Greenlit and Grounded

Learn how a professional casting director reviews actors work and get practical audition tips to stand out. We break down the reality of the industry for performers.In this episode of Greenlit and Grounded, we talk with Sharon Forrest about the realities of the casting process. Whether you are an actor looking to refine your approach or curious about what happens after you submit, this conversation offers a grounded look at the industry.Sharon shares her perspective on the sheer volume of submissions she receives and offers actionable advice on how to improve your audition tapes. We discuss her role in advocating for performers and how you can better navigate the audition room.Follow for weekly industry breakdowns and comment below on which aspect of the casting process you want us to cover next.Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Watch on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/yw4apsuggAMWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Sharon Forrest is an acclaimed television and film casting director based in Canada. She is best known for her extensive portfolio across major Canadian and international television productions. She has built a comprehensive filmography with over 60 casting credits. Her most prominent television series work includes Hudson & Rex, Pretty Hard Cases, Frankie Drake Mysteries, and the long-running drama Heartland. She handles the casting for the high-profile procedural spin-off Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Forrest has received 11 industry nominations throughout her career. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards for her work on the Law & Order Toronto episode "White Squirrel City".Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

Learn how to navigate a writer's room and build a screenwriting career with insights from Nadine Bhabha on Greenlit and Grounded.In this episode, we sit down with Nadine Bhabha to discuss her journey in the entertainment industry. She shares her personal experience with the Heated Rivalry series, including her decision not to read the source material before stepping on set. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to understand the reality of working in television and film production today.Beyond her specific project work, Nadine offers practical industry advice on how to break into a writers room. She breaks down the misconceptions about rigid industry structures and explains why, in her view, there are no fixed rules to success. Whether you are an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional, this discussion provides a clear look at the flexibility required to thrive in a creative career.Subscribe for weekly career breakdowns from industry professionals, and let us know in the comments which aspect of the writing process you want us to cover next.Connect with Nadine here: https://www.instagram.com/nadinebhabs/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/4U_ry1n4GQcWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Nadine Bhabha was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is an actor known for her roles in Letterkenny (2016), This Hour Has 22 Minutes (1992), and One More Time (2024). Nadine graduated with honors with a BFA in Acting from York University. She's been nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards (best supporting actor, best writing) and she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sandrine in the critically-acclaimed web series, Barbelle.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

Learn the realities of TV directing from professional director Warren P. Sonoda. Discover the key differences between guest directing and helming an entire season.

In this episode of Greenlit and Grounded, Warren P. Sonoda shares his firsthand experience navigating the professional landscape of television production. We discuss the practical differences between coming on board as a guest director versus taking the lead on a full season of a TV show. Whether you are currently in film school or looking to break into the industry, Warren provides candid insights on the importance of building a creative community and finding your footing.

We also examine the work of the Directors Guild of Canada and their ongoing efforts to support and protect Canadian content.

This conversation is essential for any aspiring filmmaker who wants to understand the collaborative nature of directing TV shows and the infrastructure that supports the industry. Warren offers valuable perspectives on how to sustain a career in a competitive field.

Subscribe for weekly filmmaking breakdowns and career advice, and let us know in the comments what specific directing topics you want us to cover next.
Connect with Warren here: https://www.instagram.com/shootgoodfilms/
Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/
Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/
Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/
Watch on Youtube:

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!
BAFTA and CSA-winning, double Emmy-nominated filmmaker Warren P. Sonoda has directed over 110 episodes of television including Trailer Park Boys, Resident Alien, Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil, I Woke Up A Vampire, Hudson & Rex, Jane and the current Crave comedy hit The Trades, which he directed the pilot and all 8 episodes of season 1. Along with directing the pilots for The Trades, Netflix's I Woke Up A Vampire and Peacock's Take Note, Warren has directed 11 feature films including Things I Do For Money, Swearnet: The Movie and Coopers Camera, which was heralded by the Globe & Mail in 2023 as one of the 23 Best Canadian Comedies Ever Made. Finally, he's directed over 160 music videos which garnered 4 MuchMusic and 2 CCMA Awards, received a medal from the Queen, knocked Martin Scorsese out of the Guinness Book of World Records and in 2020, Japanese Canadian Sonoda was the first person of color to be elected National President of the Directors Guild of Canada. He also failed Ryerson (TMU) film school, twice.

Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

Sara Waisglass sits down with the Greenlit and Grounded team to talk about her success from Ginny and Georgia, what she does to make her auditions stand out, and future projects she's working on.

Connect with Sara here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarawais/⁠

Connect with us: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/⁠

Jarred - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/⁠

Daniel - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/⁠

Watch on Youtube: ⁠https://youtu.be/T8i2j5YRtbA⁠

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!

Sara Waisglass is an actress and screenwriter who has spent over twenty years honing her craft. Having started her career at the ripe age of seven, Sara not only survived the child-actor pipeline but flourished through it and built meaningful connections in the Canadian film and television world along the way. Most recently, Sara brought to life fan favorite Maxine Baker on Netflix’s Ginny and Georgia; a series that earned recognition at a global scale and has amassed over 10 billion viewing minutes across all seasons.  In 2020, Sara earned a degree in Screenwriting at York University, steering her career in a new creative direction while never missing a beat in her professional work. As her knowledge of story and character expanded, so did her performances, earning her a devoted following from people across the world. Sara brings forth honest, memorable and multi-layered characters that stick with audiences long after they turn off their screens. Her creativity in her performances and her fresh, comedic voice have made her one to watch as she continues to grow in the film industry.

Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

We chat with Lewis Baumander of LB Acting Studio in Toronto to talk about the craft. He explains the difference between being ready vs being prepared, why actors have to make casting directors fall in love with them, and why old acting techniques no longer serve actors.Connect with Lewis here: https://www.instagram.com/lbactingstudio/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/5RXwTYMY-Wc

Lewis Baumander, founder of LB Acting Studio, is a renowned acting coach, theatre director, and industry mentor with over 50 years of experience. Widely considered one of Canada’s most influential acting teachers, Lewis has shaped the careers of countless performers, including Keanu Reeves, Shamier Anderson, Nina Dobrev, Ellen Wong, Dewshane Williams, and Keeya King—many of whom have publicly acknowledged his profound impact on their craft.We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

We got the chance to speak with Director / Actor Cat Hostick on how she made her first film, how she casts, and why it's so important for actors to also produce. She also talks about working with AI, and some of the lessons she's learned from working alongside Eli Roth.Connect with Cat here: https://www.instagram.com/cathostick/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/5pTBzBilNZc

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Cat Hostick is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated director and actress known for her bold, cinematic approach to genre storytelling. Her recent thriller Taken in Plain Sight reached #2 on Netflix U.S. and #9 globally (Fall 2025), and she has directed multiple hit horror series executive produced by Eli Roth - establishing her as one of the most exciting emerging voices in elevated thrillers and prestige horror. She has directed over 30 episodes of television, including Murdoch Mysteries (CBC/Netflix) and a #1 MGM+ series, and created, wrote, and directed the acclaimed digital dramedy Poly Is the New Monogamy, which was acquired for television. Cat recently played the lead in a new romance movie that will be coming out end of 2026. With a background as both an actor and producer, Cat brings a uniquely intuitive approach to working with talent and storytelling. Earlier in her career, she co-founded a production company that serviced 8-10 feature films annually, collaborating with talent such as Simu Liu, Aaron Eckhart, and Tommy Lee Jones, giving her a deep understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking.

Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Rene Escobar Jr. to discuss the nuances of being a professional in the film industry, offering valuable career advice for anyone pursuing a career. He shares insights on how to be professional, why he is no longer a "yes man" and his time working alongside Jason Biggs.Connect with Rene Escobar Jr. here: https://www.instagram.com/reneescobarjr/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/6RLsZvpHyBg

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!René Escobar Jr. is a Canadian actor with a growing body of work in film and television including NBC’s Taken, Fox’s Accused, and CBS’ Good Sam. He was on CBC’s Heartland for two seasons, one of the leads in Lionsgate’s Dear David with Justin Long and most recently stars alongside Jason Biggs in Paramount’s Untitled Home Invasion Romance. Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

We sat down with screenwriter Daniel Gold to discuss his career path, from script coordinator to selling a feature film script to Amazon. This insightful interview explores his journey in writing for movies and offers valuable writing tips for aspiring script writers. Connect with Daniel Gold here: https://www.instagram.com/danielhgoldConnect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9pEmE2Y3vQU

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Daniel Gold is a Toronto-born writer and producer who recently sold his action-comedy feature TOUGH GUYS to Amazon/MGM, with Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell attached to star and produce. He is best known for his work on all seven seasons of the International Emmy-nominated Netflix/CBC comedy WORKIN' MOMS, where he rose through the ranks and most recently served as Supervising Producer. Daniel also has a dark comedy feature in development with Aggregate Films and Tessa Thompson's Viva Maude producing, a horror-thriller with Lili Reinhart attached to produce through her company, and a horror feature with Platinum Dunes - all currently being packaged.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In this episode of Greenlit and Grounded, we sit down with Tony Nappo to discuss his impressive 30-year acting career. Tony shares valuable acting advice and acting tips, touching on common struggles faced by young actors. We also explore his unique perspective on directing and filmmaking, offering insights into what defines a good versus a bad director.

Connect with Tony Nappo here: https://www.instagram.com/nappo.tony/

Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/

Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/

Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/X43UYTovU1A

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Tony Nappo has been an actor for almost 40 years now. He has 217 film and television credits at the time of this podcast and has done 32 professional stage plays. He’s been. Nominated for a CSA, Two Dora Macie Moore Awards, Two Actra Awards and a Broadway World Award. He has been teaching an independent auditioning workshop for the last six years and really enjoys coaching and mentoring young talent. He’s a father and a dog owner and last, but of course not least, a National Treasure. If we didn’t say the last thing he promised he would storm out of the studio.

Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

From working engineer to full-time actor — Praneet Akilla sits down with the guys to talk about booking SkyMed (Chopper), launching Akilla Express, and the tough family conversations that came with betting on himself.

Connect with Praneet Akilla here: https://www.instagram.com/praneetakilla/

Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/

Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/

Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGrounded

We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!

Praneet Akilla is an award winning Indian-Canadian Actor & Producer best known for his leading roles on The CW’s Nancy Drew, Disney’s Motherland Fort Salem, and Netflix’s October Faction. He is currently a series regular on the Canadian Screen Award nominated medical drama Skymed on CBC Gem & Paramount Plus. Over the last 3 years Praneet has made the successful transition into producing a variety of critically acclaimed short films and digital series with his new production company Akilla Express, focusing on joyful, genre-bending stories featuring complex BIPOC protagonists.

Praneet’s recent producing highlights include the multi-award winning short film Mom vs Machine (Fantasia Film Festival, Brooklyn Horror Festival, now playing on YouTube’s DUST channel) and the short film Not For Us (2023- LA Comedy Festival Best Short film). He is currently in development on a feature film adaptation of the celebrated Canadian novel Junie with 100 Dragons Media Inc. and a new comedy horror series called Raksha with support from the Canada Media Fund. Praneet is a recent graduate of the National Screen Institute of Canada’s Access BIPOC Producers program and the 2025 Netflix Diversity of Voices program.

Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.