Image from the series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
As a casting director, one question I’m often asked is, “What level of English do I need to work in an Anglo-Saxon production?”
The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on the production’s nature, audience, and creative vision.
Let me share some insights from my experience across various international projects.
The case of Marie Antoinette
Take the recent Marie Antoinette series, a co-production with the BBC. In this production, all actors speak in “RP British” (Received Pronunciation), the classic English accent often associated with the BBC. This wasn’t just a stylistic choice; it was essential for the show’s international appeal. The series was designed for a global audience, so we cast bilingual actors—English performers working in France, dual-nationality actors, and those for whom English is their mother tongue—to ensure linguistic consistency and meet the high standards required for international distribution.
True language proficiency for acting involves mastering several technical elements such as pronunciation, stress patterns, and the critical “schwa.” The schwa, a neutral vowel sound /ə/ in unstressed syllables, is often overlooked yet crucial for authentic-sounding English. Mastering it can make the difference between sounding “almost native” and truly authentic.
Different productions, different standards
For other productions, like Emily in Paris or The Walking Dead, the language requirements are more flexible. Here, accents like the French one are not only accepted but often celebrated by Anglo-Saxon audiences for their authenticity and charm. This openness to different accents adds a layer of uniqueness to the characters and often enhances the appeal of the show, especially when it comes to portraying diverse cultural backgrounds.
However, while accents may be more relaxed, actors are still expected to have a strong command of English.
Beyond memorizing lines
The demands extend far beyond simply memorizing scripted lines. On set, actors must communicate effectively with the showrunner, director, cast, and crew, adapting quickly to frequent script changes, sometimes just minutes before filming. They must understand cultural references, subtle humor, and express emotions authentically in a non-native language. Spontaneous responses during improvisation are also essential.
To succeed, actors need to absorb changes rapidly and deliver them naturally, relying on real language proficiency rather than just memorizing the script.
