Casting Director
Q. How did you become a casting agent?
A. After studying a degree in Design and Public Relations, I was very interested in production and had some friends who hailed from a production background. Many evenings spent together talking about the quality (or lack of quality!) in performance and roles in both film and television led my media friends to issue me with the ultimatum, ‘Do something about it and become a Casting Director or just shut up!’ My fate was sealed, starting with casting pop promos, then moving into commercials and finally films.
Q. For those unsure of the process, what does a casting agent actually do?
A. Sometimes I wonder that myself! I suppose the best way of explaining my role is that I’m the broker of acting talent between Agent and Director/Producer. Each project is a truly unique experience, but generally I will be contacted by a producer who will ask me to read a script. I will then have a meeting with both the producer and director to discuss thoughts on characters and actors. Eventually we will come up with a “wish list“ of our preferred actors for the various roles. At this point I will check availability on the chosen actors and send out the script for them to read. If the actor finds the role attractive creatively we will then invite them to meet with the director and ask them to audition for the role, adding their own “signature” to the character as well as taking into consideration any thoughts we may have.
It’s also very important that everyone feels they can work well together – how actors connect with the director and producer is vital. A clash of egos can damage a project! Once we have found the right actor for each role, I have the sometimes painful process of negotiating contracts and fees. Once we have completed and agreed contracts, my job is done and we announce our cast.
Q. How did you become involved with the casting of the Blake’s 7 audios?
A. I was under the influence of alcohol when … (only joking!). I was introduced by a producer colleague to Andrew Mark Sewell of B7 Productions and he explained what his intentions were for Blake’s 7. It has to be said that both myself and Andrew have very strong opinions on actors, which certainly led to a lively debate on the project, which I always think benefits the quality of a project. Feeling that we had a robust dialogue on casting Blake’s 7 happening, and I have always loved the power and texture of voice, I came onboard.
Q. What attracted such a stellar cast to the project? Were they specifically approached to do these audios?
A. I suppose the most important thing that will attract an actor to any project is the quality of the writing, and in this instance the writing was fantastic. Combining this with such an iconic show, we were pretty confident of attaching a quality cast. You can cast whatever “stars,” but if the scripts aren’t up to scratch then you simply can’t expect an audience to enjoy and respect the work. We had some very animated discussions on whom to approach but this is a healthy thing when casting. So yes, people were specifically chosen and thankfully the actors really wanted to do this, which always makes my job much easier.
Q. What was the most surprising piece of casting you pulled off which pleased you most?
A. I guess from a purely personal perspective I absolutely love the balance between Blake and Avon (Derek Riddell and Colin Salmon). They just worked so perfectly against each other. Derek is so natural and driven as Blake versus Colin’s rich and textured Avon. Craig Kelly who plays Travis was just fantastic to work with, and Frances Barber, well she just has so much talent. In fact this project involved everyone as an ensemble, there was a real sense of spirit between the cast, which I really think is important and shows in everyone’s performance. Everyone worked hard, and long days take their toll, but everyone left the project having enjoyed it and glad at being involved, that makes me smile.
Q. Do some actors feel more or less attracted to sci-fi projects?
A. Mmmmmmm … How long is a piece of string? I suppose there are some very specific genres that the UK media has a reputation for doing well, specifically Science-Fiction, Horror and Comedy. We do these projects on a much smaller budget scale than a US studio would, but we create a style and signature that is unique. I guess if an actor feels that a Sci-Fi project is something they may like to do they care more about the suitability of the role and the integrity of the project rather than if it’s Sci-Fi or not.
Q. Were all the actors originally lined up for the parts they ended up playing, or did you consider them for different roles initially?
A. It was pretty much a case of that actor for that role. You have to be focussed and know exactly what you are looking for when casting various characters. It’s like putting together a jigsaw; your pieces have to fit. If you start straying from your instinct then it can get messy. When an actor really understands a character, you just know it, you feel it, and that’s the only person in the world you want playing that role. Sometimes an actor may end up in a different role than the original they were being auditioned for, but not often.
Q. Besides Blake’s 7, of course, what’s been your happiest casting experience?
A. “Happiest” would be the wrong word, “Most rewarding” would probably describe it best. When I’m in a room with an actor and they just “get” a character, it’s truly amazing, it becomes effortless. They can play with a role with such ease and take it to a place that brings the whole thing alive, add nuances and textures that bring gravitas and authenticity. I always think good writing brings your character two dimensions; add to that an intuitive performer who is perfect for the role and you just got your third dimension. Having worked with Ian Mc Kellen on Emile, a Canadian Film I cast, or Tom Hardy in Minotaur, I feel very lucky to work with such talented people.
Q. You attended the recording, what are your over-riding memories of your time on Blake’s 7?
A. Early Mornings!!! I am definitely not a “Morning” person (laughing). I think being around the cast as they worked and chatted and got a feeling for each of their characters was fascinating. We had actors who really thought about what they each wanted to bring to their role. Working with performers who are intellectual as well as talented is a great bonus. As I said earlier there was a great sense of “family” or spirit amongst the cast and crew. It’s great to see performers enjoy what they do and catch the sense of creating something exciting from the actors, writers, producers and director.
Q. How did the actors react to the scripts and the recordings?
A. All the way along, the reaction to the scripts from the actors was positive and enthusiastic. I think some of the actors were surprised at just how exhausting bringing characters alive in an audio drama can be. The level of acting and intensity required to perform the roles is just as challenging as Film or TV can be. There are no visuals so the actors have to inject all the passion that their character needs to possess into their voice performance. Drama is drama no matter what the medium, Film, TV or Audio!
Q. Who’s your personal favourite actor?
A. Gosh! That changes on a daily basis for me, but I love theatre so Brian Denehy in Death of a Salesman – AMAZING! But Gael Garcia Bernal is just superb.
