In this episode of The Transatlantic Playbook, Francesca Francois sits down with Lorna Rainey for a conversation about legacy, representation, and building a lasting career in the entertainment industry.

As the daughter of legendary singer, actress, and activist Lena Horne, Lorna brings a unique perspective shaped by both an extraordinary family legacy and her own professional experience in the business. She shares insights into navigating the entertainment industry, understanding the relationship between talent and representation, and what it takes to build a career with longevity.

The conversation also explores the realities behind the scenes—the relationships, decisions, resilience, and business instincts that can shape a creative career over time.

For actors, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives trying to understand not only how to enter the industry but how to build something that lasts, this episode offers perspective from someone who has seen the business from a rare vantage point.

The Transatlantic Playbook is presented by Crystal Ship Artists Talent & Literary Agency and explores the people, strategies, and conversations shaping careers across the U.S., U.K., and global entertainment industries.

What does it really take to build a lasting acting career when talent alone isn't enough?

In this episode of The Transatlantic Playbook, Francesca Francois sits down with British actor Daniel Francis-Swaby for a candid conversation about the realities of pursuing a career in film, television and theatre — and the persistence, adaptability and self-belief required to keep moving forward.

Daniel's career has taken him from the British stage to the screen, including work in Steve McQueen's acclaimed Small Axe, Alex Rider, and productions at some of the UK's leading theatres, including the National Theatre, Royal Court and Royal Exchange.

But this conversation goes beyond credits.

Daniel talks about the actor's journey, navigating an industry where opportunities aren't always distributed equally, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why actors sometimes have to stop waiting for the industry to define what is possible for them.

Francesca and Daniel also explore the differences actors encounter across markets, representation and opportunity, creating your own path, and what it means to build a career with an international perspective.

For actors and creatives trying to figure out how to stay in the game, expand beyond their home market and take greater ownership of their careers, this is a conversation worth hearing.

The Transatlantic Playbook explores the business and creative realities of building careers across the U.S., U.K. and global entertainment industries through conversations with actors, casting directors, filmmakers and other industry professionals.

What do casting directors really notice when an actor walks into the room — and how has casting changed over the years?

On this episode of The Transatlantic Playbook, Francesca Francois sits down with renowned casting director and acting coach Tracey Moore for a candid conversation about casting, representation, breaking color barriers, and what actors need to understand about how they are seen in the room.

Tracey shares insights from decades in the entertainment industry, including the assumptions actors have had to challenge, the evolution of opportunities for performers of color, and what can make an actor stand out beyond simply giving a good audition.

For actors — and anyone interested in what really happens on the other side of the casting table — this is a conversation worth hearing.

The Transatlantic Playbook — conversations about talent, representation, creativity and building a career in an increasingly global entertainment industry.

Special thanks to casting director Erica Hart for joining Francesca Francois on The Transatlantic Playbook and sharing her journey, professional insight and candid advice for actors building sustainable careers in the entertainment industry.

Casting is about more than delivering a strong performance. Preparation, professionalism, collaboration, and an understanding of the project all influence how an actor is perceived. Casting director Erica Hart shares her perspective in the latest installment of The Transatlantic Playbook Learning Series, presented by Crystal Ship Artists.

EPISODE TITLE

Casting Director Erica Hart on Self-Tapes, Nepotism, AI & Staying Power

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Casting director Erica A. Hart, CSA, joins Francesca Francois for an illuminating conversation about how casting really works—and how the industry is changing.

Erica shares the unexpected path that took her from a dance background and an early desire to become a detective to an NBC internship and a career behind the casting table. She discusses the evolution of casting, the benefits and challenges of self-taping, and the collaborative relationship between casting directors and talent representatives.

They also explore nepotism, non-traditional casting, agent-versus-manager submissions, and the importance of reading casting breakdowns carefully. Looking ahead, Erica reflects on AI, the skills creatives will need in an evolving industry, and why building a sustainable career requires self-awareness, persistence, and stamina.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the casting process—and a grounded reminder that rejection can sometimes be protection.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Erica Hart’s unexpected journey into casting  

CHAPTERS

00:00 Meet Casting Director Erica Hart

The Transatlantic Playbook, a new podcast from Crystal Ship Artists exploring the business behind film, television, theatre, and digital entertainment. Bridging creative talent and industry leaders across the United States, the United Kingdom, and the international entertainment community.

Topics include:

Most actors never get signed. Not because they're not talented, but because they don't understand how they're being evaluated.