It's common and widely accepted for casting directors to seek people who match specific demographics -- age, gender, etc. -- when filling roles in television, advertisements and film. But when someone tries to fill a professional position using those kinds of criteria, it's cause for a case of discrimination.

Which explains why a job posting on the Digital Eve Seattle mailing list has been causing such a stir.

Digital Eve, a virtual organization consisting primarily of women in technology, regularly features a range of technology-oriented jobs on the messages it distributes via its mailing list. So it might have seemed natural for someone to post to that list an item seeking a "Tech Savvy Female." Here's an excerpt:

Current project seeks tech savvy female, 25-35 for large 'webisodes' project. The female should be something like a managing editor for Wired or senior servant at Microsoft. Seriously they should have their own blog, website and work in the industry.

PROJECT: 10 x 3:00 webisodes titled "Real Women's Guide to Technology"

DEMO: Female; 25-35

ROLE: tech savvy female with bonafide tech credentials and strong on camera experience.

An original video series co-hosted by two friendly and energetic women, each episode helps decipher common technology (HDTVs, cell phones, net books, etc.) - like a friend is giving you the inside info on the world of technology. The format is devised to deliver useful, expert information quickly and efficiently, in a casual presentation that is fun to watch and easy to understand. Both women are smart, competent and savvy. One is representative of an average contemporary mom; she uses technology in her day-to-day life and is comfortable with what she knows. The other is a "techie" and possesses a high level of expertise. She understands electronics, can speak knowledgeably about most any type of gadget and enjoys sharing her passion for technology with others.

The post immediately got lots of attention among members of the Digital Eve list.

"Isn't this age discrimination?" one person asked in an email reply.

"I don't know about others, but I think it was just shocking to see a post with such a blatant disregard for the law," wrote another. "And I do wonder if this is cause for a lawsuit under the (EEOC) standards."

Some people pointed out that it was a casting call, not a posting for a professional job, and cautioned fellow members of the list against overreacting. However, in the minds of others, the references to someone with experience at Microsoft or Wired magazine put it dangerously close to job posting for a tech professional.

The listing was first distributed as a casting notice by Jodi Rothfield Casting Associates of Seattle. Rothfield, an experienced casting director, explained via phone this morning that her version didn't include any of the parts about Microsoft or Wired. She also didn't mean for it to be posted to a job board for tech professionals.

The version sent to the Digital Eve list referred interested people to Gordon Adams of Big Fish NW Talent. Via phone, he said he distributed the casting information to people in his database but said someone else must have submitted in for inclusion on the Digital Eve distribution list. He said he didn't intend for that to happen -- citing the differences between casting a role and hiring for a professional technology job.

In other words, looks like there's no need to alert the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission. And frankly, it sounds like it might be a fun role for an experienced techie to try on the side.

One thing the Digital Eve listing didn't mention was the client for which the webisodes are being produced. Turns out it's Wal-Mart.

Follow-up: Lawyer: No legal exception for showbiz hiring discrimination