By: Victoria Stevens
New York, NY (The Hollywood Times) 03/06/2024- There are so many myths that circulate throughout the entertainment industry about casting directors being elusive, and inexplicable figures behind closed doors. Many actors believe that they are the gatekeepers that will either make or break their careers. In his book, Right For The Role, casting director John Frank Levey debunks these myths and allows the audience to see into the life of a casting director from his personal experiences.
“One thing I am very pleased with about the book is that it kind of demystifies the casting director. It shows that I am a human, and we are humans working together. Actors give up a lot of power and assume we are not in their corner and in fact we want them to succeed. I believe it is important for everyone to know that,” expressed Levey.
Levey has been in the industry as a casting director for over 35 years and has had many huge successes during that time. From winning his first Emmy for the Pilot of ER to winning two Emmys for the casting of The West Wing, Levey has had many accomplishments that he shared throughout his book. One thing that stood out to me was his ability to remember so many actors that have come through his door. Many of them did not receive the role that they first auditioned for, but Levey would always remember them for future opportunities.
“I remember the people who take their job seriously, are well-prepared, and demonstrate talent. I try hard to forget people who don’t take their job seriously, and sound like they are not going to be collaborative people. If you are well-prepared and committed to what you’re doing and demonstrate professionalism like being on time, dressing appropriately, knowing your lines then that’s impressive,” explained Levey.
When it comes to having an award-winning show, there are a few things that are needed. You must have a good script that gives a good story arc, and you must have talented actors who are able to take their characters on this journey throughout this arc. To find these gifted actors, you need a talented casting director who can look at these characters and understand their backstory clearly.
“You can get a couple of series out of a mediocre script and a great cast, or a couple of series out of a mediocre cast and a great concept. However, you wouldn’t be able to last for 15 years, like we did on ER unless you keep having both,” said Levey.
When it comes to having a successful career in the entertainment business, there are two things that you need: community and collaboration. Throughout his book, Levey talked numerous times about his collaboration with many creatives such as John Wells, Barbara Miller, Michael Crichton, Aaron Sorkin, among many others.
“One of the things that was so wonderful about working with John Wells over the years is that he accented to us all that we were going to spend a lot of time with each other, sometimes more than our families,” said Levey. “We had to create an environment where everyone had an opportunity to be excellent. He stressed and I certainly believe that if you can create a collaborative community, you’re ahead of the game. That is your first job, to have all the heads of departments be respective and excited about working together.”
Being in show business can be very rewarding in all aspects of your life. It helps you grow as an artist, in your personal and professional relationships, as well as on a deeper level.
“A lot of casting directors are encyclopedic, and they watch almost everything they can, but also, I think casting directors are just like actors, directors, writers, and any other artist. The more you expand your own experience and allow your imagination to have full throttle the better of an artist you will be. I strongly believe we are all on a kind of journey of discovery and a journey of expansion of ourselves. It will make us better at whatever we are doing,” explained Levey.
Actors are always looking to connect with casting offices that they admire and want to work with. Sadly, at this time, the chance to build that close relationship might be slim. However, there are still ways that actors can connect to showcase their work.
“In this day in age, it is hard to build a close relationship with a casting office. It used to be a lot easier. Ultimately, the way you get a lot of connections and the way you make any connections is by doing your work, playing your role, finding your role, standing in your role, and being the best artist and member of the collaborative community that you can be. If you do that your opportunities and horizons will expand,” expressed Levey.
Many well-known actors and actresses credit John Levey for their successful careers and seeing their true potentials when they were less known. Jane Levy from Shameless wrote “I wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for John. John gave me my first job. I wasn’t quite right for the role in my first audition according to the producers. But John saw something and he knew how to get it from me. His creativity, generosity, specificity, and persistence I remember so clearly many years later. I am forever grateful!” I believe that these traits along with John’s study in psychology really gave him the ability to see the best in people.
“I believe that it is my job to give artists an environment so they can do their best work for that person and to the project because that is what we want from you, your very best.
You can order a copy of John Levey’s Book, Right For The Role, on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, or on his website where you can get a signed copy. You will get to understand more about the casting process, why each actor was chosen for Emmy Award winning shows like ER, The West Wing, Shameless, among others, and get to meet John himself through his personalized stories. This is a book you don’t want to miss out on.
Photo Credit: John Levey
For more information: Book — John Frank Levey
