The New York herald., 1921-07-03
NeW Personalities
Sought for Screen
Casting Director at Universal
City Talks of Newcomers
Chances.

For what qualities do you look in
those applying for work In motion pic
tures?" was question put TO Fred
Datig. casting director at Universal City.
the other day.
1T is not In my province to look for
new qualities or new talent" he replied
There are several thousand expert
enced. capable players registered in my
office. covering every type and temper
ament required in making pictures. I
have met all of them personally and
have seen them all play various parts In
different photodramas.
When a director brings me manu-
script Of a story to be cast, ! run over
the list of available actors in my mind
and visualize some player as ideal for
every character In the play. After ask
Ing a number of these actors out TO the
studio, where we talk about salary.
wardrobe and other details. in some in
stances asking the advice of the director
or star, we select the cast of principals" !"
But what chance has newcomer in
motion pictures, and what qualities
recommend him or her for considera-
tion?" the questioner continued.
"It Is In q minor role, or even as an
extra that new faces make their APP
pearance before the camera. Even for
these humble roles" said Mr.. Datig.
there are thousands of persons regis
tered IN every studio. But now and then
some unusually pretty face or some
striking personality will compel the at
tention of the casting director, and the
possessor is given a chance to appear l..
a picture AS the art of the screen l.
primarily visual it is our intention first
to please the eye. II the applicant is
woman, good looks are the first requis-
ite. but in the long run personality and
intelligence are the qualities which will
win success. To this must be added am
billion and the Willingness to undergo the
hardships of the game.
I'VE are always looking for unique
personalities. A sparkling eye, SEN
sitivc mouth. distinctive carriage. an
Individual way of holding the head or
unusually expressive features will al
ways interest the casting director and
he will give the applicant an opportu-
nifty, ever as an extra or In a very
minor part. to discover any latent pos
sibilities.
Theoretically motion picture produc-
ers are always looking for new faces
and for material for future stars" he
continued But these cannot be dis
covered in the beginner. We must walt
until an actor displays unusual talent
in some unusual role. For instance.
Priscilla Dean played for more than a
year before she found her opportunity
In Even as You and L she was given
the role OF baby vamp' and displayed
the dynamic personality which has since
made her famous. Edith Roberts played
| in comedies for a long time until two
reeler. The Baby Bandit revealed that
| unusual dramatic ability which has
since endeared her to the public. Gladys
Walton, a mere child, played the inge-
nue. role in Lyons and Moran comedy
with such charm and appeal that she
was soon elevated to stellar prominence
ITO sum up the matter" he con-
cluded, 1.-The qualities we look for in ar
applicant are youth. looks, personality
brains and ambition. Some Of these
qualities are obvious. others may bt
perceived by the experienced director
and that elusive quality. personality
must be guessed at and finally left te
| the verdict of the public"