CASTING DIRECTOR DES HAMILTON "Q&A" 06/09/2021

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Get an Insight into the Process of Casting Director Des Hamilton!

Des Hamilton is a Glasgow born, London based, Casting Director. He’s worked in film and television for over twenty years, and recently won a BAFTA for Best Casting on Top Boy (this being the first time scripted casting was recognised as a category).
His career began in 2001 when fellow Glaswegian Lynne Ramsay asked him to find a non-actress to play the co-lead opposite Samantha Morton in Morvern Callar. Des went on to cast the whole film, famously street casting Kathleen McDermott, who went on to win a BAFTA for Best Newcomer.

He’s predominantly known for his work on Jojo Rabbit, Four Lions, The King, Bullet Boy, and Claire Denis’ High Life. But it’s his interest in projects regardless of budget or size, as well as his willingness to work with new directors, that sets him apart.

Des and his team have continued to cast via a combination of traditional methods (theatrical agents, drama schools, etc.) and from the street; most notably casting Thomas Turgoose in This is England.