Paladino Casting

05/15/2020

Watch how Paul Spriggs is able to dial up his performance is our newest #SidesToScreen.

These casting sessions were super fun. Inspired by those old Richard Simmons workout tapes, the creative called for a magical fitness instructor that would suddenly appear to teach people heart-healthy habits.

In all of these setups, Paul did a great job slowly raising up the energy with each take. He showed his range by not going from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. He hit different levels and kept his control along the way, which was exactly what we were looking for.

Production: @cutterproductions

Director: Evan Savitt

#casting #castingdirector #audition

05/13/2020

Context is everything for an actor. Go over any and all of the material you get with your audition: script, character descriptions, project synopsis, etc. You may not always get a full script, but any information you have about your character and the piece will make your choices that much stronger and clearer.

A few minutes of research can make all the difference in your next audition.

05/08/2020

Helping a 12-year-old actor up his self-tape game

A few weeks ago, I partnered up with @backstagecast for a Q&A session and a series of virtual one-on-ones with talent. One of the actors I chose to meet with was Jonathan, a 12 year old living in Brooklyn.

He and his mom Regine wanted advice on a recent self-tape he submitted. After I gave Jonathan play-by-play notes, he sent me a new take. I was so happy to see how well he made the adjustments we had gone over!

I wanted to share this video of our conversation because we covered a few self-tapes tips that could help any actor improve their remote submissions. Jonathan’s before and after is a great reminder of how a few simple changes can make all the difference.

05/05/2020

It’s always nice to work on a spot for a product that I have been using very often, especially these past couple of weeks. It’s been a lifesaver since I have been wearing gloves and washing my hands multiple times a day. ⁠🧤💛⁠⠀
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Director: @jessicaedwards⁠⠀
Production Company: @cutterproductions⁠⠀
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#StaySafe #StayHome #Handwashing #AquaphorLove #SpreadTheLove

05/04/2020

I had a great time holding “Office Hours” on the @backstagecast forum last week. Wanted to share one of my favorite questions. You heard it hear first: your quarantine beard does not have to go if you do not want it to. 🧔

Big thanks to Backstage for having me and to everyone who asked questions. Hit the link below to see the rest of my Q+A:

https://www.backstage.com/forums/working-actor/office-hours-feat-kristen-9935/

(P.S. Backstage is holding all sorts of special events for actors while we are staying at home. Check them out!) -KP

05/01/2020

What’s your favorite movie or TV show where New York plays a “character?”
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New York plays an important role in a lot of the projects we work on. This Genesis spot we cast portrays the city as a character that exemplifies so much what of I love about New York: elegance, grit, ⁠beauty, aspiration, and community.⁠ 🗽⁠
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Director: @mj003⁠
Music: @andradaymusic 💛⁠
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#casting #castingdirector

04/30/2020

Did you know that The Globe was shuttered from 1605 to 1606 due to the plague? Shakespeare spent that time writing ‘King Lear,’ ‘Antony and Cleopatra,’ and ‘Macbeth.’

Not holding anyone to The Bard’s standards, but what quarantine accomplishment you are most proud of so far?

04/30/2020

Right now, actors are auditioning through self-tapes, which means you don’t have the feedback or direction you normally get in the room. Our best advice: make a choice. Decision making is key in any audition, but it’s especially important with a self-tape. We want to see the actor choose a direction with the character and run with it.⁠
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Go for it. If you don’t like how it turns out, make another choice. (The nice part about a self-tape is that you get to call the cuts. 🎥🎬)

04/29/2020

In our third episode of #SidesToScreen—where we match up moments from our favorite projects with the auditions of the actors that booked it—we are looking at Rachel Niu’s (@niugirl) work in a spot for Disney Springs.⁠
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A lot of times in an audition with no dialogue, we will run actors through different emotions to get a sense of their range. Rachel does an incredible job hitting each of the reactions we called out in the room. She’s expressive, but not over the top, which was a perfect fit for the ad's fresh spin on ‘Alice in Wonderland.’⁠
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Rachel’s performance is proof that the old saying is true: less is more. I would rather redirect someone to give more than try and reel someone in once they’ve gone too big. - KP

04/28/2020

If you could give a new actor one piece of advice before their very first audition, what would it be?⁠
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Vida clearly knows rule #1: always hit your mark. 🎯

04/27/2020

New York feels different now. I took these pictures on my walk with Vida. What I love—and have always loved—about this city is the energy, the people, and the life it has. We are missing it now, but I know it will be back. ❤️- KP⁠

#staysafe⁠ #iloveny

04/24/2020

What a great turnout on the zoom Q&A and 1:1’s yesterday.

If you missed the talk, be sure to check out the Backstage forum for more of my insights and industry tips.

Thank you Backstage for all the support you give actors!

Have a great weekend, everyone! ✨😊

Join us on Zoom and YouTube Live for tomorrow’s The Slate lineup! NOTE: You must pre-register for Alison Franck’s webinar at https://bit.ly/AlisonFranck

Full schedule: bit.ly/3dhokrT

04/24/2020

Even when it’s on pause, NYC is still the greatest city in the world.⁠
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To all my fellow New Yorkers, what do you miss most about the city right now?⁠

(Super-inspiring image created by Guniz Engur at Organizma Branding 💛)

04/13/2020

Keep your passion. Keep your fire. 🔥

04/10/2020

Kitty O’Meara is a retired chaplain and teacher living in Wisconsin. We found her poem so comforting right now and thought that maybe you would too.

Stay home and stay safe. ❤️

04/06/2020

Our second episode of #SidesToScreen—where we match up moments from our favorite projects with the auditions of the actors that booked it—stars William Douglas Turner in a spot for Sabra.

Our casting reference was “the Billy Mays salesperson of hummus”—a fun, over the top pitchman who is totally in love with his product—and Will delivered right away. Even without the set or Amanda Finch's perfectly distressed lettuce chopping, Will made us feel like we were watching an “As Seen On TV” ad. (Sidenote for all actors: this is an example of when the “references” on your sides can be your best friend. And if you’re not familiar with a reference, please ask us!)

Oddly enough, Will’s callback was nothing like his first audition. Since he had nailed his Billy Mays so hard, we wanted to see his range and how well he would react to new direction. Of course, he knocked that out of the park, too. But when it came time to shoot, the director went with the energy that Will gave us the second he walked in the door.

03/30/2020

During this time, self-tapes have become the new normal in the audition process. Below are 7 helpful steps to keep in mind when recording your next at-home audition.⁠
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1. Read your self-tape request email *very* carefully. Different casting directors may have their own set of requests, so pay attention and follow any special instructions.⁠
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2. Pick a background that is clean and neat. A painting or a plant in the back is a nice touch, but a full view of your bedroom or kitchen can be too distracting.⁠
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3. Make sure your camera is even and at your eye line. Use books or pots—or better yet a tripod stand—to get it to the right height and level⁠.⁠
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4. Framing, sound, and lighting are extremely important. Take a practice video to double check your set up.⁠
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5. Don’t forget to slate your name and the role you are reading for.⁠
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6. Keep recording until you get a take that you are happy with. No one is calling cuts. Take as many tries as you would like.⁠
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7. Stay in the moment after you finish your last line, then edit out any awkwardness before or after your takes. It makes a *huge* difference.⁠
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Any tips that we missed? Drop them in the comments!⁠

03/13/2020

What’s that one tip that you keep coming back to over and over again?

03/11/2020

This video is something that we have been wanting to try for a while.

To show how our casting sessions translate to the screen, we’re taking moments from some of our favorite projects and matching them up with the auditions of the actors who booked the job.

First up, we’ve got Kieron Anthony in a cinematic spot for Ethiad Airways about a father rushing home to see his daughter walk on the field at an NYCFC game. Because the project relied on so much visual storytelling, the director—who was actually Skype-ing in for this callback—leads Kieron through the emotional arc of the piece, calling out different feelings and reactions for him to embody.

We know that these kinds of exercises might feel a little strange in the audition room, but hopefully when you compare it to the finished project, you can see why Kieron’s emotional flexibility was so, so crucial to the success of the project.

03/09/2020

How long does an audition last? A minute? A minute and a half? We know it’s not a lot of time—sorry!—but for 90 seconds, try to forget the R train that skipped your stop on the way here, the person that cut you in the waiting room, and the text your mom just sent about coming to visit next week. (Don’t worry. It will all be waiting for you when you’re done.)

When you step into an audition, everyone in that room—casting, directors, clients—is focused on YOU. And when you take 90 seconds to drop everything and focus on the sides, the direction and the feedback in the room, it shows. Believe us. #motivationalmonday

03/06/2020

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we wanted to honor one of our heroes: Marion Dougherty.

Not only was Dougherty one of the first female casting directors in Hollywood, she’s credited with reshaping the entire industry. Rather than hold “cattle call” sessions with dozens of look-a-likes coming in for the same role, Dougherty presented directors with a curated handful of actors, all of whom she believed were equally capable of playing the part.

Searching for talent in Off Broadway productions and summer stock theaters, Dougherty helped launch the film careers of Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Warren Beatty, Brooke Shields, Diane Lane, and many, many more.

Before Dougherty, casting was seen as closer to administrative work. She helped transform it into an art form. #whm

(BTW if you want to know more about Dougherty, check out the incredible documentary “Casting By.”)

03/05/2020

Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free.

*COMMUNITY PROJECT* (NY/TRI-STATE AREA)
Seeking families and educators for a YouTube Series and an editorial project for a not-for-profit social action organization.

- Children with learning and thinking differences including: ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Visual Processing Disorder

- Parents, educators, and child care providers interested in sharing stories related to children’s thinking/learning differences on camera

Please APPLY & SHARE LINK:
bit.ly/COMMUNITY-CASTING

#community #kids #casting #nyccasting #newyork #nonprofit #inspiring #education #learning #diversity #families #inclusivity

Create a new survey on your own or with others at the same time. Choose from a variety of survey types and analyze results in Google Forms. Free from Google.

02/22/2020

CASTING CHIEF FAN OFFICER FOR NEW YORK RANGERS

🚨 We’re casting MSG Networks and Pepsi Zero Sugar’s Chief Fan Officer!🚨

If you’re a New York Rangers mega-fan who is great on camera and can crush it on MSGN’s social channels, click here for more details and to APPLY ASAP: bit.ly/CFOCASTING

Know a Rangers fan that would be perfect for the job? Tag them in the comments! 👇 #NYR

09/23/2019

Attention Parents & Legal Guardians: Now Casting Junior Detectives and Adventurers!

Is your child outgoing, adventurous and inquisitive?
Is your child good at problem-solving and picking up on clues?
Does your child love adventure and mystery?

We are currently casting a team of young detectives (ages 11-15) who will travel together solving mysteries in towns from coast to coast.

PAID (weekly rate)
Filming spring of 2020 for 6-8 weeks
Casting Nationwide

Parents should click on this link to apply:
https://juniordetectivemysteryshow.castingcrane.com/

#tweens #juniordetectives #tvseries #casting #castingcalls #realitycastingcalls #nationwidecasting #adventurers #geocaching #tvcasting #castingdirector #unionactors #detectives #mysteries #problemsolver #teens #youngdetectives #adventure #legends #urbanlegends #unsolvedmysteries #scavengerhunts #outdoors #nature #scouts #LARP #roleplaying #kidsmodels #history #science

09/16/2019

ETIHAD AIRWAYS x NYCFC: HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

“All you need to know is that it’s possible.”
– Wolf, an Appalachian Trail Hiker
#MondayMotivation

#etihadairways #nycfc #choosewell #forthecity #casting #castingdirectornyc #paladinocasting

09/13/2019

“Making A Scene”: The Alec Baldwin Acting Masterclass

Good actors perform.
Great actors "make the scene".
Learn from the master: Alec Baldwin. - ComedyCentral 😆
Check out this "masterclass" we cast for the #BaldwinRoast on 9/15!

#roast #casting #paladinocasting #castingdirectornyc #alecbaldwin

09/03/2019

APPLICATION FOR: INSPIRED MEGAN RAPINOE PROJECT

**LOOKING FOR REAL PEOPLE INSPIRED BY MEGAN RAPINOE NATIONWIDE**

We would like to tell the stories of people that MEGAN RAPINOE has inspired and motivated throughout this past summer.

If you’ve overcome disabilities, social injustices, personal, cultural or environmental barriers, or attained a new level of personal excellence thanks to Megan, then you’re the story we are looking for!

PLEASE APPLY & SHARE LINK: bit.ly/MEGANEVENTS

**PAID OPPORTUNITY.
**MUST HAVE VALID PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO MILAN (9/20 - 9/24).

#meganrapinoe #worldcup #soccer #worldcup2019 #femalesoccerplayer #soccerplayer #equalpay #lgbtrights #inspiring #motivation #athletes #socialjustice #culturalbarriers #believe #communities #impact #inspired #beyourself #changelives #advocate #equality #love #igbtcommunities #milan #events

09/03/2019

Ashe ‘68 - Sports Illustrated

Are you watching the US Open? In 1968, Arthur Ashe was the first African American to win the US Open and was also ranked the #1 singles player in the world.

Check out this VR project we cast: The Ashe ’68 Virtual Reality Experience that brings us to the intimate moments right before his historic win!

It was an official selection at Sundance 2019, showcased at Tribeca Film Festival and will be at TIFF 2019. Congrats to the team!

#PaladinoCasting #USOpen #inspiration #grandslam #tribecafilmfestival #tiff #sundancefilmfestival

07/27/2019

07/26/2019

It is hard to believe that the closing night of #DragonSpringPheonixRise is already upon us - tomorrow 7/27 @TheShedNY

Each night, over the past 5 weeks, the cast has brought a dynamic energy to the stage, full of heart and soul! ♥️🔥

3 more shows to go to catch this talented cast in action! 💫✨

Click here to get your tickets: bit.ly/2wIY7yu

#lastchance #PaladinoCasting

06/28/2019

The Shed

"Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise" opened last night! Celebrate the holiday week with us next week and save up to $50 on all performances through July 7. Tickets are $115 or less, starting at $25.

Get tickets: http://bit.ly/2RIaAwg

📷: Stephanie Berger

06/24/2019

The Shed

Add this to your list of things not to miss in NY this summer!! 👌🏼

"Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise" previews start today! It's one of artnet's Editors' Picks. Read more: https://bit.ly/2Rt3pb9

06/18/2019

I’m so excited to debut a new project I’ve been working on “Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise” at The Shed

The show is a kung fu musical about a secret sect in Flushing, Queens that possesses the magical power to extend human life, and the twin brother and sister caught in the struggle to control it.

Tickets to preview performances start JUNE 22nd at $25!

Get tickets here: http://bit.ly/2wIY7yu

#TheShed #DragonSpringPhoenixRise

01/09/2019

The Shed, a Rare New Arts Center on the Hudson, Is Set to Open

We are excited about the new innovative arts center,
The Shed, opening in NYC on April 5th, 2019!

For over a year, we have worked on casting one of the shows premiering this summer - Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise. We could not be more proud to be part of the creative team and to have discovered and cast such fantastic talent!!

Check out the article from the New York Times if you haven't heard about it already!

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/08/arts/the-shed-hudson-yards-performances.html

#LOVEWHATWEDO #THESHED #DRAGONSPRINGPHOENIXRISE #ARTISTS #DANCERS #LIVEPERFORMANCE #THEATRE #ACTORS #CASTING #PALADINOCASTING #CASTINGDIRECTORS #NYCCASTINGDIRECTORS #PERFORMERS #NYC The Shed

For its first season, beginning in April, the Shed has commissioned more than a dozen exhibitions, performances and lectures across disciplines.