.

Posting calls in art houses, coffee shops, and college campuses will also get turnouts. However, be careful with your personal information, and list only the email address.

6. Make Appointments
Once people start responding, schedule them starting at the center of your workday -- if you're casting from 9am - 3pm, your first appointment should be around noon. You will have a balanced day and can expand if necessary.

It's good to schedule two people in every 20-minute spot. Auditions are notorious for no-shows. Make sure to send out detailed directions to your location and information on how the actor should prepare.

7. Bring the Following:
- Essential Crew Members (Director, Casting Director, etc.)
- A Camera and Monitor: Your actors will look different in two dimensions
- Reader(s): To act opposite the actors as they perform
- A folder for notes and head-shots

8. Audition the Actors
A few minutes of small talk about the production or the actor's career is good to break the ice with your actor before he or she begins. This puts the actors at ease and gives you an idea on how easily they communicate.

Run through whichever auditioning method you chose, first, without directions to see how the actor uses the material, then suggest several alterations and observe how direction is taken and interpreted.

Take notes, and try to tape each performance close up and mid-shot to observe facial qualities and movements that will not be apparent simply by watching.

9. Callbacks
Once you've narrowed your choices, conduct a call back of competitors for another run- through, including pairing possible costars. If there's no chemistry, or if the performance isn't as striking the second time, you’ll find out before the parts have been cast.

10. Rehearsals
Once your parts are filled, have a few "table read" meetings to associate your actors and refine their interactions.

This is the best way to assure the performances will pay off when the cameras begin to roll.