In a matter of weeks, so much about how content is produced has changed due to COVID-19. While commercial, film, and television sets, as well as theaters all over the world, are temporarily closed, some content creators are continuing to cast and produce projects remotely. Backstage is helping make that happen so whatever your project may be—commercials, voiceover, branded videos, and more—can still get air time. Creators are speaking to Backstage about how they’re moving forward with production and casting talent from all over the world remotely while those on both sides of production are at home.
Not everyone is on pause—companies like Hearst are still creating content amidst the changes COVID-19 has brought to the industry. With digital content that complements their print magazines and corresponding online properties, the company is still looking nationwide for talent, much of which is now at home waiting for sets to reopen. Although the circumstances require changes to be made in how these production teams are operating, Hearst’s director of casting and talent development Sabrina Safran is used to casting remotely and feels well suited to the task of finding people to keep the publisher on track with planned video shoots. She shared how she’s making it work right now.
What projects are you currently casting?
I’m casting the remote version of Seventeen Magazine’s hit Youtube series “Bestie Picks Bae,” which looks for talent nationwide, a new remote dating show for Men’s Health, and I’m looking for a body-positive beauty and style influencer and host to be featured on a popular digital brand’s Youtube channel.
Have you been able to find the talent that you were hoping to find?
So far, yes. I feel like most people now being accessible remotely could only help casting directors get in touch a lot easier with the talent that they’re looking for.
COVID-19 Resources for Actors, Creators + Performing Artists When are you expecting to shoot?
Having a set shooting schedule is difficult to predict, given all that we’re facing worldwide with COVID-19. As a casting director who’s overseeing reality and unscripted talent for digital projects, we are currently focused on producing content remotely, including having our talent self-tape or be filmed through a Zoom or Skype call. Hence, while a lot of physical television and film productions are temporarily suspended (some ongoing casting for those being an exception), the digital world has been more accommodating when it comes to shooting, given that we’re focused on remote projects that have the flexibility to be shot around our talents’ schedules as well.
“Don’t be afraid to be open-minded. If you’re an actor who’s primarily landed roles in movies or TV gigs, you may have to shift your focus to digital opportunities at this time, as those can always be done remotely. ”
Has anything changed about your approach to production?
My approach to sourcing and developing talent has not changed, as I cast a lot of reality and unscripted projects and most of that sourcing process can be done virtually. I personally feel as though many casting directors in the scripted world or whose focuses are film, television, and/or commercial casting have had to make more adjustments since many are used to ultimately seeing talent in person, rather than solely having them submit self-tape auditions or do Skype interviews for consideration. Overall, my personal sourcing and casting process has not been impacted too terribly.
What are you looking for in talent?
In reality and unscripted casting, what I look for in talent depends on the ask of the project. However, some general things I always look for are someone who knows who they are and isn’t afraid to own it. We are looking for people who are interesting to watch, are engaging, and don’t care what other people think about their larger-than-life personality. We also are looking for people who are memorable, whether it’s for better or worse. We like to find people who aren’t overly saturated in auditioning for different projects. For example, don’t submit for every single reality or unscripted project that comes in your path. We want real people who legitimately fit the molds of what we’re asking for, not someone to act out each of those asks. Importantly, we look for people who follow the directions I’ve laid out for submitting and the directions laid out for the duration of the casting process.
The content creators’ guide to casting remotely.
What advice do you have for talent who is looking to get work right now?
Don’t give up. Work does exist, even in this crazy time we’re living in with COVID-19. Casting directors who are currently remote are eager to keep working and ultimately provide talent with more kinds of on-camera opportunities. As a result, don’t be afraid to be open-minded. If you’re an actor who’s primarily landed roles in movies or TV gigs, you may have to shift your focus to digital opportunities at this time, as those can always be done remotely.
“What are some interesting ways you can take your current productions and alter them to fit a remote format? How can you continue to develop fresh content that’s impactful during such an unpredictable time? Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind the camera, the show must go on.”
How has Backstage been helpful through your casting process?
One thing I love about Backstage is the variety of talent that exists on the platform as well as how easy it is to get in touch with Backstage staff should there be any issues or questions, in addition to the talent I’m interested in taking through the casting process. Backstage is also quick to help casting directors get their projects posted and is ultimately a great tool for casting directors looking to meet tight deadlines.
What should people in the industry know about moving forward at a time like this?
Though every industry professional is momentarily being pushed out of their comfort zone in a way they’ve never experienced before, now is the time to get creative. As talent, what are some ways you can utilize social media and casting platforms to get your voice heard and get yourself noticed? Now would be a great time to further develop your personal brand (what you want to be known for) and reflect on the type of work you’d like to continue doing. As a casting and production professional, what are some interesting ways you can take your current productions and alter them to fit a remote format? How can you continue to develop fresh content that’s impactful during such an unpredictable time? Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind the camera, the show must go on, as they say. It’s up to all of us to collaborate in a way that makes sense and keep creating content that matters. And one thing to remember that’s most important is that we’re all in this together.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!