Searchlight Pictures’ “Is This Thing On?” (in theaters Dec. 19) marks Bradley Cooper’s return to the director’s chair. The film finds humor in heartbreak as Will Arnett’s character, Alex Novak, faces the end of his marriage to Tess (Laura Dern). But Alex channels his turmoil into a new, unexpected passion: standup comedy. Arnett’s gripping performance is already generating Oscar buzz for best lead actor, and the movie’s cast is rounded out with many real-life standup comedians, like Jordan Jensen, Reggie Conquest, and Chloe Radcliffe.
To learn how the ensemble for “Is This Thing On?” came together, we sat down with the film’s casting director, Shayna Markowitz (whose credits also include the upcoming “The Devil Wears Prada 2”). From scouting comedy clubs in New York City to explaining how Peyton Manning’s casting was a collaborative experience with both Cooper and Dern, Markowitz details the ins and outs of this feel-good film’s casting process.
With a film about standup comedy, it was exciting to see the ensemble feature real-life comedians. Can you talk to me about casting those roles?
This was such a fun project to work on because we got to really immerse ourselves in the comedy world. And for the group of comics that supports Will’s character, it was very important to Bradley that we focus on comics who are not super well-known. So that meant really researching clubs that were not necessarily the Comedy Cellar in New York [where Alex performs in the film], but places in Brooklyn and other places in Manhattan, to find who was up and coming. Who would really feel like an authentic open mic comic trying to get their footing in that world?
First, we watched tons of footage, tons of standup, and then we met hundreds, or certainly over 100 comics—asking them to read the lines in the script, asking them to improv, talking with them, and also asking them to give us two minutes of material. And it was through those auditions that we were able to put together this supportive group around Will’s character.
I bet that was really fun to watch all of their bits.
Totally. I felt that was one of the great joys of this job. Receiving people’s jokes was amazing. And I should say, too, that the other element of casting these comics was we were also trying to make the Comedy Cellar feel really authentic by populating that world with comics who would be recognizable, who really live and breathe at the Cellar in New York. We worked closely with the manager there, Liz Furiati, who’s actually in the film [as the manager], and does an amazing job. But she helped us flesh out the rest of those comics.
Was it challenging to find someone who is not only a good standup comedian but also a good enough actor to be in the film?
We got so lucky with the actor-comedians we ended up casting because the two skills do not necessarily go hand in hand. You could be a hilarious standup and a terrible actor, or you could be a great actor or even a great improviser, but not have that specific ability to do standup. So to find actors who had both was really special.
Credit: Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald
Do you have a casting that still sticks with you out of all the auditions for “Is This Thing On?”
I would say Jordan Jensen, who plays Jill, was so hilarious. She was just so funny, and she brought such a unique quality of herself to that role. And then to see it come to life was really amazing.
You’ve worked with Bradley Cooper before on his film “Maestro.” What is it like working with him?
Working with him is a true gift. Not only do we have a great time, but we speak the same language. We like the same kinds of actors. He is super open to looking at roles in different ways. He’s not focused on someone’s credits. He’s focused on who’s interesting, who’s the best actor for the role—which gives the casting director immense freedom to cast a wide net, or think about actors that are different or unique, that can bring something authentic and true to the story.
And the other gift about working with Bradley is everybody wants to work with him, which is great, because that’s how sometimes you get actors like Ciarán Hinds and Christine Ebersole [who play Alex’s parents in the film], because they want to work with Bradley as a filmmaker. So that’s a huge advantage, too.
When casting someone who doesn’t have that much experience and is going to be playing opposite a big star like Arnett and Dern, what do you look for?
That’s a big part of why I still really like to do Zoom auditions, even if we’re doing things in person, just to get a sense of who the actor is.
I’m not thinking too much about their credits, or if they’ve done this [type of project] before. Usually when actors come through my door, there’s a base level of: They’ll be able to handle it. They could be super nervous, as we all are when we start new things and try new things, but usually it’s just getting a sense of who the person is. Are they responsible and respectful? And sometimes it is their first time acting opposite a big star or working with a big filmmaker. And, fortunately, it’s such a warm group of people that as long as the actor is smart, I think they’ll do a good job.
Credit: Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald
The film also features NFL star Peyton Manning. Can you talk to me about that casting decision?
We talked a lot about whether [the role of Laird] should be an actor or an athlete. And I think, actually, it was Laura who maybe put the idea into Bradley’s head, and we talked about it, and it just felt like it was such a great idea.
And Peyton does not take you out of the film. I think he matches Laura’s level. He matches her heft. You know, who’s going to be believable as an Olympic athlete, who would maybe be competition for Will Arnett romantically, and can hold his own? And I thought he was remarkable.
One of your most recent projects is the highly anticipated “Devil Wears Prada” sequel. Can you share any updates about that new film?
I just really look forward to seeing it in May. It was a blast to work on and super iconic, and I’m really excited to see how it all turned out.
Early in your career, you were also a casting associate for some fan-favorite franchises like “Hunger Games” and “Twilight.” What was something you learned when working on those projects that still resonates with you?
I worked on both of those franchises with casting director Debra Zane, who is my mentor, and taught me so much of what I know, and I feel so fortunate to have had those opportunities. But it’s interesting—I don’t remember approaching [those films] as if they were a franchise. Especially at the beginning of “The Hunger Games,” we were casting a movie, and we had no idea what would happen.
So, again, just trying to be truthful and finding the best actors for each role. Especially as an associate, paying attention to all of the details that come into casting. It’s not just the creative, but it’s all of the details and remembering everything you need to know in order to make a successful cast.
Do you remember Jennifer Lawrence’s casting process?
I remember that in her audition, she cried with just one tear out of one eye, and it was amazing.
I think what young actors should really take comfort in is that even before “The Hunger Games,” when I worked with Deb Zane, we cast a movie called “The Burning Plain” [2008], which was Jennifer’s first film, even before “Winter’s Bone.” And it’s really amazing to see how the process really works. Jennifer Lawrence, at that time, nobody knew, and now she’s a big movie star.
All sorts of actors that walked through the door [for “The Hunger Games”] had just started auditioning, like Liam Hemsworth, and the process really does work. I take comfort in that; I really believe that it might take a long time, but actors make it through and end up where they’re meant to be.
“The Hunger Games” Credit: FlixPix/Alamy
For someone who’s trying to get in front of a casting director like yourself, what’s one thing they should know?
The biggest thing that actors should know is that casting directors are on your side. We want you to do a good job. Because if you, as the actor, do a good job, then we do a good job. Because we’ve solved the problem of who’s going to play this role. So we really want you to do well.
I think so often, casting directors are depicted as being judges on one side of a table. But we are on your side. We’re on your team. We want to do whatever we can to help you, and sometimes it’s as simple as you’re just not right, or it was just something different. And so much of what an actor is going through is out of the actor’s control, and that’s hard, but that’s just the truth.
What’s your best audition advice?
Sometimes, casting directors don’t have time to give specific feedback. But the best feedback is if a casting director keeps inviting you to audition for them, even if you never book a part, because that means they are seeing something in you. We don’t want to waste our time. We want to try to solve the problem, try to fulfill the role. So if you keep getting called by the same office, that means you’re doing something right.
And just be prepared. Both with the material, and then be prepared to maybe be asked to do something different. Know your lines, and just be open, respectful, and kind. And we try to do the same.
This article has been edited for clarity and length.