“Haunt” and “Beneath” are among the first films veteran casting director Wagner is producing with Nick Phillips through their newly formed, horror-focused production company.
What made you focus on horror films for your company?
It was organic; we all specialized in horror. [It’s] a very consistent genre—you’re always going to have the horror fan base out there. It doesn’t rely on big talent, but on its concept. I found it frustrating to cast people who might not be exactly what you want for the role, but they could green-light your film. I find that with horror, you really do have the opportunity to just cast the best actor.
Do you have specific casting needs for horror films?
I try not to eliminate people. Sometimes comedians and funny people are really good at horror. The fact that you don’t have to rely on a star name to get a horror film off the ground gives—I don’t want to say “newer” people, because you’re not going to put someone brand-new to carry a movie— everyone a step up in a horror film. You can get a bigger part than you’re used to.
You’ve had a lot of success casting; what made you want to produce?
In between my bigger films and repeat customers, I would get these low-budget indie movies. They’d be all first-timers, and they would look to me for answers—primarily in the talent world, but also on how to deal with SAG and just how to deal with everything. I started to realize that I had a lot more knowledge than I thought. I was more capable and able to do things besides that one department.
Is there anything you wish actors knew?
It’s not personal when you don’t get it. Let go of the feedback. Just because you didn’t get it doesn’t mean you did something wrong. Fifty people can be awesome, but only one person is going to get it. It’s a pet peeve when people are like, “What did I do wrong?” “What did I do?” “Why didn’t I get it?” Actors need to stop beating themselves up.
What can actors do to be successful in the room?
Be yourself. I think people try too hard in the room. I think if you can connect on a thoughtful level…if you just come in as yourself and we see who you are, even if it’s not that role, you’ve made an impact on us.
Why did you pick “Haunt” as your first project?
“Haunt”…had the Hollywood story of bumping into someone on the streets and a week later you’re in business together. But we actually bumped into each other on the beach, literally, and [Bill Block, QED International’s CEO] was like, “Oh, read this script.” Read it that night. Loved it. A week later we were in business together.
How do you find material in general?
We’re constantly reading scripts off of the Blood List, off of the Black List, sent in from agencies, from writer friends around the world, wherever we can get our hands on them.
Who’s Casting
The network miniseries has been making a comeback recently, and that means singular opportunities for actors. Two miniseries set to shoot in the coming months now have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned.
NBC’s “The Slap,” the story of a man who slapped a child who was unrelated to him at a family gathering, will be cast by New York–based Avy Kaufman. It’s set to begin shooting July 14 in Toronto.
Meanwhile, Lifetime’s “The Red Tent,” a biblical drama, is set to be cast by Burbank-based Marcia Ross. The miniseries, which will be directed by Bronwen Hughes, follows a young woman who is widowed at the hands of her jealous brothers, and begins a journey to find her place as an independent woman in a world ruled by men. It shoots March 17–May 16 in Morocco.
—Sean J. Miller and Ryanne Laratonda
Upcoming and Just Announced
Broadway
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Play) Tells the story of a young boy with Asperger’s who embarks on a life-changing journey when he discovers that his neighbor's dog has been killed. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Adapted by Simon Stephens. Directed by Marianne Elliott. Casting: Cindy Tolan and Daniel Swee. Previews Sept. 15 prior to an October opening at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Holler If Ya Hear Me (Musical) Inspired by the work of hip-hop artist-rapper Tupac Shakur. Book by Todd Kreidler. Music and lyrics by Tupac Shakur. Directed by Kenny Leon. Casting: Caparelliotis Casting. Next ECC for dancers: Feb. 27. Opens June 19 at the Palace Theater.
New Orleans Films
Invertigo (Action) After a satellite crashes in New York, it creates an area of reverse gravity that threatens the entire planet. Directed by D.J. Caruso. Casting: Deborah Aquila and Tricia Wood. Shoot dates TBA in New York, New Orleans, and Budapest, Hungary.
American Ultra (Comedy) A stoner and his girlfriend become the target of a government man hunt. With Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh. Casting: Jeanne McCarthy. Begins shooting in late March in New Orleans.
L.A. Pilots
Empire (Drama, Fox) A unique family drama set in the world of a hip-hop empire. Directed by Lee Daniels. N.Y. Casting: Jessica Daniels. L.A. Casting: Leah Daniels-Butler. Begins shooting mid-March; location TBA.