Casting lead actors :)

Jentri Chancey

Fri, 01/22/2010 - 21:13

This week, our Lost In Sunshine producer, Lorie Marsh, posted a GREAT BLOG about our production status and money, honey. I've been learning so much lately from Lorie, and just being a part of this whole process. Producers = major respect in my world. It's a no-joke kinda job. :)

On our phone meeting this week she brought up a good point. Instead of being 'passive,' and by this I mean waiting for people to get back with us, we will be PRO-active, and keep the momentum UP. I'll let you read her blog for the 411 on that. 'Cause today, or tonight, I'm talkin'
about ACTORS.

Why? Because I love them, and deeply admire their craft & talents, and that's in large part what we've been up to lately. Actors are like the other half of me, making a complete union - a perfect marriage. Everything I write needs a voice. And they are that voice. They will make the words I write seem beautiful, or artificial. Of course, this is assuming my writing is good to begin with. Let's just assume for this...:)

Searching for actors is one of the most time-consuming, yet exciting parts of my job as a co-producer/director. A lot rides on my shoulders with these decisions. If I don't "agree" then it's probably not going to happen. With that luxury, comes responsibility. One I don't take lightly.

We've been blessed to have our verbally attached leading lady, Nadine Velazquez, on board for about a year now. She continues to blow me away with her inexhaustible energy, creativity, and confidence. She's recently landed a new gig on FX, The League, with some of my other favorite actors, Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass, has her hands dipped in multiple exciting projects, and still makes time to communicate with me every week. She's constantly working on new ways to improve her craft & comedic skills (she's naturally hilarious, btw). That, among many other things, let's me know we've got a winner, folks. Yay! Score for Lost In Sunshine!

So the question remains, who will join us as our leading man? We have about 5 unique guys we are contemplating at this time and for very different reasons. We have a meeting on Monday with our lovely casting director, Vicky Boone, and hopefully that will shed some thoughtful light on our wonderful prospects, & determine how we move forward with who.

Here are some things we look at:
1) TALENT
2) must "look" the part & be appropriate, or believable age
3) be indie-friendly (and in general!)
4) availability
5) have something uniquely charming about 'im
6) have good comedic skills/timing

There's a sea of good actors, but we're looking for great.

And we will find it.

:) Jentri

ps. This week, I'll write about an email Lorie sent out to our entire crew, asking important, thought-provoking questions to improve upon our entire experience with Lost In Sunshine.

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