CD Debi Manwiller Talks About 'Charlie's Angels'

Whether or not they've seen the original 1970s TV series or the feature films from the early 2000s, most people have heard of "Charlie's Angels." Much like the original, ABC's reboot centers on three women solving cases for their mysterious and elusive boss, Charles Townsend. The action-packed show features a trio of beautiful women in need of a second chance: Abby (Rachael Taylor) the thief, Kate (Annie Ilonzeh) the fallen cop, and Eve (Minka Kelly) the street racer. The update borrows stories from the original, but the show has a darker, more realistic feel.

However, casting director Debi Manwiller says the original is a good jumping-off point for actors trying to familiarize themselves with the show. "It's not a straight-up procedural cop show at all," she reveals. "There's definitely a lightness to it and the banter and the fun between the girls." She adds that the reboot has a definite sense of fun "and a sparkle, but the bad guys feel a little bit more real."

The series is shooting in Miami, and Manwiller says, "The use of Miami is definitely like a character in the piece. So that's an element I think that's a little bit different from the original. The cinematography is great and the city is expansive and the city is like a character. So I think that gives it a different feel." Nonetheless, the guest stars and larger roles are being cast out of L.A., though co-star roles are being cast in Miami. But for a "big" show with impressive car chases and explosions and large set pieces, the cast is relatively small, Manwiller says; the series focuses mainly on Bosley (Ramon Rodriguez) and the girls.

It's a young and glamorous show, so when casting bad guys for the women to chase, Manwiller says they are looking mainly in the age range of 20s and 30s. They will also be casting possible love interests for the women. And because the show is set in Miami, Manwiller says, "we're certainly trying to reflect the ethnic background of the city too." That means they're looking for Cuban and other Latino actors. With lots of action scenes, experience doing stunt work is always a plus.

As for what she's searching for, Manwiller says, "There's no substitute for somebody knowing the craft and coming in prepared. Because the show is set in Miami and the show is glamorous, it's definitely a lot of beautiful people. This isn't a show that's hiring as many character actors."

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