1. What is your role at Casting Networks?

I joined Casting Networks in March as Director of Content and SEO. That means that I’m leading content strategy and helping to make sure that Casting Networks is visible in search engines when people search for things like “What’s the best casting website?” Another way to look at it is that I’m always trying to connect people to the information that they’re looking for, and often that means creating new content to answer their questions. Content SEO is about more than using the right keywords – it’s really balancing two audiences, where you’re creating something that is both authoritative and credible and using that to build trust with your human audience while also making it easy for search engines to understand it.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

I love discovering a trend or an underserved need, creating content that caters to that, and then watching the visitor data validate all of the work and research that we put into it when it helps them get to the answer they’re seeking. I love telling stories with data and using it to discover what our audience wants. That intersection of art and science is my sweet spot.

3. What are you most excited about working on this year?

My favorite project so far has been the “How to Become an Actor” series, where we find working actors from all over and ask them what is special or unique about working in that city. It shines a light on smaller markets, gives the actor some exposure, and everyone involved in putting these together has been so lovely to work with.

4. What are some interesting areas you get to focus on at Casting Networks that you didn’t in previous roles?

This is really the first job I’ve had where I’m applying every bit of my experience and education, and getting to do that within the entertainment industry is really special. I taught myself HTML in the mid-nineties for fun, got my bachelor’s in Rhetoric, which is basically creative writing, and then capped it off with an MBA in International Business. I’ve usually been working with two of those three in the past, so really being able to flex all of those muscles working on website content with a global team has been incredibly rewarding.

5. What’s something interesting or unexpected about your role that people would be surprised to know?

People sometimes think of SEO as spam, but for me, I’m always on the audience’s side. I’m checking Twitter several times a day to see what people are saying about us and I see it all. It’s important to me to be tuned into that conversation since it’s a very honest glimpse at what my target audience is thinking. And I really am rooting for them! In my experience, working in SEO naturally turns you into a customer advocate since you’re working so hard to hone in on what they need and to make sure that they have it and can easily find it. The content we create has to be really solid to pull that off.

6. What drove you to pursue a career in Marketing?

I actually started out as a commercial loan processor. It was a dreadfully boring job that I just sort of fell into, but I didn’t know what else I would do. Then in 2008, at the height of the recession, I was at dinner with some friends. I was listening to one of them talking about her job and I thought, “Wow, that sounds amazing, I think I’d be good at that.” It really was a light bulb moment. I was hired for my first SEO job shortly after that and now I’ve been at it for thirteen years. SEO wasn’t really a career yet when I finished college or I might have found it sooner. But once it evolved into a formal discipline, it was obvious that my background was well suited to it.

7. Tell us about a mentor or person who inspired you to get to where you are today.

He’s not really a mentor in the classic sense, but I’m going to give some credit to Wil Reynolds here. He founded an agency called SEER Interactive that was still pretty small but very clearly going places when I was still new to the industry, and I was very tuned in to everything his team was publishing. A couple years later, I got the chance to work with them as an in-house partner/liaison to SEER and the experience was very positive. It was validating to be in regular contact with that team and really cemented the idea that I was in the right career. Wil is still publishing, but now talks more about being an entrepreneur and founder, managing teams and giving back, and he does it in a way that’s refreshingly honest and a nice counter to some of the more toxic aspects of the conversation around startups. I find myself connecting to his management insights as I’ve grown in my own career.

We are proud to showcase our diverse, talented and creative employees across the globe. Stay tuned for our next installment to meet more of our team!

The post Meet Our Team: Rebecca Lehmann, Director of Content and SEO first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Meet Our Team: Rebecca Lehmann, Director of Content and SEO appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. What is your role at Casting Networks?

As Director of the Support and Client Success teams, I manage the support and success of our customers across our lines of business. The Support team is made up of Enterprise, Talent and Shared Services Support who specialize in their specific clients, such as Casting Directors, Talent Agents, Managers and Talent. The Client Success Team focuses on strengthening relationships with our clients, ensuring they can get the most out of our applications, gathering feedback and acting strategically to grow business within and across our portfolio of products.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

Without any hesitation, it’s working with my colleagues and my team. I have a dynamic and deeply dedicated team of people who step up and help our customers around the world and around the clock. The team collaborates and comes up with new solutions and I love the synergy that comes out of it.

3. What are you most excited about working on this year?

I’m really excited about the programs we are kicking off this year. We are partnering more closely with some significant groups in the casting industry like the Casting Society of America (CSA), as well as continuing our years of work with the Commercial Casting Directors Association (CCDA) and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), and I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will open up. I’m also excited about the Grads program we are kicking off, holding talks at universities around the country. The Talent Support team will also be dedicating time to consulting with actors, giving advice and suggestions to help them get the most out of our platforms, and most importantly, book more work!

4. What are some interesting areas you get to focus on at Casting Networks that you didn’t in previous roles?

I’ve been on the tech side of the entertainment industry for years, largely focusing on TV and Film production, so getting into the casting side of the industry is really fun – there are new kinds of challenges and we have a colorful mix of clients and customers who keep it interesting.

5. What’s something interesting or unexpected about your role that people would be surprised to know?

I think it’s easy to lose sight of the high-profile nature of the work we do. The casting side of the industry holds a lot of mystique and we are deeply immersed in it on a daily basis, right in the center of that process.

6. What drove you to pursue a career in Global Support?

After studying TV & Film production, telecommunications and broadcasting in college I moved to Hollywood and joined a tech startup that was transforming how the major film studios utilized technology to manage the production process. I worked with clients along the way, easing them away from outdated workflows and doing whatever it took for them to get their work done in a more efficient way. There was always a need to be empathetic and creative and come up with what felt like hundreds of solutions per day. From there I continued to grow teams who could be great at this kind of work, understanding clients and helping them to innovate and work creatively utilizing technology.

7. Tell us about a mentor or person who inspired you to get to where you are today.

There are so many who I’m inspired by on a daily basis, but, I have to go with Mom on this one. She’s looked out for me since day one and continues to be my number one support person to this day.

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The post Meet Our Team: Alexandra Pia, Director of Support and Client Success first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Meet Our Team: Alexandra Pia, Director of Support and Client Success appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. How did you start working in the industry? 

My first paid gig in the industry was as an actor in the Looking Glass Theatre’s weekend company. I grew up in Rhode Island and Looking Glass toured around the state. I had seen them many times growing up and it was exciting for me to be part of the organization. I couldn’t believe that I was getting money for something that I loved doing. Later, my college theater department hired me to direct both of its professional summer programs my junior and senior year. I received an assistantship to attend graduate school and also got hired as stage manager/actor for a touring production of “The Robinson Crusoe Story.” I was also hired to teach and direct in the summer theater program. After graduate school, I moved to New York where I was hired to teach full-time at AMDA. After one semester, I was promoted to head the acting department at the age of 24. This made me the youngest chair in the history of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In 1985 I moved from New York to Los Angeles. I got a job teaching at the Tracy Roberts Actors Studio. An agent came to watch an actor in my class. She didn’t end up representing the actor, but she loved me. She was representing Paul Stanley, the lead singer of Kiss at the time. Paul was planning to break into acting back then. The agent gave him the name of the top coaches in Hollywood and me. Paul did something very smart—he brought the same material to all of the coaches. After a few minutes, he stopped and said, you are my guy. Paul introduced me to many people in Hollywood. Soon I had a celebrity clientele and opened my own studio in 1988.

2. What inspired you to work as an acting coach?

I directed my first play when I was 16. I was fortunate to have a high school drama teacher who knew Uta Hagen’s work. He taught us from her first book “Respect for Acting.” We would take trips to NYC to observe classes at her studio. I realized early on that I had stronger skills as a teacher/coach than as an actor. In college and graduate school I was asked to coach the auditions of actors competing for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. All three of the actors won for their region and got to perform in the showcase at The Kennedy Center. In sports, it is rare for a star player to be a great coach. There are exceptions, but many cannot get past their own ego in order to truly help someone else. I love helping actors to achieve their fullest potential.

3. What would you say to those aspiring to work in your field?

Teaching is a calling. It is not a fallback. You have to have the patience to allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. Focus on giving the actors the tools to do great work. Help actors to become self-sufficient artists. Teach them to become independent so that they can work without you. Be a student of life and human behavior so that you will have a treasure trove of insights to share.

4. What was a pivotal moment for you within your industry during the pandemic? How has your role and/or your day-to-day routine changed in the past year and a half?

The day the studio closed in March 2020, I thought that we would go out of business. In my darkest moment I could not see the opportunities that were right around the corner. Studio administrators Rebecca Cloe and Ian Cardoni convinced me that we could launch “Fine Online.” In the weeks that followed we brainstormed a curriculum for online. Classes sold out immediately. I had no idea that there was a national and international demand for our classes. We are now reaching actors across the globe as well as in person at the Hollywood, CA studio and the Melbourne, Australia studio.

5. If you could cast yourself in any role of all time what would it be?

I would have loved to participate as a member of the ensemble who created and performed “The Laramie Project.” Moisés Kaufman created one of the most potent evenings of theater that I have ever witnessed. It was also recorded for HBO. The Tectonic Theatre Project interviewed the members of the town where Matthew Shepard was murdered. The examination of the human condition and our capacity to justify ourselves is stunning.

6. What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of work?

I am the loyal dog parent of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Ernie. Playing with Ernie gives me the greatest pleasure. I also love to read. I am a big Ken Follett fan and am currently reading his World War 1 trilogy. Attending movies and theater is a love. I also follow baseball. I am a big and suffering Boston Red Sox fan.

7. What is one of your favorite acting performances to date?

Meryl Streep in the film “Sophie’s Choice.” She changes language and dialect with ease. She never sits in her emotions. The movement is always toward the light even though she doesn’t get there.

8. Who is an industry professional you admire and why?

Meryl Streep again. Her life and career has been about the work. You never see her in the tabloids. She has remained humble, socially conscious and dedicated to the craft of acting. 

9. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

My favorite quote is from Iyanla Vanzant: “The way you do one thing, is the way you do everything.”

10. What are you looking forward to in the industry in the coming year and beyond?

I am looking forward to resuming normal life and increasing human contact. I will never take being able to have dinner at a restaurant or attend a public event for granted. I am over the moon that I have both online and in-person classes to look forward to. Life is good. 

The post 10 Questions With Acting Coach Howard Fine first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With Acting Coach Howard Fine appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. What inspired you to work in the entertainment industry, and what steps did you take to get started in your profession?

BELLA: I got into the industry thinking it would be temporary. I was in between jobs while in college and asked my mom if I could work at her office for a few weeks. Well, she said yes and that was 10 years ago! I fell in love with getting to meet new people, read new scripts and see stories come to life. I’m truly lucky to get to do what I do each day!

FAITH: I love that I am in an industry that utilizes the power of story. I believe that stories move us forward. My career before casting was as a communication expert. I read people’s body language for a living. I didn’t really take steps to get into casting. It was something that just kind of snuck in when I was taking a break from coaching politicians, but I was immediately intrigued by it. 

2. What is a memorable audition moment for you?

BELLA: I can’t narrow this down, but in general I really love seeing actors level up over the years. I am so proud of them for putting in the work, and seeing that pay off is personally rewarding. 

FAITH: I was auditioning a husband and wife for a husband and wife role. It was a callback and the director was in the studio with me. The two actors told the audition story in a way that was so believable. When they were done, I turned to look at the director for feedback or redirect because he was uncharacteristically quiet. To my amazement, he was weeping. This couple was able to connect in a way that all actors should strive to do, they made the director feel something. They moved him to tears. It was a wonderful moment because we all seemed to intuitively realize this was the kind of experience that defines what we all are trying to do with our art… CONNECT.  

3. What was a pivotal moment for you and your industry during the pandemic, and how has your role and/or your day-to-day routine changed in the past year?

BELLA: A pivotal moment was when things truly all came to a halt due to COVID-19. For the first time ever, my email wasn’t blowing up all day long. It was scary at first, then oddly nice. The pandemic reminded me of the importance of work-life balance. The new virtual settings allowed us to continue working and providing our services to a wider audience since we weren’t limited by our physical location. 

FAITH: A pivotal moment for me was when I realized that this experience of being shut down and locked up was strangely liberating at the same time. I realized quickly that it was time to evolve in the industry. We needed to all change the dynamic and rethink our systems. Going virtual was a wonderful experience. It opened up a whole new world. It pushed us all out of our comfort zones for a little while, but the challenge was liberating. I believe virtual auditions (at least for the preliminary auditions) and smaller roles are the future. Perhaps we would have gotten to that point in time, but the pandemic forced us all to evolve faster. 

4. What would you say to those aspiring to work in your position?

BELLA: Network! Start reaching out to casting directors or their office staff to see if you can be a reader or assistant. Also, work on your communication skills since communication skills are key to being a successful casting director.

FAITH: Understand the role that casting plays in the corporation that we call the movie industry. A good casting director knows what they need to do and what they don’t need to do. I think you have to be kind and generous but also tough. As casting director, we can be the subject of negative energy from multiple directions. You can’t let that change who you are and what you are trying to accomplish in your part of the art of the storytelling process. I also think it is important to allow yourself to sometimes turn down jobs. Do only what brings you joy and moves your life forward. 

5. If you could cast yourself in any role of all time, what would it be?

BELLA: I LOVE the CW Network so any supernatural vampire or witch type of show would be my jam!

FAITH: I agree with Bella so I would cast myself as the vampire or witch’s mother. LOL And, of course, I would need some kind of super cool superpower.

6. What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of work?

BELLA: Outside of casting I have a fitness and fashion blog that is my creative outlet. My blog features things about my life as a casting director, fashion trends and fitness tips.

FAITH: Outside of casting, I also teach. I created my own method called the Communication Method for Actors which is a science-based acting method, based in part on my former career as a communication expert. On a more personal level, I love to travel and meet new people. I am British and try to travel back to Europe at least once per year. I am also passionate about helping animals.

7. What is an accomplishment you hope to achieve in the next five years?

BELLA: My goal is to continue casting more TV shows! I love the character development you get in television and the excitement of working on a project for multiple seasons! 

FAITH: I would also like to cast more television shows. I would also like to find creative ways to help mentor and train aspiring casting directors who might lack support and direction.

8. Who is an industry professional you admire/look up to and why?

BELLA: My mom is truly a trailblazer in this industry and I really admire her work ethic plus she is always thinking about how we can be more innovative. Work smarter not harder! 

FAITH: Well this might sound cheesy given Bella’s answer, but I admire her as much as she admires me. She is young and detail-oriented but she teaches me every day. She is constantly reminding me of important lessons like “Everything you want is on the other side of consistency,” and “Overwhelmed is just the abundance you have been asking the universe for.” I love her positive and uplifting quotes.

9. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

BELLA: “Everything you want is on the other side of consistency”. So go out there and put in the work!

FAITH: “The Devil is in the detail.” Every detail matters. The detail will set you apart.

10. What are you looking forward to in the industry in 2021 and beyond?

BELLA: For 2021 I am looking forward to continuing virtual auditions which allow us to see more people in a casting session and widen the talent pool to allow more choices for the client. I’m excited to see how our industry continues to adapt throughout 2021 and beyond.

FAITH: For 2021 I look forward to getting clients around the globe and finding new ways to do our job even better. 

The post 10 Questions With Faith Hibbs-Clark and Bella Hibbs of Good Faith Casting first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With Faith Hibbs-Clark and Bella Hibbs of Good Faith Casting appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. What inspired you to work in the entertainment industry, and what steps did you take to get started in your profession?

I took a few drama classes in high school and quickly realized that I was not good. It didn’t help that America Ferrera was in these classes. I was also our high school’s junior mascot, but quickly learned that I was not good at comedy. It didn’t help that Tiffany Haddish was the senior mascot. Although I was no actress or comedian, I noted what true performers brought to the table and I knew that I wanted to surround myself and work closely with talented performers. 

So, after graduating from Cal State University Northridge with a degree in Cinema Television Arts Media Management, I began interning at a boutique management company that specialized in youth actors. When one of the managers invited me to join him at a new talent agency as a Theatrical Jr. Agent I took the leap and have been in talent representation for over 15 years.

2. What is a memorable moment for you regarding discovering or signing a talent?

I have had many memorable moments in finding a diamond in the rough. The most enjoyable include finding talent new to the industry with natural skills that they themselves have yet to uncover. Booking the first commercial or the first TV credit on a nationally broadcast show have been very enjoyable. When working with youth, I frequented Jack Turnbull’s The Actorsite and I discovered a wave of really talented kids. I was lucky to sign them and work with them for a number of years. Those are the most enjoyable times! 

3. What was a pivotal moment for you and your industry during the pandemic, and how has your role and/or your day-to-day routine changed in the past year?

The industry came to a halt like I’ve never seen before. There was a sudden lack of projects, a lack of movement, a lack of production — it was surreal. Our day-to-day routine has greatly changed. Working remotely, meeting new talent virtually and a plethora of self tapes! I’m happy to report that production is picking back up and projects are starting to move forward. However, we have yet to see a steady stream of in-person auditions. It seems as if self tapes or virtual casting might be here to stay. I have had to invest in faster Internet service and new work setups to stay effective in this new norm. Talent has had to do the same.

4. What would you say to those aspiring to work in your position?

To those aspiring to work as a talent rep, you must love what you do. It is not easy maneuvering the unique personality types that this industry is comprised of. It can be a thankless job, but the joy outweighs all of that. Being part of the art without being an artist and helping our beloved casting offices try to pinpoint the best person for the job is very rewarding. Stay sharp, push through and you will persevere!

5. If you could cast yourself in any role of all time, what would it be?

Beyoncé Knowles in “Dream Girls.” Period. 

6. What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of work?

The pandemic made it very clear that I lacked favorite activities or hobbies. Work has been my end-all-be-all. This was rather troubling to me in the early stages of the pandemic. As it turns out, this seems to be a shared feeling among many others in my peer group. As a result, I am currently in the process of creating a better work-life balance. I’m starting to do more puzzles (graduated to 3D puzzles recently) and looking forward to traveling more and spending time with loved ones once I have received both Covid vaccinations. 

7. What is an accomplishment you hope to achieve in the next five years?

In the next five years, I hope to continue doing what I love doing — representing talent. I’d like to take on more of a mentor position to up-and-coming talent representatives looking to add to diversity in positions on the other side of the camera. That’s my top career goal. My ideal path would include working abroad for a year or two. The way in which remote work has been trending over the past year, that might not be too far out of reach. 

8. Share an industry professional you admire/look up to and why.

I recently read a New York Times article, “The Uphill Battles of Black Talent Agents in Hollywood,” that highlighted the success of fellow talent representatives of color. I have so much respect for and admire Brandon Lawrence (C.A.A), Andrea Nelson Meigs (ICM), Tiauna Jackson (The Jackson Agency), Lorrie Bartlett (ICM), Ashley Holland (WME) and D.C. Wade (WME). It was refreshing to find out that I am not alone in the obstacles and situations that I have faced being a talent representative of color. I have the utmost respect for those that have flourished despite the odds.  

9. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

“Nothing of real value ever comes easy.”

10. What are you looking forward to in the industry in 2021 and beyond?

I’m looking forward to more diverse stories told from varying point of views. That is what keeps talent representation exciting as well — the challenge to keep finding authentic, talented people that truly embody the unique roles you find when content is diverse.

The post 10 Questions With Candace Stewart, Theatrical Talent Agent at DDO Artists Agency first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With Candace Stewart, Theatrical Talent Agent at DDO Artists Agency appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. When did you get the inspiration to start Act On This and why? 

I left drama school in 2005 and quickly realised it hadn’t prepared me for the business of the business. Yep, I knew how to act, but I had no idea how casting REALLY worked. I didn’t know who the decent agents were, which casting directors were responsible for the  TV shows I wanted to work on, and for four years I felt utterly lost. 

I decided the only way I could learn this stuff was to get experience in casting, so I ended up working as a casting assistant for Michael Jackson and Beverley Keogh at Beverley Keogh Casting. I’ll always be indebted to Beverley and Michael, as they gave me that “business of the business” education that I felt I was lacking. 

Two years later, I left the office and started implementing what I’d learned as a casting assistant into my own career. It made me way more effective and I quickly started booking TV work myself. It genuinely transformed my career!

It was at that point, around 2011, that I had the idea for Act On This. I thought if I could give other actors access to what I had learned, I could save them that initial four years out of drama school that I’d wasted. 

So, I guess I was scratching my own itch. I needed to know how the industry really worked, but there was nothing online giving me that info. It was going to be down to me to create that. And thus, actonthis.tv was born. 

Ten years later and I’m now sitting down every week to host mastermind sessions with the biggest casting directors, agents, actors, directors, writers and producers in the industry and providing that “business of the business” coaching to hundreds of actors. It’s been an incredible journey. 

2. How did you get involved in the industry, particularly with casting directors? 

Once Act On This launched in 2011, I was determined to learn more and more about the industry from every perspective possible. I began reaching out weekly to casting directors, both in my own career, but also to see if they would be happy to take part in an Act On This feature with me.

The response was incredible and over the years these guys and girls have just kept coming back, offering the membership more and more value. 

I always like to give value back, so over the last decade I’ve built many websites for casting directors, will often read-in at auditions and readthroughs for them, and as the Act On This community has grown, we’ve been able to help find some awesome talent for them too. 

So many actors are intimidated by casting directors, but honestly, our industry is full of the most wonderful people. Actors need casting directors and in my experience, casting directors love actors. Collaboration is key! 

3. What is one of the most memorable tips, advice or mention a casting director has made on your show, that you think would be useful for other industry professionals? 

Ooh, there have been so many it’s impossible to choose just one, really. One piece of advice that really made me think differently about my marketing as an actor came from “Bridgerton” casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry. She once said to me, “We’re looking for a reason not to bring you in.” 

You see, I think so many actors want to cram their showreels and emails with so much information, that they often leave something in that puts a casting director off. 

An actor may have two amazing scenes on their showreel, but insecurity about only having two scenes on that reel leads to them to add a third scene that was shot years ago, perhaps has lower production values and doesn’t do them justice. 

They include it, just to show that they’ve worked on more stuff. But, ironically, it’s that piece that might put doubt in a casting director’s head. Less is almost certainly more in 99% of cases. 

4. What are the most common questions your listeners want to hear answered by your guests? 

That’s an easy one. “How do I land more auditions?” And one thing actors need to know is that there are literally dozens of ways. The critical thing is exploring all options. 

If there are 100 ways to land an audition, but you only try 10, you’ve only got a  10% chance of getting the result you want. The actors who take massive action always rise to the top. 

Those I see making huge strides right now are the actors who are creating their own work to showcase their talent. Social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) is an incredible tool for getting your work in front of the right people, so get creating! 

5. Tell us about an Act On This highlight since launch. 

These questions are so tough! Haha! One highlight of the past 12 months, which always makes me smile, was from a  mastermind session I held for members, with Matt Lucas. I love Matt. He’s had an amazing career and his energy is fantastic. 

At the end of the Zoom session, he jumped on his piano – and we all sang his charity song, “Thank You Baked Potato.” It was such a good laugh and provided much-needed comic relief at the height of the first lockdown. 

6. What are some of your favourite hobbies outside of work? 

I’ve just bought myself a Peloton bike, which is pretty cool. You get to do LIVE, online spinning classes from home on it. It’s really challenging me to raise my fitness game, after being out of the gym for so long now. 

I’m also an absolute geek and have recently re-discovered my old Pokemon card collection, from 20 YEARS AGO. These old cards have become super-valuable so I’ve been studying the market and getting back into collecting shiny pieces of cardboard again! Gotta catch em’ all! 

7. Is there something specific you are looking forward to in 2021 (industry-wise or coming up for Act On This?) 

I’m so optimistic for 2021. I’m at my first in-person readthrough of the year for a great TV show, next week. It’s going to be so cool to be back out there, amongst other people, doing what we love again (safely of course). 

One thing that’s very apparent from the most recent Act On This features with casting directors is just how much work is now on the horizon. 

It’s going to be a very busy second half of the year for the TV industry and the slate for 2022 is going to be jam-packed. 

With regards to Act On This, I’ve just launched a dedicated iPhone and Android app to help members take in all of the site’s content. I can’t wait to get that into as many people’s hands as possible. It’s going to be a  game-changer. 

8. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by? 

I certainly do. Many years ago, a great mentor of mine said to me, “Life will pay any price you ask of it, so what are you asking for?” It made me realise that for so long, I really hadn’t been asking life for what I really wanted. We all need to get out there and start asking for more! 

9. If you could have lunch with anyone, past or present, who would you pick? 

Definitely the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. He was my biggest entertainment influence growing up and was the guy who made me want to get up on a stage. I’d love to have a real, honest chat with him. 

10. What excites you about the future of the casting profession? 

I’ve always been excited by technology and the casting profession has certainly embraced it this last 12 months. I think we’ve realised that self-tapes and Zoom can genuinely offer a great casting experience. Yes, there’s nothing quite like being in the room, but, self tapes have certainly allowed casting directors to see more actors for each role recently, and Zoom auditions aren’t as traumatic as you think they’d be. They also save you so much money in transportation fare! 

I’m excited to see how we combine this technology with in-person auditions, to give actors even more opportunity moving forward!

The post 10 Questions With Ross Grant of Act On This first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With Ross Grant of Act On This appeared first on Casting Networks.

1. What inspired you to work in the industry?

I have always worked in the entertainment industry but on the music and video creation side. When a good friend introduced me to casting, I thought it was the perfect type of work to engage my creative interest.

2. What was your first job in the industry? How did your path to working as a studio session director start?

My first job was working for a casting studio managing technical operations. As I learned about the business more, I realized that session directing would be perfect for me and I slowly picked up gigs until one day I realized that I was in high demand.

3. What is a career highlight of yours?

I would say my career is actually a constant highlight! When I see an actor who just booked a job I was the session director for, I get to share in their excitement. Also, I am always thrilled to unexpectedly see a spot on television for the first time. Especially if it is on the Super Bowl!

4. If you could go back, what would you tell yourself on your first day on the job?

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the process. Not many people get the opportunity to do this kind of work.

5. What advice would you give to professionals interested in a career as a studio session director?

I would tell them to be sure to hone the skillset for not only directing people according to someone else’s plan, but also the skills to operate all of the necessary equipment in the way casting requires.

6. What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work?

I love to travel, try out new Los Angeles restaurants, read, watch movies and drink good wine, all with my amazing wife!

7. If you could describe yourself as a television or movie character, who would you pick and why?

Ha! Well, the first thing that comes to mind is James Bond? Maximus? Darth Vader? I guess a bad guy in “Mad Max,” but only because I have a similar wardrobe.

8. What was the last film you saw?

“Promising Young Woman.”

9. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress!

10. What excites you about the future of your profession?

We are on the precipice of an evolution, so I’m excited to be a part of discovering what comes next.

The post 10 Questions With Session Runner Ezrah Lockwood first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With Session Runner Ezrah Lockwood appeared first on Casting Networks.

Casting Networks® caught up with David Waldron and Stephanie DeCourcey of Waldron Casting. David and Stephanie explain their journey working in casting, some of their career highlights and what excites them about the future of casting. 

1. What inspired you to go into casting?

David: I actually never thought about casting, but rather wanted to be an actor. Sadly, no one wanted to cast me so I thought well, maybe get a job in casting. So I applied for casting assistant and intern positions and the rest is history. 

Stephanie: I fell into it when I moved to New York City.  I went to school for film and loved working with actors.

2. What was your first job in casting (or in the industry if you started in a different field)?

David: I was hired as an intern at Grant Wilfley Casting and within a few months was hired full time as a casting assistant. The first project that I assisted on was “The Stepford Wives.” I still remember getting up at 2:30 am to be at a 4:30 am bus to check in the actors and then head to the set in Connecticut. Talk about a star-studded set for my first project. 

Stephanie: Assisting a Producer in Los Angeles.

3. What is a career highlight of yours?

David: Meeting Robin Williams on the set of “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” Not to mention, the scene was a pillow fight. 

Stephanie: Working with Richard Gere on “Time Out of Mind” and he personally called to thank me for my work.

4. If you could go back, what would you tell yourself on your first day on the job?

David: I would say “Enjoy the moments and don’t sweat the big stuff. This job is not worth a panic attack.”

Stephanie: “You can only control so much; a lot about film and tv is minute by minute.”

5. What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work?

David: I love baking and hosting parties. Sadly, not hosting too many parties during the pandemic. However, I have been dabbling in mixology, taken a few online classes during quarantine and have started to volunteer my time with a rescue agency fostering dogs. On a nice fall day, I like a nice hike as well. 

Stephanie: My dogs, SoulCycle, Pilates, ice skating and reading.

6. If you could describe yourself as a television or movie character, who would you pick and why?

David: Ally McBeal from the FOX series “Ally McBeal.” I find at times, like Ally, that during meetings or conversations I envision what I would rather be doing or saying and then snap out of it. And yes, I have seen the dancing baby on numerous occasions. Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga. 

Stephanie: Hmmm… I feel like I could be a combination of many. My favorite shows are “Friends” and “Schitt’s Creek!”

7. What was the last film you saw?

David: “Soul” on Disney+.

Stephanie: “Wizard of Oz.” 

8. Do you have a quote or mantra that you live by?

David: Live every day like a new day to impress.

Stephanie: The way you do anything, is the way you do everything.

9. If you could have lunch with anyone, present or past, who would you pick?

David: Tom Hanks. I love him as an actor and his projects never disappoint. I also love how real he is and how much of a family man he is. I feel like he is the type of guy that you would be working with and would invite him to your BBQ and he would show up with a case of beer and a side dish. 

Stephanie: Kamala Harris.

10. What excites you about the future of your profession? 

David: We have spent the last 6 months casting remotely and it has been interesting to see how the TV and film industry has had to adapt in the wake of this pandemic. We have discovered that we can film in under 15 hours and that we can simplify and streamline. So, I am looking forward to seeing how we can expand on these skills once we enter a COVID-free world. 

Stephanie: Scripts for television and film keep getting better! 

The post 10 Questions With David Waldron & Stephanie DeCourcey of Waldron Casting first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post 10 Questions With David Waldron & Stephanie DeCourcey of Waldron Casting appeared first on Casting Networks.

The incredible nominees in the category of Best Casting included Nikki Barrett, holding two nominations for “True History of the Kelly Gang” and “I Am Woman,” Allison Meadows for “Stateless” and Jane Norris for “H is For Happiness.” The award for 2020 Best Casting went to Kirsty McGregor and Stevie Ray for “Babyteeth.” We congratulate Kirsty and Stevie, along with all of this year’s nominees for their hard work and commitment to finding and casting exceptional talent.

To watch Kirsty and Stevie’s winning acceptance speech, head over to AACTA ScreenFest online where you can watch the entire AACTA Industry Awards recorded in full. For a complete list of winners, please check out the AACTA website.

Casting Networks was also honored to support the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) and its annual awards and Rising Stars program in November. The Rising Stars initiative was created by the CGA six years ago to recognize 10 rising performers each year who show promise of breaking through in international markets. Each actor honored on this list will receive a two-year premium membership to Casting Networks Australia.

We’re proud to continually support the CGA and emerging talent in Australia, as well as the casting professionals that work diligently to discover and cast incredible performers.

The post Casting Networks® Proudly Presents Best Casting at AACTA Industry Awards 2020 first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post Casting Networks® Proudly Presents Best Casting at AACTA Industry Awards 2020 appeared first on Casting Networks.

Tell us about yourself.

I went to school for TV/film production and left after my junior year when I got the opportunity to go on a world tour with a Def Jam client, and I haven’t looked back since.

Primarily, what is your position when working on set?

Nowadays, I stay flexible for whatever calls come my way. My positions fluctuate between key/PA to associate producer on more corporate projects. I produce for my independent roles, and this year I put new energy into directing.

What project are you currently working on? 

Early in the pandemic I pivoted to post-production, working on audio and video content for various YouTubers and podcasts. During the shutdown, I was also able to produce a third “quarantine episode” for a series I developed, “For Evan’s Sake,” which is currently on Roku. When things opened up in late summer, I resumed my live event work, including the Emmys, People’s Choice Awards and Twitch’s “Chasing the Crown.” I was fortunate enough to fit in a Coach commercial as well.

What does a day on set look like in comparison to your pre-COVID on set jobs?

There are temperature checks as soon as you enter the lot, PPE (personal protective equipment) is bountiful, and craft services have become an elaborate dance between following the new social norm and communicating behind plexiglass. Crew meals are now pre-packaged and social distancing is strictly enforced. 

What safety measures were taken prior to joining the project? 

Pre-production now consists of frequent testing and safety meetings. There are daily check-ins on whatever app the production has chosen to use to compile the testing information.

What safety measures were taken when you arrived on set?

The interesting and slightly frustrating aspect is that there are no set measures, so each production is wildly different. Some productions do off-site nasal-swab testing with a 48-hour turnaround, others do on set jaw swabs with rapid testing. Some shows require face shields when working one on one with someone, and some don’t. We must keep 6-foot bubbles between desks, with 6-foot aisles between them. Needless to say, we occupy a lot more space.

What are you currently doing when it comes to craft services?

Social distancing during lunch has varied between plexiglass cubicles and eating on individual TV trays, 6 feet apart. In either circumstance, testing is widely available and commonly used.

Do you feel comfortable or safe on set when working?

I actually do. I’m confident that the people around me are symptom-free, and our interactions are pretty isolated, so if something were to happen, contact tracing would be effective. However, I wish there were more uniform guidelines so that each production wouldn’t be a new exercise in safety protocols.

What positive changes from the pandemic have you seen implemented on set?

Packaged lunches for sure. I have seen some unsafe behavior in buffet lines on previous sets, and I feel like that has been a major positive and I hope that trend continues. Also I feel this experience has instilled a new level of mindfulness in everyone that will go a long way into keeping both the individual and the crew safe, which can only be a positive thing.

Anything exciting coming up for you in the pipeline or that you are working on next?

Yes, check out my semi-autobiographical series “For Evan’s Sake” on Roku on the Culture Forward app or YouTube with #ForEvansSake. Please listen to the “You Already Know” podcast with Tani Marole and Kenan Thompson, and also tune in every other Wednesday to Twitch and watch “B&L BeatSmash” where I’m the host, and we do an amazing back-to-back with up-and-coming music producers. If that’s too much to digest, just follow me on IG @evanallcaps and peep the journey.

Thank you so much for having me!

—

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Photo Credit: @theyyyard

The post A Day On Set During COVID with Evan V. Washington first appeared on Casting Networks.

The post A Day On Set During COVID with Evan V. Washington appeared first on Casting Networks.