meaning of being 'attached' to a project

[milmat]

I suspect these terms are freely and loosely deployed, but I assume there is some meaningful difference in the use of the jargon -- can anyone possibly explain the difference between an actor being 'committed'; 'attached'; 'interested'?

[creativexec]

"Committed" can mean an actor is committed to
a project - in heart and spirit - rather than being
committed to a project in a financial sense.

When an actor is truly on board, the term often
used is "signed on."

"Interested" means just that. He likes the material
and is interested - but nothing more. Almost
every project circulating in town has some actor
"interested" in it.

"Attached" means the actor has expressed enough
interest in the project and will sign on, provided
that everything falls in place (scheduling, director,
financing, co-star). The project can be shopped
around using that actor's name and other actors
are NOT sought out to fill that role while the said
talent is attached.

Two actors that attach to everything are Nic
Cage and Chow Yun Fat.

[milmat]

Many thanks for the clear explanation in this rather murky world.

It just so happens Nic Cage and Chow Yun Fat are attached to our movie!

[warmgoodness]

You should also be aware that, many times, the abovementioned words are used as ballyhoo by producers trying to generate actual interest in their project. When you hear these words from a studio producer, he probably isn't full of it. However, if you hear this from some 'producer' getting a coffee with some young thing...he probably is.

[creativexec]

Warm is correct.

However, lists circulate around town informing producers
and casting agents on the availability of actors.

"Interested" is the word that is tossed around the
most - and often means the least.