The Acting Podcast from The BGB Studio

SOMETHING WILD: Risa & Billy talk Casting over the past 40 years‍I love talking to Billy about what we care about in our work. We came up together; we partnered for many years as Casting Directors and Producers; we worked alongside each other as directors in the Theatre in NY. We became who we are together. We value the same principles and practices in our long and winding and often wild careers. In this episode of The Acting Podcast, Billy and I reminisce about the good old days and how they were extraordinary. It was a deeply creative time, with its own unique challenges of being in the trenches of preproduction and production. We loved being in the room with actors and directors, writers and producers. We talk about how hard it is now without that intimate partnership, but how we have to find a way to bring collaboration back to the process, no matter what that process has become.Billy and I also meet regularly on Zoom to talk through the chapters of a book we are crafting together about our Casting adventures in the 80s and 90s. It’s been incredibly revealing and enlightening, emotional and wildly fun. Stay tuned.So have a listen; we really want to hear from you as to how this impacts you. Also listen to the Casting Director Roundtable episode prior to this one. Billy was a part of that but lost Internet and had to step out, so you get to hear from him one-on-one here.P.S. The close partnerships you form in your career will sustain you for a lifetime.- RisaWatch the video version on the episode webpage; it’s fun!https://www.bramongarciabraun.com/the-acting-podcast/ep-63-something-wild-risa-billy-talk-casting-over-the-past-40-years------------------------Learn more about Billy below!Billy Hopkins is a casting director of film, television, and theatre. His first job was as a casting intern at the off-Broadway Ensemble Studio Theatre, where he met Risa Bramon Garcia. They were hired by Susan Seidelman to cast their first film, DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN. They went on to cast many of the most notable films of the 80s and 90s, including Adrian Lyne’s FATAL ATTRACTION, and several films for Oliver Stone, including BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY and JFK, as well as John Hughes CHRISTMAS VACATION. Their first television credit was ROSEANNE. Billy has gone on to cast over 200 films. He received an Emmy for his work on Ava DuVernay’s limited television series, WHEN THEY SEE US. He lives in NYC and continues casting to this day. Check out Billy’s IMDb HERE.Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes:Episode 62: Casting Virtual Roundtable: CDs tell it like it isEpisode 18: Talking Shop w/ Our BGB Casting Family: Risa, Leah, & BillyEpisode 23: Mary Queen of Casting: A Candid Conversation w/ Mary VernieuEpisode 12: Bernie Telsey: The King of CastingEpisode 20: Sarah Finn: Superhero of CastingEpisode 38: Richard Hicks, CD: We’re All In This TogetherEpisode 40: Opening the Door to Commercial Casting: with Danielle Eskinazi & Renita Gale

Casting Virtual Roundtable: CDs tell it like it is ~A conversation with 6 brilliant Casting Artists~ with (in alphabetical order) Juel Bestrop, Randi Hiller, Billy Hopkins, Hedi Levitt, Bernie Telsey, Mary Vernieu & Risa!‍We have wanted to do this for a while…to share what these, and most CDs, think and feel about the work, the Industry, self-tapes, all of it. To tell it like it is! So, I met on Zoom with this group of my favorite people/artists/Casting Directors to do just that. They are connected to each other in having established their careers working with me and my former casting partner, Billy Hopkins, decades ago. They are forever family. And they have become the most formidable Casting Artists in the world.We assembled. We reminisced about the good old days of Casting, when it felt like art, and told a couple of stories of how some iconic roles were cast.We complained (just for a bit) about the current state of the Industry, its radically changing financial structures, and the reliance on Zoom and self-tapes that have thoroughly changed how we work and disconnected us from our collaborators, especially from actors. We acknowledged what we miss, what we love, and what we crave. We talked about what we want from actors and how all Casting Directors ferociously combat the obstacles that get in the way of doing our best work.In the end, we are all fighting the good fight…for the work, for art, for actors…every day!Listen in, and let us know what resonates for you. Most of all, I hope that this reminds you that we are all in this dance, this fight, this art…together. And that we must all be accountable to protect it.- RisaWatch the video version on the episode webpage; it’s fun! https://www.bramongarciabraun.com/the-acting-podcast/ep-62-casting-virtual-roundtable-cds-tell-it-like-it-is------------------------Read more about each Casting Director featured in this episode HERE on the BGB website!https://www.bramongarciabraun.com/the-acting-podcast/ep-62-casting-virtual-roundtable-cds-tell-it-like-it-isListen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes:Episode 23: Mary Queen of Casting: A Candid Conversation w/ Mary VernieuEpisode 12: Bernie Telsey: The King of CastingEpisode 20: Sarah Finn: Superhero of CastingEpisode 18: Talking Shop w/ Our BGB Casting Family: Risa, Leah, & BillyEpisode 38: Richard Hicks, CD: We’re All In This TogetherEpisode 40: Opening the Door to Commercial Casting: with Danielle Eskinazi & Renita Gale

Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodesClayton Farris is an Actor. He’s a comedian, a filmmaker, a content creator, a great guy… and… he most of all is an Actor dedicated to being the Best Actor he can possibly be. Clayton is a long-time member of the BGB Studio, and Risa has had the privilege of working with him here and watching him work hard and grow brilliantly. His fellow BGB actors adore him, as does she. Risa and Clayton talk about his path and his process here on The Acting Podcast.Ok, so more on Clayton’s career… Clayton recently had a breakout role in Weapons, the new Warner Bros. mystery/thriller. The film opened August 8 to a box office debut that surpassed both Fantastic Four and Freaky Friday, following its ultra-rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score—a distinction only one other horror film has ever achieved. Clayton’s standout performance has been making waves online, sparking strong reactions from viewers.In Weapons, he plays Terry, the husband to Andrew (Benedict Wong)—a pivotal, scene-stealing role that marks a defining moment in his career.Clayton’s previous credits span standout genre projects across horror and comedy, including American Horror Story, Ratch-ed, The Morning Show, and most recently, the hit A24 slasher MaXXXine. He has recurred on Seal Team. Clayton has also built a robust digital presence through his witty, relatable sketch comedy—writing and starring in videos that consistently rack up millions of views. Fans have affectionately dubbed him the “Larry David of TikTok” for his dry delivery, social spiral moments, and knack for turning everyday discomfort into something deeply funny and deeply relatable. We love his videos and he’s shot some of them here at BGB, where nobody is safe from wildly funny and ultimately affectionate spoofing, even Risa! Check a few out here on the website page/show notes! A longtime Los Angeles–based actor and writer, Clayton has spent 17 years in Hollywood honing his signature blend of grounded performances and sharp comedic timing. In real life, he identifies as bisexual and is in a long-term relationship with actress Laura Schein. His perspective as both a left of center content creator and a working actor navigating the shifting entertainment landscape makes him a uniquely thoughtful and funny voice. Clayton is having a moment! And he has recently booked an exciting role on a highly anticipated new Apple TV show, which is no accident. Risa and Clayton talk about this moment and how it came to be. So have a listen, enjoy, and let us know how this sparks your own creative and professional journey!More On RisaMore On SteveSubscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating!Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world.‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG!‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now!Guests & Resources:Here are some links to Clayton’s funny social vids:That One Acting TeacherThat Hike GuyThat One Rich CoupleCorporate BreakupClayton Farris IMDBClayton Farris InstagramClayton Farris TikTokCredits:Producer:BGB STAFFTech + Design:Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi MenonMusic:SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOWBack To All EpisodesMeet us on Instagram and TikTok to get more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel:@BGBStudio on IG + TikTok‍‍CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes!SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs!The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our StudioAre You Ready For Class?All BGB ClassesIndividual Coaching

This is our 60th episode of The Acting Podcast 🙌 which is a big deal for us here at The BGB Studio. So welcome to #60, and How to be Awesome.You ARE awesome.Say that to yourself, maybe even in the mirror; try it! I AM AWESOME. Now let it land. Right in your solar plexus. It’s TRUE. And while this Industry may not see you in your awesomeness- now or yet or since whenever- it’s your job… your responsibility… your privilege… to step into the light. To let your awesomeness be seen. To keep coming back to your art, even though your mind may be screaming for Industry access.We talk about how to be awesome in this episode, which translates as… how to own, express, and share your awesome gift, your awesome art, and keep doing it even when you think nobody is watching. Find out why that is your path to all narratives of success.These are intense times; it has been intense for a while- over 5 years since the start of the pandemic. So how can you find peace, joy, and inspiration in your work right now, even if our Industry colleagues may not be paying attention. How can you lean all the way into your art and light up the previously unseen parts of your talent? Blow it all the way up!We also get that you’re looking for answers. You want relief, hope, yes… validation, and a clear roadmap to booking work.So in this episode, we answer a few of the urgent questions that come up in our coaching sessions in the quest to find the most effective pathway to connection with the Industry. Like…How to have an amazing reel, how to gather (and yes, make!) footage that will make your reel undeniable…How to have headshots that get you auditions…How to get agents and managers to know you and sign you… and if you have reps, how to get them to pay more attention to you and get you opportunities.There is SO much to discuss around these questions and we start to unpeel the onion here in episode 60, part 1 of this big conversation. We also have included our Career MasterClass: How to Get (and Keep!) an Agent (here & in our show notes) which we are offering you FREE. So grab it, watch, listen, and join us for a 1:1 Coaching session and for Class!Also… send us your burning questions! We want to hear from you so we can address them for Part 2 of: How to Be Awesome: Answers to Your Burning Questions. Email us at [email protected]!Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating!Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world.‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG!‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now!More On RisaMore On SteveGuests & Resources:Click the link below and get access to our BGB MasterClass on HOW TO GET (AND KEEP!) AN AGENT - FOR FREE!HOW TO GET (AND KEEP!) AN AGENTListen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes:Episode 59: Rebuilding your Career, your Community, & YOU as an ActorEpisode 55: What Are You Waiting For? You Are The Industry.Episode 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now?Episode 49: How to Redefine Your Career For This MomentCredits:Producer:BGB STAFFTech + Design:Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi MenonMusic:SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOWBack To All EpisodesMeet us on Instagram and TikTok to get more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel:@BGBStudio on IG + TikTok‍‍CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes!SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs!The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our StudioAre You Ready For Class?All BGB ClassesIndividual Coaching

At our most recent BGB Actors Summit, Risa and Steve gathered with actors from all over the world- from Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, from Glasgow to San Antonio, from Buffalo to all over Los Angeles. They offered the fundamental and practical steps necessary to nurture and rebuild your career, your collaboration with other creative professionals, and your art. These are essential practices that take you on the journey to success- from care for yourself and who you are as an artist through to expressing that art in and with the support of a strong creative community. And then, with that foundation and support- through training, practice, and a full creative life in conjunction with other artists- you have the tools to build an amazing reel, impactful headshots, scroll-stopping self-tapes,and relationships with representatives and the entire Industry. AND you get to be a full, happy, vibrant actor with whom everyone wants to work!We recorded the Summit so that we could share it with you here on The Acting Podcast, as Audio & Video. We are grateful that we could all come together in the midst of the LA fires that have devastated our Los Angeles communities, while, at the same time, Los Angelenos have come together for each other in the truest spirit of community. Listen in, watch the video, and share with anyone who needs to hear this. We invite you to join our amazing community of artists!More On RisaMore On SteveSubscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating!Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world.‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG!‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now!Guests & Resources:Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes:Episode 57: Stepping into AbundanceEpisode 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now?Episode 45: The Healing Required to Be an ActorEpisode 41: Fighting Isolation: Why You Need an Artistic CommunityCredits:Producer:BGB STAFFTech + Design:Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi MenonMusic:SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOWBack To All EpisodesMeet us on Instagram and other social spaces where we hang out — with tons more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel:@BGBStudio on IG + Twitter + TikTok + @theBGBStudio on Facebook. ‍‍CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes!SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs!JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A virtual workshop with Risa & SteveThe BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our StudioAre You Ready For Class?All BGB Classes

Hunting Season“A story, in three parts, about Catfish Queens, Virgin Marys, and Losing your Damn Mind in the Mississippi Delta”

Saturday Boy“A tale driving you into the heart of car bonnets, old ladies and existential dread”

Losing My Religion“It’s 1992… painting houses, a break up, a presidential election, and poetry”

Murder at Heaven Avenue“A mountaintop revelation changed everything”

Muqtada’s Room“An invitation to stay in bed gets him out of bed and into the dream”