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Casting is such a poor way for a film director to get to know actors. Casting sessions are interviews that are too fast and nerve-wracking, yet somehow film directors expect actors to be not only at their best but also at their most honest. The truth is that an audition for a film role will only give a movie director part of what's needed to know about an actor. The only definite information a film director will know from an audition is how this actor performs in an audition. Since actors, like people, put their best foot forward there's a good chance things will go downhill from there.

There are other things film directors might want to pay attention to so as to get a better idea of what an actor is really like.

Other Productions They've Been In

This is the best situation; this actor is in another production right now and you can go see them in it. The best audition is seeing somebody in another film or at least a theater production. It's one thing for actors to trick you with their wiles, but to do that with multiple parties is unlikely. If this actor is in a production it's a stamp of approval that speaks louder than any casting session.

Relationships With Past Colleagues

If the actor isn't in another film or theatrical production that you can see maybe you can get in touch with people they've worked with in the past. They won't tell you too much slanderous stuff, but you can tell by hesitancy how enthusiastic people are about an actor. If you're lucky some director might tip you off to an impending disaster of an actor they just worked with.

How They Treat Other Actors

When casting we often seen multiple actors at once. It's important not only how any individual actor performs but also how they treat each other. Catty people in an audition will be the same when you are shooting something. If they are jealous and overly-competitive when you first meet them they will be like that when you work with them. Are they courteous and cooperative with other actors? Do they offer assistance and encouragement or cut others down at every opportunity?

How They Respond Before And After

You may not make the calls to arrange the casting and call-backs, but maybe you should. Any interaction between the production and an actor can help the director more fully understand who this actor is as a person. The level of enthusiasm they exude when you call might indicate important things. Do they answer the phone depressed and then perk up when they know it's you? They may be putting on an act. Are they too busy to give you much time but then deign to answer yes that they'll come in again? They may not care that much. Any extra information you can get on an actor will help.

Co-Workers At Current Real Job

Most actors aren't professionals. Most aren't financially independent. Most actors will have other "real" jobs where they interact with others and this can help you get a better sense of who they are. Is this actor a team player at work? Do they offer help and generally get along well with others? The way they behave in a work environment will give you some insight into how they might work with you. It will also give you an idea if they can actually put the time and effort that is required in your production. A full-time lawyer with a full case-load and kids to raise may not be able to spare the time, though they say they can.

Inclination To Pitch In Beyond Acting

Personally I like my actors to be able to help in areas other than acting. Even if you never have your actors do anything apart from acting, it says a lot if they are willing to go above and beyond to help the film. Ask if they'd be willing to make calls or cook meals and see how they react. This may not be something you actually do, but it will help you get to know them either way.

Willingness To Go Through Hoops

Sadly sometimes we have to make obstacle courses for actors in attempt to find out how motivated they are. If things are postponed multiple times their reactions to these setbacks will be telling. Multiple callbacks are hoops in themselves and the actors' attitudes toward them help you better choose among the many candidates you may have. Put in little challenges for them in the casting process and see how they react.

All you can do is your best to find out who actors are as people and if they are right for your movie. Get creative when it comes to assembling your cast. Don't just rely on auditions alone. Anything where you can interact with the potential cast in an informal environment can help color in the parts that the casting process leave unclear.