I remember reading somewhere don't star cast, but if get asked you need to have an answer ready so the suggestion was to cast dead actors.

I would never ever drop a name into a script, but I do admit to creating "photo pages" to keep nearby as I write. My character intros, while they certainly may include a nod at "hair & make-up" and "wardrobe" (i.e. real things used in production), will be more about attitude or mannerisms. So .. for example: XX, late-40s, is a slight, serious, graying brainiac with trendy sneaks, rolled-up sleeves and a chip on his shoulder. XX, 40s, savvy dresser, fab hair, a confident, sensual black woman who's no wallflower. XX, 40s, a chests-her-cards plain Jane type with hipster-critic glasses and moxie from a fierce inner G.I. Jane. When I'm writing these characters, I SEE and can HEAR the actors I have in mind, which just helps me in the process, but clearly trying to leave the casting door open with descriptions like these. Trying....

Speaking of casting dead actors, check this out. I find it entirely creepy! And I never thought I'd say that about Audrey Hepburn.

Joni, this sounds similar to what I was describing with my interviews with writers who 'cast' actors when writing their scripts. Hey, whatever helps!