Castability: The Podcast

The Castability App

Giving every actor everywhere a fair path to discovering their potential. read less
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Episodes

202. Getting in the Right Mindset (Re-release)
Mar 9 2024
202. Getting in the Right Mindset (Re-release)
Joe Towne is a Los Angeles based performer, award-winning writer, director, and teacher. He is also the CEO of The Performer's Mindset and the creator/host of The Better Podcast. For 20 years, he's coached business professionals, athletes, and actors – some of whom are selling that product you just bought or starring in that movie you Netflixed last night. As an actor, Joe has worked with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hillary Swank, Rebel Wilson, and he most recently starred as the lead in The Art of Christmas. Today, he joins the Castability Podcast to talk about how to understand your data, the ways we can avoid burnout, and how we can overcome perfectionism to allow ourselves to show up as the artists we are. — The Four Mindsets — Athletes and Actors — Perfectionism — Toxic Habits of Creatives — Deliberate Practice — Casting Director Feedback + Constructive Criticism — Regulating Emotions During Auditions — The Amygdala Flight-Fright Response — Remembering Our "Why" Email us for more information on coaching with Joe: assist@theperformersmindset.com Episode Resources: • Listen to Joe's episode with Audrey Moore, "Passion as Fuel" • The Performer's Mindset Instagram • Brené Brown's Podcast Interview on Burnout • "Burnout" by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski • "Chatter" by Ethan Cross • "Peak Performance" by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness ────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
121. Chrissy Fiorilli-Ellington, CSA, on Casting Comedy, Sketch, and CollegeHumor
Jun 30 2023
121. Chrissy Fiorilli-Ellington, CSA, on Casting Comedy, Sketch, and CollegeHumor
Chrissy Fiorilli-Ellington is an experienced Casting Director who has worked on character-driven projects for network television, premium cable, streamers, and festivals. She has a knack for identifying future superstars and has cast videos with household names that have been viewed billions of times. Her work has been featured at Sundance, SXSW, TriBeCa, and Cannes. Her primary focus is on great storytelling. She is an artist at heart who brings world-class expertise with a side of comedy to her work. Joined by Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA, the two discuss their journeys as Casting Directors up until today, where the industry is going, and all you need to know about getting cast in comedy. — Chrissy's Career — Chrissy's Relationship to Her Husband, Tate Ellington — Working as CollegeHumor's Head of Casting — How the Pandemic effected the Casting Industry — Casting Comedy TV, Film, Sketch, and YouTube — Amanda and Chrissy's Partnership — Living in LA in 2023 — What Makes a Person Funny — The Casting Process — Casting Dramas, Procedurals, and CW Shows — The Transformation of the Internet — Diversifying Revenue Streams — Being a Multi-Hyphenate Episode Resources: Chrissy's WebsiteChrissy's IMDbFollow Chrissy on Instagram @cdfioe ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
120. Acting Coach Actress Megan Channell on Spontaneity, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Reflection as Actors
Jun 23 2023
120. Acting Coach Actress Megan Channell on Spontaneity, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Reflection as Actors
Megan Channell is an acting coach, actress, director, and producer who has appeared in some of your favorite shows and films. She portrays Rachel in "Bull" (CBS), played the recurring role of Katarina Löw in "Hunters" (Amazon) alongside Al Pacino, and most recently shot the pilot "Getaway" for NBC. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Megan sits down with Taylor to discuss some of her favorite acting tips, stories, and words of encouragement for anyone out there who may be struggling with the ups and downs of this career. — Having Commercial Success as an Actor — Cultivating Spontaneity in Your Acting — Basement Acting — Getting Specific & Accountable With Your Goals — What an "Event" Is — Building Emotional Intelligence — How Emotions Effect the Voice — Auditioning for & Booking Katarina Löw in Hunters — Accessing Your Own Work — Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable — Minimizing the Pretend — How Working at a Production Company Changed Megan's Acting — Understanding Patterns in Storytelling — The Strike Episode Resources: Megan's IMDbMegan's WebsiteFollow Megan on IG @themeganchannellBob Krakower's Acting Class"How to Stop Acting: A Renowned Acting Coach Shares His Revolutionary Approach to Landing Roles, Developing Them and Keeping them Alive" by Harold Guskin ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
119. Alexandra Wright on Getting an MFA, Archetype Script Analysis, and Branding for Actors
Jun 16 2023
119. Alexandra Wright on Getting an MFA, Archetype Script Analysis, and Branding for Actors
Alexandra Wright is the founder of The Delta Acting Community. She holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California and an M.F.A. from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. She has performed and studied worldwide, including Paris, London, Moscow, and Scotland. She specializes in teaching Voice, Shakespeare, Emotional Theory, and On Camera Technique at UCLA, Loyola Marymount, Azusa Pacific, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and BGB Studio. The Castability staff sits down with Alex to discuss all things grad school, the best way to practice self-tapes, and what most people miss when talking about branding and character types for actors. — Studying in Russia — The Pros and Cons of Getting an MFA in Acting — On Stage vs. On Camera Acting: Is There a Difference? — The Etude Exercise — Consistency in Self-Taping — Why Perfection is Hurting You — Acting Process for the Theatre vs. for the Camera — Archetypes & Script Analysis — What Most Branding Tips Get Wrong — How Alex Found Her Type — Filming Reel Scenes On Your Own — Targeted Submissions for Representation Episode Resources: Alex's IMDbFollow Alex on IG @the_alexandrawrightThe Delta Acting Community WebsiteFollow The Delta Acting Community on IG @the_deltacommunityListen to the "Shake, Shake, Shake" PodcastAlex's Classes at BGB Studio James Depietro Photography Audrey Helps Actors: "Get Your Sh*t Together - Alexandra Wright"Plays by Anton Chekhov "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell "The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales" by Bruno Bettelheim ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
118. M.O.D.O.K., American Dad, and Community Writer/Producer Jordan Blum on Pursuing Your Passions
Jun 9 2023
118. M.O.D.O.K., American Dad, and Community Writer/Producer Jordan Blum on Pursuing Your Passions
Jordan Blum is a prolific writer and producer who has worked on some of your favorite shows and comic books. Jordan has written and produced over 118 episodes of "American Dad!" and recently wrapped showrunning  "M.O.D.O.K." - a series he co-created with Patton Oswalt. He also has his own comic book series with Patton called "Minor Threats". In this episode, he sits down with Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA, to discuss his journey in the industry, the impact of AI and media consolidation on the industry, and why joy and passion shine above all. — The Value of Unions & Collaborating with Different Guilds — Jordan's journey from Assistant to Executive Producer on American Dad — Voice Acting vs. Live Action — Working with Auteur Showrunners — Becoming Writer/Co-creator of Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. — Writing for Established Characters — Working with Established Actors — Writer Pay on TV — Writing New Characters — Intellectual Property vs. Original Characters — Being a Multi-Hyphenate — Working on Community with Dan Harmon — Jordan's Writing Process — How Animators & Actors Collaborate — AI & The Future — Pitching Yourself — Favorite Movies & TV Shows Episode Resources: Jordan's IMDbFollow Jordan on Twitter @BlumJordanSee Jordan's Marvel Comic Book workRead Minor Threats Volume #1 Listen to Castability 116. The Art of Authentic Storytelling: A Conversation with Editor and VFX Artist Spencer Houck ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
117. Making Your Own Work in Times of Strike with a Filmmaker's Coach Izzy Stevens
Jun 2 2023
117. Making Your Own Work in Times of Strike with a Filmmaker's Coach Izzy Stevens
Izzy Stevens is an actor, producer, director, coach, and CEO of Indie Spunk. Originally from Sydney, Australia,Izzy is a creative person's creative person. As a filmmaker's coach, Izzy enjoys collaborating with others and helping them find creative fulfillment. You may be familiar with her work on projects such as Occupation, Occupation: Rainfall, Sea Form, Leap, and Puberty Blues, all of which have received critical acclaim. In this episode, Izzy discusses how to balance creative passion with practicality, how to deal with the fear of losing interest in a project, and how to persevere despite setbacks. This info is vital for anyone who wants to pursue their creative aspirations but needs guidance on navigating the highs and lows along the creative journey. — Booking 2 Series Regulars Early On — Filmmaking School — Female Directors — Creating, Pursuing, and Achieving Career Goals — Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection — The Value of Curiosity — Crowdfunding — Film Festivals — Collaboration and Community — Taking Risks and Coping with Rejection — Growth Through Imperfect Work Over Time — Challenges and Rewards of Making Your Own Work Link to check out micro-budge bootcamp & sign up for my free intro class ‘Money Doesn’t Make Your Film’ — www.indiespunk.com/bootcamp Episode Resources: The Official Website of Izzy StevensFollow Izzy on Instagram @izzystevensFollow Indie Spunk on Instagram @indiespunkGet Started with Indie Spunk Listen to the Indie Spunk Podcast"Izzy Stevens | Mental Health, Lead Role In ‘Occupation’ & Love For Film" by Shirley Ju Film FreewayNo BudgeSundance Online ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
116. The Art of Authentic Storytelling: A Conversation with Film Editor and VFX Artist Spencer Houck
May 26 2023
116. The Art of Authentic Storytelling: A Conversation with Film Editor and VFX Artist Spencer Houck
Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA, sits down to interview editor and VFX artist Spencer Houck. You may know his work from Cobra Kai, Pitch Perfect, Bumper in Berlin, Community, Super Troopers 2, HAPPILY, and Silent Retreat. Spencer focuses on the importance of various editing aspects such as continuity, non-verbal communication, and the use of actors' eyes. He also highlights the importance of non-verbal communication in creating authentic and truthful stories, specifically mentioning the role of an actor's eyes in conveying emotion and meaning. This episode is a must-listen for a peek into the creative process of editing and the crucial role it plays in bringing stories to life. — Challenges of Editing Films & TV Shows — Editing Movie Trailers vs. Film/TV Editing — Importance of Understanding the Story and Characters — Editor's Cut, Director's Cut, Producer's Cut — Weighing Pros and Cons of Cutting Scenes and Characters — Importance of Continuity for both Editors and Actors — Being Aware of One's Physical Self on Camera — The Power of Non-Verbal Communication in Film and TV — How Eyes Effect Performance — The Role of Editors in the Filmmaking Process — Inspiration for Getting into Editing — Editing Heroes and Influences — Staying True to Authenticity and Truth in Storytelling Episode Resources: Spencer's IMDbSpencer's Official WebsiteFollow Spencer on Instagram and Twitter @spencerhouck "How to Avoid the Cutting Room Floor and Editor's Guide for On Camera Actors" by Jordan Goldman ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG! Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
115. Deliberate Practice: The Key to Improving Your Acting Skills
May 19 2023
115. Deliberate Practice: The Key to Improving Your Acting Skills
In this episode, Head of Actor Relations explains the concept of deliberate practice and how it can be applied to acting. Deliberate practice involves setting goals, identifying areas of improvement, and actively seeking feedback to continuously improve in your craft. It is a key tool in stepping outside of your comfort zone, becoming unafraid of failure, and surrounding yourself with a community you can be motivated from and learn with. Taylor also explains how deliberate practice, not natural talent, is the key to becoming an expert in your art. — Deliberate Practice vs. Purposeful Practice — Learning New Skills — Quality over Quantity — Why A-Listers Excel — Showing Up for Yourself — Mental Representations as Repeatable Patterns — Incorporating new Techniques — Feedback & Unbiased Self-Reflection — Practicing as You Perform — The Myth of Natural Talent Episode Resources: Writer's Strike Info "Peak" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool "Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else" by Geoff ColvinLearning Lots with Brie Larson and Jessie EnnisCastability 102: "Getting in the Right Mindset for your Castability Reports and Overcoming Perfectionism with Mindset Coach Joe Towne"Castability 108: "The New Triple Threat's Alyshia Ochse and Anna LaMadrid on Self Tapes, Being "Director-Proof", and the Validation Loop" ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG!  Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
112: "The Artist Whisperer" KJ Rose on the Victory Mindset, Being Authentically You, and Overcoming Stage Fright
Apr 28 2023
112: "The Artist Whisperer" KJ Rose on the Victory Mindset, Being Authentically You, and Overcoming Stage Fright
In this episode, Amanda sits down with special guest and co-host Jessica Sherman, CSA, to interview KJ Rose, who blew them both away during her time onstage with Misty Copeland at the Sundance Film Festival. KJ Rose is a performance coach who specializes with helping musicians conquer their nerves to deliver the performance of a lifetime. She helped Lil Nas X with his Grammy dance routine, and aims to unlock that same confidence in all the artists she works with. Before becoming a performance coach, KJ Rose has been a backup singer for artists such as the Notorious B.I.G, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears. With Clive Davis as her mentor, she has honed her own style of coaching and mentoring, leading to her new book The Rose Effect where she outlines how to occupy your space in every stage and in every room. — Presence, Engagement, Connectivity, and Personalization  — Never Recycling Inspiration — Defining The Artist — Tools to Recover Quicker — Building Habits — Stage Fright, Empathy, and Becoming a Talent Whisperer — The Evolution of You — Law of Attraction — Finding Pride in Your Story — Embracing a Victory Mindset — KJ Rose's 8 Power Chants: The Espresso Shots of Motivation Episode Resources: Follow KJ Rose on IGKJ Rose's Official WebsiteKJ Rose's Spotify PlaylistThe Rose Effect: Eight Steps To Delivering The Performance Of Your Life by Keanna KJ Rose Henson "At Work With KJ Rose, the Coach Who Brought Lil Nas X Onto the Stage" by Elias Leightin the Rolling StoneListen to Jess's new Podcast, Tipsy Casting & Follow the podcast on IG here!Follow Jess on IG ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG!  Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
110: The State of the Union with Nawal Bengholam (Part Two) — Question & Answer
Apr 14 2023
110: The State of the Union with Nawal Bengholam (Part Two) — Question & Answer
In Part Two of this State of the Union, Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA, continues her conversation with Nawal Bengholam to discuss the recent divide caused by self tapes within the entertainment industry. After polling the Castability community on questions that they had regarding self tapes, Amanda and Nawal answer questions and give their opinions. From requiring readers for a self tape, to losing a sense of community after not being in the room, to whether or not Casting Directors watch every tape that is sent in, no stone is left unturned as the two continue their discussion about the hard truths of this business in 2023. — How Could Casting Make Auditions Worse for Actors? — Competing With People Outside of Major Cities — Capitalism + Art — Readers — Rebuilding Your Community — The Autonomous Actor — Not Giving Story Details — Escaping Victim Mentality — Watching Actor's Tapes — Memorizing Multiple Pages for an Audition — Prescreens vs. Callbacks — Casting Director Workshops — Building Relationships with Casting — Self Tape Feedback — Chat GPT and AI Episode Resources: Nawal's InstagramNawal's IMDbThe Clyde Bernardy Acting Studio The Clyde Bernardy Acting Studio Instagram “She was a tough, East German cookie”: filmmakers and actors pay tribute to German casting director Simone Bär by Patricia Dobson in Screen Daily Microsoft Fires 10,000 Employees as it Invests in AI by Noor Al-Sibai in Futurism Magazine ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG!  Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
108: The New Triple Threat's Alyshia Ochse and Anna LaMadrid on Self Tapes, Being "Director-Proof", and the Validation Loop
Apr 7 2023
108: The New Triple Threat's Alyshia Ochse and Anna LaMadrid on Self Tapes, Being "Director-Proof", and the Validation Loop
Anna LaMadrid and Alyshia Ochse are both working actors, creators of Put Me On Self Tape and The New Triple Threat, and are master coaches for actors everywhere. You may have seen Anna from her time on Hulu's This Fool or HBO's The Rehearsal, while Alyshia can be seen as Lucy on HBO's True Detective with Matthew McConaughey and on Quibi's #FREERAYSHAWN with Laurence Fishburne. Dedicated to actors everywhere, Anna and Alyshia are a dream team and hope to empower actors through tech and community, teaching artists everywhere how to put their best take forward every single time. — How Alyshia and Anna Created Put Me On Self Tape — The State of the Self-Tape — Developing a Critical Eye — The Validation Loop — Learning From Our Peers — Positive Self-Assessment — The Acting Career Ladder — The Actor's Curiosity — What Is a "Working Actor"? — Common Self-Taping Mistakes — Making The Tech Work for You — Being "Director-Proof" — Perfectionism and Shooting vs. Rehearsal Episode Resources: That One Audition Podcast with Alyshia Ochse Follow Put Me On Self Tape on IGFollow The New Triple Threat on IGThe New Triple Threat WebsitePut Me On Self Tape WebsiteSelf Tape May Class Sign UpAlyshia Ochse - Giveaway ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG!  Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!
106: What Are Archetypes?
Mar 24 2023
106: What Are Archetypes?
Cronin Cullen breaks down the 12 Jungian Archetypes, giving an overview of each archetype's characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. He reveals why Castability breaks down scenes into archetypes, and how each character seen on TV and Film can fit into one of these 12 character types. Understanding which archetypes best showcase your acting skills helps you market yourself accurately to those around you, while being able to write for these archetypes allows writers to create well-developed characters and gives casting more specificity as they go into casting a role. — What are Archetypes? — Archetypes, Stereotypes, Stock Characters, and Typecasting — The Lover (ex: Claire Danes as Juliet, "Romeo & Juliet") — The Hero (ex: Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope") — The Wizard (ex: Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, "The Matrix") — The Rebel (ex: Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, "Scandal") — The Explorer (ex: Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade") — The Sage (ex: Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, "Karate Kid") — The Innocent (ex: Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, "Forrest Gump") — The Everyperson (ex: Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie, "Annie") — The Caregiver (ex: Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, "The Help") — The Creator (ex: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory") — The Jester (ex: Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, "Pirates of the Caribbean 1: The Curse of the Black Pearl") — The Ruler (ex: Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, "Black Panther") Episode Resources: Quiz 1: Discover Your 12 Jungian ArchetypesQuiz 2: Jungian Archetype Test by Psychologist World Castability's Archetype BreakdownThe Hero's Journey by Joseph CampbellEmail admin@castability.actor with all your archetype thoughts! ──────────────────────────── Learn more about the Castability app right here. And keep updated with us on our IG!  Ready to work? Download the app here for iOS or Google Play!