Watch for the groundbreaking, Atlanta-produced Web series, “Callbacks: Can’t Make This Sh*t Up,” slated to air on YouTube March 15. This raucous parody of the casting and auditioning process features a cast of nearly 30 up-and-comers and accomplished Atlanta-based actors such as Lynne Jenson (“The Silent Treatment”), Courtney Arlett (“Go Mad and Mark”), Philip Spartis (“Scales”), and Lauren Boyd (“Stranger at Home”). First on the call sheet is the illustrious Cynthia Stillwell (the casting director behind “Resurrection,” “Devious Maids,” and “Selma”), who is also producing and casting this project.
“I am thrilled to bring my 30 years of hands-on experience in the film, television, Broadway, and regional theater worlds to this project,” says Stillwell. “This Web series continues my vision of empowerment for all creatives.” She will also be presenting several on-camera actor training courses under her Be Aware Series.
SoulFree Enterprises, a branding company that creates campaigns for actors and develops a wide range of creative projects, is producing “Callbacks” alongside Stillwell and writer-director Cleavon Meabon, IV. He and his stellar team demonstrate how to utilize social media and the Web to showcase actors, catapult new projects, and garner network exposure. Meabon’s crew plans to go straight to major networks and online streaming platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Studios to pitch what they feel is a fresh, funny, and never-before-seen take on the actorly life behind the scenes. Meabon takes time out of his shooting schedule to chat with Backstage.
How did “Callbacks” get its start?
My experience in this industry is one that is shared by most. The audition is at the center of any theatrical or cinematic project, big or small. The stakes are always high; therefore, anything can happen. I have seen some of the most bizarre things on auditions that everyone can relate to in some way. It really baffles me at times observing the behavior of actors before they are in character. You encounter a wide range of the human experience, from the most hilarious to the most heart wrenching. The compilation of these real world experiences birthed the idea to showcase performers to themselves.
What kind of real-life, behind-the-scenes auditioning experiences can we expect to see in “Callbacks”?
I am presenting it all. If you are wondering where every bad headshot or audition sheet goes... “Callbacks” is that place. I am sheltering every mishap, stereotype, and caricature within each moment.
What lessons can actors take away from the series?
Excellence is the standard. And to achieve excellence, one must pay attention to the small details. Those details are not found in extremities; they lie in authenticity. Acting is about humanism and often actors overthink what it is to be human. “Callbacks” has a specific message: be you again. Leave the rest behind. Keep refining your mind and your craft. This is a business like any other. I believe it is the artist’s calling to heal the human condition. We do that by catering to humanism.
Will you be doing any additional casting?
Definitely. We post [notices] on all major casting sites.
What other resources do you offer actors?
It pays to be an entrepreneur in this industry. We all are in some way. My business partner Tyson Evans and I run SoulFree Enterprises, LLC. We are a creative resource firm specializing in connecting creative people with creative resources. Often people lack a machine, and that is what we provide through visual branding—logos, flyers, business cards—business development, production of theater, film, and concerts, and production coordination. In addition, through my own brand, I offer photography and coaching.
How do you keep your creativity flowing amid the hubbub of planning, writing, shooting, and development?
I never lose sight of my purpose and I want to be tangible testimony of “making it.” To sum it all up, I pay attention. The world tells you what it needs you to create.
Tune in to “Callbacks” March 15!
Inspired by this post? Check out our Atlanta audition listings!