Actresses read the real casting calls they are subjected to every day.
If you ever needed clear evidence that women are still held down by stereotypes in commercials, tv shows, movies and modeling jobs, look no further than this eye-opening and revealing video.
“Casting Call, The Project” features 18 women reading real casting notices into the camera with their reactions ranging form raised eyebrows and eye rolls to obscenities to downright disgust.
“In our quest to find and create work, we became all too familiar with reading character breakdowns posted on casting call notices via the numerous casting websites (some legitimate and reputable, others, not so much),” wrote the three artists who created the project. “Throughout this journey, we would often share with each other particularly ridiculous, hysterical and appalling casting call notices.”
Three freinds – Julie Asriyan, Laura Bray and Jenna Ciralli – decided to compile some of their upsetting casting calls into a video that could be passed along by those who share their same frustrations. The plan seems to be working. The video has received more than 320,000 views on Facebook in less than 24 hours.
Each casting call included in the video is riddled with stereotypes about gender, race, age and body types.
Most of the casting calls have a typical stereotype: “Loves being a woman, so she probably wears a push-up bra.” “She’s actually pretty, even with no makeup.” “Nerdy type of girl, nevertheless she has a boyfriend who loves her.” “Her cleavage is her best feature.”
The videos also highlight the industry’s problem with feminism: “Lead actress needed for film about feminism. She is moderately attractive.” Another: “Prefer an actor who is not thin. This is a great role for a feminist.”
The overall goal of the project was not to just point out the industry’s sexism and stereotypes. It’s also showing creative women should focus on creating their own content instead of becoming another statistic. By taking ownership of their creative process, women can “bring about the roles we all want to see for female actors,” the project’s creators said.
If you’re interested in learning more about the women included int he video, you can check out the project’s website, CastingCallTheProject.com.
