OFF BOOK: Conversations with Casting Directors / Sara Jane Sherman / Episode 202

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  "Specificity is key. If you do not have a clear idea of what your character is doing, the listener can hear that. " - Sara Jane Sherman

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Sara Jane Sherman. Sara is an Emmy Winning Voice Director and  a three time Emmy Nominated Casting Director. She is currently casting and/or voice directing on projects for Apple, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Disney TV Animation, Fox, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros, Adult Swim, and HBO Max.

Additionally, Sara teaches voiceover classes and workshops.  Link to her website for more information in the episode notes!

Here we go!. Enjoy!

Sara website: https://www.sarajanesherman.com/

Sara IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2662763/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

WE DISCUSS:

+A DEEEEEEEP dive into the animation casting process

+ How Sara sorts auditions and chooses who to share with creators

+ What catches her ear in the audition process

+ Everything she assesses in callbacks

+ What catches her ear when she listens to tape

+ What are creators looking for when they hire the VO Casting Director?

+ VO casting exclusivity ins and outs

+ How to get into VO acting

+Current trends in VO casting

+ WHat “REAL VOICE” means

+ It’s a cartoon emergency!

+ How she coaches

+ How to break through the noise

+ What else you need to prep beside dialogue for VO callbacks

+ How a voice director guides you in an audition and how to respond

+ What “rounding your voice” to performance is

+How animations brands have blurred in the past decade

+ How and where she sends her casting calls to

+ Are there good rules of thumb /tells in VO casting breakdowns

+ How shareable information is tied up

+ What Sara loves about her job

+ What we are watching

+ How she watches television

+ Voice spotting

+ Why more people should try voiceover acting

Listener Question:

"I am Christian, my last agent dropped me for not having the shots. My religious exemption has been accepted my Amazon & I am able to work all jobs that don’t require shots as well. However I am nervous to submit to new agents as I feel they won’t be receptive to me feeling different. Even though I would never talk about my personal beliefs at work, or ever discriminate against anyone different than me, I often feel discriminated against. Are there are agents or managers that accept Christians? Or any advice for us? Thank You!"

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  "I'm intrigued, I'm compelled, Let's give it a shot." - Alyson Silverberg

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend Alyson Silverberg.  Alyson Silverberg has been a sought after casting director for over two decades.  She is known for casting some of the best young ensemble shows alongside her partner Jonathan Clay Harris.  Upcoming projects include Wolf Pack & Harlan Coben’s Shelter.  Additional credits include: Golden Globe Award Winning Jane the Virgin, Shadowhunters, Warrior Nun, Baby Daddy, & Greek.

This conversation goes so deep and Alyson and I spend a good deal of time unpacking & articulating all of the things Casting Directors respond to in actors (including ones you’ve never heard before) that this is a two part conversation.  Enjoy Alyson Silverberg episode one.

Here we go!. Enjoy!

Alyson IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798838/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Alyson accepts submissions through representatives and directly through Facebook Messenger

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

WE DISCUSS:

+A DEEEEEEEP dive into what makes actors translate and castable

+Why extras casting is the hardest job in the biz

+ WHat she’s casting now

+ Why she loves the discovery process

+Why shes hired to do so many shows with “new” talent

+What her casting process is in the post pandemic world

+How she goes through submissions

+Do you see tapes only until you find the right person or do you go through them all

+How CDS deep dive into new talent pools

+What makes a great audition rather than a good audition

+What makes an actor stand out

+Chris Pratt landing his role on Everwood

+What CDs pay attention to during your audition

+Casting Jane the Virgin and Gina Rodrigues in her Golden Globe winner role

+How CDS bring preliminary ideas on pilot meetings

+What is making actors shine

+Katie Stevens casting in The Bold Type

+How social media changed casting

+Kay McNamara Shadowhunter casting

+When you book the job the audition hasn't ended

+Why giving the best read isn’t enough to land you the job

+All of the things that casting and networks and producers are taking into consideration before breaking new stars

+Why and how social media matters

+WHy followers don’t matter

+How call parts of you are used

+Why nine page scenes for pre-read self tapes, especially if there's a good chance CDs are probably not going to watch the whole tape.

+Is there anything about your job and process you think actors aren't aware of and should know about?

+What we are watching

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  "I'm intrigued, I'm compelled, Let's give it a shot." - Alyson Silverberg

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend Alyson Silverberg.  Alyson Silverberg has been a sought after casting director for over two decades.  She is known for casting some of the best young ensemble shows alongside her partner Jonathan Clay Harris.  Upcoming projects include Wolf Pack & Harlan Coben’s Shelter.  Additional credits include: Golden Globe Award Winning Jane the Virgin, Shadowhunters, Warrior Nun, Baby Daddy, & Greek.

This conversation goes so deep and Alyson and I spend a good deal of time unpacking & articulating all of the things Casting Directors respond to in actors (including ones you’ve never heard before) that this is a two part conversation.  Enjoy Alyson Silverberg episode one.

Here we go!. Enjoy!

Alyson IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798838/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Alyson accepts submissions through representatives and directly through Facebook Messenger

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

WE DISCUSS:

+A DEEEEEEEP dive into what makes actors translate and castable

+Why extras casting is the hardest job in the biz

+ WHat she’s casting now

+ Why she loves the discovery process

+Why shes hired to do so many shows with “new” talent

+What her casting process is in the post pandemic world

+How she goes through submissions

+Do you see tapes only until you find the right person or do you go through them all

+How CDS deep dive into new talent pools

+What makes a great audition rather than a good audition

+What makes an actor stand out

+Chris Pratt landing his role on Everwood

+What CDs pay attention to during your audition

+Casting Jane the Virgin and Gina Rodrigues in her Golden Globe winner role

+How CDS bring preliminary ideas on pilot meetings

+What is making actors shine

+Katie Stevens casting in The Bold Type

+How social media changed casting

+Katherine McNamara Shadowhunter casting

+When you book the job the audition hasn't ended

+Why giving the best read isn’t enough to land you the job

+All of the things that casting and networks and producers are taking into consideration before breaking new stars

+Why and how social media matters

+WHy followers don’t matter

+How call parts of you are used

+Why nine page scenes for pre-read self tapes, especially if there's a good chance CDs are probably not going to watch the whole tape.

+Is there anything about your job and process you think actors aren't aware of and should know about?

Dan Shaner (he/him) is an assistant professor of theatre practice in acting at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.  He has been a casting director in film, television, and new media for more than 25 years, working for every major studio and network. He teaches professional development and audition technique at the USC School of Dramatic Arts in the MFA, BFA and BA acting programs.

Dan created and heads the school's Professional Development Center, the first of its kind in the nation.  I was blown away by this program. Can’t wait to share it with you.

This is a fascinating talk, a must for anyone who has studied or wants to study theater and work in entertainment.

USC School of Dramatic Arts https://dramaticarts.usc.edu

Professional Development Center https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/careercenter/

High school program link is: https://summerprograms.usc.edu

Dan’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788088/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Elizabeth Boykewich (she/her) is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

In this episode:

“I believe very strongly in the power of yes.  Say yes unless there's a really specific reason why you can't or won't do something, give it a shot and see where it'll lead.”

“I think the most important thing for a showcase is  to give a taste, to give a flavor.”

+How CDs would find actors before digital

+What would your advice be for someone that is moving here to make a go of it as an actor?

+How do I make myself stand out? How do I show my personality, to a casting director?

+Advice for someone that is moving here to make a go of it as an actor?

+How to learn the politics of being on set before you go on set

+How and why and where to volunteer and meet ppl

+What you need to negotiate on set

+How grace and gratitude serve your acting career

+What keep an actor working

+What is the application process for USC in the BFA MA program? Is there an audition process?

+Monologues to NEVER do and why

+Advice for people looking into a MFA acting program

EB discusses what to do when the pressure of not booking is too much.

If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

Link to send Q for the podcast here: https://theeb.co/podcast

Leave a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/elizabeth-boykewich

EB Website: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

"All people are creative, capable, resourceful and whole."

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  "At the end of the day, it's the audition and what you're doing with the material" - Brett Greenstein

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend Brett Greenstein.  Brett and his partner, Collin Daniel, formed their company Greenstein/Daniel Casting in 2004. They are one of the most respected and prolific casting offices in Hollywood with their focus mainly being TV comedies.

They have cast (too many) TV Pilots to name, television movies & Independent film.  Some credits include: Reboot on hulu, Never Have I Ever on Netflix, American Auto, Home Economics, Hot in Cleveland, The Odd Couple, BH 90210, Superstore, American Housewife & Sprung

Here we go!. Enjoy!

Brett Greenstein IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0339207/?ref_=fn_al_nm_0

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for 17 years.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

WE DISCUSS:

+How Brett started in the business

+What was it like casting Reboot during the pandemic?

+One of his favorite projects to cast

+The nuts and bolts of an international open call

+ What if I don't get the whole script?  How do I prepare?

+Why actors often don't see the whole script for episodic casting?

+How to tell if it's a single camera or multi camera show by looking at the script

+How many actors do you see for an episodic role?

+How is it different from pilot casting?

+Do you see tapes only until you find the right person? Or do you go through them all?

+When do you ask for re-tapes?

+What Brett misses about the in person auditions

+Should an actor go on tape even if they don't feel right for it?

+How should I tape myself depending on the type of show?

+What makes my self tape stand out?

"At the end of the day, it's the audition and what you're doing with the material"

+What to do in a table read

+Don't do this on social media.

+What is the best way to get back on a CD's radar?

+How do CDs keep track of so many actors?

+Whats a master list?

+Who goes through the breakdown submissions?

+Do you bring in actors you don't know?

+How do casting directors decide who to bring in

+Advice for new actors moving to Los Angeles

+What Brett's watching and loving right now.

A QUICKIE!

A very, very simple AND common mistake that a lot of actors make when communicating with representative and casting directors.

EB shares what it is, why it hurts you and what to do instead.

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

Link to send Q for the podcast here: https://theeb.co/podcast

Leave a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/elizabeth-boykewich

New episodes coming - stay tuned. For now though, enjoy!

TRANSCRIPTION. OF THIS EPISODE HERE

EB Website: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for over 16 years.

"All people are creative, capable, resourceful and whole."

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  We asked actors, "If you could ask a CD anything what would you want to know?"

Please enjoy the delightful, the kind, the gracious Deb George!

Deb George has been in casting for over twenty years

Series credits include Prison Break, Desperate Housewives, The Fosters, Devious Maids, Original casting for The Bold Type, Why Women Kill, & Good Trouble. She has cast (too many) TV Pilots to name, television movies & Independent film.

Deb casts projects partnered alongside Scott Genkinger and on her own.

She is a deeply kind, gracious and thoughtful woman.  I’m so glad I get to share her with all of you.

Here we go!

Deb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debgeo/

Deb Email: [email protected]

Deb Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1631692/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for over 16 years.

"All people are creative, capable, resourceful and whole."

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

EB Website: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Questions we discuss:

+With the accessibility of self-tapes, are CD's requesting to see/considering more actors for a role via self tapes than they normally would in person.

+When CD's say they will think of actors for other roles/future projects how to they keep tabs of those actors? Do they usually keep a file/database? How often do you actually bring back actors for other projects?

+Favorite project you've cast? This is our chance to talk about The Fosters :)

+If you look the part but have a bad self tape, does casting usually call for a work session/call back?

+Do you see tapes only until you find the right person or go through them all?

+Initial call versus callback? Changes you like to see? Keep the same things that got you the callback or try for fresh takes that are a little deeper.

+What Deb is currently watching?

+ Advice for aspiring casting directors?

+What is your process of learning actors new to you?

+One of Debs favorite projects and why

+How many actors do you send to producers for consideration on episodic

+The exact process and tips for live zoom producer session callbacks for episodeic

+Do zoom chemistry reads work?

+If I get an audition and I just know I'm not right for this, should I tape anyway, or is it okay to pass?

Casting Society of America: https://www.castingsociety.com

Ricky Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/rickeythompson/

Asian America Girl Club: https://www.instagram.com/asianamericangirlclub/

Davidji: https://davidji.com

THIS IS A GREAT ONE FOLKS!  We asked actors, "If you could ask a CD anything what would you want to know?"

Please enjoy my very best and oldest friend, my childhood friend, he's my favorite person in the entire world and will probably be yours too - John Power!

John's casting career spans over 20 years.  He serves as the Senior Vice President of casting at Warner Brothers Television.  His long list of credits include some of the most seminal YA series including: the original Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Superman & Lois, All American & Riverdale.

We dive deep into the studio and network casting process and talk all things pilot from audition to testing to the table read

I'm learning this podcasting thing as we go along.  Apologies for my sound.  I'm a bit lower in the episode.  Enjoy!

Here we go...

Elizabeth Boykewich is a Coach & Facilitator specializing in Transformation, Mindfulness & Leadership.  She is a casting maven and served as the Head of Casting for ABC Family & Freeform at The Walt Disney Company for over 16 years.

"All people are creative, capable, resourceful and whole."

Giant THANK YOU to all of the actors who submitted questions.  If you'd like to submit a Q to be answered on the podcast or tik tok please visit the "for actors" page on my website.  Link below.

EB Website: https://theeb.co/for-actors

EB Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0102130/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

+NY vs LA

+How working for a network differs from the studio

+What does a studio casting executive do?

+John's process and responsibilities when casting pilots

+How they decide on which casting director to hire for the pilot and/or series

+What happens once the CD knows which actors they want to test for a pilot

+Using takes from different reads to land the job

+How producers walk a delicate line while casting a pilot with studio and network

+Good rules of thumb for a pilot table read

What goes down after pilot table reads

+How the pandemic changed his job and expectations for auditions

+What is the process for casting a tv family? How important is it to have the family look similar or related?

+Recasting pilots

+What makes you remember an actor?

+What distinguishes a good audition? From a great audition.

+What grabs your eye the most in a self tape or in person?

+Your best tool to be able to really land that audition

+What to do if you forget your line during an audition

+Are you testing actors live and in person?

+Does the number of followers and actor have impact odds of getting a job

+John's thoughts on stunt casting

+The process and struggles of introducing, suggesting, pushing for actors of color /diversity for roles that are not initially written as, or looking to be cast as diverse.

+Do you have a favorite project that you've cast?