For the vampire mockuseries What We Do in the Shadows, nominees Gayle Keller, Jenny Lewis and Sara Kay find themselves looking for actors who dont look like typical actors. RS: With Katey, we wanted someone who is very special because there is a lot to unpack there with Lindas mother being in prison. Did it make your job easier or was it challenging having actors come in with a preconceived notion of what the show should be? casting director Casts for Film, TV, Theatre, New Media California About Sharon Bialy Sharon Bialy is an award winning Casting Director for television, film and theater. We started talking with her agent, and they basically said to make sure this was the direction we wanted to go in because if Katey found out she would certainly want to do it. This website uses cookies. Casting Director Casting Department Producer IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Sharon Bialy is known for Rudy (1993), The Handmaid's Tale (2017) and Barry (2018). Sharon Bialy: I think actors often think, Oh, they only think of me for this. The others laugh a little. Murdoch has survived scandal after scandal. So, I love self-tapes. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. He was a great audition, for sure, but he also really interested Luca as a person. Name one of your favorite television shows and it's a sure bet that Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas were the casting directors for at least one of them. When you guys watch a self-tape, how long do you spend on it until you move on. She came in for Mo [Zoeys neighbor, played by gender-fluid actor Alex Newell], and everybody remembered her when we were casting [Zoeys sister-in-law] Emily, says Ulrich. Join Facebook to connect with Sherry Thomas Lane and others you may know. And then when I did it, you kind of jumped up in your chair. That was a very, very challenging role, Thomas says of the eager young econowife character who comes to learn just how divorced love and marriage are in the Gilead dystopia. RS: It was a very extensive search. We had read her for The Handmaids Tale one season, and we had read her for an independent movie that was a really deep and layered character. No. Hes daring. A lot of casting people their choices have shifted to self-tapes and some of them only self-tapes, but for us our choice will always to be in the room with actors. And I write on something next to me, I had Michael Imperioli in my head. Im fully vaxed. Boom. With Tyler as Diamond, when you see him experience that, you dont question whether or not thats his truth., We all loved [Harriett] from the beginning. She needed the right role to be able to show that shes not just someone whos gorgeous, and Mississippi allows her to do that., Elarica [as dancer Autumn Night] has a very openhearted vulnerability that comes forward when you just look in her eyes, says Ingram. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Barry and many, many more, they are one of the top casting offices out there. I think we all miss being in the room with actors and I think a lot of the actors miss it as well, because theres something that you just get from being in the room with someone and the ability to play. Our job is to connect with people to bring out the best performance. Interview: Jeremy Davis on Playing Olaf in Frozen, Costume Mishaps and Making the Role His Own, Interview: Casting Director Kim Coleman on Five Days at Memorial, Self-Tape Tips and Portraying Real People, Interview: David Christopher Wells on His Role in To Kill a Mockingbird, Being an Understudy and Getting His MFA, Interview: Clifton Collins Jr. and Molly Parker on Jockey, Research and Bad Auditions, Ted Lasso Star Phil Dunster on How He Got the Role of Jamie Tartt, Theres No Such Thing As Chemistry In Acting. But Cornell Womack, hes a pro, we know him. It sounds like you didnt look back after the job found you. We have been very lucky on this show. Livin' the dream. AD: This wasnt your only nomination this year. With self-tapes and zoom callbacks. He was pursuing editing work on the side. Name one of your favorite television shows and its a sure bet that Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas were the casting directors for at least one of them. Natalie [Morales] was someone [showrunner Liz Feldman] had in mind from the beginning, but she was working on a movie. So we can say, No, this is the Bob Odenkirk character youre reading with. And its like, oh, a light bulb goes off, but we cant in email. Well, Russell was able to work with production to make it happen, adds Thomas. We all miss it. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company. For Austin Winsbergs musical extravaganza, Ulrich was asked to put together a cast that could sing, dance and pretend none of it is really happening. Sherry Thomas: Fortunately, I feel like everybody did a little bit of research, which was interesting. Burrows eventually recommended Thomas for her first paying job in the industry, working as an assistant to the location casting director the person charged with hiring extras for movie and TV . A lot of it is having support. Specialties: Catastrophe Modeling<br>Portfolio Management<br>Reinsurance Pricing | Learn more about Sherry Thomas's work experience, education, connections & more by visiting their profile on LinkedIn [Showrunner Damon Lindelof] is pretty specific about what he wants, but if he cant really explain it, hell know it when he sees it. From our perspective though we are still always trying to surprise the producers. But Id love to work with her, so let me just say shed be my choice. [Tim] talks about the spirit and the soul of the actor marrying with the spirit and the soul of the character, says Thomas. Back in 2019, Jones played. It was the biggest casting search weve ever done in our career, says Daniel. Sherry Lansing. AD: What character in the second season proved to be the most challenging? Even Nate said, I cant believe Im in this part. He tapped into the soul of [kidnapped sons father] Matthew Dodson., He was in that initial conversation with Tim it was just determining which role, says Thomas of Patrick. What kind of challenges are there for a show like that where you are three seasons in already? Often times we are reading more people for those roles than anything else. ST: Vice versa for Linda Cardellini, who has typically been known for drama to come in and wow everyone with her great sense of timing and comedic skills without ever making it too big. Sharon Bialy: I mean, I watch the whole thing. And especially for kids, dont try that hard in the slate to be liked and all of that, its just, Hey, Im Lance Carter, Im five foot 10. With larger roles, you have time to build an arc, but with something so small, the challenge is how to make it memorable. For Perry Mason (originally set to star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as executive producer with his wife, Susan), casting directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas discussed their suggestions for . There was somebody we just couldnt hire recently that is absolutely not known for comedy. John Ennis is a character actor weve known for a long time and he was amazing as the exterminator. Sherry Thomas: Good reader whos not too close to the camera and not trying to audition for themselves. At the time, there wasnt really a choice you had to prove yourself at work by being at your desk. You are known for bringing in people who are looked at one way, and then you sort of have given this whole new sort of light, this new career almost to them. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. So, theres time to do a little bit of research and we tried to educate people as much as possible that this was based on the podcast based on a true story. (photo: Mark Seliger/FOX) Welcome to tvDownload's " Ask a Casting Director ," a new series in which we talk to the men and women . Stars Sharon Bialy Theo Park Lucinda Syson See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist Photos Add photo Top cast It's a game A Tale of Two Cities One City: The BAFTA voters chose to give just one award to Everything, Everywhere All 2023 Golden Reel Award Sound Editorial Winners Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing Feature Dialogue / ADR The Banshees of 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme. Its also a thriller. And I think you can do that because you have more time, youre at home. I didnt know anyone here, but was a manager at The Gap at the time and got transferred to an LA location of the store. They tell the story of when they had to call Margolis in New York and ask him to put himself on tape, despite the fact that his character had no lines. When people used to ask us, I used to say, Oh, our reward is working with Vince Gilligan every day, which we continue to do and thats still true, Bialy told Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch below). For Dead to Mes second season, Scott said the main task was finding the new love interest for Linda Cardellinis character. We had readings for that part. Women of that level and age arent coming in to read at that point in their careers, so we kept combing through this huge list. If its somebody that we have known for a long time and we just say, not sure if its right, but just want to see if there is something there that connects the spirit of the actor to the spirit of the character, but its not right, then we can sort of move on and with respect because we know its not the perfect fit. Thomas called Sweeney wise and mature beyond her years. Then he was totally game to be in the last episode in front of the camera., After co-creator and executive producer Mindy Kaling tweeted an open casting call for series lead Devi Vishwakumar, the casting directors discovered newcomer Ramakrishnan. Twitter Icon Follow Gold Derby onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Tumblr,iTunesandYouTube, Gold Derby is a part of Penske Media Corporation. So, there you have it. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Add to list Nominated for 9 Primetime Emmys He felt just perfect for Bruce. Kay says, I met with [showrunners Jemaine Clement and Paul Simms] in the beginning, and they were like, You know, just bring us good faces. 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Fuck yeah!. I mean, that had to have been completely It was all brand new. We knew her, but I wouldnt say that a lot of people knew her, Greenstein adds. Weve been able to give multiple women over a certain age really complex material. We thought wed cast an unknown. Hes not afraid to try things. WEBN Reporter Ali Inglese sat down with "Breaking Bad" Casting Directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas. And then they would audition and then we would present the people that we really felt were the most right for it. Casting just felt right for me. She was the lead casting director on this one and what she did was really take actors that are known for one thing and respect them and the breath of their talent and say, Im going to try something else here. Then, I go through my notes and consider actors that I love, as well as some new actors. But what they don't realize is that not only are they watching closely, they might . This story first appeared in a January stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Weve always requested self-tapes and explored actors from all over the world. RS: A lot of times those small roles are the hardest to cast. Literally, we were all just howling because she just got it., We needed a Jake from Sixteen Candles, someone brooding and obviously swoon-worthy and somebody that Devis going to have a mad crush on, Greenstein says of the protagonists love interest, Paxton Hall-Yoshida. It was fun to be able to draw on somebody that I had thought was so talented for so long.. Sign up for emails from Casting Networks News. Michael Ordoa covers film and television for the Los Angeles Times. Casting Director. ST: I dont think any character was as challenging as Natalies. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Those things are leaps of faith, right? And if an actor does the wrong choice and they come in the room, you can easily give them direction and play with it and get them more relaxed and support them. Thats why you guys are so successful and all the shows you do, which are fantastic. But if it is a more substantial role with several scenes, two is fine to send to us. And whats exciting for us in casting, and it keeps us 23 years later together excited about things is to try new things, and to see an actor as a whole. In person its almost distracting how gorgeous she is, says Ingram. So, theres support at every turn, but balancing a family and a career isnt easy. In 1974, Sherry joined Talent Associates, as an executive in charge of development. And it happens. Everybody knows he is a wonderful actor. Bruce and Lizzie were thrilled with him. But even with such a rsum, the highly sought-after casting director came across as nothing short of a grounded, down-to-earth individual when she sat down with Casting Networks via Zoom. We discussed a bunch of people [for the role of Caitlins father, an Army lieutenant] and then it just felt natural for Scott and Luca to meet. Better Call Saul, were not even allowed to give you anything. Top Gun: Maverick, Banshees of Inisherin, All Quiet on the Western Front Win at MPSE. But, just like any other season, we got the scripts and then talked with [co-creator/star] Bill [Hader] and [co-creator/showrunner] Alec [Berg] to hear what they were identifying within the new characters. The cast of Gotham. She even officiated when my husband and I were married. Your email address will not be published. We wanted to see her because we were such huge fans from all the things that shes done, especially The Night Of. It seems that reboots are a dime a dozen these days. And our associate, Alyssa Morris, did the same with the smaller roles. And now jumping to present day, congrats are in order regarding the recent Emmy nomination you received with Sharon Bialy for your teams work casting Barry. All of a sudden were like, Guys, shouldnt we make sure he wants to do this? recalls Collin Daniel of the role that was part narrator, part Voice of God, and all affectionate snark. "I've known and worked with Sherry in different capacities over the past 7 years. We went back to our theatre brains, and Laila Robins is someone I had seen over 25 years ago doing The Real Thing opposite Jeremy Irons. At some point Sherry suggested Katey Sagal. Thats how we kept bringing up Natalie Morales. Showing all 1 wins and 28 nominations. Quickly send your headshot and resume to hundreds of casting directors, agents, and managers. Elarica leads more with vulnerability, and Brandee leads more with strength. At that point, I feel like Ive got it I know who the character is. The external is not whats important to him. The main cast may seem only six actors deep, but to the casting directors, the world was expansive. I think actors dont think it happens, and it does. From encouraging this writer about her questionable hair choices to estimating how many times shes forgotten to pick her kids up from school, Thomas candor in our interview provided an intriguing look into the person behind all the casting credits. ST: Not for us particularly. From Thomas passion for her work to her passion for her family, this has been a candid look into the person behind all the casting credits. Get to Know the Casting Director: Sherry Thomas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And thats exciting when were able to do that. Sharon Bialy: Also, because sometimes youre only getting a couple of pages, so you have to guess and when youre in the room, we can give you context. She came in and was so natural, so funny. Awards. So now, if I leave at one oclock today [at time of interview] to go pick up my kids from camp, its OK. They have to be funny and in the moment with so few lines, and that is such a hard thing to do. AD: Before we jump into the new characters of the second season, I wanted to talk about the shocking twist at the beginning of the season; the return of James Marsden with a new character. Its going to be hard for us because we love to be in the room with them. Then he went to dinner with Regina and came back and said, Why didnt I just I feel so ashamed. Because here, on a plate, is this great actress. . Toothpicks and blue jeans. Q&A with casting directors from several Apple TV+ series; Lucinda Syson (Foundation), Theo Park (Ted Lasso) and Sherry Thomas and Sharon Bialy (The Shrink Next Door). We checked in on her, and the challenging part was convincing producers to take a chance on an actor that youre very familiar with but they might not be. She had been around and doing guest star work, but to get a series regular gig was a big step for her., Poorna has for most of her career been a dramatic actress, and she was like, I never get to come in on comedies because nobody thinks Im funny, says Greenstein about the role of Devis mother for Jagannathan. So weve always cast in a broad, worldly way. Its all so seamless, though, that you cant see any of those divisions in his performance. We were finding choices and some incredible singers, but it just clicked when it became Alex. That helps give me the essence of what Bill has in mind, and then as I get him going, hell just start going into the characters dialogue in a voice that reflects how he hears it in his head. We didnt want someone who would be instantly recognizable to the world. A lot have to be able to do comedy, drama, all of it.. We had to make sure all of the players were lined up, and from there, it was a lot of immediate yess. If we cant connect its very hard to do our jobs. How did you guys bring her on? More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Add to list Nominated for 9 Primetime Emmys 1 win & 41 nominations total Photos Known for Rudy 7.5 Casting Director 1993 The Handmaid's Tale 8.4 He was shooting a really naturalistic portrait of this group, and so much of this was about how these kids are as themselves: How are they when theyre not doing the scene? What sets this young cast apart from many other series starring young adults is the actors age range. Even the actor didnt know until that episodes script rolled around. But what the self-taping does is give so many more people opportunities because we can see 25 actors for a role. She gave so much more than was even on the page [in the role of Mercedes mom], Ingram says. But filling the role of a Sherman Oaks-grown teenager of South Asian heritage proved harder than expected. AD: The second season also featured two major guest stars in Frances Conroy and Katey Sagal. I feel like I get him. In the case of Lawrence Gilliard, that role was. Its really wonderful to see that. I dont want to make it sound so righteous, but I think it was just a good, interesting, and different way to go. We started back in February of 2020, right before everything shut down, so Covid added some new challenges and parameters that we had to work within. ST: I think thats one of the reasons we love to be in the room with actors and why right now it is really hard with the world of COVID. It was the soul of the actor and what [showrunner Bruce Miller] was looking for.. Sherry Thomas, Casting Director. She was channeling her own mother, is what she told us. Christina Applegate has done amazing dramatic work on the show, but she has largely been known as a comedic actor. And Sherry was like, Shes so smart. Every time we had a conversation or auditioned actresses that werent a perfect fit, Russell would get on the phone and see if her availability changed. I think she had auditioned for Rocky Horror Picture Show several years before, so I knew she could sing. One of their latest shows, the wonderful The Shrink Next Door, just finished its run on Apple+ and the pair took some time out of their busy schedule to talk about casting the show, their thoughts and advice on self-tapes and much more! As continuing shows, all three series have established universes and tones, says Thomas. Backstage provides its members with the best tools to grow their careers in the performing arts. Luca is a director whos interested in the rawness and the grounding of truth., Because of City of God, [Alice] is somebody Ive always looked at and always been really curious about, says Cuba of the actress, who plays one of protagonist Frasers mothers, both in the military. Luckily he did. But oddly enough, on this show, because on others, we have done producer callbacks over Zoom, we didnt do any. They met and he loved him, and that was that., There is no shortage of star wattage in the dark origin story of the legendary defense lawyer, but there is an art to combining such talent. I feel like this is not in my wheelhouse, or Im not right for this at all, but wanted to come and meet you guys.. Were just gonna have a great time.. Legitimately dead? We had no idea that was the plan. We were like, Wait, did we just see somebody who literally has zero acting experience and was that great? says Brett Greenstein. Its so much more fun when youre doing a musical, because people are singing and your days suddenly better, says Robert J. Ulrich. Sherry was born in Chicago and pursued an acting career after graduating from Northwestern University. You were also nominated for your work on the third season of The Handmaids Tale. Sherry Thomas (I) Casting Director Casting Department Producer IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Sherry Thomas was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, USA. So youll see Breaking Bad is peppered with stand-up guys doing their first drama., Join the fiery discussion of Breaking Bad in our forums, Thomas added, But really what we just love to do is great material and hire really interesting actors. Im not saying he is like Fraser, because that was never our feeling. Learn how your comment data is processed. I grew up thinking that acting was going to be my path in life, so when I was 22, I packed up my car and drove cross-country to LA with just 150 bucks in my pocket. Big titles like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and The Handmaid's Tale may first come to mind. When we circled back, I remember looking at the date and I was like, Holy shit, I think shes available. , Theres an assuredness to Sister Alice that the audience has to buy because she believes [her evangelism] so strongly, Bialy says. We have to experience the duality of his life, and that heartbreak, and the choices he makes., I remember in the audition process, the actors had to say to Mississippi how they could take care of her abusive boyfriend, Ingram recalls. That has been nice because so many of these shows are aged for younger women. But going into the second season, the world knows the show, and we dont have to explain what it is. Sherry Thomas: Yeah. Sherry Thomas: Ive been a longtime fan of Casey. Unless it is really not Theres a couple things going into play. And one of the first things that we did together as Bialy/Thomas was The Unit with Shawn Ryan and David Mamet and Eric Haney. This cast is definitely a combination of people who Luca knew hed have to shepherd along. Of Seamn, whose outwardly confident Caitlin struggles with gender identity, Cuba adds, But its funny, because we thought this going in, and then Jordan turned out to somehow be a savant and know how to do everything, even though shed had no experience., I have auditioned [Scott] over the years for various things. And my sister has had her own salon for about 35 years now its called the Hairspace Salon in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Production was able to move around a lot of stuff, he says. Oscars 2023: Just How Many Oscars Will Everything, Everywhere All at Once Win? Over the course of my daughters lives my oldest is going to be 12 in September and my youngest is 10 Ive probably forgotten to pick them up from school about 20 times. Shifting gears again, I have a true get-to-know-you question. We can explain things like tone. Everything was requested self-tapes, so we would discuss ideas with them for the series regulars, our main players in the piece. I dont know if theres a generic answer that fits every person when it comes to managing work/life balance, though. Its also an emotional drama. And it worked! I started exploring acting once I got to LA and met a casting director named Victoria Burrows, who kind of took me under her wing. Thomas says, Damon tried to give me a hint: He should be a little unusual. My associate, Elizabeth, who knows the comics very well, she guessed it.. And thats part of our job is to continue education. She had a feeling I was going to end up in casting, but I wasnt so sure at the time. Co-Owner Bialy Thomas & Assoc. She is known for Breaking Bad (2008), Barry (2018) and The Handmaid's Tale (2017). You always want to work with people who inspire you and who you can learn from, and Bill is one of those people.
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