Original interview from www.BackStageMom.com
Casting Director Deanna Brigidi-Stewart sits down with Backstagemom and gives us a deeper insight on casting. Deanna has been an associate on many major films including "Jumper", "The Heartbreak Kid", "Night at the Museum" and "X-Men: The Last Stand" just to name a few! We are thrilled to have Deanna share her thoughts with us. She gives moms a great word of advice so listen up, since it's coming from a mother herself that has worked with the very best in the business!
BSM-How did you get involved in casting?
DBS-I started in an internship for Mali Finn, who took me under her wing and showed me everything. While working for her, I discovered casting was a very fulfilling way for me to leave my mark on a film. After two years with Mali, I moved onto other amazing Casting Directors…David Rubin, Joseph Middleton. I’ve been very fortunate in the Casting Directors I’ve had the opportunity to work for.
BSM-Are there any casting directors that you admire? If so, why?
DBS-Yes, many! First and foremost, the late Mali Finn. Not only because she would search tirelessly for the best actor for the role but also because submersed herself in every movie she cast. She’d re-create the world around her, research and strive for authenticity. I also admire Joseph Middleton, Denise Chamian and Debra Zane.
BSM- What makes an actor stand out?
DBS- For me, there are two qualities that make an actor stand out. First is presence. There are some actors who come in the room and the climate changes before they’ve said a word. There’s a natural ease to what they do; it’s the “it factor” people talk so much about. Actors with this type of presence don’t necessarily have to be great actor to be successful, rather they’re just so watchable that you find them interesting. The second quality is confidence. For me, actors stand out when they have a wide palate of emotions and they’re not afraid to access them in a real, original way.
BSM- Is it possible for an actor to change the vision you had in your head based on their read?
DBS- Absolutely. I’ve seen many actors improve dramatically over the years. I believe being a good Casting Director involves keeping an open mind.
BSM- Do you feel people treat you different once they find out you are a casting director? If so, how do you deal with that?
DBS- Sometimes. I know when to say I’m a Casting Director and when to say I’m a stay at home mom.
BSM- What is your experience in casting children?
DBS- I’d say the most rigorous child casting I’ve done has been with Mali, who has discovered a number of very successful child actors. She’d start with broad open calls across the country then eventually drill down to very intense one-on-one auditions with Directors.
BSM- What advice would you give to parents that are just starting out in the industry?
DBS- My advice to parents in the industry would be don’t coach your children. Casting Directors can tell right away when an over-coached child comes in the room. I think there’s a big misconception that Casting Directors are looking for precocious performers. Often times we’re looking for the child who can be themselves and get lost in the “play” of a scene. Mistakes included.
BSM- How do you juggle being a mom yourself and working in the entertainment industry?
DBS- Well since my daughter just turned one, I’m still figuring this one out! Right now, I cast a movie only when my husband can be home for my daughter, then I’ll take time off when I’m done. My life is certainly different now!
BSM- How would someone go about meeting you?
DBS- Since I don’t have a permanent casting office it can be difficult to meet me, especially when I’m not working on a movie. I’ll always take a look at head shots that come to my house though!
