Tag: interview
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Watch Kate Rhodes James’ Q&A about Casting ‘Gladiator II’
Casting director Kate Rhodes James discusses her process for assembling the stellar cast we see on screen in ‘Gladiator II’ and answers Spotlight members’ questions. On 16 December 2025, Spotlight hosted an exclusive private screening of Gladiator II for Spotlight members, followed by a Q&A with the film’s esteemed casting director, Kate Rhodes James. The…
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What Agents and Casting Directors Look for in New Performers
Industry professionals explain the things they look out for in up-and-coming actors, from special qualities to new and unique takes on well-known characters. The acting world can be extremely competitive, so understanding exactly what agents and casting directors are looking for in new talent is key to standing out from the crowd and getting yourself…
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The Spotlight Podcast: AI and Performer Rights
Solicitor Tony Morris joins us in the Spotlight studio to talk about artificial intelligence and what performers should know about copyright law and contracts when it comes to protecting their identity and work. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at an incredibly fast pace and is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. Whilst AI offers…
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5 Top Tips for Getting Auditions
Advice from casting directors and other industry professionals on how to get more acting auditions. Auditions are an unavoidable step on the road to success in the entertainment industry, with the potential to provide you with valuable new connections and launch your career as an actor. However, they can also leave you feeling frustrated and…
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My Casting Story: Laura Dawkes in Disney’s ‘Frozen the Musical’
Performer Laura Dawkes on playing ‘Anna’ in Disney’s ‘Frozen the Musical’, going straight from drama school to the West End, and the process of recording the show for Disney+. Laura Dawkes has had an exceptional start to her career. Within weeks of graduating from Emil Dale Academy, she was cast in the lead role of…
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Watch Q&A with Kharmel Cochrane about Casting ‘Bob Marley: One Love’
Kharmel Cochrane shines a spotlight on the casting process for Bob Marley: One Love, commercials and how she likes to audition performers. We were delighted to host a private screening of Bob Marley: One Love for Spotlight members followed by a question and answer session with the film’s casting director, Kharmel Cochrane. Kharmel Cochrane is…
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West End Performer Meesha Turner on Approaching Pantomime
West End performer Meesha Turner discusses her recent role in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, her debut in Six the Musical and working in pantomime for the first time. As Christmas fast approaches, theatres across the UK are preparing for the great British tradition of pantomime. A flamboyant panto dame, a good baddie, innuendos and…
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Rachel Freck on Casting ‘That Christmas’
Christmas and comedy casting connoisseur Rachel Freck on That Christmas, how she got started as a casting director and what she wants to see in auditions. Rachel Freck is an Emmy-award-winning casting director whose work you’ll most definitely be familiar with. Her impressive list of credits includes comedy big-hitters The Office, Twenty Twelve, Green Wing,…
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Danny Sapani on His Extensive Career Performing on Stage and Screen
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare‘ actor Danny Sapani tells us about auditioning for ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘Penny Dreadful’, being recognised in public and his top acting tip. Acclaimed actor Danny Sapani has an impressive list of stage performances under his belt. His extensive theatre work includes playing ‘Brutus’ in Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe, ‘Jason’…
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Samson Marraccino: Youth Theatre and Performing at the National Theatre
Young actor Samson Marraccino shares his experience performing in ‘The Sad Club’ at the National Theatre and how he got his role in ‘Good Omens’. At the age of 18, Samson Marraccino already has an exciting acting CV. He’s worked alongside Spotlight members Michael Sheen and David Tennant in Good Omens, performed in Keith Richards:…