Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr, actor/writer and casting director respectively, speak to advocacy, intentional casting, and their trans-identity & experiences navigating the casting process and on set in a climate that’s healthy, safe and creative both as artists and for artists.

Read more about Jesse and Candido here.

Takeaways

• Intentional casting is crucial for authentic representation.
• Trans creatives face unique challenges in Hollywood.
• Advocacy can be a natural byproduct of being oneself.
• Breaking stereotypes is essential for diverse storytelling.
• The industry often reduces trans identities to tokenism.
• Education on trans issues is still necessary in the industry.
• Personal experiences shape professional journeys in the arts.
• Representation must go beyond visibility to include authenticity.
• Trans stories should be told by trans individuals.
• Navigating identity in the workplace requires courage and clarity. We need time, we need money, we need resources.
• There is a space for you that you can be an actor.
• Intentional casting can ease emotional burdens.
• Being a trans woman has been the biggest gift to my career.
• We need to start questioning what is your intention with this?
• We need more training and development opportunities.
• It's important to remember what makes us happy.
• Acting is so fun, but I absolutely hate Hollywood.
• The duality of being different can be both a gift and a burden.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Trans Creatives in Hollywood

02:06 - Intentional Casting and Authentic Representation

06:14 - Navigating Identity and Career Challenges

10:04 - The Role of Advocacy in the Arts

14:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in Casting

17:54 - Educating the Industry on Trans Representation

21:48 - Personal Experiences and Professional Challenges

28:12 - The Challenge of Finding Talent

31:03 - Encouraging Diversity in Acting

34:35 - The Burden of Representation

37:54 - Intentional Casting and Its Importance

40:35 - Dreams and Aspirations in the Industry

45:46 - The Duality of Being Different

50:00 - Finding Joy in the Journey

Connect with Candido on Instagram

Connect with Jesse on Instagram

Connect with Caroline on Instagram

Connect with Grant on Instagram

Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

The Team:

Caroline Liem – Producer & Host

Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host

Cris Graves  - Producer & Editor

David Margolin Lawson  - Composer

Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands

• The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.