AMERICA'S TOP TV FILM CASTING DIRECTOR & EMMY AWARD WINNER JEFF GREENBERG Sits Down With Richard Cameron Of Theatre Chat To Share Casting Secrets With Our Local Youth. How to Become A Casting Director Or How To Get Cast From Theatre to Primetime TV.
Jeff Greenberg recently won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series for the hit comedy "Modern Family" after having guided the casting chores for such other iconic shows such as "Frasier" (11 seasons/6 Emmy Nominations/5 Artios Awards) and "Cheers" (7 seasons). Other television credits include "Ugly Betty"(Emmy nomination), "Wings", "Eli Stone", "My So-Called Life", "Early Edition", "NewsRadio" and dozens of others. His feature credits include "A Night at the Roxbury", "Father of the Bride 2", "Look Who's Talking" and "Die Mommie Die!" Jeff is the recipient of 23 Artios nominations, which the Casting Society of America bestows as it's top honor.
How do you describe your success as a casting director? How far in advance are you casting a project and do you always see the script first?
"I got some major breaks early on in my casting career and I guess had the talent to back them up. I do always see the script first but sometimes it's months ahead of time and sometime it's the day before."
Is the Actors type a stronger choice than the acting?
"They are both crucial."
How can you explain a healthy relationship between Casting Director and Director?
"A great communication in how to best serve the text and also in terms of working with the actor in an acting vocabulary we all understand."
What are the most difficult parts to cast?
"When you're casting a comedy and the material is not very funny. They are usually hoping for the actor to make the material better than it is."
What part did you cast in the past that has endured the longest career?
"When I cast Kirstie Alley on Cheers she became a notable comedy star. Prior to that she had almost exclusively shined in dramas."
Would you cast a lead role from a stage show you had attended?
"Yes."
Is it appropriate for actors to send you invites to shows? Or is a clip a better choice to send through the mail?
"Invites are fine to send."
What in the chance that an actor would need to be seen in person for a part?
"We always need to see the actor in person unless they are a star with lots of film we can look at in lieu of an audition."
If they don't have an agent would you call them in by a clip, seeing them in a show or showcase?
"Sure."
What is the first thing you look at on a actors resume?
"Their TV credits and then their theatre credits."
Is look as important as training?
"Crucial"
At what point should a casting director get a PR or Agent?
"One needs an agent or lawyer to negotiate one's deal with the studio that is offering the Casting Director a job."
How many shows had you cast before you started your own company? What are the pros and cons of working on the lot of Paramount or working for your own company?
"My company started with my first job on my own, Cheers. I always am given an office on the lot where the show is in production."
What are you favorite things to cast Movies, TV, Sitcoms....?
"Sitcoms."
Cheers, Ugly Betty, Modern Family... What have been the most challenging and most happiest moments... ?
"Loved all 3 of those experiences. Cheers was my big break and a glorious 7 years. Ugly Betty was just fun, a great vibe with great people. Winning the Emmy on Modern Family is a career highlight. Every job is challenging in their own individual ways."
What is next?
Waiting to hear if my pilot is picked up!
Richard Cameron of Theatre Chat thanks Emmy Award winning Casting Director Jeff Greenberg for sharing his time and secrets with local artists. Cameron's articles have featured conversations with Tony Award winning Producer Stewart Lane, Emmy Award winning Casting Director Jeff Greenberg, multiple Broadway and TV stars and creative teams bringing arts lovers together around the world for the largest social media arts movement. Tag You're it! Click Subscribe above and share with your communities.
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