Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Emmy Casting Directors on Self Tapes, Future of Work & DEI Impact
Casting directors, who find actors for TV shows, discussed their jobs.
They decide which show is the best and what they look for in actors.
Self-taped auditions are becoming more common, but in-person auditions are important for learning and growing as a casting director.
They also talked about how the industry is changing, with fewer jobs and a focus on reflecting real-world diversity in casting.
They worry about these changes but remain focused on what they can control, like finding talented actors and making sure everyone is represented.
Emmy-nominated casting directors discussed the shift to self-tapes and challenges in the industry.
Casting directors evaluate shows based on actor usage, the difficulty of casting, and guest cast.
They are concerned about a lack of work, the impact of fewer episodes, and a decline in in-person auditions.
The directors debated the implications of Trump's DEI moratorium on their work.
Directors expressed the need to reflect the world authentically in their castings despite industry changes.
- Who
- Jeanie Bacharach, Linda Lowy, Destiny Lilly, Brett Benner, and Melissa Kostenbauder, all Emmy-nominated casting directors.
- What
- Emmy-nominated casting directors discussed self-tapes, their work, and industry challenges.
- When
- The discussion took place recently, with references to current television seasons.
- Where
- The location is not mentioned, but it involves discussions related to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
- Why
- To discuss the current state of casting, the challenges faced, and their views on the future of the industry.
Traditional Casting Practices
Contemporary Casting Practices
Audition Methods
Traditional Casting Practices
In-person auditions allow for better interaction and assessment of actors.
Contemporary Casting Practices
Self-tapes allow wider reach but may sacrifice in-person direction and nuances.
Production Trends
Traditional Casting Practices
A focus on traditional, longer episode orders.
Contemporary Casting Practices
Acceptance and adjustment to shorter episode orders.
- Main Topic
- Emmy-Nominated Casting Directors Roundtable
- Key Discussion Points
- Self-tapes, Industry Challenges, DEI
- Participants
- Jeanie Bacharach, Linda Lowy, Destiny Lilly, Brett Benner, Melissa Kostenbauder
- Industry Concerns
- Fewer jobs, reduced episode counts, decline in in-person auditions
- Positive Aspect
- Greater access to talent via the internet and self-tapes.
- Focus
- Authentic portrayals and representation.