Tipsy Casting

Producer Whitney Davis joins the conversation to share insights into her career journey and the evolving landscape of Hollywood. As Vice President of Development & Production at Anthony Hemingway Productions, Davis discusses her work on projects like MIKE (Hulu), True Lies (CBS), and the L.A. Law pilot (ABC), as well as her role in identifying compelling IP and fostering new creative talent.

The discussion also explores Davis’s early career at CBS News and her time as Director of Entertainment Diversity & Inclusion at CBS Entertainment, where she worked to elevate underrepresented voices in the industry. She reflects on her decision to publicly challenge systemic issues in Hollywood, the response that followed, and how her advocacy continues to shape her work today.

Throughout the episode, Davis offers valuable insights into the development and production process, the importance of authentic representation, and the future of storytelling in film and television.

Resources:

‘CBS Has a White Problem’: Executive Blasts Toxic Culture at Network in Explosive Letter

Whitney Davis' IMDB

Whitney Davis' LinkedIn

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Today we have an absolutely killer guest—pun fully intended, given his impressive track record in horror and beyond.

You’ve seen him in Smile, Jennifer’s Body, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream—but Kyle Gallner is so much more than a horror genre staple. He’s a true chameleon, seamlessly moving between indie darlings, blockbuster hits, and some of the most compelling performances on screen. Whether he’s playing the brooding outsider, the best friend you wish you had, or a character who keeps you up at night, Kyle brings an undeniable intensity and authenticity to every role.

Today, we’re diving into his journey as an actor, what draws him to these complex characters, and of course, the wild world of auditions, casting, and making it in Hollywood.

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Resources:

Kyle's Instagram

⁠Kyle's IMDB

Kyle's X

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This week on Tipsy Casting, we break down The Pitt’s unique salary structure—what sets it apart, how it affects talent, and its potential impact on the industry. We also answer all the questions submitted via Instagram, covering everything from casting insights to behind-the-scenes industry secrets. Plus, we’re joined by one of our listeners, Esther Jolee, who won our holiday giveaway last year to be our special guest. She shares her journey, her current place in the industry and asks us her very own questions. Grab a drink and tune in for another unfiltered, fun conversation!

Episode Resources:

‘The Pitt’ Is Case Study For Fixed-Fee Cast Payment Model Amid TV Industry Push To Cap Talent Costs

Esther Jolee's IMDB

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Casting Life Away Merch here!⁠⁠

Join us this week for our latest installment of the Modern Class of Casting Visionaries with the fabulous Casting Director, Neely Eisenstein!

Over the past 10 years, Neely has cast nearly 30 films including the coming-of-age movie, SNACK SHACK written and directed by Adam Rehmeier, rom-com PLUS ONE starting Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, and the Sundance favorite, EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE starring Zac Efron. 

In this episode we dive in with Neely discussing...

-Her unconventional start in casting that all stared with the toy industry

-Her love of theatre 

-We sidetrack into how Shakespeare is having a resurgence in 

-Her outlook on how the industry was when she started all through how she sees it looking in the near future

-The problems we as CDs are running into dealing with lack of willingness with agents to participate in helping to attach talent to Indies

-How we can try to bridge gaps and get back on the right road 

-Diving into some current awards season controversy from the SAG awards to the BAFTAS and the casting awards being awarded to people who are not in casting

-How amazing it is to be back in the room for casting sessions and how it “fills our cup right up”

-Neely tells us what her favorite projects were to cast

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Resources:

Neely's IMDB

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Casting Life Away Merch here!⁠⁠

Today, Jess & Jenn sit down with the brilliant and versatile Kai Wu, a writer and producer whose storytelling has shaped some of the most captivating genre series on television. From Hannibal to The Flash, Carnival Row, Paper Girls, and American Born Chinese, Kai has built a career bringing rich, character-driven worlds to life. She also created The Ghost Bride for Netflix and recently earned a WGA Award nomination for her work as a Co-Executive Producer on A Murder at the End of the World (FX).

Born in Taiwan and raised in Maryland, Kai's journey into writing began with diary pages and evolved into developing original projects with Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and Freeform. In this conversation, we explore her path as a storyteller, how she navigates the industry post-strike, and the challenges of crafting fresh, dynamic genre narratives.

Pour yourself a drink and join us for a deep dive into the mind of a writer who continues to redefine the boundaries of television!

Episode Resources:

Kai Wu's IMDb

Kai's Instagram

The Motoring Club

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LAMORNE MORRIS is an Emmy inning actor best known for playing the hilarious role of Winston Bishop in the sitcom New Girl on Fox. Just this past year he joined the next level of actors when he won his Emmy for playing the role of “Witt” on the most recent season of Fargo. His other credits include SATURDAY NIGHT, WOKE (Hulu), CALL ME KAT, VALLEY OF THE BOOM (National Geographic), GAME NIGHT, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL.

Along with his films and television credits, he hosts not one but TWO podcasts. He hosts THE MESS AROUND with Hannah Simone and THE LAMORNING AFTER. So make sure to check out his podcasts!

Resources:

⁠Lamorne's Instagram

Lamorne's X

Lamorne's IMDB

The Mess Around Podcast

The Lamorning After Podcast

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Jess and Jenn take the pulse of the industry and unpack the current landscape post-strikes, post-wildfires, and mid-Hollywood hustle. Then, they dive headfirst into the pop culture drama everyone’s talking about—yes, we mean that Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni situation. Plus, they take another run at your burning Instagram Q&A submissions—because you asked, and they are answering!

Grab a drink and join us for another unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation. Cheers! 🍸🎭

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Casting Life Away Merch here!⁠

Join us as our popular series of highlighting the Modern Class of Casting Visionaries returns with the amazing UK Casting Director, Olivia Grant!

Olivia’s recent co-casting credits alongside Lucy Bevan include ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’, ‘Joy’, ‘Here’, ‘Lee’, ‘Masters of the Air’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With it?’. Her associate credits include ’The Batman’, ‘Barbie’ & ’The Dig’. Olivia worked as a Cast PA prior to working with Lucy Bevan from 2016-August 2024. Her first solo venture as a casting director is the upcoming feature ‘100 Nights of Hero’ starring Emma Corrin, Nicholas Galitzine, Maika Monroe & Charli XCX.

In this episode we dive in with Olivia discussing...

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Follow us @tipsycasting

Resources:

⁠Olivia's Instagram⁠

⁠Olivia's IMDB⁠

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Learn More About ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jess ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠& ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jenn's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Casting Journeys 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Casting Life Away Merch here!⁠

In this insightful episode, Janelle Ault, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and actor, shares her expertise on emotional well-being in the wake of trauma and in the entertainment industry. She begins by discussing how processing traumatic events, like wildfires, differs for everyone, emphasizing that emotional responses are non-linear and should be validated without judgment. Janelle also touches on the concept of primary attachment shock—the deep emotional impact of losing a sense of safety—and offers strategies for regaining stability through small, manageable sources of control.

The conversation then shifts to the entertainment industry, where Janelle likens the unpredictable nature of Hollywood to a "shitty dating partner," often destabilizing and difficult to rely on. She highlights the importance of cultivating emotional resilience and setting healthy attachment boundaries to navigate this high-stress environment. Actors and industry professionals can thrive by focusing on emotional skills, self-care, and resilience, especially when dealing with the frequent rejection that comes with the territory.

Janelle also speaks directly to casting professionals, noting how they often find themselves in the role of a grief counselor for actors coping with rejection and emotional challenges. She emphasizes the importance of supporting actors through these experiences, as casting directors play a key part in managing the emotional toll of the industry. Janelle's unique perspective offers valuable insights for anyone in entertainment, helping them move from emotionally surviving to thriving.

Therapy Website + Resources

Janelle Ault's Professional Instagram

Online Health Course: The Actor's Mental Health Playbook

Additional Resources

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Learn More About ⁠⁠⁠Jess⁠⁠ ⁠& ⁠⁠⁠Jenn⁠⁠'s⁠ Casting Journeys

⁠Get ⁠⁠Casting Life Away Merch⁠⁠ here!⁠

⁠⁠Visit the official ⁠⁠Tipsy Casting Website⁠⁠

Jessica and Jenn send all their love and prayers out to everyone Los Angeles affected by the fires this week. Resources to help out those impacted are listed below.

This week we welcome back the wonderful, Joe Towne! Joe is a Los Angeles based performer, award-winning writer, director, and teacher.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of The Performer's Mindset, Joe works with performers to elevate their craft, with corporate professionals to bring Mindset practices into the workplace, and with creatives of all types, preparing them show up at their best in life's big moments. As the creator and host of The Better Podcast, Joe explores the nuances of creative practice and leads conversations that help us individually - and collectively - develop healthier relationships with our mind, our craft, and the world.

In this episode, Jess, Jenn start off by updating everyone on the resources we know of and can reiterate to our listeners affected by the fires. Then we dive in with Joe on how we want to reflect over the last year and the best ways of moving forwarding the New Year after a difficult year for a lot of us.

Episode Resources:

A Cause for Entertainment Donation Page

California Fire Foundation

Pasadena Humane Society

California Community Foundation

Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy

American Red Cross Los Angeles Region

World Central Kitchen

Global Empowerment Mission

AirBnb

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu

Direct Relief

Ventura County Community Foundation

⁠Joe's IMDB⁠ ⁠

⁠Joe's Instagram⁠

⁠The Performer's Mindset Website⁠

⁠The Performer's Mindset Instagram⁠

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⁠Follow ⁠Jessica⁠ ⁠ & ⁠Follow ⁠Jenn⁠ ⁠

Learn More About ⁠⁠Jess⁠ ⁠& ⁠⁠Jenn⁠'s⁠ Casting Journeys

⁠Get ⁠Casting Life Away Merch⁠ here!⁠

⁠⁠Visit the official ⁠Tipsy Casting Website⁠