sherry thomas lane casting director sherry thomas lane casting director

He was a great audition, for sure, but he also really interested Luca as a person. I appreciate that insight into collaborating with such a talented multi-hyphenate. 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. "I've known and worked with Sherry in different capacities over the past 7 years. ST: Our goal will always be to safely get back in the room with actors. I feel like I get him. And it isnt so much that we only do dramas, we love comedies. Jonathan [Masons employer], was the first one. We got so many emails from agents asking, Where did you find these actors? Everybody was blown away, says Greenstein. Sherry Thomas: And the show director, Jesse Peretz, just really kind of took everybody and, everybody shines. It is one of our most rewarding jobs., [John McEnroe] was in the original script, and I remember nobody was dealing with it. Its all so seamless, though, that you cant see any of those divisions in his performance. The second it became Alex, I ran with it, pushed it, said its a way to really enlighten the world. Follow Gold Derby onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,Tumblr,iTunesandYouTube, Gold Derby is a part of Penske Media Corporation. We put out the offer, and he was on board. Its great to virtually meet you, Sherry, and lets kick things off right at the beginning of your career. In 1975 she joined MGM as an executive story editor. 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 thats exciting when were able to do that. We make several-page lists of actors who might be a good fit. And I think were all waiting for the moment in time where we can be together again, for sure. We ultimately will probably only send one take, unless were really questioning We dont edit it ourselves too much sometimes because the producers could come back and say, You know, theyre missing a moment, and thats exactly what was in the other take. And at that time, there were not vaccination mandates in place. You also have to believe that that actor is capable of things you havent seen them do before. And people. , Keller says, They said they wanted boring. Like if you were to go to a town meeting to talk about zoning.. Thomas called Sweeney wise and mature beyond her years. Craig Fincannon (Location Casting Director) 2010 Nominee Artios Award: Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Television Series - Drama Breaking Bad (2008) Shared with: Sharon Bialy. I was doing a virtual Pilates class when I got a text from Christina that said, Congrats lady! Like everyone else on the planet we love her. At some point Sherry suggested Katey Sagal. Press Esc to cancel. And I also just love her as a person. Sherry Thomas: If a reader is really distracting, its not about the reader, its about the actor. The Cherry Lane Theatre is the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. 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. But going into the second season, the world knows the show, and we dont have to explain what it is. 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. The Envelope spoke with some of TVs top casting directors about their part in helping stories get told and actors get Emmy nominated. The Robert Downey Jr. -produced HBO series Perry Mason -which places the famed criminal defense lawyer played by Matthew Rhys in the era he debuted in literature, the 1930s-features a stellar cast. We were so touched that people were really moved by the show and actually watched it. 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. One thing I love about casting this show is that its not just a lot of offers. I truly love doing hair and have always told people that if I somehow just sh-t the bed and was no longer able to be in casting, I would do hair instead. When we got the initial call we looked at each other, and were like Isnt he dead? [Tatiana is] someone we really believed in and highly recommended to Tim and the producers., [Gayle was] the only one who read, Thomas says. 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. 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. Why Netflix is dabbling in livestreaming. ST: The challenge too isnt necessarily one particular role. And before we wrap, can you share your secret for managing work/life balance? We wanted the fans to believe this, too, like, Oh my God, hes so cute. And thanks for sharing about the magic of working with the person who not only co-created the show, but who also produces, writes, directs, and stars in it. Get to Know the Casting Director: Sherry Thomas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ST: It is a challenge when there are so many components beyond Are they a great actor? and Are they right for the part? The age had to be right so that it felt right appropriate for Diana. Personnel: Sharon Bialy, Casting Director. Now in the show's second season, casting directors Sherry Thomas and Russell Scott were tasked with the challenge of expanding on that world and filling out an ensemble that were able to keep up with Applegate and Cardellini. Id read about her ability, Ulrich says of the Oscar winner, a prolific singer-songwriter. Good lighting is typical, and shooting from the right angle, and just be yourself in the slate. How did you guys bring her on? ST: I mean I cant even Its ridiculous. Alyssa Morris is our associate on this project and it was really, honestly the first time were working on a project where all of us are not together. Yahya took a leap of faith. We had readings for that part. My wife is my reader and shes terrible. SB: It will change, but we are hoping once this is over to be able to go back to that mixture of in-person and self-tapes. 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. Facebook Icon. Sometimes the casting session is slammed, and you have several actors in the waiting room. DEAD TO ME - Sherry Thomas, Russell Scott, Sharon Bialy, Alyssa Morris (Associate) His instinct was that she was the perfect fit for the part, and he didnt give up. Sherry Thomas: Well, its crazy. Sharon Bialy: And it was the hardest thing in the world to not be hysterical, laughing when she wrote, I meant Michael Imperioli. And then we had to go through the audition and Im biting my lip so that I laugh. Aug. 21, 2020 2 PM PT. Sharon Bialy: What a nice way to start the day. Seriously. Legitimately dead? We had no idea that was the plan. He once told me, Youre weird too. . Id actually liken it to the audition process. There was somebody we just couldnt hire recently that is absolutely not known for comedy. In person its almost distracting how gorgeous she is, says Ingram. She is known for Breaking Bad (2008), Barry (2018) and The Handmaid's Tale (2017). But if it is a more substantial role with several scenes, two is fine to send to us. 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. At the time [we started casting], she was working with one of my best friends on What/If, and I was hearing a lot about her and how she would sing karaoke. Its really wonderful to see that. AD: The biggest addition of the second season was the character of Michelle, who is played by Natalie Morales. Im not saying he is like Fraser, because that was never our feeling. Like with Colins office mates; they have like one line here and there and Jemaine said, I need them all back. You dont see loyalty like that a lot.. He was tied to a play in New York., Jemaine does that so much, says Kay. Thats what it is all about. 2023 Gold Derby Media, LLC. Sign up to get must-read entertainment headlines and audition advice delivered to your inbox every weekday. And when they feel that support, they just blossom right in front of the camera. I get on the phone with agents, and the casting process goes on from there. 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. But Thomas and Scott have been able to channel their passion into rounding out the ensemble of the second season with big name guest stars from Frances Conroy and Katey Sagal to utilizing some of the best character actors working today. These are edited excerpts from that conversation. Luca was definitely familiar with his music [as Kid Cudi] and loves it. When we started out, I was her associate for about two years, and then we became partners. And then when I did it, you kind of jumped up in your chair. Better Call Saul, were not even allowed to give you anything. But I dont believe she had ever been a series regular before. 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. AD: One of the reasons the show has become so popular is because of the way it straddles this really thin line between comedy and drama in ways we rarely see on television. It was fun to be able to draw on somebody that I had thought was so talented for so long.. I forgot to mention Casey Wilson. No, but it made me feel like just more confident. To see somebody with natural comedic timing who really got the nuances of the scenes and really got the multidimensional character she wasnt just reading lines. Mercedes is the one who draws all the crowds into The Pynk, so you have to have someone that has this magnetism about them., Oh, what can you say? As long as the work doesnt suffer, why cant we also participate in the lives of our kids? In the meantime, make your predictions for Best Drama Series below the interview using our easy drag-and-drop menu. Livin' the dream. 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. Was that hard at all? He was the heart of the show the first season., Andrew is absolutely hilarious. 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. Were just gonna shove everybody out of the way! Awards Daily: What was it like jumping back into Dead to Me after the first season became such a breakout hit? 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. Our approach to that is a direct line of communication. Do you think you guys will rely on that still? We didnt want someone who would be instantly recognizable to the world. 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 Thomas have been mysteriously overlooked by the TV Academy year after year. Its good to be (Regina) King: The Oscar winner might win her fourth Emmy for her portrayal of Angela Aybar/Sister Night in Watchmen., The Doctor is in: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was a surprise choice to play Dr. Manhattan in HBOs Watchmen.. Its a natural human thing to think of somebody in one way. Stacia Kimler, Casting . Thats how we kept bringing up Natalie Morales. It feels like thats not as much of a requirement anymore, though, and I want to help fully facilitate that change for the next generation of women. A lot of times in these teenage parts, you have 20-year-olds playing 15, and that wasnt the case, says Cuba, who wanted the coming-of-age roles to be occupied by fresh faces. Shes amazing with hair, and I have a love for it, too. After appearing in two films, Loving (1970) and Rio Lobo (1970), Sherry decided to leave the acting field. Hes being very humble right now, but it took a lot of strategizing and basically producing. Lets try it. Liz responds to actors who arent hitting the jokes but have a sense of humor, not typical sitcom, playing-to-the-audience types you might see on traditional multi-camera shows. You guys cast this while everything was locked down. The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Barry and many, many more, they are one of the top casting offices out there. Casting Yvonne Strahovskis mother, we needed someone who could be formidable. Scott says Dead to Me is a comedy, but its very down to earth. When Breaking Bad started, we really rebelled and kept looking for stand-up actors. Its about finding complex and compelling actors that can bring nuance even to comedy. We were trying to find the perfect person that would excite Liz to the point where she would want to continue writing for if the character came back. They also discuss what its like to be casting directors in the middle of a pandemic and if they think their profession is permanently changed by it. Sherry Thomas: Yeah. Im in LA. Im just blown away with how Bill can be in a scene, fully connected to it as an actor, even when I know his eye as the director and ear as the writer are simultaneously at work. RS: With Katey, we wanted someone who is very special because there is a lot to unpack there with Lindas mother being in prison. Murdoch has survived scandal after scandal. She even officiated when my husband and I were married. As a casting director, the joy is in discovering talent, says Ulrich. 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). As for the ladies favorite guest stars over the years, they bring special attention to Charles Baker (Skinny Pete), Matt Jones (Badger) and Daniel and Luis Moncada (the Cousins), but they admit that Emmy nominee Mark Margolis may be their favorite casting scoop for the show. He is fantastic. For 'The. She is a positive, light person, and that carries into her portrayal of [dancer] Gidget. 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. I had the highest hopes and no idea that he could sing as well as he could sing. Actors often think casting directors hardly even pay attention during their auditions. Showing all 1 wins and 28 nominations. She created a book this big between her read with casting and her read with Bruce, of her story as the character. Sherry Thomas: Yeah. Once we started to figure out that it was Jordan [Kristine Seamn], Ben was a perfect match. Those interested in learning more about the stacked list of TV and film titles on her rsum can find them listed on IMDb. 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.