Videos - Casting Networks

Theo Park Pulls Back the Curtain on Casting ‘Ted Lasso’

Cat Elliott — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:12:17 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered what went into casting a hit series whose first two seasons garnered back-to-back Emmy wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, you’ve come to the right place. Coming off of its third season — for which it received 21 Emmy nods, including Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series — we virtually sat down with the person behind the Ted Lasso cast.

Theo Park’s credits run deep, ranging from star-studded action comedies such as The Spy Who Dumped Me to long-awaited prequel series like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. But when we spoke with the casting director, Ted Lasso was the headliner of our chat as Park pulled back the curtain on casting the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series that’s poised to repeat its comedy gold.

When we last caught up with the casting director, she shared that the actors who play Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Ted (Jason Sudeikis) were the only ones to do a chemistry read before the series started filming. With this interview, Park gave us additional insights into casting the show’s first season, including one actor who didn’t audition and was “bang on” for their role. The casting director also commented on how the original cast performed exceptionally well together throughout the show. “They’ve really solidified their [character’s] relationships across the seasons,” she noted. Waddingham and Juno Temple were amongst those Park referenced as examples, as well as Brett Goldstein and Phil Dunster. “Everyone has just really worked beautifully together, and it’s just been marvelous to watch,” she expressed.

The casting director also shared some insights into the tall order that came with casting a season three character based on a real Swedish soccer star. “I was like, ‘We’re never going to find him,’” she recalled. “I thought it was a really impossible task.” You’ll have to watch the interview to find out how landing the right person for the Zlatan Ibrahimović-esque character came to be, including the actor’s serendipitous move to London — where the show films — right before his Ted Lasso audition.

Before the interview wrapped, we asked Park what casting a series like Ted Lasso meant to her. She described the show as “life-changing in more ways than one” and shared that she’s a true fan of the show, calling it “just my cup of tea.” Park also acknowledged all those who have been a part of making Ted Lasso. “They’re just an amazing bunch of people, and it’s made with love,” she concluded. “I certainly have loved every moment of it.”

You can catch all the insights Park gave us about casting Ted Lasso in our on-camera installment of Pulls Back the Curtain.

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This video interview has been edited and condensed.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July and has been updated to reflect Park’s 2023 Emmy nomination.

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The post Theo Park Pulls Back the Curtain on Casting ‘Ted Lasso’ first appeared on Casting Networks.

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On the Verge: Matt Angel

Neil Turitz — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:48:30 +0000

Matt Angel is a versatile guy. Not only is the 32-year-old Burbank native a talented actor who has been working regularly since his professional debut a decade and a half ago, but he’s also a writer-director whose career behind the camera is taking off. He was also, in his words, a legendarily good barista at Starbucks. His work as a writer-director, alongside partner Suzanne Coote — who also happens to be his wife and the mother of his 10-month-old son — has resulted in the hit indie flick The Wrath of Becky, currently one of the top VOD titles on iTunes.

As well as he’s doing behind the camera, though, it’s his work in front of it that’s getting more attention at the moment. Angel stars in the second season of the hit Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer. The new season is based on the fourth novel in Michael Connelly’s ongoing series about LA attorney Mickey Haller, The Fifth Witness. Angel plays Henry Dahl, a sleazy podcast producer who crosses Haller and interferes with the lawyer’s defense of his client. He was at his home in Los Angeles when he chatted with us and told us the secret to a great cup of coffee.

Normally, I get to see a movie or a show before I interview the actor in it, but I did read the book, so that makes it easier. In the novel, your character Harry Dahl is actually named Herb, and he’s a movie producer.

At one point, the script supervisor looked at me and was like, Are you glad we changed his name? And I was like, what was his name in the book? She said, “Herb.” And I was like, “Yes. I’m very glad. Thank you.”

We’ll get back into the show, but first, I’m curious about how you got into acting in the first place.

I got bit by the bug, as they say, at a very early age. My dad was a producer, and I grew up on the set of Goosebumps in the 90s. So I was always on set with him, and I just loved it. I loved every facet of film and TV, so I knew I was gonna be in the industry in some capacity. I wanted to be an actor, but my parents wanted me to wait until I was old enough to really know if I wanted to do it. So I just did as much community theater as I could, which kind of confirmed for me that I knew I wanted to be an actor. When I was about to start high school, my parents said, do you still want to do it? I said “Yes,” and I jumped in. I got my first agent, actually, [when] I was a lead in my high school play; and someone was there who referred me to their agent. Their agent came and saw the show and signed me. Then the first audition I booked was The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and that was it. I was working out of high school pretty regularly, guesting on shows here and there, and in the last 15 years, I’ve been lucky enough to just be a working actor.

Did you ever have a non-acting job?

Sure. I never had a series, so you do these guest spots, and then you have like a dry spell of six months and you’re like, “Oh, I need the job.” It’s been a while, and not since I started writing and directing, but I did work at Starbucks for about nine months. I was a really good barista. I still get frustrated when they make drinks that aren’t good.

Is there a secret to making a great cup of Starbucks coffee?

Absolutely. You have to aerate the milk properly. If you don’t do that, if you just heat the milk, it sucks. Anyone reading this who works at Starbucks, that’s my tip. Please aerate the milk properly.

Photo courtesy of Matt Angel.

And now you’re on a hit Netflix show. Did you read the book before you took the part?

Good question. Did I read the book? Well, I bought the book.

Michael Connelly didn’t even give you a free copy?

No, I had to buy the thing.

That’s a shame. But you didn’t actually read it?

I didn’t read the book, but I had a newborn son, so that’s my excuse. I got sent the first four scripts pretty early on, and I was like, “Okay, I get this guy.” He’s a little younger in the show, and he’s a podcast producer, which really brings the story to 2023.

The character as written is pretty sleazy. Does that carry over?

I wanted to make him a little less mustache-twirly sleazy. I wanted to play him as, initially, a nice guy who you’re wondering what is it about this guy that we can’t quite trust. What’s great about the way the scripts unravel is Henry is very present throughout every element of the story, and you’re getting a little bit more of who this guy is from week to week. There’s a lot of different things that are happening to Mickey Haller throughout the season, and a lot of times all signs point to Henry’s involvement.

When the strike ends, you’re set to write and direct another Becky movie, but what’s next for you on the acting front?

Well, this is the most significant television role I’ve had. So I kind of simultaneously have the most significant feature role I’ve had and a television role I have dropping three weeks apart. So that’s really great. I wish I had a more exciting answer. I assume a lot of the readers will understand that, as an actor, there is not always a “Yes, I’m doing this next.” That’s more common than not. So it remains to be seen what’s next for me in front of the camera, but I will be looking for opportunities with stuff that I am writing and directing and then just hoping that the next opportunity comes my way.

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Highlights from ‘Behind the Curtain: Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry’

Casting Networks — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:16:51 +0000

Two in five Australians between the ages of 16 and 85 experience a mental disorder at some time in their life. And studies have shown those numbers are even higher for those in the entertainment industry.

That’s why late last month, the Casting Guild of Australia partnered with Casting Networks to bring performers, agents, casting directors and industry professionals together to discuss the state of mental health in the entertainment industry at a free event in Sydney.

“To the outside world, the entertainment industry can often be seen as a vibrant, fun, and exciting world, full of glamour, allure, and fascination and often it is, but like everything in this world there is always a flip side,” said Thea McLeod, CGA President, ahead of the event.

“The entertainment industry being a project-based industry can be full of uncertainty and ups and downs in some of its communities’ lives, that’s why it is so important, for its members to prioritize and protect mental well-being.”

The evening included discussions with panel members Patrick Abboud (The Project), Dylan Lewis (Emo the Musical, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!), Julia Edwards, (Chief Executive, Entertainment Assist), Thea McLeod (CGA President) and Ratidzo Mambo (The Gloaming, GLEE). The panelists addressed topics such as establishing boundaries, dealing with conflict, and how businesses and institutions can help.

“If I feel a certain kind of way, I tell my team, and they’re so supportive,” said Mambo during the panel, addressing how establishing boundaries can help to maintain mental health. “…that’s me exercising a boundary and a ‘no’ and learning how to use my voice because I find that you end up saying yes to things that exhaust you.”

Abboud weighed in with his perspective on abusive behavior in the industry. “From my perspective, you should feel confident to call it out, and it’s okay to call it out. And I know that can be confrontational and put you in a compromising position. But if you feel that, in the moment, you might be able to defuse the situation, it’s a risk you take.” He continued, noting that considering power dynamics is key. “But I suppose it’s got to be a calculated one, and [you can] try and build support from others around you.”

You can watch more highlights here:

Casting Networks is proud to play a role in promoting awareness of mental health issues within the entertainment industry, to use our platform to destigmatize mental illness and to help forge a path for compassion and inclusion wherever possible.

If you’re interested in participating in our next Behind the Curtain event, be sure to subscribe to The Daily Roundup and follow Casting Networks on social media.

The post Highlights from ‘Behind the Curtain: Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry’ first appeared on Casting Networks.

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Crying — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Casting Networks — Tue, 18 May 2021 17:53:08 +0000

“Bad actors try to cry. Human beings try not to. The minute you are trying to generate emotion you will become a bad actor.”

Have you been asked to cry on cue? Howard Fine explains how to access your emotional source and stay out of your own head to create organic tears for any scene.

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About Howard Fine

For over a quarter of a century, Howard Fine has built an unshakeable reputation as the “Best Acting Teacher in Los Angeles”. He is highly sought after by actors, managers, agents, casting directors, producers, and directors, who know his coaching defines careers. Howard has taught thousands of actors, some from the very beginning all the way to the Oscar podium. His roster includes stars such as Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Austin Butler, Kerry Washington, Gal Gadot, Michelle Williams, Justin Timberlake, Chris Pine, Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Salma Hayek, and many more.

His reputation is built on remarkable expertise coupled with a unique gift to push and inspire on a personal level. Howard Fine all but explodes the stereotype of the screaming, bitter acting teacher that potential students fear. Instead, his philosophy reflects that of mentor and close colleague Uta Hagen, and continues in his classes which seek to empower the actor. Howard still teaches his Acting Technique, Scene Study, and Audition courses, and has developed online programs suited to meet the needs of actors everywhere.

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

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About Casting Networks®

More roles are booked through Casting Networks than anywhere else worldwide. We help actors, models and other performers succeed by simplifying the casting process and delivering the best roles. Sign up to create your online resume, submit to projects, schedule auditions and get booked!

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Crying — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

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Extremes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Alexa Amin — Mon, 10 May 2021 23:01:42 +0000

“Under investing is going to keep us from ever investing in you.”

Howard Fine defines two extremes that limit actors. Learn how you can identify if you fall into one extreme and how to remedy it!

Watch the full video here!

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

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About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Extremes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Extremes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

General Notes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Alexa Amin — Wed, 05 May 2021 17:25:28 +0000

“You’re going to get a bunch of external directions. You have to know how to translate it into something you can actually connect to.”

Have you been told you need “more levels” or to “pick up the pace” at an audition? This feedback may not mean what you think it does. Howard Fine lays out common casting phrases and deciphers their meanings.

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

==========

About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post General Notes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post General Notes — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

Mental Toughness — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Casting Networks — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 21:55:06 +0000

“That person who can handle making a mistake gracefully… that’s who you want to work with.”

On set, mistakes happen constantly — it’s just a fact of the business! Howard Fine describes acting as a game of mental toughness and explains how imperative it is for actors to have the ability to forgive themselves, move on, and be in the next moment.

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

==========

About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Mental Toughness — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Mental Toughness — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

Physical Life — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Casting Networks — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:05:16 +0000

“We do not get up for no reason to go nowhere. We have to supply the motivation.”

Sometimes the simplest tasks in life, like cooking dinner or washing dishes, can get you inside your head while filming. Howard Fine explains how important it is to endow your space on set and make it your own to appear natural on screen.

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

==========

About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Physical Life — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Physical Life — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

Preshaping — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Casting Networks — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 20:23:39 +0000

“If you supply the why, the how takes care of itself.”

Don’t let preshaping and over-preparation let your character get stale. Howard Fine explains how to properly rehearse for a role and release control to allow yourself to be truly present.

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

==========

About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Preshaping — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Preshaping — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

Stage / TV / Film Acting — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine

Casting Networks — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 17:38:30 +0000

“When you can make yourself totally still, what you do will be by choice, rather than habit.”

Howard Fine explains the differences and similarities between stage acting, and film and television acting. Plus, he divulges the skill you must master to make you an ace at all three!

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About Howard Fine

Learn more about the Howard Fine Acting Studio: https://www.howardfine.com

Begin studying with Howard right away: https://www.visionofthecraft.com

==========

About Casting Networks®

Over 22,000 industry professionals use Casting Networks to facilitate over a million auditions per year.

Casting Networks is where casting happens.

The post Stage / TV / Film Acting — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Stage / TV / Film Acting — Acting Tips with Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.