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The time was the late 1930s. Hollywood and the movies were truly in their Golden Age. The major studios released almost a film a week, and the artistry and craftsmanship represented in most of these movies was just as impressive. The young Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, already world famous for its annual Awards of Merit, decided to embark on a new endeavor consistent with the Academy's service-oriented mission: the publication of a casting directory.
It's ironic that until the Academy Players Directory Bulletin first appeared in 1937, the movie industry had no accurate, reliable casting directory that listed both featured stars and extras. From 1937 forward, though, it had one, one so important to its user that it became known as the industry's "casting bible."
That first issue of the Players Directory included photos and information on about 1,200 actors. Years later, more than 16,000 of their contemporary brethren find their way into the Directory on a regular basis. For most of those years, the Academy subsidized the operation of the Directory; at times, the publication was such a drain on the institution's balance sheet that the Board of Governors considered discontinuing the service. But a sense of commitment to this reliable industry tool persevered, and the years rolled by.
In July 1996, the Academy developed new ways for agents and casting directors to do their jobs, utilizing rapidly changing technological tools. As the technology changes, so will the Players Directory as we continue our commitment to make it the most valuable resource available.
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