One of the more fantastical elements of J.J. Abrams' 2009 film "Star Trek" is the use of a mysterious, seemingly magical substance called Red Matter.
In the 23rd century, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) used Red Matter to create a black hole in the Romulan star system just as its sun was about to go supernova. The idea was that the black hole would suck up the exploding star like a vacuum cleaner and save the Romulan homeworld. No, the actual astral physics don't many any sense, but this is what they went with.
Spock did suck up the supernova with his black hole, but he was too late to save Romulus. The black hole, it turns out, was also a portal through time, and Spock is sucked in and deposited about a century in the past. Following Spock through the time hole is a bitter Romulan named Nero (Eric Bana), incensed...
In the 23rd century, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) used Red Matter to create a black hole in the Romulan star system just as its sun was about to go supernova. The idea was that the black hole would suck up the exploding star like a vacuum cleaner and save the Romulan homeworld. No, the actual astral physics don't many any sense, but this is what they went with.
Spock did suck up the supernova with his black hole, but he was too late to save Romulus. The black hole, it turns out, was also a portal through time, and Spock is sucked in and deposited about a century in the past. Following Spock through the time hole is a bitter Romulan named Nero (Eric Bana), incensed...
- 12/6/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
To celebrate the casting community and spotlight its members, Casting Society of America (CSA) and IMDbPro are collaborating to present a monthly series of interviews between CSA casting directors and actors about their careers, the casting process, and how IMDbPro helps them advance their careers. This month, Alyssa Weisberg, CSA, interviewed Lyndsi LaRose.
Read the full interview...
Read the full interview...
- 6/3/2022
- by IMDbPro Affiliate
- IMDbPro News
The Casting Society of America has made the first callbacks for the 37th annual Artios Awards. The group today revealed its nominees for television, theater, short films and shortform series.
Netflix leads with 11 noms, nearly double the haul for runners-up HBO and Hulu, which grabbed six apiece. Disney+ is next with four, followed Amazon Prime Video and Nickelodeon, which scooped three apiece. The winners will be feted during the CSA’s in-person trophy show on March 17 at the Beverly Hilton.
Vying in the Television Series – Drama category are The Boys, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Mandalorian, Pose and This Is Us. Up for the Comedy Series prize are A Black Lady Sketch Show, Call My Agent, Pen15 and three series that wrapped their runs this year: The Kominsky Method, Shrill and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
The nominees for Television Pilot or First Season – Drama are Bridgerton, Ginny & Georgia, Lovecraft Country, Perry Mason,...
Netflix leads with 11 noms, nearly double the haul for runners-up HBO and Hulu, which grabbed six apiece. Disney+ is next with four, followed Amazon Prime Video and Nickelodeon, which scooped three apiece. The winners will be feted during the CSA’s in-person trophy show on March 17 at the Beverly Hilton.
Vying in the Television Series – Drama category are The Boys, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Mandalorian, Pose and This Is Us. Up for the Comedy Series prize are A Black Lady Sketch Show, Call My Agent, Pen15 and three series that wrapped their runs this year: The Kominsky Method, Shrill and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
The nominees for Television Pilot or First Season – Drama are Bridgerton, Ginny & Georgia, Lovecraft Country, Perry Mason,...
- 11/22/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Hemsworth, Jacki Weaver, UK casting director Nina Gold, Rachel Perkins, and US actor Alia Shawkat will make up the jury for this year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship.
They join a group of US and Australian casting directors that have been appointed first-round judges, including Jason Wood, Barbara McCarthy, Alyssa Weisberg, John McAlary, Ann Fay, Amanda Mitchell, and Anousha Zarkesh.
Australians in Film has also announced Ledger’s longtime friend and colleague, Gregor Jordan, as a patron of the scholarship, alongside Ledger’s father Kim, scholarship founder Susie Dobson, and casting director Ann Fay.
Jordan will provide professional support and guidance for the recipient during the 12 months of international training and professional development that the scholarship offers in Los Angeles.
Kim Ledger said Jordan’s support for the scholarship and close relationship with his son meant it was “only fitting” the Two Hands director be named as a patron.
Awarded...
They join a group of US and Australian casting directors that have been appointed first-round judges, including Jason Wood, Barbara McCarthy, Alyssa Weisberg, John McAlary, Ann Fay, Amanda Mitchell, and Anousha Zarkesh.
Australians in Film has also announced Ledger’s longtime friend and colleague, Gregor Jordan, as a patron of the scholarship, alongside Ledger’s father Kim, scholarship founder Susie Dobson, and casting director Ann Fay.
Jordan will provide professional support and guidance for the recipient during the 12 months of international training and professional development that the scholarship offers in Los Angeles.
Kim Ledger said Jordan’s support for the scholarship and close relationship with his son meant it was “only fitting” the Two Hands director be named as a patron.
Awarded...
- 9/23/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Chris Hemsworth, Jacki Weaver, Alia Shawkat, Total Control director Rachel Perkins and casting director Nina Gold (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are set to judge the Heath Ledger Scholarship, Australians in Film revealed Wednesday.
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprised of Australian and American casting directors including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now), Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprised of Australian and American casting directors including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now), Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
- 9/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Hemsworth, Jacki Weaver, Alia Shawkat, Total Control director Rachel Perkins and casting director Nina Gold (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are set to judge the Heath Ledger Scholarship, Australians in Film revealed Wednesday.
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprising Australian and American casting directors, including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now) and Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
Gregor Jordan, who directed Ledger in Two Hands and Ned Kelly and was a longtime friend of the late actor, will serve as Patron of the acting prize.
Prior to the decision of the aforementioned judges, a panel of first-round judges comprising Australian and American casting directors, including Barbara McCarthy (The Spectacular Now) and Alyssa Weisberg (X-Men: Dark Phoenix), will determine a group of five finalists.
“We are thrilled at the ...
- 9/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The casting branch of the academy is only six years old and doesn’t have an Oscar category of its own. However, the Casting Society of America has been handing out the Artios Awards for 34 years (“Artios” is from the ancient Greek meaning “perfectly fitted.”). This year’s awards took place on Thursday (Jan. 30) on both coasts. At the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, winners included three of the Oscar nominees for Best Picture: “Jojo Rabbit,” “Marriage Story”” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” (see full list of winners below).
In addition to the eight film categories listed below, the Atrios Awards honored Geena Davis with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement while Audra McDonald received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, casting director Deborah Aquila was feted with the Hoyt Bowers Award and Andy Pryor was lauded with the Excellence in Casting Award.
Last year’s...
In addition to the eight film categories listed below, the Atrios Awards honored Geena Davis with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement while Audra McDonald received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, casting director Deborah Aquila was feted with the Hoyt Bowers Award and Andy Pryor was lauded with the Excellence in Casting Award.
Last year’s...
- 1/31/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Do you love to hate the familial chemistry in “Knives Out” or the equally toxic marital misery in “Marriage Story?” Are you awed by the pack of relative unknowns breaking your heart from week to week on “Pose?” Then make sure to thank your friendly, neighborhood casting director, responsible for staffing up all your favorite stories.
Indeed, it was time for the casting directors to shine on Thursday night, with not one, not two, but three ceremonies celebrating the best of the business for their work in casting projects including animation, film, television, and the stage. With a Los Angeles ceremony hosted by Ron Funches, a New York event hosted by Michelle Buteau, and a London soiree overseen by Jason Isaacs, the Casting Society of America went all out for the 35th Annual Artios Awards.
While Rian Johnson’s aforementioned “Knives Out” took home the prize for big budget comedy,...
Indeed, it was time for the casting directors to shine on Thursday night, with not one, not two, but three ceremonies celebrating the best of the business for their work in casting projects including animation, film, television, and the stage. With a Los Angeles ceremony hosted by Ron Funches, a New York event hosted by Michelle Buteau, and a London soiree overseen by Jason Isaacs, the Casting Society of America went all out for the 35th Annual Artios Awards.
While Rian Johnson’s aforementioned “Knives Out” took home the prize for big budget comedy,...
- 1/31/2020
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
The casting directors of “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” “Knives Out,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story” were among the winners at the 35th annual Artios Awards, held Thursday at ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York and London.
Other winners in the eight feature-film categories were the casting directors on “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Skin in the Game,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4,” the last two of which tied in the animation category.
Television winners included the casting directors for the first seasons of “Russian Doll” and “Pose,” as well as those on the miniseries “When They See Us,” the reality program “Queer Eye” and the continuing series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Also Read: SAG Awards Crown 'Parasite,' Give the Oscar Race a Shot of Uncertainty
Awards were also given out in short film and theater categories.
Other winners in the eight feature-film categories were the casting directors on “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Skin in the Game,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4,” the last two of which tied in the animation category.
Television winners included the casting directors for the first seasons of “Russian Doll” and “Pose,” as well as those on the miniseries “When They See Us,” the reality program “Queer Eye” and the continuing series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Also Read: SAG Awards Crown 'Parasite,' Give the Oscar Race a Shot of Uncertainty
Awards were also given out in short film and theater categories.
- 1/31/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Game of Thrones” have taken home two of the major Artios Awards from the Casting Society of America.
The trophies, which honor excellence in casting, were unveiled at the 35th Annual Artios Awards held on Thursday in ceremonies in New York, Los Angeles and London. The New York ceremony was hosted by Michelle Buteau at Stage 48; Ron Funches emceed in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton, and Jason Isaacs hosted in London at the Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” won the big-budget feature drama award while “Knives Out” took the big-budget feature comedy trophy. “Marriage Story” received the studio or independent drama prize and “Jojo Rabbit” nabbed the comedy counterpart. “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” won the low-budget award.
“Toy Story 4” and “The Lion King” tied in animation. “Skin in the Game...
The trophies, which honor excellence in casting, were unveiled at the 35th Annual Artios Awards held on Thursday in ceremonies in New York, Los Angeles and London. The New York ceremony was hosted by Michelle Buteau at Stage 48; Ron Funches emceed in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton, and Jason Isaacs hosted in London at the Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” won the big-budget feature drama award while “Knives Out” took the big-budget feature comedy trophy. “Marriage Story” received the studio or independent drama prize and “Jojo Rabbit” nabbed the comedy counterpart. “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” won the low-budget award.
“Toy Story 4” and “The Lion King” tied in animation. “Skin in the Game...
- 1/31/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Sony’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Netflix’s Marriage Story, Searchlight’s Jojo Rabbit and Lionsgate’s Knives Out were among the film winners as the Casting Society of America handed out its 35th annual Artios Awards for film, TV and at separate ceremonies across two continents.
Check out the full list of winners below.
The Artios Awards splits most of its film categories by budget. The casting team behind Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood took the Artios trophy for Big Budget Drama, while the casting crew for Rian Johnson’s Knives Out won for Big Budget Comedy.
Other winners on the film side included awards-season regulars Jojo Rabbit (Studio or Independent Comedy) and Marriage Story (Studio or Independent Drama). There was a tie in the Animation category, with Disney’s The Lion King and Toy Story 4 sharing the prize.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker...
Check out the full list of winners below.
The Artios Awards splits most of its film categories by budget. The casting team behind Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood took the Artios trophy for Big Budget Drama, while the casting crew for Rian Johnson’s Knives Out won for Big Budget Comedy.
Other winners on the film side included awards-season regulars Jojo Rabbit (Studio or Independent Comedy) and Marriage Story (Studio or Independent Drama). There was a tie in the Animation category, with Disney’s The Lion King and Toy Story 4 sharing the prize.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker...
- 1/31/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Irishman, Dolemite Is My Name and Late Night are among the film nominees for the 35th Artios Awards, the Casting Society of America announced Thursday.
“The art of casting for film continued to shine this year, as represented in this noteworthy list of projects. Joining our television and theatre nominees, these talented Casting Directors exemplify the range of skills and expertise throughout our craft,” said Russell Boast, President, Csa. “The 35th Artios Awards will put a spotlight on the year’s outstanding contributions from our members as we collectively build on this year’s achievements for an even stronger future.”
The Artios Awards honor the contribution of Casting Directors to film, television and theatre. The winners will be revealed on Thursday, January 30, 2020 in ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Ron Funches will serve as host in Los Angeles, with Michelle Buteau...
“The art of casting for film continued to shine this year, as represented in this noteworthy list of projects. Joining our television and theatre nominees, these talented Casting Directors exemplify the range of skills and expertise throughout our craft,” said Russell Boast, President, Csa. “The 35th Artios Awards will put a spotlight on the year’s outstanding contributions from our members as we collectively build on this year’s achievements for an even stronger future.”
The Artios Awards honor the contribution of Casting Directors to film, television and theatre. The winners will be revealed on Thursday, January 30, 2020 in ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Ron Funches will serve as host in Los Angeles, with Michelle Buteau...
- 1/2/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The casting branch of the academy is only six years old and doesn’t have an Oscar category of its own. However, the Casting Society of America has been handing out the Artios Awards for 34 years (“Artios” is from the ancient Greek meaning “perfectly fitted.”). Nominees for feature films were announced on Thursday and many of the leading Oscar contenders reaped bids. Winners will be revealed at joint ceremonies in New York, Los Angeles and London on Thursday, Jan. 30.
In addition to the eight film categories listed below, the Atrios Awards will honor Geena Davis with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement while Audra McDonald will receive the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, casting director Deborah Aquila will be feted with the Hoyt Bowers Award and Andy Pryor will be honored with the Excellence in Casting Award.
Last year’s big budget winners were the comedy “Green Book...
In addition to the eight film categories listed below, the Atrios Awards will honor Geena Davis with the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement while Audra McDonald will receive the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, casting director Deborah Aquila will be feted with the Hoyt Bowers Award and Andy Pryor will be honored with the Excellence in Casting Award.
Last year’s big budget winners were the comedy “Green Book...
- 1/2/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Casting Society of America (Csa) on Thursday announced the film nominees for the 35th Artios Awards, which honor the contributions of casting directors to film, TV, and the stage, and will be held at ceremonies in La, New York, and London on January 30. The full list of film nominees for the 35th Artios Awards are below.
The Casting Society previously announced that Oscar winner and advocate Geena Davis — who received a Governors Award from the Academy earlier this year — will receive the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement. Singer and actress Audra McDonald, will receive the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award.
Among the casting directors being recognized are Deborah Aquila, a three-time Artios Award winner for her work on “La La Land” and “My Week with Marilyn,” will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, and Andy Pryor, an Emmy nominee and British casting director responsible for “Stan & Ollie,...
The Casting Society previously announced that Oscar winner and advocate Geena Davis — who received a Governors Award from the Academy earlier this year — will receive the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement. Singer and actress Audra McDonald, will receive the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award.
Among the casting directors being recognized are Deborah Aquila, a three-time Artios Award winner for her work on “La La Land” and “My Week with Marilyn,” will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, and Andy Pryor, an Emmy nominee and British casting director responsible for “Stan & Ollie,...
- 1/2/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
“1917” and “Little Women” were nominated alongside blockbusters like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Toy Story 4” for the Casting Society of America’s Artios Awards, which released its list of film nominees on Monday.
The winners will be revealed on Jan. 30 in ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Ron Funches will serve as host for the Los Angeles event, with Michelle Buteau hosting of the New York ceremony.
Also Read: 5 Awards Shows on One Night! Inside the Most Crammed Awards Season Ever
“The art of casting for film continued to shine this year, as represented in this noteworthy list of projects. Joining our television and theatre nominees, these talented Casting Directors exemplify the range of skills and expertise throughout our craft,” said Csa president Russell Boast said in a statement.
“The 35th Artios Awards will put a spotlight on the year’s outstanding contributions from our members as...
The winners will be revealed on Jan. 30 in ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Ron Funches will serve as host for the Los Angeles event, with Michelle Buteau hosting of the New York ceremony.
Also Read: 5 Awards Shows on One Night! Inside the Most Crammed Awards Season Ever
“The art of casting for film continued to shine this year, as represented in this noteworthy list of projects. Joining our television and theatre nominees, these talented Casting Directors exemplify the range of skills and expertise throughout our craft,” said Csa president Russell Boast said in a statement.
“The 35th Artios Awards will put a spotlight on the year’s outstanding contributions from our members as...
- 1/2/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room. R-Rated “Star Trek”It was announced this week that Quentin Tarantino and J.J. Abrams were teaming up for a “Star Trek” story at Paramount, and now more details are coming out. Despite Tarantino working on his #9 film he just sold to Sony and Abrams working on “Star Wars: Episode 9,” things seem to already be moving along quickly on this joint endeavor. It’s looking like Mark L. Smith will win the honors of writing the script for the film, which Tarantino has mandated be an R-rated film, a first for the franchise. Lindsey Beer and Drew Pearce are also in the running to be potential writers. Tarantino is...
- 12/8/2017
- backstage.com
Daisy Ridley found the force for her audition as Rey in “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Director J.J. Abrams asked Ridley to read an intense torture scene for her audition in which Rey struggles against Kylo Ren’s force as he attempts to access her mind and inner thoughts. Ridley’s audition first appeared on Buzzfeed and shows how Ridley won over the legendary director. “She just blew my mind,” Abrams said in a voiceover. “She’s reaching this depth of struggle and tears were streaming down her face. I thought, ‘This was unbelievable.’ ” Abrams revealed the difficulty in finding the perfect actor to portray Rey. “This character needed to be vulnerable and tough, sweet and terrified,” Abrams said. “And to find someone that no one knew who could do all these things took a lot of looking.” Co-producer Michelle Rejwan credits the film’s casting directors Nina Gold,...
- 3/29/2016
- backstage.com
The Casting Society of America has announced the nominees of its 31st annual Artios Awards. J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is among the nominees in its Big Budget Drama category. And why not? The film cast the fantastic unknowns Daisy Ridley and John Boyega along with franchise veterans Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. All to stellar effect mind you!
According to its site, "Artios" from the ancient Greek, meaning "perfectly fitted." So how fitting! Here's more info on the Artios Awards:
In October of 1985 the Casting Society of America presented the first-ever Artios Awards for Excellence in Casting at an awards luncheon. Held in the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel, the event was attended by more than 500 industry leaders and seven Csa members were honored for their work in four different casting categories. In 1988, the first Artios Award for theatre casting was presented...
According to its site, "Artios" from the ancient Greek, meaning "perfectly fitted." So how fitting! Here's more info on the Artios Awards:
In October of 1985 the Casting Society of America presented the first-ever Artios Awards for Excellence in Casting at an awards luncheon. Held in the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel, the event was attended by more than 500 industry leaders and seven Csa members were honored for their work in four different casting categories. In 1988, the first Artios Award for theatre casting was presented...
- 1/5/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Feature film nominees announced today: Big Budget – Comedy “The Big Short” Francine Maisler, Meagan Lewis (Location Casting) “The Intern” Bernard Telsey, Laray Mayfield, Tiffany Little Canfield, David Vaccari (Associate) “Joy” Mary Vernieu,...
- 1/4/2016
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
This Sunday, The Next Door Lounge in Hollywood will host "A Cause for Entertainment", a fundraiser for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The event's in-person and online auction includes items of interest to horror fans, including a Bates Motel set visit and items signed by Guillermo del Toro.
A Cause for Entertainment will take place this Sunday, September 13th from 4:00pm–8:00pm Pdt at The Next Door Lounge in Hollywood, CA. We have official details on the event below, and to learn more or take part in the online auction, visit:
http://acauseforentertainment.com/
From event leader Jessica Sherman: "Breast Cancer is one of the ugliest diseases in the world today, and with heartbreaking statistics like these, I find it hard not to want to give back:
- A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Every 3 minutes, there is a...
A Cause for Entertainment will take place this Sunday, September 13th from 4:00pm–8:00pm Pdt at The Next Door Lounge in Hollywood, CA. We have official details on the event below, and to learn more or take part in the online auction, visit:
http://acauseforentertainment.com/
From event leader Jessica Sherman: "Breast Cancer is one of the ugliest diseases in the world today, and with heartbreaking statistics like these, I find it hard not to want to give back:
- A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Every 3 minutes, there is a...
- 9/8/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Winners were revealed Thursday night for the Casting Society of America's 30th annual Artios Awards. Winners in the film categories included "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Dear White People." Check out the nominees here, the full list of winners below and all the rest of the season's offerings at The Circuit. Feature Film - Big Budget Comedy "The Wolf of Wall Street," Ellen Lewis Feature Film - Big Budget Drama "12 Years a Slave," Francine Maisler, Meagan Lewis (Location Casting), Melissa Kostenbauder (Associate) Feature Film - Studio or Independent Comedy "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Douglas Aibel, Jina Jay, Henry Russell Bergstein (Associate) Feature Film - Studio or Independent Drama "Dallas Buyers Club," Kerry Barden, Paul Schnee, Rich Delia, Tracy Kilpatrick (Location Casting), Allison Estrin (Associate) Feature Film Low Budget Comedy "Dear White People," Kim Taylor-Coleman Feature Film Low Budget Drama "Boyhood," Beth Sepko Feature Film Animation "Frozen,...
- 1/23/2015
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
While the Oscars have yet to make room for casting directors — a pivotal part of the Best Picture equation — the oversight isn't stopping the Casting Society of America from readying its third decade of picking up the Academy's slack. Csa announced Monday morning that the 30th Annual Artios Awards will honor Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director Rob Marshall and Emmy Award-winning casting director Ellen Lewis for their individual work in the world of casting. The news arrives with nominations in categories of television, theater, new media and short film, and on the heels of the ceremony's move from November to Jan. 22, the thick of the awards season. Feature film nominations will be announced closer to the show date. Marshall, whose adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" bows Dec. 25, will receive the New York Apple Award, "recognizing individuals who have made special contributions to the New York entertainment...
- 9/22/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
The upcoming foray into scripted development by technology companies such as Microsoft and Yahoo could mean increased opportunity for new talent. Established performers such as Kevin Spacey, who stars on Netflix’s “House of Cards,” and John Goodman, who anchors the cast of Amazon Studios’ “Alpha House,” have so far dominated the attention paid to the casts on the new-platform series. But some young performers have been able to further their careers from their turns on, say, “Betas.” Karan Soni, for instance, has gone on to book other television and film roles despite the Amazon series being canceled after one season. “I think the new scripted series on platforms like the Sony PlayStation, Xbox, Yahoo, Hulu, and Amazon are a great way for newcomers, as well as established talent, to gain exposure,” said Alyssa Weisberg, who cast “Betas” and consulted on other Amazon projects. “All of these platforms have great content in development and production.
- 4/16/2014
- backstage.com
The upcoming feature starring Madison Davenport has two casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. Davenport, who appears alongside Russell Crowe in Darren Aronofsky’s epic “Noah,” is being touted for landing the role of Beth in the upcoming ”A Light Beneath Their Feet.” She’s set to play a high school senior faced with the choice of going to college or staying home to take care of her bipolar mother. Alyssa Weisberg has been tapped to do Los Angeles casting for the drama, which also stars Taryn Manning and Kurt Fuller. Claire Simon is set to do Chicago casting. It’s set to shoot March 29–April 27.
- 3/26/2014
- backstage.com
The unconventional development process pioneered by Amazon Studios extends to the deals it offers actors, according to casting director Alyssa Weisberg. The streaming service doesn’t offer holding deals to its performers the way TV networks have traditionally done with actors that network executives think could work in a variety of projects. But Weisberg, who cast Amazon’s new comedy series “Betas” and has consulted for the company on other projects, said that enhances the casting process. “That is one of the things that is nice about Amazon at the moment, is that we don’t have to put actors in holding deals into roles that they might not be right for,” she told Backstage. In October, Amazon gave the greenlight to three pilots: “Mozart in the Jungle,” which was written by Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Alex Timbers; “The Outlaws,” by screenwriters Jeremy Garelick and Jon Weinbach; and “Transparent,...
- 11/27/2013
- backstage.com
Casting directors on series including HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” features such as “The Sessions,” and the Broadway production of “Matilda The Musical” are some of the nominees for the Casting Society of America’s Artios Awards. The awards, named for the Greek word meaning “perfectly fitted,” are given to Csa members using the criteria of originality, creativity, and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. A bi-coastal awards ceremony is set for Nov. 18 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles and at Xl Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge in New York City. The full list of 2013 Artios Award Nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Casting is below. Big Budget Feature – Comedy “Oz the Great and Powerful,” John Papsidera “Pain & Gain,” Denise Chamian, Lori Wyman (Location Casting), Ania Kamieniecki-O’Hare (Associate) “Silver Linings Playbook,” Mary Vernieu, Lindsay Graham, Diane Heery (Location Casting) “Ted,” Sheila Jaffe, Angela Peri (Location Casting) “The Watch,...
- 8/19/2013
- backstage.com
The Casting Society of America‘s 29th annual Artios Awards for outstanding achievement in casting will be awarded November 18 at simultaneous ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton and at the Xl Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge in New York. The 22 categories repping film, TV and theater recognize Csa members who use the criteria of originality, creativity and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. Here are the 2013 nominees announced today: 2013 Artios Award Nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Casting Big Budget Feature – Comedy “Oz the Great and Powerful,” John Papsidera “Pain & Gain,” Denise Chamian, Lori Wyman (Location Casting), Ania Kamieniecki-O’Hare (Associate) “Silver Linings Playbook,” Mary Vernieu, Lindsay Graham, Diane Heery (Location Casting) “Ted,” Sheila Jaffe, Angela Peri (Location Casting) “The Watch,” Alyssa Weisberg, Shay Bentley Griffin (Location Casting), Yesi Ramirez (Associate), Karina Walters (Associate) Big Budget Feature – Drama “Argo,” Lora Kennedy “Les Misérables,” Nina Gold “Life of Pi,” Avy Kaufman “Lincoln,...
- 8/19/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Actors eager to land a role in a galaxy far, far away now have a rough idea of what the casting directors for the new "Star Wars" features are looking for. Casting for the first Disney “Star Wars” film will be done by Los Angeles-based April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg, who also cast the rebooted "Star Trek" features, and London-based Nina Gold, who recently cast "Les Miserables." Jj Abrams, who will direct the first film in the new franchise, has said that production on "Star Wars Episode VII" will begin in London in early 2014. In the meantime, according to Deadline, the feature will be casting: A young man aged between 20 and 25, witty and smart, fit but not classically handsome. Man in late twenties, also fit, but this one is handsome and confident. Late teenage girl, independent, good sense of humour, also…physically fit. Second young female, also late teens, tough,...
- 6/20/2013
- backstage.com
Those combing the web for every measly "Star Wars: Episode VII" will have a field day with the latest update, which divulges information about the film's the casting calls.
Bleeding Cool unveiled a roundup of seven parts being cast in advance of the film's production start, which is slated for early 2014. The casting directors -- April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg in the U.S. and Nina Gold in the U.K. -- sent the following requests to agents:
A young man aged between 20 and 25, witty and smart, fit but not classically handsome,
Man in late twenties, also fit, but this one is handsome and confident.
Late teenage girl, independent, good sense of humour, also… physically fit.
Second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and physically fit.
Man in his forties, obviously physically fit, this one is a military type.
A man of around thirty or so, this one is an intellectual type.
Bleeding Cool unveiled a roundup of seven parts being cast in advance of the film's production start, which is slated for early 2014. The casting directors -- April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg in the U.S. and Nina Gold in the U.K. -- sent the following requests to agents:
A young man aged between 20 and 25, witty and smart, fit but not classically handsome,
Man in late twenties, also fit, but this one is handsome and confident.
Late teenage girl, independent, good sense of humour, also… physically fit.
Second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and physically fit.
Man in his forties, obviously physically fit, this one is a military type.
A man of around thirty or so, this one is an intellectual type.
- 6/19/2013
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Huffington Post
Update: It appears this is indeed the real deal, as Deadline has confirmed that this is the casting breakdown that was sent out to agents by April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg in the U.S. and Nina Gold in the UK. While we await official details on Disney's new Star Wars movies, we'll have to make do with the occasional rumor. Although the following character breakdown isn't exactly in-depth, and no source for the information is given, Bleeding Cool are usually pretty reliable with their scoops. Have a read and see what you think. "A young man aged between 20 and 25, witty and smart, fit but not classically handsome, Man in late twenties, also fit, but this one is handsome and confident. Late teenage girl, independent, good sense of humour, also… physically fit . Second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and physically fit. Man in his forties, obviously physically fit,...
- 6/19/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
USA has officially renewed “Necessary Roughness,” its hour-long scripted drama starring Callie Thorne as a psychotherapist for the fictional New York Hawks football team, for a 10-episode third season, the network announced Jan. 7. The series is cast by Donna Rosenstein and Marlo Tiede. The second season of “Necessary Roughness” resumes Jan. 23. “ ‘Necessary Roughness’ is an important page in our network playbook,” USA Co-Presidents Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber said in a joint statement. “With a standout team of actors and writers playing at the top of their game, the upcoming seasons promise to deliver high-impact and creative storytelling.” Comedy Central announced that it has picked up two more seasons of its hit half-hour comedy series “Workaholics,” co-created by and starring Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, and Anders Holm as three slacker roommates who work together at a telemarketing company—usually under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Seasons 4 and 5 will each air 13 episodes.
- 1/8/2013
- backstage.com
Amazon Studios adds a half dozen comedy pilots to its development slate Amazon Studios announced that it has ordered six pilots into production as part of its first foray into original series development. Among the half dozen pilots is “Browsers,” a musical set in contemporary Manhattan that follows four young people as they start their first jobs at a news website. The pilot, which was written by “Daily Show”-alum David Javerbaum and directed by “30 Rock”-alum Don Scardino, has Alyssa Weisberg attached as casting director and is set to start shooting in February, Backstage has learned. “Since launching our original series development effort, we have received more than 2,000 series ideas from creators around the world, with all different backgrounds, and we are extremely excited to begin production on our very first set of shows,” Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios, said in a statement. The content production arm of...
- 12/20/2012
- backstage.com
As fans view the trailer for Jj Abrams' Star Trek Into Darkness, there's a certain excitement generated by seeing the cast returning in their roles as the Enterprise crew - which is a fairly ironic situation considering that prior to the release of the 2009 original, there was great skepticism about anyone assuming the roles made famous by people like William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley. Now imagine what it must have been like to be one of the people responsible for finding a new generation of actors to play such iconic characters as Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. One would imagine that it could have been a situation where a casting director would feel like the proverbial deer in the headlights. "We weren't afraid of it," offers April Webster, who, along with Alyssa Weisberg, was in charge of casting, "but we knew...
- 12/12/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
Star Trek director J.J. Abrams has been left stunned after discovering a casting assistant on his Super 8 movie has a record as a sex offender.
Police records show Jason James Murphy was convicted of kidnapping and molesting an eight-year-old boy in Washington state 15 years ago.
Abrams recently learned the 35 year old is the same person his casting directors hired as an assistant to the kids on the set.
He tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "It's shocking and it's devastating, not just as a filmmaker but as a father and someone who is entrusted to make sure that everyone I work with, especially children, are safe. To think that someone like this was among us is unthinkable."
Murphy, who has been using the name Jason James while doing business in Hollywood in recent years, has also worked with young stars on the sets of Bad News Bears, The School of Rock, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and the much-anticipated new movie The Three Stooges.
The Los Angeles Times reports Murphy served five years in prison and underwent counselling as a sex offender. In 2005 he moved to California and registered as a sex offender, but then went to work as Jason James, thus hiding his true identity.
There are no known complaints that Murphy acted inappropriately with any minor in his casting business, but it appears he has broken a number of state laws, which dictate he must notify the authorities to any name changes, nicknames or pseudonyms, and he cannot work directly with children.
Abrams insists there was nothing to suggest the man he knew as Jason James was a child sex offender.
He adds, "(We) had absolutely no knowledge of his real name, nor of his status. He applied for the job under an alias."
Super 8's casting directors, April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg, insist they were unaware of Murphy's background when they hired him as an assistant, but they tell the publication he was never alone with children while in their offices.
Police records show Jason James Murphy was convicted of kidnapping and molesting an eight-year-old boy in Washington state 15 years ago.
Abrams recently learned the 35 year old is the same person his casting directors hired as an assistant to the kids on the set.
He tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "It's shocking and it's devastating, not just as a filmmaker but as a father and someone who is entrusted to make sure that everyone I work with, especially children, are safe. To think that someone like this was among us is unthinkable."
Murphy, who has been using the name Jason James while doing business in Hollywood in recent years, has also worked with young stars on the sets of Bad News Bears, The School of Rock, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and the much-anticipated new movie The Three Stooges.
The Los Angeles Times reports Murphy served five years in prison and underwent counselling as a sex offender. In 2005 he moved to California and registered as a sex offender, but then went to work as Jason James, thus hiding his true identity.
There are no known complaints that Murphy acted inappropriately with any minor in his casting business, but it appears he has broken a number of state laws, which dictate he must notify the authorities to any name changes, nicknames or pseudonyms, and he cannot work directly with children.
Abrams insists there was nothing to suggest the man he knew as Jason James was a child sex offender.
He adds, "(We) had absolutely no knowledge of his real name, nor of his status. He applied for the job under an alias."
Super 8's casting directors, April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg, insist they were unaware of Murphy's background when they hired him as an assistant, but they tell the publication he was never alone with children while in their offices.
- 11/18/2011
- WENN
Getty J.J. Abrams, director of the coming movie “Super 8.”
Last night, filmmaker J.J. Abrams unveiled for a group of journalists in New York City about 20 minutes of footage from his coming movie “Super 8.” The film is a nostalgic period piece about a group of teens shooting a Super 8 film who see a train derail that’s carrying a mysterious cargo that may be extraterrestrial in origin. The movie, which stars Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, and Kyle Chandler,...
Last night, filmmaker J.J. Abrams unveiled for a group of journalists in New York City about 20 minutes of footage from his coming movie “Super 8.” The film is a nostalgic period piece about a group of teens shooting a Super 8 film who see a train derail that’s carrying a mysterious cargo that may be extraterrestrial in origin. The movie, which stars Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, and Kyle Chandler,...
- 3/24/2011
- by Christopher John Farley
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Lisa Soltau was living in Seattle when her friend Bonnie Gillespie sent her a book she had written called "Casting Qs," a compilation of interviews with casting directors. "I read it and I absolutely loved all the aspects of the job," says Soltau. "I loved the entertainment industry and movies and television. The process of casting sounded wonderful."She called one of the two casting offices in Seattle and ended up working as an intern there for about six months. But the CD told her she should move to New York or Los Angeles if she really wanted to pursue a career in casting. "I picked L.A. because I had lived there once for about three years and I thought it would be easier to acclimate there," Soltau says. "Plus I wanted to work on 'Six Feet Under,' which was airing at the time.
- 10/20/2010
- backstage.com
Casting directors came out from behind the curtain to be honored by their peers last night at the 25th Annual Artios Awards. The bi-coastal awards, which were held simultaneously at the new Times Center in New York City and the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, are presented yearly for outstanding achievement in casting in theater, film, and television categories on the criteria of originality, creativity, and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project.Celebrity awards presenters in New York were Patrick Wilson ("Little Children," "Angels in America"), Carrie Preston ("True Blood"), Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road"), Jennifer Morrison ("House"), Bill Pullman ("Oleanna"), Christine Ebersole ("Grey Gardens"), Vincent Kartheiser ("Mad Men"), and Elizabeth Reaser ("Twilight"). Stanley Tucci and producer Daryl Roth presented the New York Big Apple Award to Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, whose "Love, Loss and What I Wore" recently opened Off-Broadway to rave reviews.
- 11/3/2009
- backstage.com
By Wrap Staff
The Casting Society of America presented its 25th annual Artios Awards Monday night, honoring originality, creativity and quality in casting. Awards ceremonies were held simultaneously in New York and Century City.
On the film side, the winners are:
Studio feature, drama: April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg, "Star Trek"
Studio feature, comedy: Francine Maisler, "Tropic Thunder"
Independent feature: Maisler and Nina Henninger (location casting), "Milk"
Low-budget feature: Avy Kaufman, "Sunshine Cleaning&q...
The Casting Society of America presented its 25th annual Artios Awards Monday night, honoring originality, creativity and quality in casting. Awards ceremonies were held simultaneously in New York and Century City.
On the film side, the winners are:
Studio feature, drama: April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg, "Star Trek"
Studio feature, comedy: Francine Maisler, "Tropic Thunder"
Independent feature: Maisler and Nina Henninger (location casting), "Milk"
Low-budget feature: Avy Kaufman, "Sunshine Cleaning&q...
- 11/3/2009
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
To say that "Star Trek" is an underdog to make Oscar's top ten is an major understatement, but that doesn't mean the blockbuster Sci-Fi flick isn't finding awards season love. Monday night found J.J. Abrams' reboot winning the Artios Award for best casting for a studio feature (drama) to April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg. The 25th Artios Awards are staged by the Casting Society of America in simultaneous ceremonies in both Los Angeles and New York. This isn't a major award towards the road for Oscar except that it shows the casting directors saw "Trek's" ensemble as one of its...
- 11/3/2009
- Hitfix
"Star Trek," "Tropic Thunder," "Milk" and "Up" were among the films honored Monday night as the Casting Society of America held its 25th Artios Awards.
At simultaneous ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City and the New York Times Building in New York, "Mad Men" and "Flight of the Conchords" were singled out in the TV series categories.
The awards, which recognize originality, creativity and quality in casting, were hosted by actor John Michael Higgins.
A career achievement award was presented to producer Laura Ziskin. Nora and Delia Ephron received the New York Apple Award, and John Frank Levey was the recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
On the film side, the winners were April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" in the category of studio feature, drama; Francine Maisler for "Tropic Thunder" (studio feature, comedy); Maisler and Nina Henninger (location casting) for "Milk" (indie...
At simultaneous ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City and the New York Times Building in New York, "Mad Men" and "Flight of the Conchords" were singled out in the TV series categories.
The awards, which recognize originality, creativity and quality in casting, were hosted by actor John Michael Higgins.
A career achievement award was presented to producer Laura Ziskin. Nora and Delia Ephron received the New York Apple Award, and John Frank Levey was the recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
On the film side, the winners were April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" in the category of studio feature, drama; Francine Maisler for "Tropic Thunder" (studio feature, comedy); Maisler and Nina Henninger (location casting) for "Milk" (indie...
- 11/3/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Laura Ziskin, writer-director Nora Ephron, writer Delia Ephron and casting director John Frank Levey will be honored at the Casting Society of America's 24th annual Artios Awards.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
- 9/17/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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