On Saturday, November 1st, the audience of the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival attended an inspiring masterclass titled “Casting in the Age of Technology: Discovering the Soul of a Story.” The session, organized in collaboration with the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA), explored the crucial role of casting in cinematic creation and how new technologies are transforming this practice.

The event, moderated by Alexandros Diakosavvas, Artistic Coordinator of the festival, brought together leading figures from the field: casting directors Tanja Grunwald, Ingvild Koldset Høga, and Lucinda Syson, along with David Zitzlsperger, head of the digital platform Filmmakers Europe. Diakosavvas emphasized the significance of this moment for the profession, noting that both the European and the American Film Academies have recently introduced an award dedicated to casting—a milestone in the recognition of this craft.

Lucinda Syson, known for her work on films such as Gravity, Batman Begins, and Children of Men, celebrated the distinction as a victory after years of effort to highlight the creative contribution of casting directors. Meanwhile, Tanja Grunwald—who has collaborated with filmmakers like Ruben Östlund and Thomas Vinterberg—explained the difference between an agent and a casting director: the former represents actors, while the latter builds the ensemble that brings a story to life.

Ingvild Koldset Høga, a frequent collaborator of Joachim Trier, noted that while anyone can now make a film with a smartphone, the input of a casting director remains essential to elevate a narrative. “Our work involves knowing the available performers and finding how they can enhance a story,” she said.

From a technological standpoint, Zitzlsperger described how digital platforms streamline the selection process without ever replacing the human element. “The heart of this work remains deeply human. Digital tools only complement it,” he said. The speakers agreed that artificial intelligence and global databases open new opportunities for connection, yet instinct and intuition remain irreplaceable.

Syson also spoke of the “invisible factor” that defines casting success: the chemistry between actors. “Changing a single performer can completely alter the energy of a production,” she affirmed. Grunwald added that actors shape the identity of a film, while Høga stressed the importance of giving casting teams the time and resources to work freely and sensitively.

The discussion turned to the positive impact of post-pandemic technologies such as video-call auditions and self-tapes, which democratize access to the process and allow actors from anywhere to participate in international productions. “Today, an actor living far from major centers can be considered for a role that would once have been out of reach,” noted Grunwald.

All participants agreed that the essence of casting lies in human connection. “Technology can bridge distances, but the connection between people sharing the same room remains irreplaceable,” said Høga. Closing the session, Zitzlsperger summed up the spirit of the discussion: “The work of a casting director is not always seen, but it is felt. Each one follows a unique path, and that very individuality is what gives each film its character.”