Apple TV+’s new series “Smoke” is inspired by real-life arsonist John Leonard Orr, a former fire captain and arson investigator who was convicted of serial arson and murder himself, as Orr allegedly set nearly 2,000 fires in a 30-year span and killed four people in the process. Originally titled “Firebug” after the 2021 podcast that inspired the show, this miniseries, created and written by Dennis Lehane, was filmed in Vancouver and stars Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, as well as Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, Greg Kinnear, and John Leguizamo. “Smoke” debuts its first two episodes on June 27, with a new episode dropping every Friday through Aug. 15.
To learn more about this upcoming series, like who the casting director is, let this be your go-to resource.
“Smoke” follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Egerton) as he partners with police detective Michelle Calderone (Smollett), albeit reluctantly, to stop two serial arsonists as they terrorize the Pacific Northwest with their twisted games. Like Orr’s true story, “Smoke” focuses on an arsonist who seemingly has inside knowledge of the profession, leading Dave to realize he could be pursuing one of his own colleagues. As the partners dive into the psyches of this destructive duo, Michelle’s impartial perspective allows her to see what others cannot, making her an invaluable asset as Dave tries to push his personal troubles aside and solve the case.
Alexa L. Fogel (“Ozark”) and Corinne Clark (“Deadpool”) served as the primary CDs on “Smoke” Season 1. Learn how your self-tape can catch Fogel’s eye just as much as an in-person audition and find out what else goes on during Fogel’s casting process (besides finding the right actor for the given role).
Whether you are new to the business or an industry veteran, these articles feature advice that’s useful at all stages of one’s acting career:
- How to Start Acting: Career Advice From 9 Experts
- How to Act Realistically
- Jurnee Smollett Remembers the Trick She Used to Get Hired by Denzel Washington
While “Smoke” is currently slated as a miniseries, these roundups feature gigs that are casting right now:
These casting directory pages might also come in handy as you pursue your next role, as they regularly update with the latest related listings:
And these guides on how to shine during the audition process will help you stand out from the rest:
- How to Audition for Apple TV+
- Casting Calls: What to Expect + How to Stand Out
- 10 Acting Audition Tips