Casting Director Renee Godbout explains the different types of professional casting directors

The term "freelance" refers to someone who does not have a full time position, but instead moves from one company to another. Some people, such as myself, work for only one company. Once a production hires a casting company, an available casting associate will be assigned to that production. But when you freelance, you don't have one set company you work for.

As a freelancer, it is your responsibility to find your next job. You are in a constant state of job hunting. Because you are not affiliated with just one company, you have the opportunity to meet more people in the industry and make more contacts. The more contacts you make, the more likely it is for someone to call you back for another project. Since commercial jobs are so short-lived, casting directors that work in commercials often tend to be freelance.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Freelancers tend to make more money since none of the companies that hire them are responsible for their health benefits. Companies can also afford to give higher salaries knowing that as soon as the job is done, the casting director's employment is finished as well. With the added monetary compensation, casting directors can afford to enjoy the time off they have between jobs. Many freelancers enjoy extended vacations between projects. The term "work hard and play hard" is probably accurate to describe their lifestyles.

On the other hand, freelancers are constantly looking for new jobs. Even while they're in the midst of one job, they have to be looking ahead to whatever comes in next. When the industry is slow, like during the recent writers' strike, companies won't feel any sort of loyalty to them. They are the first to be let go and the last to be hired back. Freelancers are on their own, especially when it comes to health insurance. Working directly for one company gives you stability. You always know what will be in your paycheck and who you will be working next to.

A good freelancer has to be able to network and build strong connections. Some freelancers will remain with the same company for long periods of time. They will be treated like any permanent employee, but with none of the inter-office perks. For many freelancers, the flexibility of schedule and opportunity to work with new teams of people outweighs any sort hesitation stemming from job insecurity. If you're good at your job, then people will want to work with you again. That understanding is what keeps freelancers working on a freelance basis and not settling down with one company. For permanent employees the free of unemployment overrides any desire to break out on their own. Both paths contain risk and uncertainty.

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.