Brothers Nicholas & Michael Testa Learned To Toss Pizza In Their Dad’s New Jersey Pizzeria
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- 5/4/2017
- by People Staff
- PEOPLE.com
Casting directors have been hired for five new CBS drama pilots, Backstage has confirmed.The high-profile pilot for “Anatomy of Violence,” an hour-long crime drama from “Homeland” co-creators Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, is being cast by Michael Testa. Inspired by the upcoming non-fiction book “The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime” by Adrian Raine, the project centers on a young female detective who partners with a criminal psychologist with whom she shares a past connection.Casting directors Deborah Aquila and Tricia Wood of Aquila/Wood Casting are casting “Intelligence,” a drama pilot focused on an agent at U.S. Cyber Command who gains special abilities after he has a microchip implanted in his brain.Gary Zuckerbrod is the casting director for the new medical drama pilot “The Surgeon General,” which offers a fictionalized look at the nation’s top doc as he fights the forces of politics...
- 2/11/2013
- backstage.com
Nick at Nite's English-language adaptation of Mexican telenovela "Alcanzar una Estrella" will be cast by Dan Shaner and Michael Testa, Back Stage confirmed with Nickelodeon. Nick is partnering with Televisa to produce the series about a teenage girl who wins a songwriting contest sponsored by her teen idol, and winds up becoming a star herself. Currently the English-language version is without a title, although the Spanish title translates to "To Reach for a Star." The show has been given an 80-episode order, and is set to get under way in March.This will be the third current series for Shaner/Testa, as the also cast "Ringer" for the CW and ABC Family's "Make It or Break It."...
- 2/1/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Pete Keeley)
- backstage.com
Want to know what casting directors really want? No more guesswork. Hear it from them directly!In our 15 "focus sessions," top casting directors discuss -- in intimate workshops in which you sit a few feet away -- what they really want to hear in auditions, what they look for in an actor, and key signals that you have what it takes to succeed in the professional world of film and television. Seating Is Extremely Limited. Below is a list of the 15 workshops. Do not miss this amazing opportunity to advance your career. To register for these tiny workshops, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.ActorfestLA.com. Casting Director Focus SESSIONSCasting Director Focus Session #1 with Michael TestaGet Amazing Advice from the Casting Director of "Roswell," "Moonlight," "Cold Case," and "Ringer." Speaker: Casting director Michael Testa. Casting Director Focus Session #2 with Mark TeschnerLearn the Secrets of Getting Cast from the.
- 10/30/2011
- by help@backstage.com ()
- backstage.com
The new television season means many things. It marks the reboot of a classic 1970s series, the return of a few fan-favorite actors, and, most important, a whole bunch of casting opportunities for actors in guest-starring, recurring, and regular roles. Back Stage spoke with the casting directors of four new shows to find out what they might be looking for."Charlie's Angels" (ABC)Casting director Debi Manwiller says the original is a good jumping-off point for actors trying to familiarize themselves with the show."Person of Interest" (CBS)Casting director Mark Saks of Mark Saks Casting describes "Person of Interest" as " 'The Equalizer' with a 'Big Brother' element" and adds that it was the highest-testing pilot for CBS in 15 years."Ringer" (The CW)Casting directors Dan Shaner and Michael Testa describe the show as having a film noir vibe. "It's twisty, turny, internal," says Testa....
- 8/31/2011
- by help@backstage.com ()
- backstage.com
Sarah Michelle Gellar returns to television this fall not once but twice, in the dual role of Bridget Cafferty and her twin sister, Siobhan Martin, on the CW's "Ringer." In this one-hour drama, a troubled young woman being chased by the mob takes on the life of her wealthy, recently deceased twin.Casting directors Dan Shaner and Michael Testa describe the show as having a film noir vibe. "It's twisty, turny, internal," says Testa. "Think Brian De Palma films from the '70s." But if you're auditioning for the show, Shaner and Testa would rather you focus on being natural instead of worrying about the noir aspect. "If you start playing it as a film noir, you might purposely play it suspicious or having some sort of agenda," says Shaner. "That becomes a bit of a giveaway. Play it real, authentic, and honest and you'll be fine.""Look at what's on the page.
- 8/31/2011
- by help@backstage.com (Jessica Gardner)
- backstage.com
In this era of pocket-sized video cameras and "Star Trek"-esque PDAs, it's easier than ever for actors to be proactive about their careers. But does this brave new world extend to never leaving your house for an audition? After all, today's technology enables you to tape yourself in the comfort of your own home, then email or upload the result for a casting director's viewing pleasure.Feelings in the industry are decidedly mixed—but "virtual auditions" seem to be popping up more and more."It's not like it's a formal part of the process as of yet; it's just sneaking in," said casting director Michael Testa ("Cold Case," "Make It or Break It"). "When I release a breakdown, people call sometimes and say, 'Do you mind if so-and-so puts himself on tape?' and I don't mind at all. I've been getting more and more of that as time progresses.
- 11/24/2010
- backstage.com
Crime dramas, conspiracy thrillers, and down-home narratives about youthful angst will be among the new shows entering our homes this fall TV season. All will be seeking actors for a range of roles: guest spots, recurring, perhaps even a principal part. We spoke to CDs of several shows to find out what they might need. "Body of Proof," Drama, ABCAs the title suggests, "Body of Proof" is a crime drama. But it's somewhat different from the usual fare, says casting director Rosalie Joseph. In addition to solving murders, the characters are advocates for the victims, giving peace and closure to their survivors. Set in Philadelphia (but shot in Providence, R.I.), the story centers on Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delaney), a top-notch neurosurgeon who is forced to give up her medical practice in the wake of a devastating car crash and resume her career as a medical examiner. But within...
- 9/1/2010
- backstage.com
As one of the casting director of some of TV’s most popular shows, Michael Testa has truly carved out a respected name for himself in Hollywood. Michael’s career in casting is proof that hard work and pursuing your dream the right way will pay off big for anyone who has the ability to persevere.
Iae sat down with Michael over coffee and a bagel to discuss his work on the hit TV series 'Cold Case,' and 'Make It Or Break It ,'and find out what he looks for when casting actors for roles on his shows.
Iae: Please tell us where you’re from and what inspired you to get into film?
Mt: I’m originally from New Jersey. I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry in some capacity I just wasn’t sure what that would be. So I ended...
Iae sat down with Michael over coffee and a bagel to discuss his work on the hit TV series 'Cold Case,' and 'Make It Or Break It ,'and find out what he looks for when casting actors for roles on his shows.
Iae: Please tell us where you’re from and what inspired you to get into film?
Mt: I’m originally from New Jersey. I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry in some capacity I just wasn’t sure what that would be. So I ended...
- 7/24/2010
- I Am Entertainment Magazine
Though he's never had acting aspirations of his own, casting director Michael Testa feels a special kinship with actors. He loves the energy they bring into the audition room and the variety they bring to his job. "Each day's very different, and each day you meet a ton of actors," he says. "I guess I'm a blabbermouth. I like to talk to people." As a co-owner of Shaner/Testa Casting, he currently works on the CBS procedural "Cold Case" and the ABC Family dramedy "Make It or Break It." Other credits include the TV shows "Roswell" and "Moonlight," the films "Kiss the Bride" and "Moonlight Serenade," and more than 70 TV movies.Self-StarterI answered an ad in Variety a long time ago to be a casting intern at a TV production house. I was never an actor, I never wanted to be an actor, but I studied film for years and...
- 3/18/2010
- backstage.com
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