Hi lovelies,

If you’re like me, “breaking into” a new market might seem overwhelming, but don’t fret, I compiled my core tips on connecting with casting directors and a list of the top casting directors in “The New Hollywood.” Enjoy Atlanta: Hollywood’s New Frontier, Part 1: Casting Directors and let me know if you find the tips helpful.

Taking a bit of my own advice from the article, I was lucky enough to score an interview with Cheryl Louden-Kubin, known as The Atlanta Casting Director with over 20 years of experience in the industry, on her career, experiences, and advice to actors looking to break-in and take their career to the next level.

Candy Washington: Hi Cheryl, as the go-to casting director in Atlanta and the Southeast, how did you get your start in the industry?
Cheryl Louden-Kubin: I studied Theater all of my life. My mother was a Drama teacher so it was kind of in my genes. I studied at Carnegie-Mellon University doing a summer theater session and received a BA in Drama/English from Marymount College, NY and studied a year abroad at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) in London, England. After I graduated I moved to Miami and got a job as a PA (Production Assistant) for Worldwide Production Services, a company that we just cast the Google Science Fair spot with. Through them I got a job once a week answering phones at a busy Casting office (Casting Directors, Inc/Dee Miller) she hired me full time and a career was born.

CW: What advice do you have for actors that want to connect with casting directors?
CL-K: Technology has allowed actors to reach out and be seen without even getting in the car. That’s both good and bad. An actor can submit an audition done from home easily which allows for more exposure but what we’ve lost is the personal connection. The presentation. When I’m reading talent for a film I like to have them come in so I can work with them, I have consulted with the Director as to which “way” the actor needs to go. Even if it’s one line – they need to know where they fit into the puzzle. We can’t hand out scripts to every actor that reads.

Also, do Theater. Study. If you have a camera-put yourself on tape. There are also Casting Directors that have Facebook Pages. I know when I’m looking for something that needs extra attention, I’ll post it on my page.

Ideally you’ll want to get an agent if you want to be considered for the bigger projects. Go to the Sag/Aftra website (sagaftra.org) and plug in your area and you’ll see a list of legit agents. Each agent will have information on how to submit. You should not have to pay to register and they should only take 10% of whatever job they sent you out for and you got. 20% for Print.

CW: What’s your favorite casting project or story that you would like to share with us?
CL-K: I was fortunate enough to work on the NBC hit series “Miami Vice” from start to finish in varying casting capacities. It was an amazing experience to be involved in a top 10 series. We shot one episode every seven days. Sometimes 10 pages and 3 locations in a day. Exhausting!!! It was so exciting to sit in on Production meetings and go through the script page by page with every department being represented. An amazing education. I will cherish that time forever.

CW: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while being a casting director?
CL-K: Even though I am an extension of the Director – my eyes are not his (or hers). I may think someone has nailed their audition and the director may think they were awful. Also, if you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally. Sometimes it has nothing to do with you. You may remind the Director of his ex wife… you may never know why you did not get the job. Just keep moving forward.

CW: What are some of your upcoming projects?
CL-K: I have several projects in the works. Unfortunately I am not able to speak about them. Two features and a reality show. I am delighted to say that I will be doing ALL of the Casting, not just local hires. Something rare for a Location Casting Director.

We just cast an international commercial for Google Science Fair. It’s on our website at www.AtlantaCastingDirector.com and on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook.

CW: What’s on of your favorite casting moments?
CL-K: I have always thought that having an acting background makes me a better Casting Director. I delight in being able to see that “something” that no one else sees, even the Actor. I love being able to call the Agent, or the Actor and tell them they got the part. Priceless.

CW: Anything else you would like to share with us?
CL-K: Because of the wonderful tax incentives in the state of Georgia we are becoming very busy. The future looks very bright.

Connect with Cheryl:
Website: http://www.atlantacastingdirector.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AtlantaCastingDirector

Found this Q&A helpful? Be sure to comment below, share with your friends, and tweet @candywashington with any comments or questions.

Torrei Hart, star of VH1's Atlanta Exes and Kevin Hart's ex, opens up about the show, films, memoirs, and more

September 4, 2014Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I had the pleasure of catching up with Torrei Hart, entrepreneur, businesswoman, actor, author, and star of VH1's Atlanta's Exes. I already knew that she was funny in here own right, but she is also warm, open, and very inspiring.

Read on for what I learned during my time with Torrei and what's next for this starlet from films, books, to race car driving, and what she really thinks about Tameka Raymond.

Candy Washington: Hi Torrei, you always speak your mind on the show and you're pretty hilarious, so what was your motivation behind joining the cast of Atlanta Exes?

Torrei Hart: I actually really enjoy watching reality TV! It's great entertainment and can be a great platform if used in the right way and for positive reasons. Reality TV has started a lot of careers and I also knew and trusted the producers. I go to church with them.

CW: You seem to have really bonded with Christina, but things were pretty rocky between you and Tameka, how has your relationship with these women evolved?

TH: The show doesn't show all of the good times that we have together, only the most dramatic moments. We really do have a sisterhood and are in constant communication with each other, even after filming had wrapped. Tameka and I laugh together all the time, she's actually really funny. We are both strong, opinionated women so there's bound to be conflict, but are all real friends.

CW: What's been your most memorable moment from the show that you can reveal to us?

TH: I'm a dare devil, I've been bungee jumping and sky diving, so I suggested to the producers that we go race car driving. All of us ladies are super competitive and I was going so fast that I spun out and slid off the track and into the grass! It was a very exciting moment and I couldn't believe I was going that fast.

CW: So in addition to the show, you're also an entrepreneur and businesswoman, can you tell us about your new Skimpy Mixer, 'Cherry Limeade'?

What was the inspiration behind this career move? And I want to know, are you really driving that car that you received as a sponsorship gift?

TH: Haha, I don't personally drive the car, but my family members and manager will drive it! The opportunity with Skimpy fell into my lap. I knew that I wanted to work with a product. I love what Bethenny Frankel is doing with Skinny Girl and I wanted to be pro-women and be about empowerment.

Skimpy, which is a woman-owned company, was looking for someone and I was able to make my own flavor, Cherry Limeade. It was important to me to give women a healthy, low-calorie, and enjoyable drink. I've always loved cherry and lime, so making my flavor as Cherry Limeade just made sense.

CW: What advice do you have for other women who want to stand on their own and build their own businesses?

TH: Know what you want to do, have a plan, do your research, know your market and target audience, and be prepared to do the work. When going for your dreams and goals, there will be many sleepless nights. I went to bed at 4am and woke up at 6am to get my kids to school. Be prepared to work hard and be ready to put the work in if you want to get the rewards.

CW: As you're building your empire as an independent woman, you also find the time to act. Can you tell us about your upcoming film?

TH: Yes, I actually start filming a new movie with Katt Williams called “Yank” this week. I'm always in acting class, training, working on my craft, and auditioning, This was a goal of my mine since I was young. Through the show I've gotten more recognition and people see that I really am funny and that I can really do this, to the point where I'm now getting offers.

CW: You also have a new book in the pipeline, can you tell us about the book and what was the inspiration behind it?

TH: It's actually my memoir. I want to tell my story and lessons that I've learned throughout my life from my mistakes so that I can be an inspiration to other women who are going through similar situations. I want to inspire them to never give up and that they will get through it.

I had a woman contact me on Twitter because she was going to commit suicide. She was a mother of two and her husband had left her after she helped him build his career. I asked her for her number and called her. We talked and prayed together and when she got off the phone she wasn't going to kill herself anymore and was in a better place.

I want to inspire and motivate people not to give up on life, it will get better. Never give up.

CW: Anything else you want to share with my readers? Any parting words?

TH: Stay positive and happy in life no matter what. Never give up on your dreams and goals. Put the work in and you can achieve it.

You can catch Atlanta Exes on VH1 on Monday's at 9:30/8:30pm central and tweet @Torrei_Hart.

* Please note that I've summarized Torrei's responses based on our discussion and they are not direct quotes.

Atlanta: Hollywood's New Frontier, Part 1: Casting Directors

May 1, 2014Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Now that I'm splitting my time between New York and Atlanta, it's time to start building relationships with the people that have the power to bring me into the room so I can book the job. You guessed it, the almighty casting director.

At first I was worried about breaking into the market down here and making connections. The thought of “starting over” down here while maintaining my friendships, relationships, and connections back in New York was a bit overwhelming. After taking a deep breath and reciting my mantras Deepak-style, I quickly remembered the core basics of building relationships and instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt inspired and excited for my big new adventure in “The New Hollywood.”

Of course, I wanted to share with you all my core basics of building relationships with casting directors and my list of the top casting directors to connect with in ATL.

Connecting with casting directors:

Be authentic: Show the casting directors who you truly are rather than try to fit into some manufactured mold or type. Once they know the real you, they can see which roles and projects that you would be right for and bring you in to audition.
Have a quality product: By product, I mean YOU! Make sure that you are taking acting classes and honing your craft so when you get called into audition for them you are prepared. Remember: it's not about booking that job, it's about creating a relationship with the casting director so they can bring you in for multiple roles.
Present yourself in a professional way: Even though you want to connect on a human-to-human level remember it's still a business. Have professionally done head shots, an accurate, up-to-date resume, and a reel or links to your work to share with casting.
Reach out consistently but don't stalk: Be sure to mail-in them your head shot, resume, and reel and keep them updated on your recent bookings and news through postcards. Email when applicable and appropriate but be professional and courteous.

BONUS: SAG-AFTRA CAP sessions have just kicked-off in Atlanta. If you are in the union you can sign-up for free sessions with casting directors that includes a Q&A and you get to do a scene and perform for the casting directors. I'm lucky enough to have gotten in with Alpha Tyler, (casting director for BET) and Shay Bentley Griffin (who has cast over 100 films and TV shows).