Best Ashley Tabatabai Podcasts (2024)

1
It's The Subtle Things That Make The Difference | Casting Director Paul Weber 1:05:11

2+ y ago1:05:11

1:05:11

On this episode I chat with LA Casting Director Paul Weber. He has cast over 75 features and shows and has 20 years in the casting profession. Paul has worked with most of the major studios and networks on numerous television series and features, the most prominent being MGM as in house casting director and executive. We talk about: Paul's experien…

1
The Only Value We Have Is In Our Authenticity | Lucy Russell 1:22:48

2+ y ago1:22:48

1:22:48

On this episode I chat with actress Lucy Russell who's latest show "Atlantic Crossing" has recently won an International Emmy for Best Mini Series. She started her acting career in her late twenties, having tried every other respectable job she could think of first and with a degree in Italian and Business from UCL in London. Her first feature was …

1
I'm Always Going To Go With Casting The Nicer Person | Jenn Presser 1:00:16

2+ y ago1:00:16

1:00:16

On this episode I chat with LA based Casting Director Jenn Presser who is Head of Casting at Break Away Casting. We talk about: The unique ability creatives have to go from crazy busy to "nothing" overnight. The benefit of being able to get out of the Hollywood "bubble". The impact of Covid costs on indie films and how that translated to casting. E…

1
Always Choose Happiness | Casting Director Jaimie Beebe 1:02:44

2+ y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

On this episode I chat with LA Casting Director Jaimie Beebe. She has worked with major brands, celebrities, and directors such as Dannon, Oikos, Childhelp, Betty White, Shaquille O’Neil, John Stamos, Billy Jayne, and more… Jaimie has cast several music videos for bands Buckcherry and Breaking 27, as well as many voiceover spots for radio. More rec…

1
Make Sure Your Voice Is Yours | Entrepreneur Sam Goyal 1:15:09

2+ y ago1:15:09

1:15:09

On this episode I welcome back solar entrepreneur Sam Goyal to the show. Sam has built & led rooftop Solar projects across SE Asia for over a decade. He is the Founder & CEO of Solar Horizon, a boutique Solar Developer focused on the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sector, based out of Singapore since 2013. He was recognised amongst the 50 Future Glo…

1
Don't Feel Like You Need Money To Start Making Films | Michael Gamarano Singleton 1:07:00

3y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

On this episode I chat with filmmaker Michael Gamarano Singleton. Michael is half Brazilian, half English and studied at London Met Film where he graduated in 2009. His work often revolves around social issues designed to make audiences think. His latest short ‘Denzel’ has a buzz around it as it starts its festival run, having recently screened at …

1
We Are Completely On Your Side | Casting Director Sydney Aldridge 1:09:17

3y ago1:09:17

1:09:17

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Sydney Aldridge. Sydney has been working in casting since 2015. Starting her journey as a casting assistant at Beach Casting and later moving on to work with Rose Wicksteed, Anna McAuley, Kate & Lou and most recently, Sasha Robertson. Sydney comes from an acting background and that underpins the way she …

1
You Have To Understand Both Sides of The Argument to Start a Discussion | Matthew & Barnaby O'Connor 1:31:36

3y ago1:31:36

1:31:36

On this episode I chat with filmmakers Matthew O'Connor & Barnaby O'Connor of Ivy Film. They have directed several music videos, numerous commercials and one previous feature documentary California High. Their latest documentary feature "The Pickup Game" is an inside look at the emergence of the ‘pickup’ business - an industry where self-styled sed…

1
Love is honor and service of self and others | Wellness Therapist Lauran Ware 1:40:59

3y ago1:40:59

1:40:59

On this episode I welcome emotional and mental wellness therapist Lauran Ware back to the show. She delivers an eclectic holistic approach to wellbeing and mental health and therapy. Facilitating sessions and programmes using tools from her studies in western psychology, psychotherapy & counselling. We talk about: The ways in which Covid challenged…

1
Interview With The Head of Casting at Disney Animation Studios | Jamie Sparer Roberts 1:13:28

3y ago1:13:28

1:13:28

On this episode I chat with the Head of Casting at Disney Animation Studios, Jamie Sparer Roberts. Jamie has cast projects like Frozen, Moana, Zootopia, Winnie The Pooh and Raya and the Last Dragon. We talk about: What it has been like to work on animation projects during Covid. What Jamie looks for in actors. How Jamie goes about finding people fo…

1
Make It Your Own | Casting Director Caitlin Well 1:20:59

3y ago1:20:59

1:20:59

On this episode I talk with Casting Director Caitlin Well. Caitlin worked as a Casting Associate at Warner Brothers on projects like Man Of Steel and Batman v Superman. She then went on to work in casting in Australia for a year before returning to LA to freelance with Casting Director John Papsidera. Caitlin set up as a Casting Director in her own…

1
Why Self-Awareness Is Key | Casting Director Meg Morman 48:28

3y ago48:28

48:28

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Meg Morman who is one half of Morman Boling Casting. We talk about: The impact of Covid on indie film budgets. How she navigated the inherent uncertainty that came up during the Lockdown. Her preference for virtual auditions and key tips for how to approach them. What it was like when she and Sunny start…

1
You Want To Be The Actor Who's Not Acting | Clare Harlow 1:37:16

3y ago1:37:16

1:37:16

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Clare Harlow. Clare was Casting Associate at Kate Dowd Casting for 8 years where she worked on projects like "Treadstone", "Jack Ryan", "Official Secrets" and "Automata". We talk about: How it's a common misconception that the end decision is always Casting's. Natural ability Vs Technique Advice for in p…

1
Trust Being In That Authentic, Vulnerable Space | Casting Director Michelle Lewitt 1:37:58

3y ago1:37:58

1:37:58

On this episode I speak with Casting Director Michelle Lewitt. She has been casting since 1999. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she grew up exposed to the film/TV industry, but originally pursued other avenues in the arena of sports. An avid basketball fan and player, she began her profession as a basketball coach. After a few years of coaching she…

1
The Story Always Comes First | Lance Nielsen 2:50:47

3y ago2:50:47

2:50:47

On this episode I chat with screenwriter and director Lance Nielsen, who's written and directed countless plays and is known for his debut feature film "The Journey" (Jason Flemyng, Lindsey Coulson) as well as the Sci-Fi novels "Diamonds In The Sky". We talk about: The importance of self imposed deadlines and accountability. The difference between …

1
Be Patient & Trust In The Process | Olissa Rogers 1:11:58

3+ y ago1:11:58

1:11:58

On this episode I chat with Olissa Rogers who is Casting Associate at Fiona Weir Casting. She started her casting journey in Germany before moving to London to work with Jeremy Zimmerman. Since then she has moved on to work for the likes of Kharmel Cochrane for commercials as well as TV/Film projects, Theo Park, helping to cast Ted Lasso and Amy Hu…

1
Taking a Conscious Approach to Mindset Is Fundamental To Succeed as a Performer | Dane Reis 45:57

3+ y ago45:57

45:57

On this episode I chat with performer and podcast host Dane Reis. He has been a professional entertainer for over 16-years singing, dancing, and acting all around the World! He has performed in nine shows on the Vegas Strip. He is also the creator & host of the podcast, “You Booked It” the #1 podcast where you learn how to create a successful enter…

1
Everyone Has A Story To Tell | Diane Foy 40:24

3+ y ago40:24

40:24

On this episode I chat with PR & Marketing coach Diane Foy. She helps actors and musicians attract Fans, Media, and Industry. During her 16 years as an entertainment publicist, she has secured international media coverage for hundreds of musicians and actors including Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell, Sass Jordan, Big Sugar, DOA, The Parlotones, Ma…

1
Be Proactive & Find The Joy In Your Work | Zora DeHorter 1:00:46

3+ y ago1:00:46

1:00:46

On this episode I talk with LA based Casting Director Zora DeHorter. Zora is a Nigerian born, British raised independent film, television and commercial casting director. She has cast such films as "Ali G InDa House" (2002), "Species III" (2004) and "Loving Annabelle" (2006). Zora has also made a name for herself as a coach, helping actors as they …

1
Casting Is The Single Most Subjective Part Of The Filmmaking Process | Debi Manwiller 1:45:14

3+ y ago1:45:14

1:45:14

On this episode I chat with 2 time Emmy award winner Debi Manwiller. She hast cast shows like 24, Chicago Hope and The Blacklist and part of the independent casting company Manwiller/Boast Casting along with Russell Boast. We talk about: The freedom that came to producers with things moving to self-tapes. Why it's harder for an actor to create a pe…

1
Focus On Your Journey & Your Artistry | Caitlin D. Jones 1:31:20

3+ y ago1:31:20

1:31:20

On this episode I chat with New York based Casting Director Caitlin D. Jones who has worked on hundreds of commercial castings since getting her start in 2008. Her passion for casting expanded into the television and independent film genres. Caitlin is a proud member of the Television Academy, Commercial Casting Directors Association, The AICP, and…

1
Auditions Are About How You Bring Your Authenticity To The World Of The Story | Cara Chute Rosenbaum 1:21:13

3+ y ago1:21:13

1:21:13

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Cara Chute Rosenbaum. Cara has worked on projects like "The Mindy Project", "Jumanji: The Next Level", "Stuber", "American Crime Story" and "The League". Having started out as a performer, she fell into casting accidentally and soon realised it was the perfect creative outlet for her. We talk about: Some…

1
All You Can Be Doing Now Is Preparation | Sharon Sorrentino 2:05:31

3+ y ago2:05:31

2:05:31

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Sharon Sorrentino who has worked in the casting industry for over 15 years and have cast a number of independent film and theatre productions. Sharon was commissioned by Calm Publishing in 2012 to write a book for actors from the casting perspective. "The Audition Room - A Down To Earth Guide" is now in …

1
A Lot Of Casting Is Who Do I Believe The Person Is Before I Turn On The Camera & They Even Say a Word | Seth Caskey 1:41:33

3+ y ago1:41:33

1:41:33

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Seth Caskey who has been working with Elizabeth Barnes since 2015. Seth has been involved with such projects as the Emmy nominated Netflix series GLOW, What/If, Siren and Blood & Treasure. Seth was first drawn to casting while still pursuing a career as an actor. We talk about: The potential of the Netfl…

1
Everybody Has An Idea For A Story. The Key Is The Structure | Fernando De La Cruz 1:19:51

3+ y ago1:19:51

1:19:51

On this episode I talk to Fernando De La Cruz who is Program Manager for the Game Design degree at Full Sail University. We talk about: How he pivoted from always wanting to be an actor to ending up in the Video Game industry. How video game design has a huge math component to it and his experience of having to get up to speed with programming. The…

1
The Audience Will Believe It If You Believe It | Judy Bowman 2:02:36

3+ y ago2:02:36

2:02:36

On this episode I chat to Casting Director Judy Bowman. Judy has been casting since 1993. Her two passions are theater and film, always with diverse casting. She recently cast season 1 of the episodic BIG DOGS. She was nominated for an Artios Award for Best Webseries Casting for "Karl Manhair: Postal Inspector". She is an Adjunct Asst. Professor in…

1
Acting & Auditioning on Zoom | Advice From Casting Director Erica S. Bream 1:23:53

3+ y ago1:23:53

1:23:53

On this episode I talk to Casting Director Erica S. Bream who has worked on projects like Altered Carbon, Colony and Star Trek Into Darkness. After 17 years in LA Erica moved to the Southeast and continues to work on projects that originate in LA and NYC as well as providing regional casting services. In addition, Erica has been providing online Zo…

1
What Sanford Meisner Told Me About Acting & Why You Should Always Be Creating | Spencer Garrett 1:31:52

3+ y ago1:31:52

1:31:52

On this episode I talk to actor and producer Spencer Garrett who can currently be seen in the Showtime Mini Series "The Comey Rule". Spencer is a third generation actor who has appeared in films like "Air Force One", "Once Upon a Time....in Hollywood" and Yes Man as well as shows such as "Law & Order", "Mad Men" and "House of Cards". During lockdow…

1
Casting Are The Gatekeepers & My Job Is To Open The Gate | Jane Jenkins 1:13:31

3+ y ago1:13:31

1:13:31

On this episode I talk to legendary Casting Director Jane Jenkins who has likely cast one, if not many, of your favorite movies in her career. From the likes of A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and A Few Good Men to When Harry Met Sally, Home Alone and The Princess Bride. We chat about: How all auditions are self-tape now and how this is the way we're g…

1
The Power Of Being Constantly Curious & Knowing Your "Why?" | Jerry Ying 1:21:31

3+ y ago1:21:31

1:21:31

In this episode I chat with actor turned producer and director Jerry Ying. He is one of the Co-Founders of Hero LA and showrunner of Quarantine; a Zoom IGTV series shot during lockdown in partnership with the SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 relief fund. We talk about: The process behind the creation of Quarantine Jerry's transition from successful working actor…

1
Actors Should Always Be Practising Their Craft | Gary Zuckerbrod 1:22:50

3+ y ago1:22:50

1:22:50

On this episode I chat with Casting Director Gary Zuckerbrod. Gary has cast movies like Pulp Fiction, Frequency and The Kissing Booth as well as shows such as The Last Ship and Rizzoli & Isles. We talk about: The parallels Gary sees between Casting and his work as a life coach. Why he can't build the "perfect" actor and what he looks for. The story…

1
The Power Is With The Actors & The Creators | Casting Director Richard Hicks 1:34:58

3+ y ago1:34:58

1:34:58

On episode 35 I talk to Casting Director Richard Hicks who has cast some of the biggest movies you can think of; from Gravity, Zero Dark Thirty and Hell or High Water to Yes Man, Dude, Where's My Car? And Bean. Richard was the President of the Casting Society of America and is a former Actor who trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) i…

1
Debut Author Who Was Inspired To Write His Novel Whilst Being Honored at The White House | Norman McCombs 1:35:16

3+ y ago1:35:16

1:35:16

On episode 34 I speak with author and engineer Norman McCombs, who's debut novel "A Reason To Be" Is out now. Norman is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which honored him with the EDISON Medal, their highest patent award. He has received numerous other awards for technical achievement, including the National Medal of Techno…

1
How This Producer & His Team Made Hit Horror Movie "Host" on Zoom During Lockdown | Douglas Cox 1:07:51

3+ y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

On episode 33 I chat with film producer Douglas Cox of Shadowhouse Films. Douglas produced the horror film "Host" during Lockdown, which was all shot over Zoom and has received critical acclaim within the horror community and main stream media. He is part of the BFI Insight programme, with past work including the short film "Dawn of the Deaf" which…

1
The Importance Of Finding Your Filmmaking Tribe | Laura Torenbeek 49:57

3+ y ago49:57

49:57

On episode 32 of the show I chat with filmmaker Laura Torenbeek of Green Film Productions. Laura is currently working as a production coordinator at the Northern Film School as well as a freelancer directing / producing film content. She's recently finished the short Candy Floss and is now creating the web series Girls with Capes through her produc…

1
How Amazing Film & TV Costumes Are Made | Ailsa Windsor 1:08:14

3+ y ago1:08:14

1:08:14

On this episode I'm joined by Costume Designer Ailsa Windsor. Ailsa works across film and TV and has been involved on projects such as Harlots (Hulu), The Infiltrator and the upcoming feature film 355. She has a First Class Degree in Costume with Textiles and an MA in Costume with Professional Engagement. She shares some really fascinating insights…

1
Why This Film Producer Advocates Finding Creative Collaborators At A Similar Level To You | Alexandra Blue 1:48:41

4y ago1:48:41

1:48:41

On this episode I chat with producer Alexandra Blue of Bluebird Productions. Alexandra is an award-winning creative producer with a talent lead approach. She was recently selected for the BFI’s flagship Insight emerging producer programme, supporting the next generation of UK producers bringing original feature films to the screen. We talk about: H…

1
Commit To a Career, Not a Single Script or Project | Producer Farah Abushwesha 54:07

4y ago54:07

54:07

On episode 29 of the show I'm joined by BAFTA nominated producer Farah Abushwesha. Her production company is Rocliffe and she created the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition and Showcase. She has made comedy content used by the White House, a Netflix Original and an Irish Film Board commission to celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising…

1
Why This Casting Director Believes Actors Benefit From Learning About All Areas Of The Business | Jeremy Gordon 1:21:14

4y ago1:21:14

1:21:14

On this episode I'm joined by Jeremy Gordon, CSA who has been a Casting Director and Producer in LA for 15 years working in the studio/network world as well as the indie world spanning mediums from film & TV to digital platforms, podcasts and more. We talk about: Jeremy's work as Casting Director and Producer on the original IGTV series, Quarantine…

1
She Escaped Corporate America & Managed a Mid-Life Crisis To Launch Her Career as An Author | Karin Freeland 54:06

4y ago54:06

54:06

On this episode of the show I talk to writer and speaker Karin Freeland, who successfully navigated her way through a mid-life crisis to leave Corporate America and launch her career as an author. We talk about: Her time as an actress and the eventual move into the corporate world. The experience of having a mid-life crisis. Advice on how to handle…

1
Every Project You Do Needs To Be A Stepping Stone Forwards | Film Producer Lucy Meer 1:16:37

4y ago1:16:37

1:16:37

On this episode of the show I'm joined by producer Lucy Meer of Strive Films. She started out by working on Feature Film "ID2" before going on to work at Warp Films. Lucy then set up Strive Films in 2017 producing numerous films, including the BAFTA long listed "Mary Anning" and upcoming BFI funded short "Pop" starring Stephen Graham. She is part o…

1
The Difference Between Commercial and Film/TV Auditions | Casting Director Andrea Clark 54:26

4y ago54:26

54:26

On this episode I'm joined by Casting Director Andrea Clark who has been in the industry since 1991 where she started her journey with renowned Casting Director Jeremy Zimmermann. She founded Andrea Clark Casting in 2006; drawing on her feature film and television heritage, Andrea casts major national and international commercial campaigns, includi…

1
Casting Director Jemima McWilliams On Casting Her First Bond Movie And The Role She Was Most Proud Of 1:58:14

4y ago1:58:14

1:58:14

On this episode of the show I'm joined by Casting Director Jemima McWilliams who has just cast the new James Bond movie "No Time To Die". Jemima started out her career in 2010 representing actors at Curtis Brown Group Ltd. She then made the move to casting working under Debbie McWilliams in 2014. Some of her credits include "The Rhythm Section" (Pa…

1
Why a Lot of Artists Choose The Artists Path | Bonnie Gillespie 1:22:45

4y ago1:22:45

1:22:45

On this episode of the show I'm joined by Bonnie Gillespie who built her business by demystifying the casting process and illuminating the business side of pursuing a creative career. Her most popular book is Self-Management for Actors, the curriculum upon which her teaching is based. As a producer and Emmy-honored casting director, Bonnie speciali…

1
What Auditions & Filming Might Look Like In a Covid World | Casting Director Luci Lenox 58:39

4y ago58:39

58:39

On this episode of the show I'm joined by Casting Director Luci Lenox. Luci has cast over 100 productions either as lead casting director or as Spanish or European casting director for international co-productions. She has highly efficient casting offices in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain and is ideally set up to cast for both international and local …

1
How This Single Mother Created Her Own Business & Is Surviving Lockdown In Italy | Dawn Keogh 56:29

4y ago56:29

56:29

On this episode of the show I'm joined by wellness coach and entrepreneur Dawn Jane Keogh from her home in Milan, Italy. You can find out more about her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djkschool-61874b113/ Enjoy the show! Support the showBy Ashley Tabatabai

1
The Key Things Nikki Meadows Looks For In a Performance When Casting For TV Documentary Drama 1:40:14

4y ago1:40:14

1:40:14

On this episode I'm joined by Casting Director Nikki Meadows. Nikki specialises in award winning TV documentary drama, commercials and short films. Notable credits include Suffragettes with Lucy Worsley (BBC1 – Best Specialist Factual BAFTA winner 2019), BIFA nominated Tell Me Who I Am (Netflix – directed by Ed Perkins and produced by Simon Chin/Li…

1
The Possible Future For Indie Film & The Role of The Streaming Services | Manuel Puro 1:37:44

4y ago1:37:44

1:37:44

On this episode I'm joined by Casting Director Manuel Puro. He has worked with some of the UK's legendary casting directors as well as spending time at leading talent agency ICM and as Head of Development at Guy Ritchie's production company Ska Films, before coming back to the casting world. Manuel is also the brains behind The Acting Habit, an onl…

1
Why Actors Should Accept & Embrace How The Industry Sees You | Brandon Henry Rodriguez, CSA 1:23:49

4y ago1:23:49

1:23:49

On this episode I talk to LA based Casting Director Brandon Henry Rodriguez. He got his start in casting as an assistant for FX's "Wilfred" then quickly moved his way up to an associate working on various network television shows and award-winning independent films. In 2017, Brandon created his company - BHR Casting - which has cast numerous films …

1
Casting Director Karlee Fomalont Debunks What "Make a Choice" Means When Told To An Actor 1:55:22

4y ago1:55:22

1:55:22

On this episode of the show I'm joined by NYC Casting Director Karlee Fomalont. She began her career at CBS Primetime NY and ABC Primetime NY, where she cut her teeth working on numerous pilots. She then transitioned into independent casting, working on projects such as Steven Spielberg's acclaimed drama "The Post," for which her team was nominated…

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