Casting Conversations: January Curry on Embracing Atlanta as the Center and Setting Yourself Apart
Release Date: 04/18/2023
New York Talent: Kelly Lauturner on a Day in the Life of a Background Actor
Needed On Set
In this episode, Kenya is joined by the multi-talented Kelly Lauturner. As an actor, writer and lifelong pop-culture enthusiast, Kelly's passion for performance started early, even if it meant crawling around as a dog in a backyard play. Kelly talks about her journey into the world of background, sharing how she balances her part-time work in background acting with a full time career in healthcare writing within the insurance industry. She recounts her first role as a rioter in HBO's "Paterno" movie, and how this experience shifted her perspective on the world of movies and film. Kelly and...
info_outline
New York Talent: Shameek Cook on How Every Day on Set Is a New Story
Needed On Set
Kenya welcomes Shameek Cook, a versatile New York-based writer, author, and actor. The conversation begins with Shameek detailing his passionate journey into the world of film and screenwriting, a leap driven by his desire to embrace his true self. He shares the pivotal role of a supportive professor who recognized his gift for writing, and how his writing process continues to grow as he also blossoms as an actor. Shameek talks about the ways he has stayed busy during the strike, why we should view background acting as a mini film school, and the impactful story of Black Wall Street that...
info_outline
New York Talent: Gotham Sharma on Accidental Success and Knowing Your Role(s) On Set
Needed On Set
Sometimes, what crosses your path may seem accidental, but our guest this week shows us that it just may be a result of staying open to opportunities and utilizing your talents. In this episode, Kenya has the pleasure of welcoming New York-based actor and comedian, Gotham Sharma, who emphasizes the importance of continuous creativity, even during downtime or challenging times such as the writers strike. He shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate communication and writing background into a successful career in stand-up comedy, which ultimately paved the way for his entrance into...
info_outline
New York Talent: Drea Pierre on Self Care, Stage Fright and Being the Best Version of Yourself
Needed On Set
This week, Kenya is joined by Drea Pierre, an actor based in New York who keeps herself very busy through performing, songwriting and taking care of her mind, body and soul. Drea talks about her start in the music business and how it evolved into on-screen roles. She shares what it was like to land a principal role, and how the experience has been different from background roles for her. Drea and Kenya talk about ways to get your art out there because there will be an audience that resonates with it and why self care is important to show up as the best version of yourself both personally and...
info_outline
New York Talent: Ira Gamerman on Embracing That Team Spirit and Showing up for Your Art
Needed On Set
It’s a spirited episode this week as Kenya welcomes Ira Gamerman, a multi-talented writer, actor and musician. Ira talks about his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative growth he's experienced in the acting realm. He also sheds light on the biases faced by background actors and discusses the impact of the strike on mental health and the other various creative outlets and jobs he has to stay afloat as a creative based in NYC. Ira shares insights into his deeper involvement with the independent art community and the unique sense of camaraderie emerging amidst the...
info_outline
New York Talent: Amy Fitzgerald - Do Your Research and Enjoy the Ride
Needed On Set
In this episode, Kenya is joined by the versatile Amy Fitzgerald, a long-distance runner, social worker, and full-time actor. Amy's transition into acting was driven by a quest for work-life balance while raising young kids. A casting call tailored for runners started her down the trail and led her into the vibrant acting community of the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. In the conversation, Amy talks about how she uses psychology to better understand her characters, her experience as part of the core group in “Wonder Woman” and how life has changed after obtaining her SAG...
info_outline
New York Talent: Meaghan Beese - One Small Role Can Change Your Life Forever
Needed On Set
It’s a fun episode this week as Kenya welcomes Meaghan Beese, an actor, writer, and forever theater kid at heart. Ever since her first Broadway show, Meaghan has been hooked on the world of performance and acting, and she’s found a way to make a full time career out of it. In the conversation, Meaghan talks with Kenya about how she got into theater and used her skills to land a role that resulted in her becoming a principal dancer and eligible to join the SAG community. She talks about the many benefits she has experienced since joining SAG, the importance of setting up boundaries and...
info_outline
New York Talent: Chris Gravely on How Enthusiasm and Competency Will Get You Through The Door
Needed On Set
Kenya is joined by Chris Gravely, a Harlem-based actor and aspiring voiceover talent with a passion for all things nerdy and gaming. Chris shares his diverse industry experiences, from stand-in work to BBC documentaries, highlighting the art of becoming different characters and narrating their stories. He talks about his journey into acting, from early background roles to reigniting his career in 2021 and recounts his role in a Max series, “Search Party” involving 300 actors enduring a summer heatwave. Chris emphasizes the importance of teamwork and provides valuable resources to enhance...
info_outline
New York Talent: Jeanette Kim on How a Self-Sponsored Sabbatical Led Her to Succession
Needed On Set
New York based tech professional and side hustler Jeanette Kim likes to embrace life’s adventures, whether she jumps into acting and lands on Succession in her first background role, or she’s turning vintage vibes into stationery gold. In this episode, she talks with Kenya about the little moments that make background acting all worth it. Acknowledging it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Jeanette also talks about the harsh realities of background acting, such as non-union vs. union treatment and payment, long hours and harsh weather on set. Jeanette talks about taking the first leap into...
info_outline
New York Talent: David Negri on His Love of Storytelling and the Twist of Fate That Changed His Life
Needed On Set
Renowned actor, accomplished event producer, and world traveler David Negri has spent a lifetime immersed in the captivating narratives of others. Now, a new chapter beckons as he eagerly anticipates sharing his own compelling story. In this week’s conversation with Kenya, David opens up about his formative years in the heart of NYC projects, where he was raised as the eldest of three boys by a single mother. Having honed his skills through years of running a thriving production and event company, destiny took a captivating turn when David's brother shared a fateful casting ad, propelling...
info_outlineThis episode features January Curry, Casting Director, Mom, writer, producer and owner of Destination Casting, a boutique casting company based in Atlanta. January first talks about how she got into casting under George Pierre and how her background in acting and theater helped her understand what it feels like to be a working artist. She opens up about going after her dreams and the inspiration she feels to show her children what it looks like for their mom to follow her heart and take the leap towards her goals, even if it means working every day and working through challenges. January shares the double edged sword of working in Atlanta and why we shouldn’t count out the amount of both wonderful talent and opportunities there. January also shares some great advice for those both looking to get into background acting and who may want to work in the casting field as well.
Brought to you by Source & Cast
Also Talked About:
-
January had no clue she was going to work in casting, but started as a Casting Assistant for George Pierre. She is grateful for the mentorship and support along the way, and now gives it back to those that she helps to grow and develop in the industry.
-
Take the leap and follow your purpose. The people in your life are counting on you to light the path for what it looks like to have courage and work towards your dreams.
-
The pros and cons of working in Atlanta. While it is the center of it all, there still is a stigma that the talent isn’t as professional or trained as in New York or LA markets.
-
Things you can do to set yourself apart in the market.
-
How Destination Casting is unique and small enough to give actors feedback that often gets overlooked in bigger companies.
-
How January struggles as a woman of color in the industry.
-
Casting directors are fighting for actors and they are the bridge between acting and production.
-
Staying true to who you are and energy is more important than your talent.
-
Advice for making your social media professional and current for the industry.
Say Hi To Us:
Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok
Kenya: IG
Guest:
January: Destination Casting | IG