Last season's most intense TV drama was not part of the fall 2000 lineup but, rather, behind the cameras at the television networks. Executives feverishly scurried to create series with richly diverse casts sans beautiful homogenous teens to answer the blaring call for diversity by special-interest groups. The answers they came up with, such as the Fox hit Boston Public and the now-defunct CBS drama Welcome to New York, were successful to widely varying degrees.
Lately, the industry's focus has shifted from lack of diversity to the phenomenon of reality-based shows (see article on opposite page). The primetime success of such shows as Survivor, Big Brother, and Temptation Island seems to have set a precedent for most—if not all—networks to include at least one reality-based program in their lineup this fall season. Detractors of this new and different alternative programming fret that the overall quality of primetime network TV could drastically decline as a result. However, programmers think otherwise. At last month's Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Broadcast Programming Preview, NBC's senior vp of Programming and Scheduling Mitch Metcalf emphasized his network's commitment to "quality scripted programming" as he presented the NBC's six new series—to accompany the widely derided reality shows Fear Factor and Spy TV. The same sentiment was voiced throughout the day by various network heads as each presented their respective upcoming fall season schedule.
The onslaught of reality-based shows may dishearten or anger many performers seeking employment, since these shows are not seeking to attract actors but rather look for "real people with real lives." Although the pickings may seem slimmer than ever these days, there should be some solace for actors in knowing that casters still are always in search of guest-starring and dayplayer roles for the new "scripted" shows. Moreover, "Pilots are usually representatives of series that follow, but not always. Some recasting and reshooting is inevitable," wrote Howard Rosenberg in a recent L.A. Times article.
And, as in years past, Central Casting should take care of most of the extra work for the networks' new and returning shows. There is a registration/photo fee for union and non-union extras, and the company takes a percentage of the extras' gross paychecks as commission. For further registration information and details, call (818) 562-2755.
Once again, Back Stage West has assembled a casting guide with a few inklings on potential casting needs for each show on the various networks this fall. Get your resumés ready and read on.
ABC
ABC will add five new primetime series to its line-up this season—two comedies and three dramas:
According to Jim
Former Saturday Night Live favorite Jim Belushi is back on television as a loving husband who knows that the key to marriage is nodding at everything his wife (Courtney Thorne-Smith) says and that the essence of raising children is to remain a big kid himself. Casting director Jeff Greenberg could be looking for actors to play working professionals—what Belushi's character does for a living, besides sit on the couch, is not yet clear—and younger children as possible schoolmates, given that the children are featured characters.
Alias
This drama looks like a carbon copy of both Point of No Return and Run Lola Run, probably due to the red hair Jennifer Garner sports on the network's teasers. From J.J. Abrams, the creator of Felicity, comes the story of an athletic grad student who moonlights as an SD-6 agent, a top-secret division of the CIA. Ron Rifkin and Victor Garber co-star. No doubt the casting office of April Webster and Associates will need plenty of CIA types and fellow grad students. Also, as a beautiful grad student, Garner's character will likely need potential dates, as well as girlfriends to chitchat with about those dates.
Bob Patterson
In this new comedy, Seinfeld alumnus Jason Alexander is in the title role as a famed motivational speaker in a send-up of a man who inspires millions but has a long way to go himself. Robert Klein co-stars as Bob's long-suffering producer. It's safe to assume casting director Donna Rosenstein will need plenty of guest and dayplayers to fill up Mr. Patterson's celebrated seminars.
Philly
Executive producer Steven Bochco tries to hit the nail on the head again as he has many times before with the dramas he's produced. This one stars Kim Delaney, of NYPD Blue fame, as Kathleen Maguire, a tough, no-nonsense defense attorney in the courtrooms of Philadelphia's City Hall. Tom Everett Scott plays her mismatched partner. Actors should look for opportunities to play courtroom spectators, jurors, workers, as well as would-be lawyers, court reporters, legal aides, defendants, etc. Junie Lowry-Johnson casts.
Thieves
John Stamos and Melissa George team up as high-class thieves trying to pull complicated heists, all the while trying to ward off the apparent sexual tension between them with sarcastic comments that do nothing but draw them closer together. Casting director Megan Branman will likely need actors to play criminals and victims.
CBS
The eye network is determined to show that it is much more than its mega-hit reality series. This fall the network introduces seven new series. However, reality-biters will not be disappointed. Another season of Survivor is in the mix, this time in Africa, and another possible hit reality series is on the horizon with The Amazing Race.
The Agency
Gil Bellows (Ally McBeal) heads the cast of this drama about the inner workings of CIA employees. It is the first time cameras were allowed in the fine quarters of this government office. Bellows plays Matt Calhoun, an operative who sets out to recruit a Middle Eastern diplomat who has invaluable information about an impending terrorist bombing, This suspense-filled series seems to call for intelligence and anti-terrorist operative types. Robert Ulrich, Eric Dawson, and Carol Kritzer cast.
The Amazing Race (reality)
CBS claims this new reality series picks up where Survivor left off. From executive producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Bertram van Muncis, Phil Keoghan hosts this journey of 11 relationships—among them a recently separated couple, a recently engaged couple, a mother and daughter, and a couple of best friends—as each couple competes against one another on a 30- to 40-day adventure that spans the globe. Casting is limited to real types; trained actors need not apply unless they're "seeking immediate exposure"—and who ain't?
Citizen Baines
Prolific producer John Wells (ER, The West Wing) may have struck gold again with Citizen Baines, about a prominent senator (James Cromwell) who attempts to reconnect with his home life, specifically three daughters he left behind before he ventured into politics. Embeth Davidtz, Jane Adams, and Jacinda Barrett play daughters. Undoubtedly, there will be a necessity for politico types and others that encounter the lives of each of the family members. Barbara Miller and John Levey cast.
Danny
Daniel Stern (Home Alone, City Slickers), who also serves as writer and executive producer, assumes the title role of a separated father of two teenagers who manages an inner-city community center. Ted Hann will handle casting and will probably use dayplayers and guest stars to fill the world of the community-center patrons and staff and also friends of the two teenage leads. Let's not forget potential dates for the newly single Danny.
The Education of Max Bickford
This is Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss's first starring role in a television series and, in the words of CBS, marks one of the biggest triumphs of the new season. Max Bickford (Dreyfuss) is a college professor at an all-female institution whose life is at a crossroads after he was passed over for a long-overdue promotion. This widower is also struggling to parent two teenage children. Pat McCorkle casts this drama out of New York and will no doubt need a bevy of female co-eds and teachers.
The Ellen Show
Ellen DeGeneres is back in fine form as executive producer—along with Carol Leifer (Seinfeld) and veteran comedy writer Mitchell Hurwitz (The Golden Girls)—and star of The Ellen Show. She portrays a small-town girl turned L.A. businesswoman—a role the star has said has background similarities close to her own—whose high-profile Internet startup company folds, causing her to re-evaluate her life. In turn, she moves back to her hometown to put the pieces of her life back together as a high school counselor who teaches home economics. Caster Lisa Miller Katz will likely need 18- to 30-year olds to portray high school students, as well as others for teachers, cafeteria ladies, and parents.
The Guardian
From the creative mind of feature-film producer Mark Johnson (Donnie Brasco, What Lies Beneath), this drama is about a full-time silver-spoon lawyer (Simon Baker) forced to become a part-time child advocate at Legal Aid Services as a result of his drug conviction. As he serves out his community service, each eye-opening case of kids caught up in difficult circumstances encourages Baker to change his ways. Caster Jeanie Bacharach most likely will need actors to portray courtroom personnel, lawyers, social and case workers, in addition to children to portray the afflicted.
Wolf Lake
Set in the Pacific Northwest town of Wolf Lake, this series is a far cry from the quirky '80s flick Teen Wolf. The story revolves around the town's most prominent residents' ability to transform themselves into wolves. A struggle for power ensues among the shape-shifters. The local sheriff, Matthew Donner (Tim Matheson), and Seattle cop John Kanin (Lou Diamond Phillips) get involved to deal with the increasingly hostile environment. Look for casting director Debi Manwiller to use dayplayers and guest stars as town residents.
NBC
Must See TV Two? We'll have to wait and see, but the upcoming season for NBC will include seven new "scripted" series this season.
Crossing Jordan
Former Law & Order star Jill Hennessy returns to NBC as Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh, a Boston medical examiner with a checkered career—and an affinity for going beyond the call of duty to investigate crimes. Looks as though casters Jason La Padura and Natalie Hart will need plenty of extras to portray patients and slip into those flattering little hospital gowns.
The Downer Channel
This show is a mix of comedy sketches and interviews with real people that takes a humorous look at the lighter side of life's everyday hassles. The creative team includes executive producers Steve Martin (L.A. Story), Robert Morton (Late Night With David Letterman), Joan Stein (Crazy in Love), Steve O'Donnell (The Chris Rock Show), and Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, and Caryn Mandabach (That '70s Show). Casting Director Cara Coslow could possibly use guest stars and dayplayers for spots in the series of short, fast sketches and reality pieces running throughout the show.
Emeril
Famed chef Emeril Lagasse takes a stab at acting—or does he?—portraying a successful television chef. Emeril is a behind-the-scenes look at a popular chef struggling with the shifting demands of his TV cooking series. Many will be needed to try those wondrous delectables Lagasse dishes up so well. Fran Bascom casts.
Inside Schwartz
When Adam Schwartz (Breckin Meyer) is unexpectedly dumped by his girlfriend (Joelle Carter), he desperately tries to recuperate from his loss and get back into the dating game. However, after learning his ex-girlfriend is bringing her new boyfriend into town, he quickly searches for the perfect date with help from his platonic friend (Miriam Shor) and his father (Richard Kline). This comedy provides a novel look at the life and times of young Schwartz, an athletics-obsessed sportscaster, whose inner thoughts and fantasies are revealed through personal conversations with sports figures. Caster Carol Goldwasser will probably use guests and dayplayers to portray the endless string of women he tries to date, along with fellow sports enthusiasts at the various sporting events he will more than likely attend.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Three's a charm, eh? Dick Wolf has already successfully created a spin-off of his original Law & Order, so why not go for another? This drama offers another dimension to the world of cops and lawyers by disclosing major crimes from the criminal's perspective. The show will integrate a unique psychological component to Wolf's much-lauded brand of storytelling. The cast includes screen gems Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jamey Sheridan, and Courtney B. Vance. Casting is by Lynn Kressel Casting out of New York and will undoubtedly focus on criminals and fellow travelers.
Lost (reality)
In the words of NBC, the alternative program Lost "breaks down adventure into its rawest form as it takes what viewers know about reality shows and strips it to the barest essentials—thereby rewarding the best in all of us." The show is a global adventure in which three pairs of strangers are left at a secret location with a small sum of money, no maps, and no means of communication with friends or family. Each of the three two-person teams has a single mission: to reach the Statue of Liberty first. Whichever team does it first splits a purse of $200,000. Contestants only, trained actors need not apply.
Scrubs
This half-hour comedy from the suits behind Spin City focuses on the experiences of fresh-faced medical intern John J.D. Dorian (Zach Braff of Broken Hearts Club). The show's creator and executive producer Bill Lawrence commented, "My mom describes it as M*A*S*H* meets The Wonder Years, but she's a little biased." It's a sure bet casting directors Brett Benner and Debby Raomano will need plenty of actors, all types, for the surreal hospital scenes, as J.D. embarks on his healing career in a hospital full of unpredictable staffers and patients.
UC: Undercover
UC: Undercover is the brainchild of the co-writer of Shaft and Armageddon, Shane Salerno, and executive producer Don Winslow—along with Jersey Films partners Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, and John Landgraf. This action-thriller focuses on the secret lives and private demons of an elite Justice Department crime-fighting unit that confronts the country's deadliest and most untouchable lawbreakers by going undercover. The character-driven series will call for a load of dayplayers and guest stars to be involved in the covert operations of these undercover crime-fighters. Meg Liberman will handle casting in L.A. Michelle Allen will take care of casting needs in Vancouver.
Fox
Fox's penchant for the outrageously clever—Simpsons, Malcolm in the Middle—may continue with a few promising comedies this fall: The Tick, Undeclared, and Greg the Bunny.
24
Imagine Television produces this original drama in which the entire season takes place in one day, with each of the 24 episodes covering one hour. It stars Kiefer Sutherland as a government agent who uncovers a presidential assassination plot. The series begins at midnight on the day of the California primary. Jack Bauer (Sutherland), who heads up the government's Counter Terrorist Unit, is trying to stop an assassination attempt on an African-American presidential candidate (Dennis Haysbert). Casters Cecily Adams and G. Charles Wright of Liberman/Patton Casting will likely need a slew of "all types" to pose as presidential campaign speech spectators, government operatives, and such.
Emma Brody
Emma Brody focuses on the professional and personal life of a Midwestern woman (Arija Bareikis) who moves to London to work as a vice consul at the U.S. Embassy. Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer will cast this drama and will likely use guest and dayplayers to play government staff and European tourists.
Greg the Bunny
This behind-the-scenes look at a children's TV show stars Eugene Levy and Seth Green and a cute little stuffed bunny named Greg. Looks as though the caster (name not available) will likely need many guest and dayplayers for backstage crew and studio-audience scenes.
The Tick
This wacky show is about a mysterious blue defender (Patrick Warburton) of justice who teams up with an odd and slightly dysfunctional group of superheroes (played by David Burke, Liz Vassey, and Nestor Carbonell) to fight crime in a city known as the City. Derived from Ben Edlund's cult comic book and animated series of the same name, and directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, The Addams Family), The Tick offers "a skewed take on the never-ending battle between good and evil," according to Fox. Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer casts this series and will likely need guests and dayplayers for would-be damsels in distress and evil nemeses—or is it nemesi?
Undeclared
From award-winning writer/producer Judd Apatow, whose credits include Freaks and Geeks, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Ben Stiller Show, comes another young, hip, edgy series that follows an eclectic group of college freshman around campus at the University of North Eastern California. College life is seen through the eyes of Steven Karp and his dorm mates as they face being away from home for the first time. Where there is a college campus, there will always be a need for college students and faculty. Casting director Allison Jones has the duty of filling up those mock lecture halls with frat boys, sorority girls, and professors.
WB
The Frog is gearing up for another season with seven new series, including lots of teen-oriented shows, a genre for which the network has become well known.
Dead Last
Slated as a suspense/comedic thriller, this series chronicles the misadventures of a struggling rock band with the unwanted power to see ghosts. Suddenly these newfound mediums are stuck with helping an endless parade of apparitions move on to the next world, while still trying to keep the band together. Sounds bitchin'. Watch for scenes in need of party/clubgoers and their dates and perhaps ghostly figures lurking around in need of a hand. Lesley Litt casts, but casting has been completed for this season.
Elimidate Delux (reality)
This lighthearted relationship show, as the WB puts it, is based on the quest for true love. It takes one girl or guy on adventurous dates in exotic locales with four potential love connections to see what happens. No actors need apply—unless they're looking for a date.
Lost in the USA (reality)
This interactive "reality-based adventure with a game-show twist" from the creators of The Real World and Road Rules centers on the cross-country trek of four teams of three who will run a 48-hour marathon of bizarre tests, tasks, and time trials that could take them anywhere in the United States. Teams comprise people from the same town, pitting city against city, competing for cash and prizes. The viewing audience is a part of the adventure, as they are able to log on to the network and work alongside the teams to offer them clues and/or advice to help them along the way.
Maybe It's Me
Emmy-winning producer Suzanne Martin (Frasier) created this family drama about a 15-year-old, Molly Stage, who feels as if she's surrounded by a family of freaks. Leslie Litt casts this comedy, which seems to call for young sassy and sweet Britney Spears-type female fans, angst-ridden teenage boys, and friends of the well-meaning, pathologically late mother (Julia Sweeney) and her dad, Jerry (Fred Willard), a sweet man who just wants to maintain a humble and peaceful existence. However, casting has reportedly been completed for this season.
Men, Women, & Dogs
Tracy Kaplan is casting this relationship comedy from Emmy-nominated writers Dan Staley and Rob Long (Cheers) that centers on the lives of four guys in their 20s (Bill Bellamy, Danny Pino, Niklaus Lange, and Mike Damus) whose lives center around their girlfriends, their careers, and their dogs. This comedy will certainly need numerous guest and dayplayers to act as dog-walkers, possible dates, friends, joggers, café patrons, etc.
No Boundaries (reality)
This is an alternative programming series that follows a group of contestants as they brave the elements on a trek across some of North America's most rugged terrain. Kicking off on Vancouver Island, B.C. (big surprise), the expedition will move north to the vistas of the Yukon, where the group may travel conventionally by commercial fishing boat, seaplane, racing yacht, or llama. Other times they'll travel in an unconventional manner as they rock climb, canoe along raging waterways, traverse river waters, and rappel down jagged cliffs.
Off Centre
Casting director Bonnie Zane will cast this comedy about a smooth talking, sophisticated Brit, Euan (Sean Maguire), and his American roommate and best friend, Mike. Zane will likely needs lots of foxy ladies for this Brit to cuddle up with.
Popstars 2 (reality)
Straight off the success of Eden Crush's debut album, appropriately titled Popstars, the network looks to find more future hit-makers with a group made up of males and females. Popstars will again chronicle the singers' every behind-the-scenes moment as they strive for superstardom in the pop-music industry.
Raising Dad
We find Bob Saget back in the role of superdad, which he played years ago in his series Full House. This time he portrays a widower doing his best to be both mother and father to his two girls, 15-year-old Sarah and his elementary school-age daughter, Emily. The series focuses mainly on the teenage girl, whose growing pains are amplified by her mom's recent death and dad's job teaching at her high school. Look for high school and elementary types, school staffers, parents attending PTA meetings, carpool drivers, and neighbors for guest and dayplayer roles. Susan Vash casts this comedy.
Reba
Country superstar Reba McEntire wanders into a new medium with this edgy comedy cast by Greg Orson that has been called "the next Roseanne." Orson will likely be seeking out a plethora of suburbanites to populate the show's Southern town. McEntire plays a divorced Texas soccer mom who watches her white-picket-fence world collapses before her eyes. A realistic Southern feel should be apparent, since the series creator, Allison M. Gibson (Home Improvement, Boy Meets World), is a Houston native.
Smallville
For this drama, set in Smallville, Kan., the network's publicity press notes state it best: "This exciting new action series blends realism and adventure as it takes the enduring Superman franchise and its classic characters back to high school with a teenage Clark Kent. Between the boy he thought he was and the man he is destined to become are the stories of Smallville." Surely dayplayers and guest stars will be needed for a variety of high school types featured as movie dates, arcade buddies, and tormenting bullies.
UPN
United Paramount Network adds rating-winner Buffy the Vampire Slayer from the WB to its line-up this fall season, but the network also has three new series to accompany many of last season's favorites.
Enterprise
This sci-fi drama is a prequel to the original Star Trek series. Set midway through the 22nd century—a century before Capt. James T. Kirk helmed the famous starship—Enterprise explores the history of intergalactic upheaval that leads to the formation of The Federation. Cast members Scott Bakula, Connor Trinneer, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Linda Park, and John Billingsley guide us through the early pioneering period of deep-space exploration during the infancy stages of interstellar travel. Obviously, casting directors Junie Lowry-Johnson and Ron Surma will need plenty of guest and dayplayers to portray extraterrestrial beings.
One on One
This comedy series stars Flex Alexander (The Sixth Man, Girlfriends) as a local sportscaster and ladies' man, Mark "Flex" Washington, who takes on the challenge of raising his 14-year-old daughter, Brenna (Kyla Pratt, Love & Basketball, Dr. Doolittle), after her mother takes a job out of the country. Casters Holly Powell and Liz Melcher could be looking for hot young babes to play Washington's love interests. Also look for opportunities for actors to play working professionals.
Special Unit 2
CFB Casting will handle L.A. casting of this one-hour sci-fi detective action/comedy (whoa!) about a secret high-tech precinct of the Chicago Police Department, whose sole charge is to protect the city's unsuspecting citizens from Links, a malicious paranormal species that is the missing link between man and beast. This series is shot in Vancouver. BSW