Closing out the conversation we were joined by their casting partner Sharon Bialy to discuss their second nomination of the year for their work on The Handmaids Tale. 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. The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Barry and many, many more, they are one of the top casting offices out there. RT: Can we just put Rhea Seehorn in here? Legitimately dead? We had no idea that was the plan. AD: Im sure you cant say anything about the final season, but Im curious if you have a dream guest actor that you think would fit perfectly into the world of the show? He was playing a husband. He was kind of signing on to play the girl part., As to King (she and Abdul-Mateen II are nominated, along with costars Jovan Adepo, Louis Gossett Jr., Jeremy Irons and Jean Smart), the Oscar winner and three-time Emmy winner who worked on Lindelofs The Leftovers wasnt a slam dunk precisely because shed worked on Lindelofs The Leftovers.. Sherry Lansing - Biography - IMDb What she did to prepare for that role was incredible. Through conversation and through hearing about what the role is about in detail and where it will go, the list gets smaller and smaller. Bialy/Thomas & Associates - Casting Director | Backstage But he also, as himself, has a real confidence and a unique and very modern feel, which I think really lends itself to Fraser. Sharon Bialy: I think actors often think, Oh, they only think of me for this. Thanks, and Ill add that working from home with your kids during the pandemic really shows you what youve been missing out on. Sherry Thomas: They called him, pitched him and Sharon says, huh. Michael Ordoa covers film and television for the Los Angeles Times. And Peter [Gallagher, as Maggies husband, Mitch] obviously had been on Broadway. Bradley Whitford @BradleyWhitford 10 months ago. Its all so seamless, though, that you cant see any of those divisions in his performance. He once told me, Youre weird too. . 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. AD: As our readers can imagine, casting can be a very hands-on role where you are meeting dozens of new people every day. You can see a number of actors for an audition before that one person comes in, and everything just clicks. Thats what it is all about. 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. Someone was really good when they read for Better Call Saul, a drama, but theres something there. But Cornell Womack, hes a pro, we know him. RS: A lot of times those small roles are the hardest to cast. You were also nominated for your work on the third season of The Handmaids Tale. I mean, I was still completely nervous, but I felt more comfortable in that sort of nervousness. Sharon Bialy: I think thats a really good note. Shifting gears again, I have a true get-to-know-you question. That makes sense. Interview: Casting Directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas on 'The At the time, there wasnt really a choice you had to prove yourself at work by being at your desk. I think Mindy had said she ran into him at a Vanity Fair party and said something to him. Thats why the character [club owner Uncle Clifford] is so exciting and real because Nicco is willing to take those risks., Shannon [as dancer Keyshawn] is shockingly gorgeous. NORTHAMPTON When she was growing up in Florence, Sherry Thomas [Showrunner Damon Lindelof] is pretty specific about what he wants, but if he cant really explain it, hell know it when he sees it. Heres what to know, From Chris Rock to the SAG Awards. You learn what you want to change moving forward. 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. And also sometimes not having all the producers in the room gives the actor, even on a zoom call back with us, we can play with them more and theyre not trying to please everybody, theyre just concentrating on the work. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Sherry Thomas: And the show director, Jesse Peretz, just really kind of took everybody and, everybody shines. So theres some benefits to both. Sharon Bialy: There are always challenges, but this season there were a couple of roles that caused some particular challenges. We have been very lucky on this show. 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. Her role in "Barry" came about thanks to its casting director, nine-time Emmy nominee Sherry Thomas, as well as the Hollywood satire's dedication to meta humor. And from there, we would have further discussion or conversation. These are edited excerpts from that conversation. Get to Know the Casting Director: Sherry Thomas He is fantastic. I wrote a brief commentary of why there was only one Emily Dodson [mother of kidnapped boy]. Did you experience a lot of actors who struggled to nail the specific tone and how did you help them get there in the audition room? I think actors dont think it happens, and it does. Exclusive: AMCs Emmy episode submissions for Breaking Bad & Mad Men, Even though Breaking Bad is over, Bialy and Thomas are still involved in that universe thanks to their casting of the spin-off series Better Call Saul. However, Bialy warns us, I cant tell you anything about Better Call Saul. Were sworn to secrecy! Theyre also keeping busy casting Halt and Catch Fire, which just ended its first season on AMC, Foxs upcoming comic-book series Gotham and TVs biggest ratings hit The Walking Dead., Hey, whats with all the dark shows on their resumes? But if it is a more substantial role with several scenes, two is fine to send to us. We were so touched that people were really moved by the show and actually watched it. Sherry Thomas: Well, its crazy. 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. What can you tell us about the process of assembling the cast for its long-awaited third season? Did it make your job easier or was it challenging having actors come in with a preconceived notion of what the show should be? So, I got that part covered. RS: With Katey, we wanted someone who is very special because there is a lot to unpack there with Lindas mother being in prison. Casting Networks is a registered trademark of Casting Networks, LLC. We knew her, but I wouldnt say that a lot of people knew her, Greenstein adds. Big titles like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and The Handmaid's Tale may first come to mind. Casting just felt right for me. Our approach to that is a direct line of communication. Good lighting is typical, and shooting from the right angle, and just be yourself in the slate. I think we will all be more mindful of that process, but I also dont want to be in a room with an actor with a giant piece of plexiglass between us. Sharon Bialy: Right. And so I said, Oh my God, oh my God, Michael Rispoli is going to be in town from New York and we need to get him in. Casting directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas, who have worked on "Better Call Saul" and "The Walking Dead," say: "You tell where casting directors are making the effort. The cast of Gotham. He felt just perfect for Bruce. Then, I go through my notes and consider actors that I love, as well as some new actors. The Shield was my favorite show at the time, and its still in my top five. Actors often think casting directors hardly even pay attention during their auditions. Its a visceral feeling, says Ingram, when you see an actor who you really know should be in a role., [Brandee] really had the strength and the forcefulness and chutzpah that [lead dancer] Mercedes needs, Hopkins says. Alice Lee was just a discovery. So, even though they might be doing under five lines, theyve got to be able to hold their own. ST: The challenge too isnt necessarily one particular role. We are very passionate about not pigeonholing actors. For 'The. Casting Networks acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Australia. We also share information about your use of our website with our social media and web analytics partners. 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. And thats part of our job is to continue education. Hes daring. Like everyone else on the planet we love her. Apple TV+ Casting Director Panel with Lucinda Syson, Theo Park, Sherry New to Casting Networks? We received a lot of calls from agents and managers who loved the show with their clients who would love to be a part of it. Sometimes the nomination day is like Christmas morning, but this year we completely forgot. AD: The second season also featured two major guest stars in Frances Conroy and Katey Sagal. Despite the mega success of "Breaking Bad" at the Emmys -- including three acting wins for Bryan Cranston, a pair for Aaron Paul and one for Anna Gunn -- casting directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry . The age had to be appropriate so there would be chemistry with Linda. And it worked! For the full interview, check out the video below or on YouTube. Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas Explain The Art of Casting And sometimes the sides are fake. Hes a very soulful actor and person, and his craft is unbelievable. After first meeting the Massachusetts native a Masshole as she calls it you may feel as if youve known her for much longer. 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. But going into the second season, the world knows the show, and we dont have to explain what it is. 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. Walking Dead's Casting Director On Finding Heroes, Villains & Zombies Then there are recent series like Vanessa Bayers I Love That for You and Danny McBrides The Righteous Gemstones. Sign up for emails from Casting Networks News. He is so wonderful. Its hard to pick just a handful of credits that cover the breadth and depth of Sherry Thomas casting rsum. If we cant connect its very hard to do our jobs. What are some self-tape tips that you have? The testing was very rigorous and I think production did such an amazing job with what they had to accomplish in the way that they had to accomplish it. Hes often the heavy for this, he was a father who had a lost son., We cast Chris in Gotham but have known him for years, says Thomas. 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. Producer: Indecent Proposal. Call Sheet Directory and Mailing Labels | Backstage Stacia Kimler, Casting . Oftentimes you have to stay on your leading guy because other actors cant hold [their own]., The challenge is getting that first person of well-known stature to say yes, then you build from there, says Thomas. 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.. You might look at the character of Lil Murda and think you know this person, but you dont. And he even said, coming in, I dont really know why Im here. In some hypothetical situation in which you had to choose a different career, what would your profession be? Its really wonderful to see that. 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. Three if theres one in there that you just want to give it a shot. All Rights Reserved. And I have now grown to see what a great dramatic actor he is, in the role of Zoeys brother, says Ulrich. Aug. 21, 2020 2 PM PT. After a 2007 surgery that required general anesthesia, Steenburgen, who plays Zoeys mother, Maggie, began hearing original music in her head. She came in and was so natural, so funny. Id actually liken it to the audition process. The storylines and arcs are massive, and youre also in a period piece, so it was important to make sure that each actor [remained] defined within their own self, even if the character wasnt around all the time, says Thomas. That is such a skill, and one I wish I had. I appreciate that insight into collaborating with such a talented multi-hyphenate. She was shooting a movie here in LA. 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. Sherry Thomas - Director of Creative Services - LinkedIn Wow. But who to play the enigmatic Dr. Manhattan? And then there were some people that we redirected and from the day players up to our more significant roles that were prominent in the piece. Big titles like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and The Handmaids Tale may first come to mind. Elaine Doremus. Quickly send your headshot and resume to hundreds of casting directors, agents, and managers. While eager to gather a diverse troupe for Mindy Kaling and Lang Fishers series, casting directors Collin Daniel and Brett Greenstein quickly realized that until they had nailed down their series leads, there was no ensemble to assemble. I get on the phone with agents, and the casting process goes on from there. 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. Im not saying he is like Fraser, because that was never our feeling. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Id read about her ability, Ulrich says of the Oscar winner, a prolific singer-songwriter. Thomas says of the then-not-so-well-known Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, I kind of always knew Yahya was it. Sign up to get must-read entertainment headlines and audition advice delivered to your inbox every weekday. I love her performances and everything she does, and Luca felt the same way., Jack has a lot of experience in movies and TV, so he had a flexibility as far as craft goes, Cuba says. For Dead to Mes second season, Scott said the main task was finding the new love interest for Linda Cardellinis character. Its great for the world to see his story; something that youre certainly seeing more and more television, which is wonderful, but that you dont see every day., When putting together an ensemble in which one star cannot shine brighter than the others, theres a key to getting it right: You need strong people all around, people who can match each other talentwise, says casting director Billy Hopkins. 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. Theres a lot of complexity to the role and we needed someone funny. I remember going in for you guys a couple times and unlike a lot of rooms, you guys made it so comfortable, and it was just so warm. Skylar is obviously a name, but hes also just a real standout, an extraordinary singer and actor., Michael Thomas Grant, who plays [rival coworker] Leif, I knew from The Glee Project, says the casting director. 2023 Oscar Nominee: Director Santiago Mitre on Why the Message Behind Argentina, 1985 Remains More Relevant Than Ever, 2023 Oscar Nominee Fire of Love: How Editors and Co-Writers Erin CasperandJocelyne Chaput Crafted the Krafft Love Story, Double Oscar Nominee & Producer Shane Boris Talks What Fire of Love & Navalny Have in Common, Inaugural Television Publicity Executives Committee (TPEC) Submissions Are Now Open, Amazons Daisy Jones and the Six is the First Great Limited Series of 2023, Melissa Rauch On Presiding Over a New Night Court Era, 'The Morning Show' Director Mimi Leder on Why Cable is Better for Female Characters. Shes fantastic. Do you guys prefer two takes on the self-tape? You dont have to drive an hour and a half to two hours for an audition when youre getting the pages two or three days before. Defying past portrayals of female friendship on television, Dead To Me enamoredaudiences with its unexpected casting choices of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. Sherry Thomas: Ive been a longtime fan of Casey. Oscars 2023: Just How Many Oscars Will Everything, Everywhere All at Once Win? Our job is to connect with people to bring out the best performance. But Luca is very connected to the human side of actors, so I think he connected with her., Chlo [as Frasers other mother] is someone I have loved from the beginning. WEBN Reporter Ali Inglese sat down with "Breaking Bad" Casting Directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas. Now, I would never assume that Melissa McCarthy would be so interested in my life that she would say yes to playing me in a series about it. Id imagine that at this point, after collaborating with Hader since the first season of Barry, you all are very familiar with how you work together. 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.

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