As a dedicated advocate for background casting, Colleen Kenneavy is now using her 14 years of experience to help casting directors embrace new software solutions for their work. She talks with Kenya about the transition from the creative to the technical aspects of casting and the invaluable insights gained from working extensively with diverse communities and professions. Colleen highlights the significance of honesty, staying true to yourself without “overplaying” yourself, and putting yourself on the path to have good luck. Colleen shares more about the joy she feels from giving others a spot on the screen and how, although casting directors aren’t agents, they often can give wonderful advice and career tips to actors that can help them get to the next level. 

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• Colleen’s path into casting, and what life was like working in San Francisco as a casting director for principal actors as well as background actors. 

• How Colleen navigated finding actors of many different communities for HBO’s “Hemingway and Gellhorn.” 

• Why did Colleen decide to move more towards the technical side, and what does she do with Source & Cast that can help other casting directors with their job? 

• How do casting directors find people in the “real” professions they need like nurses, doctors, policemen, etc? 

• How does Colleen manage the different spectrum of personalities in this business? 

• Colleen talks about her first job as an Assistant Background Casting Director in a film featuring Richard Gere. 

• The personality attributes that most casting directors seem to have. 

• Don't try to overplay you, or anybody else, just be authentic. 

• Background actors should be honest about their skills and abilities, especially when riding a bicycle! 

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Kenya: IG 

Guest:

[email protected]  

Whether she’s talking with Ben Affleck about mosquitos, casting thousands of extras for a huge blockbuster, or at a town hall meeting standing up for environmental activism, Jodi Purdy-Quinlan is one busy (and sometimes bossy) Boston lady. This week, she joins host Kenya to reveal how she stumbled into casting and to share her insights about her journey from being an actor to a successful casting director. She talks about the skills required to find the right actors for a project and how she built up to become the onset wrangler of over 11,000 extras on Here Comes the Boom. But Jodi's passion doesn't stop at casting. She talks about her involvement in local town hall meetings and how she stands up for causes that are important to her, like the preservation of land and memorial services for Native Americans. Jodi talks about her latest project, Boston Strangler, and also shares her hands-on approach to working with actors and how she ensures they have fun on set, including taking them to movie premieres. At the end of the episode, Jodi reads a touching message from an actor, noting her drive to make a difference in casting. 

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Also Talked About:

• How the industry has changed over the numerous decades that Jodi has been a working professional. 

• Some of Jodi’s most memorable moments in casting, including Ben Affleck helping to cast a random woman’s baby and telling her she was the prime actress for a role that called for a bossy Boston lady! 

• Jodi’s dedication to historic preservation and reconciling as much as she can, including convincing the town to purchase four acres of land instead of having it developed and providing a memorial service in memory for the Native Americans that were massacred. 

• Jodi also has a passion for environmental activism and got her town to buy the swamp and woods that she spent her earlier years cleaning up. 

• One of the many perks of being Jodi’s actors - you may just get to go to a movie premiere! She took many of the extras to the Bride Wars premiere. 

• Jodi discusses more of her hands-on approach to casting, and what her family really thinks about being put in her movies. 

• A few of the A-list actors that Jodi has worked with throughout her career including Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, and of course Ben Affleck. 

• What has changed about the industry that makes Jodi’s career easier, and what has made it more challenging? 

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Guest:

Jodi: Facebook | IG | IMDb

Kenya welcomes Sam Anselmo, Casting Director, Actor, and dog owner. He first shares the fascinating story of getting to Branson, Missouri by way of living in Brazil for seven years, and the acting experience he had while living abroad that still helps him today. Sam talks about launching his own production company, Ozark South Productions, and the lessons he learned from his first film, Pray They Stand Down, along with what the acting scene is like in Branson. Sam shares valuable information for actors on how to get the most out of their background acting experience, the importance of taking time off to decompress, and building true chemistry with your scene partners rather than just focusing on yourself.

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• What the acting scene is like in Branson, Missouri, and the challenges that the town faces with a large talent pool.

• Sam has been working with the Mayor of Branson to secure more tax incentives for actors.

• No matter what location or market you are in, humility is key.

• Sam shares insights on how he recognizes "the one" with a casting eye, from short films to feature length, as well as his process for testing chemistry.

• Background actors add substance to a film, and it’s a great way for actors to make money, build connections and have fun all while learning about the industry.

• Background acting can be a fun past-time and hobby for dads!

• Sam stresses the significance of having a positive attitude and authenticity, as people can sense negativity.

• The importance of having a good support system, and being that lifeline for others in your community.

• Sam talks about his experience on Bad Boys for Life and how he not only got to meet Will Smith and the directors but see what work and the equipment looked like on a set with a 100 million dollar budget.

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Kenya: IG 

Guest:

Sam: IMDB | Ozark South Productions

In this episode, Keema Mingo, a Casting Director, mom, and percussionist, joins Kenya to shed light into the mind of a busy casting director. She explains why you shouldn’t waste time on the past and how to embrace the future knowing you probably have more skills than you think. Keema shares how she leveraged the skills she acquired while working in TV news, music videos and commercials to excel in her current role as a Casting Director. She emphasizes the casting professional’s desire for actors to succeed and how finding the perfect fit for a role brings her a sense of pride. Keema talks about the importance of being comfortable with starting fresh in a new field and utilizing previously acquired skills to support personal growth. She emphasizes the value of working well with new people, avoiding time-wasting, and having a forward momentum. Keema and Kenya talk about the importance of being humble and willing to learn and talks about the belief that some actors may feel as though casting directors are working against them. At the end of the episode, Keema discusses some upcoming projects she is super excited about. 

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• Keema started in TV news and learned production skills, working on music videos and commercial projects. However, she was fired from her first job, which she now can help others learn to see endings as an opportunity to start anew and bring one's existing skill set to new projects.

•  Humility is key to growth, and executing your skills in a new area. Don’t be afraid to be a small 11 instead of a big 10! 

• Keema discusses her first casting experience for a scripted project, the political satire Obamaland, which was ahead of its time and reflects current events.

• Keema talks about her excitement for assembling casts and projects with complementary skill sets, looks, and expertise that can push and elevate each other's capabilities. She believes that true chemistry is essential for success.

• Keema is proud of her latest film, Latent, and the casting choices that brought the project to life.

• Keema also shares critical insight for actors, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the entertainment industry. Actors should understand that casting directors often work in stressful situations with tight deadlines, and they are not wanting to see you fail.  

• Actors should understand that show business is a business, and success depends on the ability to collaborate effectively and understand the needs of the industry.

• Keema highlights the story behind the year-long casting process for the film Precious, which shows the importance of finding the right person for the right role.

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Guest:

Keema: IG | Latent 

Repercussions The Show 

In this episode, Kenya welcomes Becca Eisenberg, a cat-loving casting director with more than a decade of experience. At her company Iron Mountain Casting out of Seattle, WA, Becca casts both background and principal roles. Becca speaks about the importance of accessibility as we strive to move towards  true inclusivity, and how she personally was supported by mentors in the early parts of her career when struggling with a chronic illness. Becca discusses the stigma that background work is something you have to move beyond, and instead invites the idea that background work is extremely valuable, a great way to stay in front of new people and build relationships, and also a wonderful way to dabble in the industry before you invest a ton of money and time into committing further. As a full-time RVer now, Becca talks about how being able to travel the country and work with folks from all over brings her joy and even more hope for the industry’s future.

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• Becca shares her experience of living and traveling full time in an RV while casting for roles.

• How the accessibility piece has shifted over Becca’s time in the industry, and now it’s easier for people to audition who may not have had the resources to before. 

• Becca shares her personal journey of dealing with chronic illness and finding a supportive community, which helped her shape her busy and demanding career now. 

• What is the acting pool and talent community like in Seattle? 

• A few of the fun projects Becca is casting for now, including tourism campaigns. 

• Since Becca has also been on the acting side, she knows how vulnerable auditions and acting can be, and leads with kindness and positive energy. 

• The importance of not being intrusive on set, but showing up with good energy and being prepared. Casting directors do remember that. 

• Becca shares how she revitalizes her mind, body, and spirit during demanding hours and tight deadlines. 

• Before you spend a ton of money on headshots and joining websites, join a low pressure environment first and see if you even like it.

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Kenya: IG 

Guest:

Becca: Iron Mountain Casting | IG 

[email protected]

This episode features January Curry, Casting Director, Mom, writer, producer and owner of Destination Casting, a boutique casting company based in Atlanta. January first talks about how she got into casting under George Pierre and how her background in acting and theater helped her understand what it feels like to be a working artist. She opens up about going after her dreams and the inspiration she feels to show her children what it looks like for their mom to follow her heart and take the leap towards her goals, even if it means working every day and working through challenges. January shares the double edged sword of working in Atlanta and why we shouldn’t count out the amount of both wonderful talent and opportunities there. January also shares some great advice for those both looking to get into background acting and who may want to work in the casting field as well. 

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• January had no clue she was going to work in casting, but started as a Casting Assistant for George Pierre. She is grateful for the mentorship and support along the way, and now gives it back to those that she helps to grow and develop in the industry.

• Take the leap and follow your purpose. The people in your life are counting on you to light the path for what it looks like to have courage and work towards your dreams.

• The pros and cons of working in Atlanta. While it is the center of it all, there still is a stigma that the talent isn’t as professional or trained as in New York or LA markets.

• Things you can do to set yourself apart in the market.

• How Destination Casting is unique and small enough to give actors feedback that often gets overlooked in bigger companies.

• How January struggles as a woman of color in the industry.

• Casting directors are fighting for actors and they are the bridge between acting and production.

• Staying true to who you are and energy is more important than your talent.

• Advice for making your social media professional and current for the industry.

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Kenya: IG

Guest:

January: Destination Casting | IG

Kenya welcomes Brooke Goldman, a woman of many skills and roles, including Casting Director, Producer, and DJ. Brooke talks about her non-traditional route into casting, from working as an artist in residence in Germany, to producing national commercials at an ad agency. She discusses how her vast array of experiences and skills, mixed with the courage and bravery to mix it up, helps her in all realms of casting today. Brooke talks with Kenya about how casting has changed since she first started, and how we are finally starting to see real changes in the industry becoming truly inclusive. She shares some great resources for advice and tips from professional casting directors for free, and she talks about how her love of casting and studying people’s faces follows her everywhere she goes. 

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• Brooke knew early on she wasn’t an office person, but wanted a more casual work environment where she could have more interpersonal relationships.

• How getting fired was one of the best things to ever happen to Brooke.

• Brooke had the courage and assertive energy to step up and tell someone that she could do casting better than it was being done, and the rest is history!

• When we are raw and our authentic self, it may not be for everyone, but we will attract our people.

• How Brooke has been choosing actors that may be a bit different looking or non-traditionally attractive, to make the viewing experience more real to life and layered.

• Background doesn’t have to be blah!

• You have no idea what opportunities you can get just doing a background job.

• How Brooke had her own undercover boss moment when she went behind the scenes to see how background actors were really treated.

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Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Brooke: Website | IG | Craft of Casting Podcast on Clubhouse | Simp Hour

Kenya welcomes casting director Lorrie Latham from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lorrie opens up about what got her into casting and how this self-described “introvert” now has a thriving business where she connects with people all around the globe. Lorrie dives into her process and what she looks for when selecting actors for various roles, as well as some of her pet peeves when it comes to casting calls, which all actors should be aware of. Lorrie also sheds a light on what it’s like to connect with background actors and give them the opportunity to work and make money while helping them step up in their careers. 

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• Lorrie shares how her photography and journalism skills help her as a Casting Director. 

• Lorrie’s talks about her first casting, Bordertown starring Jennifer Lopez, and other career highlights in casting including News of the World where background actors got to interact with Tom Hanks and where she got a nice thank you from Director Paul Greengrass. 

• The importance of a good headshot. No Snapchat or car selfies. And unless it says otherwise, keep your shirt on! 

• Lorrie talks about her love of working in the New Mexico market and how the beautiful landscape can lend itself to a diverse array of projects. 

• As an introvert, Lorrie finds the balance of going on set to meet people and then working alone very satisfying. 

• Lorrie shares her tips for coping with stress and how she deals with working in the fast paced world of production. 

• How does Lorrie push herself to get past her introvert side in the field? 

• Lorrie shares some fun background actor success stories, including a few that scored an all expenses trip to the UK for their next role. 

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Kenya: IG 

Guest:

Lorrie Latham: Latham Casting 

This week, Kenya welcomes author, mom, and casting director, Veronica Pearson. Veronica shares her insights and experiences about the entertainment industry, including how she got her start and some tips for background actors from the perspective of a casting director. She also talks about the importance of understanding both the business and art side of the industry and how growing up with strong women who didn't make excuses helped shape her career. Veronica also shares her perspective on the evolving nature of casting and how casting directors are fighting to change outdated ideas. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of casting directors being a conduit for people to showcase their talents and seize opportunities.

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• When you're first starting out, it's important to learn how to do everything yourself to save money. This also helps you gain a better understanding of each department and have a different respect for casting directors.

• Growing up with women who didn't make excuses created an environment that helped Veronica seek out her dreams and make them happen.

• As a casting director, Veronica sees herself as a conduit to give people an opportunity to showcase their craft, and as someone who can read the script and get to know the director and writer to give them the gift of their vision coming to life.

• Veronica advises actors to switch up their options so they don’t get pigeonholed into one type of genre or acting style.

• Why do we see the same people in what seems like every movie?!

• Veronica discusses fighting outdated ideas to bring in new people and more inclusivity.

• As a casting director, Veronica loves the feeling of giving people the opportunity to showcase their craft.

• Even if you’re not at the forefront of a film, your role, and professional involvement are critical.

Say Hi To Us:

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Kenya: IG

Guest:

Veronica: Website | IG

Welcome back! To kick off Season 2, host Kenya welcomes Adam Rosko, the founder of Adam and the Backgrounds in Portland, OR. Adam began his career in theater and moved on to work as a background casting director for Portlandia. Drawing from his network of interesting and eccentric individuals to find the perfect fit for the show, Adam had no previous casting experience and learned solely by trial and error. Adam talks about the importance of honest communication both on and off set, and his mission to provide a positive and fulfilling experience for each actor. He also discusses how background work can be a wonderful way to enter the industry with a low-stress job and to get a feel for production if you have aspirations of more than only background work. Fun fact: Adam was name-dropped in Episode 1 of Season 1 by Eva Shepard who was cast by Adam.

Brought to you by Source & Cast

Also Talked About:

• The Star Trek theater show Adam and his sister started, and how it caught wind with some friends that connected him to a gig with Portlandia.

• The power of clear communication and consistent etiquette when working on a production.

• Why is background work a great job?

• Adams talks about going from a more “bohemian” work background with his sister to running his own company.

• What does Adam look for in his roster of background actors?

• Sometimes you just have to move forward in your career and learn by trial and error rather than waiting for the perfect moment or tons of experience.

• Adam talks about paying it forward with actors and developing relationships with them early on in their careers.

• Adam gets to touch every part of a production, from a fresh-faced actor to a grumpy AD. He loves it all.

• How Adam develops a relationship with the community and helps show them that the guys taking over in the big vans, making all the noise aren’t so bad afterall.

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Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Adam: Website