“Bajo,” as Olubajo Sonubi is known locally, is quickly earning a reputation as the “actor’s casting director” in Atlanta, Ga., thanks to his performance background and the comfortable environment he creates at his company, OAS Casting.
With his MFA from Southern Methodist University and his years spent as an actor, Sonubi has gained “the ability to spot honest, grounded performances, as well as a language to connect with actors,” he says. “Actors do best when you give them something to do...I stay away from talking about feelings and emotions, and focus on what actors know—actions and objectives.”
Sonubi serves as the local casting director for “The Vampire Diaries” and the new CW show “Containment,” and also casts commercials and industrials. He offers this advice to actors, “find ways to get on set, on a project in any capacity. Learn as much about this industry overall as you can—you will get a much better idea of the role you play in this much larger system.”
How do you feel about self-taped auditions?
I understand the need for self-tape especially in terms of TV and the speed it offers, but I like to get to know actors in person first. I try to reserve my live auditions for actors whose work I’m not familiar with yet. Once I’ve seen people a few times and then I get their self-tapes, I’m able to tell if that’s their first, second, or third take, or if it’s their 40th. That plays a part in who gets sent to producers.
What do you think makes a good audition tape?
Tapes are a higher quality now. Your tape is in competition with other tapes so quality makes a difference. Use a quality professional taping service if you can.
Also, it’s crucial [to follow instructions]. If the instructions say to separate your takes—that’s so I can easily send your best take to producers. If you send me a tape with all your takes lumped together and your second take is the better, there’s no guarantee a producer will watch that long.
How do actors stay on your radar?
Be working on something. If you’re only auditioning, start creating your own stuff or start making friends with the people who do. [You can email me your project] but make sure it’s a good showcase of your work, neither of us want my opinion of you going backwards. Invite me to your showcases and plays. Whenever my schedule allows I always try to come out.
What’s your greatest joy as a casting director?
I love being moved by a real performance, especially in the audition room. I get a kick out of seeing an actor deliver a performance. You know you’ve just discovered an amazing piece that’s going to fit into a larger puzzle. There’s no greater sense of satisfaction.
Any final words of advice?
Make sure your sense of self-worth and sanity are not linked to what happens in an audition room. Have a life outside of the industry. The more you enrich yourself with life in general, the better actor you will be. It will make you stronger.
And take a basic business course. Learn how to budget your money so that you really can make a living at this. Learn where to make your sacrifices.
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