Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Lightdeossk Captivating movie !

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Maidexpl Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

MartinHafer This is an excellent documentary for any movie buff. This is because although we love directors, actors and perhaps even producers, folks almost never stop to think about the casting director--the person whose job it is to find talent, appropriate talent, for all the film roles. The story primarily focuses on Marion Dougherty and how she created the position while working for Kraft Theater on television and follows her through her brilliant career. It also focus to a lesser extend on Lynn Stahlmaster who created this sort of role in Hollywood. It's all very, very informative and it was very touching hearing folks talking so fondly of Marion and crediting so much of their success to her. The only thing you DON'T learn is anything about her personal life or those of the other casting directors. And, when you look them up on IMDb, there really isn't much more than their names. Interesting...as if IMDb hasn't noticed or appreciated these folks as well...so perhaps they should see "Casting By".It's nice to see this film, as often the perception is that Hollywood is so selfish and narcissistic, yet here so many 'heavy hitters' make themselves available for interviews and attribute so much of their success to the casting directors and in particular, Marion. Superb and well worth seeing.

Malcolm Taylor An incredibly poignant documentary. It's a must see for actors, performers, film makers, film lovers, and all human beings in general.This wonderful, captivating film explores the long neglected work of casting directors, a predominantly female profession. It is surprisingly fascinating, and transcends insider interest, making itself relevant to all viewers and lovers of film.It centres on legendary casting director Marion Dougherty who kept a fierce eye on rising talent in New York. She saw the opportunity for changing the industry norms of casting glamour over talent as it was practised in Hollywood. The explosion of television created a huge need for actors who could portray believable characters from real life. These actors also needed the chops to perform a new play every week for the cameras, as television at the time was just that: filmed theatre. Fortuitously, at the same time the burgeoning of actors graduating form the revolutionary acting schools in New York led by Lee Strasberg and Sanford Meisner, created a wealth of talent for Daughtery to pick from.She plucked every actor that registered on her instincts and fought hard for them to land roles in TV and eventually feature films. Eventually her sure fire instincts and the tremendous service she provided directors by basically hand delivering them stunning casts, eventually lead to her role as the head of casting for Warner Brothers studios in Hollywood.The film shows how she single-handedly created the role of the modern casting director as we now understand it. Yet, she never receiving acknowledgement within her lifetime, or even posthumously! As well she fostered the next generation of casting directors with her generous, collaborative spirit.This film is a must see for anyone who even remotely loves film, filmmakers, actors, directors, the art of film making, and popular culture. It's as essential as any documentary exploring the greatest artists and crafts people of our time or any time. Truly, a must see!

laurenwbirch I was lucky enough to see this Film twice at the Miami International Film Festival this spring! I went with several friends and we all agreed it was a Superb Film. It illuminated a very interesting and often overlooked part of the creative process of film making. The film not only educated it's viewers about the the casting process but allowed the viewer to slowly see just how very vital the Casting Director has been in so many well known and groundbreaking films! Most importantly this film made its point with great humor, warmth and feeling. I have been a fan of the Director Tom Donahue for several decades (starting with his amazing first Documentary in Film School).The editing of the interviews with the many wonderful actors, other Casting Directors, and the film's focus Marion Dougherty was perfect! Providing so many great old clips from the artists' body of work and other films was very entertaining and brought their words to life! I would recommend this film to anybody!

Le Movie Snob CASTING BY is a surprisingly entertaining documentary. Its title is somewhat misleading as it's doesn't really explain the occupation of casting directors, rather it is a valentine to Marion Dougherty, the woman who coined the term as she carved out a unique role when she began working in the entertainment business. Ironically, she wanted to be an actress herself, but didn't pursue a career, believing it would be too difficult. Fortunately, an entry level position at NBC producing live plays sponsored by Kraft proved a better fit for her theatrical instincts. As she was living in New York City, she had ample opportunity and desire to go to the theater where she discovered the talent whom she cast. The film has a treasure trove of footage of the first roles given to future stars, the most entertaining one is a 22 year-old Warren Beatty imitating fellow Lee Stasberg graduate Marlon Brando. Fortunately, Ms Dougherty, who was not an acting teacher, remanded him that "The Method" did not mean "The Mumble."The cavalcade of stars whose careers she launched is astonishing, but equally important is the serendipitous era in which she achieved prominence. The cinema of the 1970s was groundbreaking in that talent was allowed to trump looks, and the collapse of the studio movie-making machine allowed risqué movies like "Midnight Cowboy," "Panic in Needle Park," and "Taxi Driver" to be made.Marion Dougherty's LA counterpart, Lynn Stalmaster, is profiled as another example of a casting director. But based in LA, the criteria and talent pool meant that his accomplishments are complementary to hers, but not comparable.The movie is enjoyable, fast-paced and certain to be enjoyed by cinephiles, but should not be viewed as a representation of the profession of casting directors. This writer has first-hand knowledge of the acting industry in Los Angeles. The majority of casting directors do not have anywhere near the authority of those interviewed in the movie. While it is a more difficult proposition for an LA-based casting director to go to the theater to discover talent, few make the effort nor have any appreciation for the actor's craft. Crassly, some actually teach acting classes and charge fees for aspiring actors to meet them. Just as in the modeling world, there are the Victoria's Secret models at the top and an exploitative ugly underbelly that are not depicted together, so it is in the casting business. There's a documentary to be made there, but this movie is not it. It is about the cream that has justifiably risen to the top and gifted us with some of the greatest actors we may ever see.