Casting shortlist scorecard template: record evidence and next steps

A casting shortlist scorecard works best when it records what a reviewer observed and what the production still needs to establish. A single score cannot tell you whether an actor is available or has agreed to the terms.

The template below is an editorial starting point. Adjust it to the role and the material you requested. If you need a place to keep ratings and comments together, see ShortCine's casting shortlist workflow.

Define the decision before scoring

Write a sentence explaining what this round should establish. For example: identify performers whose scene supports the character and who can attend the planned shoot dates.

Then identify what this submission can actually show. A recorded scene can show the choices made in that take. It may leave questions about a different language, another scene, or availability. Mark those questions for follow-up instead of guessing an answer.

Copy this review record

Applicant: [name or application reference]

Role: [character]

Material reviewed: [scene, reel, or other submission]

Performance observation: [specific moment or choice]

Relevant skill demonstrated: [what was visible or audible]

Brief requirements confirmed: [known facts]

Information missing: [what still needs an answer]

Suggested next step: [hold, callback, decline, or clarify]

Callback request: [what you want to see or discuss]

Reviewer and date: [name and review date]

Keep observations close to the work. The second exchange felt rushed is more actionable than not right. If a video will not open, log that as an access issue so another reviewer does not mistake it for an assessment of the performance.

If you use numbers, define them

An optional five-point scale can describe how much the submitted performance supports moving to the next round. For this template, one means the current submission gives little supporting evidence, three means there is useful evidence with a specific unresolved question, and five means there is strong evidence to request the next step.

Define the other values with your team before using them. Leave an application unrated when you cannot review it properly. A low score should not become a substitute for reporting a broken link.

This scale is a suggested convention, not a validated assessment system or ShortCine's prescribed rubric. Reviewers can disagree; preserve their reasons rather than hiding them in an average.

Keep practical conditions separate

Use a separate note for availability, location, and terms. Mark whether each detail is confirmed, unknown, or needs discussion. A strong performance score does not resolve any of those conditions.

ShortCine supports ratings, reviewer comments, labels, and application statuses. You can use comments for evidence and labels for agreed team conventions, such as dates to confirm. Keep those conventions clear enough that another reviewer can interpret them.

What should a shortlist mean?

Agree that internally. One team may use it for people who need another scene; another may use it for a final conversation. In either case, communicate the actual next request to the applicant.

Shortlisting does not book a performer. Confirm dates and terms directly before making that commitment. Use the self-tape request template if the next step needs another recorded scene.