ST: Vice versa for Linda Cardellini, who has typically been known for drama to come in and wow everyone with her great sense of timing and comedic skills without ever making it too big. And he even was like, Im not right for this, but Im here. Awards. 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. Thomas says of the then-not-so-well-known Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, I kind of always knew Yahya was it. DEAD TO ME - Sherry Thomas, Russell Scott, Sharon Bialy, Alyssa Morris (Associate) In 1975 she joined MGM as an executive story editor. New to Casting Networks? Casting Networks acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Australia. Sherry Thomas (I) Casting Director Casting Department Producer IMDbPro Starmeter See rank Sherry Thomas was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, USA. We are very, very excited for season three. I was doing a virtual Pilates class when I got a text from Christina that said, Congrats lady! She gets it. I had the highest hopes and no idea that he could sing as well as he could sing. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 1 on iTunes Charts, Jussie Smollett finally appeals his conviction stemming from 2019 hate-crime hoax, Gayle King surprises Angela Bassett with her Whats Love Got to Do With It dress, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Daisy Jones & the Six review: Riley Keough fronts a rock soap opera, Sweetie Pies alum Tim Norman gets life sentence for planned execution of nephew, Fox News finally reveals its kryptonite: the bottom line, Unlike Andor, Mandalorian is going all in on Star Wars lore. Required fields are marked *. But who to play the enigmatic Dr. Manhattan? The driving force was that this world felt real, [that] we could see these people living here, Ingram says. That was a really nice way to come back into the second season. We can be a force of nature in our career and still want to spend more than an hour and a half with our newborn baby. Alphonse is truly an incredibly skilled actor, Ingram says. 'Dead to Me' Casting Directors Sherry Thomas and - Awardsdaily You are known for bringing in people who are looked at one way, and then you sort of have given this whole new sort of light, this new career almost to them. The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Barry and many, many more, they are one of the top casting offices out there. And people. , Keller says, They said they wanted boring. Like if you were to go to a town meeting to talk about zoning.. Will Dominion-Fox News lawsuit be different? He did come in and audition and just blew everybody away., The most fun bit of casting was the fact that Mo was written as a woman. And one of the first things that we did together as Bialy/Thomas was The Unit with Shawn Ryan and David Mamet and Eric Haney. So weve always cast in a broad, worldly way. We had readings for that part. Our job is to connect with people to bring out the best performance. It was really about getting Devi and her mother cast, as they are the heart of the story, says Greenstein. Disclaimer: Daily Actor at times uses affiliate links to sites like Amazon.com, streaming services, and others. She had to go to some places and the work was beautiful. AD: The biggest addition of the second season was the character of Michelle, who is played by Natalie Morales. Bruce and Lizzie were thrilled with him. This story first appeared in a January stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. She works constantly in New York, but she was this undiscovered gem to the rest of the world, and now everybody knows who she is., To populate Luca Guadagninos vision of an American Army base in coastal Italy, casting director Carmen Cuba knew she had to build her cast out from the kids at the center of the story. It was fun to be able to draw on somebody that I had thought was so talented for so long.. Did it make your job easier or was it challenging having actors come in with a preconceived notion of what the show should be? Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. 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. Sharon Bialy is on Instagram 782 posts on their profile Sherry Thomas. Sherry Thomas: Ive been a longtime fan of Casey. Do you guys prefer two takes on the self-tape? Sharon Bialy: There are always challenges, but this season there were a couple of roles that caused some particular challenges. But this is definitely a collaboration between Jack and Luca, and who teenagers are today, in this moment., [The character of Sam Pratchett] was really about mixing and matching with whoever [would be playing his girlfriend] Caitlin. Once the lead was in place, the other puzzle pieces of this ethnically and neuro-diverse cast started to land. We got so many emails from agents asking, Where did you find these actors? Everybody was blown away, says Greenstein. Livin' the dream. For Perry Mason (originally set to star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as executive producer with his wife, Susan), casting directors Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas discussed their suggestions for . Natalies name came up at the very beginning, and she is someone who Liz liked but we were originally told she wasnt available. She is known for Breaking Bad (2008), Barry (2018) and The Handmaid's Tale (2017). To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Your email address will not be published. Russell Scott, Casting Director. Facebook Icon. What are some self-tape tips that you have? Once I opened that door, though, there was no going back. There were large party scenes, and large office scenes, and so you had to be very, very careful. Sign Up. Shifting gears again, I have a true get-to-know-you question. Sherry was born in Chicago and pursued an acting career after graduating from Northwestern University. Was that hard at all? 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. Join Facebook to connect with Sherry Thomas Lane and others you may know. Well, Russell was able to work with production to make it happen, adds Thomas. So, even though they might be doing under five lines, theyve got to be able to hold their own. Sherry Thomas: If a reader is really distracting, its not about the reader, its about the actor. And, speaking from first hand experience, they are the best people to audition for. With Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd attached to it, if I went in for an audition, Id automatically think, this was like a more comedic sort of thing. We were finding choices and some incredible singers, but it just clicked when it became Alex. The others laugh a little. And he even said, coming in, I dont really know why Im here. You always want to work with people who inspire you and who you can learn from, and Bill is one of those people. Hes a very soulful actor and person, and his craft is unbelievable. Sherry Thomas - Awards - IMDb 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. Its just a wonderful place to be to be able to cast these amazing actresses from Frances Conroy to Katey Sagal to Valerie Mahaffey. Its going to be hard for us because we love to be in the room with them. Sometimes Clement will become inspired by the actors. Liz Feldman, Christina Applegate, Jessica Elbaum, and all of our producers fell in love with working with him and figuring out a complex way to bring him back. And I write on something next to me, I had Michael Imperioli in my head. The process when we started of course is making lists. 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. For the vampire mockuseries What We Do in the Shadows, nominees Gayle Keller, Jenny Lewis and Sara Kay find themselves looking for actors who dont look like typical actors. He is fantastic. Backstage provides its members with the best tools to grow their careers in the performing arts. My wife is my reader and shes terrible. Walking Dead's Casting Director On Finding Heroes, Villains & Zombies She has been nominated for eight Emmys (The Handmaid's Tale, Barry, Breaking Bad) and 19 CSA nominations. He was a huge part of why we got her it was a lot of working out schedules; we dont just get to read in a room with actors all the time. Did Scott have to break some legs to get it done? [Showrunner Damon Lindelof] is pretty specific about what he wants, but if he cant really explain it, hell know it when he sees it. Stars Sharon Bialy Theo Park Lucinda Syson See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist Photos Add photo Top cast Actors often think casting directors hardly even pay attention during their auditions. Get to Know the Casting Director: Sherry Thomas 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. 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. I think actors dont think it happens, and it does. 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. 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. We were really happy with the outcome of that! You really need to find actors who can do all of those things which can be challenging. She was kind of in my head when I read it. We will never, ever be an office that is strictly self-taped. Shes just perfect. This interview has been edited and condensed. It was really sort of a meeting of the minds and people coming together on the choices. I feel like this is not in my wheelhouse, or Im not right for this at all, but wanted to come and meet you guys.. Natalie Morales, left, joined the cast of Dead to Me in Season 2 as the love interest for Linda Cardellini. Call Sheet Directory and Mailing Labels | Backstage ST: We hadnt discussed the idea in general, probably because of the previous relationship with Christina, and we didnt want to pull anybody out of it. 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.. Sherry Thomas: But everybody was generous and kind. We all miss it. 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. And before we wrap, can you share your secret for managing work/life balance? 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. 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. My partner Sherry Thomas, who casts the show with me, and I have a history of colorblind casting, so we're always looking for the best actor. But what they don't realize is that not only are they watching closely, they might . Thomas says, His agent called me: Oh my God, Vicky, we just learned who he was! and they screamed. But filling the role of a Sherman Oaks-grown teenager of South Asian heritage proved harder than expected. I have no history with her. We would give a little context of the tone. Its great to virtually meet you, Sherry, and lets kick things off right at the beginning of your career. Were they names you wanted from the beginning, and did you go out of your way to reunite Katey and Christina Applegate? Sherry Thomas: Good reader whos not too close to the camera and not trying to audition for themselves. He put himself on tape, and Tim really responded to his audition [for the beat-cop role].. 14.1k Followers, 269 Following, 782 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Sharon Bialy (@sharonbialy) I dont have to deal with traffic or anything like that, but being in the room, I totally miss. Even the actor didnt know until that episodes script rolled around. 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? He was tied to a play in New York., Jemaine does that so much, says Kay. To say I was enthused was another thing. Thats why you guys are so successful and all the shows you do, which are fantastic. Were just gonna have a great time.. It has all come down to this, friends. The actors dont care that they come in 10 times and didnt get the part, because they know that one time with us they will., Once you have Matthew Rhys, you want to make sure whoever is opposite isnt wiped off the screen, says Bialy of their lead. 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. Bialy, Thomas and Russell Scott are nominated twice this year, for Dead to Me along with Handmaids Tale. Another of their shows, Better Call Saul, now has 11 acting nominations. And it happens. As a freelance writer for me at Modern Luxury, NS magazine, Sherry pitched and wrote creative . We had to make sure all of the players were lined up, and from there, it was a lot of immediate yess. You can see a number of actors for an audition before that one person comes in, and everything just clicks. There would be years where people would be like, Where did you get all these drug addicts? . But if you feel like you want to give it a shot. 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. 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? Listen, come to my office and Ill do your hair youll be fine. Survivor Users Leaderboard Coming Soon! But Id love to work with her, so let me just say shed be my choice. Casting Directors Help Achieve Diversity in Hollywood - Variety Hes being very humble right now, but it took a lot of strategizing and basically producing. In 1974, Sherry joined Talent Associates, as an executive in charge of development. Id read about her ability, Ulrich says of the Oscar winner, a prolific singer-songwriter. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. RS: With Katey, we wanted someone who is very special because there is a lot to unpack there with Lindas mother being in prison. 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. Oscars 2023: Preview and Predictions + Contest! But Cornell Womack, hes a pro, we know him. Its when I really first started, when I was having a lot of autonomy with Sharon. Oscars 2023 Voting Begins Dear Oscar, Hear My Plea, Why Steven Spielberg Deserves to Win His Third Best Directing Oscar. Its an amazing collaboration, and the work is very gratifying and just so much fun. Sometimes the casting session is slammed, and you have several actors in the waiting room. 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. Were lucky., I was a giant fan of Janes for many, many years, from Suburgatory, Robert J. Ulrich says of the lead actress whose Zoey can see and hear what others are feeling via fantasy musical numbers. The thing that Luca seemed to be connecting to is a real combination of, could they do the material, but also could he engage in real dialogue with them about what it means to be their age in this moment and incorporate that into the vision that he had., Jordan didnt even have an agent. . 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. Back in 2019, Jones played. Lets try it. Im always thrilled when stunt casting works, because people immediately feel a sense of connection by knowing somebody from the past, he says. I feel like I get him. So, we really didnt do any producer sessions over Zoom. We put out the offer, and he was on board. In person its almost distracting how gorgeous she is, says Ingram. As a casting director, the joy is in discovering talent, says Ulrich. Big titles like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and The Handmaid's Tale may first come to mind. Elaine Doremus. As continuing shows, all three series have established universes and tones, says Thomas. 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. You dont have to try to crack jokes and just be yourself. After a 2007 surgery that required general anesthesia, Steenburgen, who plays Zoeys mother, Maggie, began hearing original music in her head. Three if theres one in there that you just want to give it a shot. Casting director Sherry Thomas (The Righteous Gemstones, Better Call Saul) explains if she has any tells when auditioning actors and how she wants them to fe. Casting Yvonne Strahovskis mother, we needed someone who could be formidable. He felt just perfect for Bruce. Sherry Thomas: Yeah. We really relied on people that we have cultivated relationships with over a period of time as casting directors do. Yahya took a leap of faith. Im getting goosebumps right now just thinking about it. 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. RS: We worked through a lot of hard work and cooperation between our production and the movie because she is someone who really understood the tone of the show. In some hypothetical situation in which you had to choose a different career, what would your profession be? Contact To get in touch with Sherry, use the contact form below or send her an email at sherry @ sherrythomas.com (w/o spaces). How did you guys bring her on? Samira Wiley plays Moira in The Handmaids Tale, a performance that has brought her a third supporting actress Emmy nomination. She came in for Mo [Zoeys neighbor, played by gender-fluid actor Alex Newell], and everybody remembered her when we were casting [Zoeys sister-in-law] Emily, says Ulrich. All Rights Reserved. Id actually liken it to the audition process. I grew up thinking that acting was going to be my path in life, so when I was 22, I packed up my car and drove cross-country to LA with just 150 bucks in my pocket. From encouraging this writer about her questionable hair choices to estimating how many times shes forgotten to pick her kids up from school, Thomas candor in our interview provided an intriguing look into the person behind all the casting credits. 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. For 'The. Sherry Thomas: And the show director, Jesse Peretz, just really kind of took everybody and, everybody shines. 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.. Bradley Whitford @BradleyWhitford 10 months ago. He was pursuing editing work on the side. Two different ways? It was the soul of the actor and what [showrunner Bruce Miller] was looking for.. We knew her, but I wouldnt say that a lot of people knew her, Greenstein adds. The vampire mockumentary series was a surprise Emmys 2020 comedy series nominee, but dont look for hidden meaning behind the fun, say its writers. Craig Fincannon (Location Casting Director) 2010 Nominee Artios Award: Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Television Series - Drama Breaking Bad (2008) Shared with: Sharon Bialy. She is a positive, light person, and that carries into her portrayal of [dancer] Gidget. Im fully vaxed. Boom. He was the heart of the show the first season., Andrew is absolutely hilarious. She then added, To be perfectly honest with you, I think that were all in the reality that there are several other huge nominees in there, and so were blessed and honored to be there.
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