Question for people in the movie business Re; cast calls

[johnnie]

Ok, I have no idea how this works but I think about it once in a while. When they are casting for a movie or TV show and want someone specific that might not really be your typical star, how do they call for these?

I'm talking about something like "needed, an ugly woman with one leg" or "a geeky looking man who is well overweight". Or even less PC such as "A fat, extremely short ugly black man".

I know this is a strange question, but it is something I think about when I see some people on TV or in a movie that isn't your typical TV star or starlet. Does Hollywood not give a shit if they hurt people's feelings?..lol. Or do actors get in the business knowing they can play those parts?

[brook]

1. Most productions

use a Casting Director or Company. They have huge files of actors. You also call the Guilds.

A lot that you'd think was "odd" could be achieved with applied makeup; prosthetics, etc. but seeing as all kinds of people appear in pictures, there are professional folks on everybody's books who fit a myriad of descriptions.

edited to clarify.

[johnnie]

2. Well, when I wrote this...

There is a commercial running about cell phone companies and there are a few guys sitting around a table talking and they are what I guess would be considered pretty "geeky". But I have wondered about it before. For example they have that new show called "Ugly Betty" or something like that..lol. How do they tell someone "hey..they are looking for some homely woman to play this part and we thought of you"?

Thanks for the answer and I guess I kind of understand what you mean.

[brook]

3. Ugly Betty

has been a long running and popular novells in Latin America. The actress in the American incarnation is actually quite attractive without her "Betty" makeup. I'm sure she was delighted when she was offered the role.