What does the casting process look like from the casting director's perspective? Can you get to know an actor's personality in a few minutes? A short personal presentation? A few questions? Or maybe a show-reel first? Marta Kownacka, one of the most sought-after casting directors in our country talked about the behind-the-scenes work involved in searching for new faces.

"I often meet young actors who are paralysed with fear before an audition. They lack freedom in this crucial challenge for their development and professional future. Remember that an audition is a working meeting, not a competition. Separate classes should be devoted to casting direction which would help young actors get used to this type of exercise." said Marta Kownacka yesterday at the meeting

She has worked as a casting director on over 50 films, among them: "Fale" (Waves), „Jesteś Bogiem”("You are God"), „Wojna polsko-ruska”("Polish-Russian War"), „Magiczne drzewo”("Magic Tree"), and recently „Mowa ptaków” ('Bird Speech'), „Jak pies z kotem” ('As a Dog with a Cat') or „Atak paniki”('Panic Attack'). In 2017, she was nominated for the prestigious European Casting Director Award for the cast of „Sztuka kochania. Historia Michaliny Wisłockiej”("The Art of Loving. The story of Michalina Wisłocka.") Her work is excellent proof that casting decisions which are not obvious often turn out to be the key to a film's success. Thanks to the work of Marta Kownacka among others, the role of a casting director has become valued in Poland and from an artistic point of view, it seems to be an invaluable, creative support for the actions of the producer and the director.


Photo: Aleksandra Pawłowska