In this dynamic episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, dives deep into the booming world of vertical filmmaking with breakout star TJ Wilk and Atlanta-based casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin. TJ shares his unique journey from modeling and music to leading over 17 vertical films, racking up more than 250 million views across platforms. He discusses his audition process, mastering the emotional intimacy of vertical acting, and the evolving landscape of mobile-first storytelling. Cheryl offers insight into casting for this format, its surprising reach, and why it's here to stay.

Plus, don’t miss our Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where one lucky

actor reads live with TJ and receives real-time notes from our expert panel.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co-Host:

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest:

TJ Wilk

@jwilkofficial

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen, CSA, dives

into the vital world of callbacks — the crucial second look that often determines who books the role. Joined by fellow casting professionals, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Robin Carus and Kimberly Skyrme, the conversation highlights why callbacks matter just as much as the initial audition and how actors can prepare to stand out a second time.

From the importance of replicating your audition look (yes, wear that pink

sweater again!) to maintaining a positive, professional attitude, this episode is full of essential advice for navigating the callback process. You'll hear real stories — some inspiring, some cautionary — that underscore how callbacks are more than just a repeat performance; they're about building relationships and showcasing flexibility.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this standout episode of Casting Confidential, Emmy-nominated actor Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere, HBO) joins host Rose Rosen and casting director Robin Carus for a candid, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting acting career.

From humble beginnings as a social worker to two decades on the improv circuit, Jeff’s story is a testament to persistence, self-awareness, and the value of saying

“yes”—even when the path seems unclear. He discusses auditioning, navigating typecasting, and the reality behind “overnight success.” The episode also explores the evolving actor–casting director relationship and the collaborative spirit that fuels creative breakthroughs.

Plus, don’t miss our Actor Spotlight segment, featuring a compelling live scene read with UK-based actor Nanette Hearn Clark, followed by constructive

feedback from Jeff and our casting panel.

If you’re an actor—or anyone navigating the entertainment industry—this episode is not to be missed.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Robin Carus

@robincarus

Guest:

Jeff Hiller

@boomboomhiller

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really happens after you hit “submit” on an audition tape? In this behind-the-scenes bonus drop, Rose Rosen is joined by three powerhouse casting directors—Robin Carus (New York), Kimberly Skyrme (DC), and Cheryl Louden-Kubin (Atlanta)—for a candid, coast-to-coast conversation on what goes down in a casting director’s inbox.

From how tapes are reviewed and shared with producers, to the factors influencing callbacks (and why you might still be in the running even without a callback), this episode demystifies the audition pipeline. The panel also shares insights on labeling your footage, meeting submission deadlines, the impact of technology, and the importance of showing up consistently—even if you didn’t land the last role.

Don’t miss this invaluable insider knowledge that could change how you

approach every submission.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Brandon Jay McLaren joins Rose Rosen, CSA, and casting director Molly Knight for a conversation about what it truly means to be a working actor. With credits spanning Power Rangers, Graceland, Snowfall, The Rookie, and Netflix’s new limited series Wayward, Brandon has built a career defined by range, adaptability, and consistency.

He shares stories from his earliest auditions, including the VHS tape that landed him Power Rangers, to working opposite icons like Laurence Fishburne and Toni Collette. Along the way, Brandon reflects on how self-taping has reshaped the audition process, why being open to direction is key, and how small choices, like a haircut, can shift an actor’s trajectory.

The episode also features a live scene read with Instagram raffle winner Kirsten Johnson, complete with feedback from Brandon, Molly, and Rose — a moment every actor can learn from.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Molly Knight

@mollyknightcasting

Guest:

Brandon Jay Mclearn

@brandonjaymclaren

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live edition, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by casting directors Robin Carus, Cheryl Louden Kubin, and Kimberly Skyrme for an in-depth discussion on the critical role casting directors play in independent filmmaking. Recorded at the Gasparilla International Film Festival, in front of a live audience, the panel explores why casting should be budgeted from the start, how a casting director can legitimize a project to investors, and the importance of professional relationships in securing talent.

They also tackle common challenges: attaching name talent without funding, navigating SAG-AFTRA rules, and balancing creative control with collaboration.

For actors, the episode offers valuable insight on self-taping, working with stepping-stone agencies, and whether social media metrics really matter. From practical advice to personal stories, this candid conversation is packed with takeaways for actors, producers, and indie filmmakers alike.

Reach out to us at [email protected] for information regarding speaking engagements.

Sponsors:

Gasparilla International Film Festival

https://www.gasparillafilmfestival.com

Film Tampa Bay

https://filmtampabay.com

Tampa Bay Community Network

https://www.speakuptampabay.org

Hair 

Shawna Rourke

Makeup

Shana Levine

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by the unstoppable Danielle Pinnock—actor, writer, creator, and viral comedy powerhouse. Best known for her role as Alberta on CBS's Ghosts, Danielle takes us behind the scenes of her multifaceted career, from interning at Cindy Tolan Casting to training at Temple University and the Royal Conservatoire.

With casting director Robin Carus co-hosting, the episode dives into Danielle’s experience as a replacement actor on Ghosts, what it was like hosting the Artios Awards, and how self-tapes and social media changed her career trajectory. She opens up about her passion for body positivity, creating authentic content, and how her viral series Hashtag Booked became a tool for both comedy and advocacy.

Plus, don’t miss our live actor feedback session with Darien Batista—selected from our Instagram raffle—for a real-time performance review by Danielle and our panel.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Robin Carus

@robincarus

Guest:

Danielle Pinnock

@bodycourage

Feedback Actor:

@darien_batista08

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, reunites with powerhouse panelists Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Kimberly Skyrme, and Robin Carus for a candid conversation about the future of casting. As AI tools, self-tapes, and digital workflows redefine the casting landscape, the panel explores what technology can never replace: the human touch, the eye for talent, and the years of experience casting professionals bring to the table.

From the evolution of casting during and after the pandemic, to the misconception that casting directors are an “extra” expense, this episode is a passionate plea for the continued value of professional casting. Whether you’re an actor, director, or producer, this is your behind-the-scenes look at how casting shapes productions from the ground up.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by casting director Kimberly Skyrme and multi-talented actor and comedian Johnny Pemberton (Fallout, Superstore, 21 Jump Street). Johnny opens up about his unique journey from improv and stand-up to film and TV, offering a candid look at what makes auditions work—and what doesn’t.

Together, they explore the value of making bold choices, the evolving landscape of self-tapes, and why actors should lean into play and preparation. Plus, Johnny shares how watching bad movies made him a better performer, and why respecting your collaborators matters on and off set.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Kimberly Skyrme

@kimberlyskyrme

Guest:

Johnny Pemberton

@johnny_pemberton

Feedback Actor:

Abria Jackson

@itsabriajackson

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, welcomes a dynamic panel of top casting pros: Robin Carus, Cheryl Louden-Kubin and Kimberly Skyrme. Taken from an exclusive Q&A with our Casting Confidential members, (link below to join) this episode dives into how actors can best connect with casting directors—what works, what doesn’t, and what really leaves a lasting impression.

From email etiquette to tagging on social, and even how LinkedIn plays a surprising role, our panelists offer clear, actionable advice for staying professionally present without crossing the line. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your networking approach, this candid discussion is a must-listen.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.