The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) hosted a well-attended actor masterclass on June 29, 2024, at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon.

The session, "What Casting Directors Look Out For," provided valuable takeaways for aspiring and professional Ghanaian actors, fostering their understanding of the filmmaking process and the key elements for success.

Mr. Mawuko Kuadzi, a renowned international casting director and CEO of MK Casting, led the masterclass. Mr. Kuadzi, who also serves as Rector of MK Acting College, brought a wealth of experience to the session.

He shed light on the crucial role casting plays in filmmaking and the specific qualities casting directors seek in actors.

The session offered practical guidance on navigating the intricacies of the casting process, equipping participants with a roadmap to success.

The masterclass attracted a diverse group of participants, all eager to refine their skills and enhance their careers.

The engaging format included in-depth presentations from Mr. Kuadzi, followed by a lively question-and-answer session.

Through this interactive approach, participants gained key takeaways that demystified the world of casting and empowered them to navigate their acting journeys with greater confidence.

“Casting is a critical aspect of a director's vision, as it helps bring their creative ideas and characters to life. Casting the right actors brings authenticity to characters, making them relatable and engaging for audiences.
For example, in Beasts of No Nation, finding the little boy was not an easy task. The process, which was well documented, was very strenuous," he revealed.

The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Head of the Department for the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon.

Their participation underscored the importance of ongoing training and mentorship in the acting profession.

One key takeaway was a deeper appreciation for the significance of casting in the filmmaking process.

Participants learned that casting directors are the gatekeepers, meticulously searching for actors who embody the essence of a character and breathe life into the director's vision.

Mr. Kuadzi further shed light on the multifaceted nature of casting decisions. The participants learned that casting directors consider not only acting ability but also physical appearance, personality, and experience.

“This holistic approach ensures that the chosen actor seamlessly integrates into the film's narrative and resonates with the audience," he stated.

The masterclass also offered valuable insights into the casting process itself, from the initial audition to callbacks and chemistry reads.

Participants gained practical strategies for each stage, learning how to craft compelling audition packages, showcase their talent effectively, and make a positive first impression.

Mr. Kuadzi provided actionable tips on how to stand out from the crowd, including guidance on crafting compelling headshots and resumes, establishing a strong online presence, and effectively networking within the industry.

In a bid to bridge the theory-practice gap, Mr. Kuadzi proposed the production of at least two short films featuring participants from the masterclass. This suggestion was well-received by the Black Star International Film Festival Director, Philippa Ama Bentuma Authur.

She confirmed that the festival will explore this possibility and develop a concrete plan.

Following the session, participants expressed their satisfaction with the knowledge gained. In interviews, they conveyed their appreciation to the BSIFF organizers and Mr. Kuadzi for offering this valuable opportunity.

Naya Prat, a Ghanaian actress and participant in the masterclass, was full of praise for the organizers for putting the masterclass together.

“I’ve been in the industry for about two years now; this is my second time coming to a workshop with the Black Stars; like the first one, this one was very informative."

"The information we learned is, I think, necessary for all actors but it was
also very helpful for me, even though I have two years of acting experience. Information about auditioning and an understanding of what a casting director does were very helpful."

I believe if somebody came to this workshop and actually applied the information that was given, they could be more successful in their future auditions, and they would get more jobs, which is the goal," she stated.

Essilfua Boris-Hemans, an actress and participant in the masterclass, also had this to say: “Today has been an exciting day. I’m so glad I made time to come for this masterclass organized by the Black Star International Film Festival in the education sector. I learned a lot from MK, and I’m so glad I got to even meet him and have a conversation with him, because there are a lot of things that, as actors, especially Ghanaian actors, we don’t pay attention to; he highlighted all of it right here, and I learned a lot. I have a whole script from what he presented to us today, and I’m excited to take on new opportunities that will come my way.”.

Many other participants highlighted the need for more such programs, emphasizing the ongoing need for actors to develop their craft and reach their full potential.

Mr. Kuadzi stated in an interview that MK Acting College has been providing similar training for Ghanaian actors for years and is very open to engaging with various stakeholders to help improve the acting talent in Africa.

The BSIFF Actors Masterclass proved to be a resounding success, empowering Ghanaian actors with industry knowledge and practical tools.