Tipsy Casting
Jessica Sherman & Jenn Presser
Spilling the tea... nay wine on what really goes on behind casting our favorite films and tv shows from our real-life experiences and stories.
- 1 hour 2 minutes118. Cheers to Wrapping Up 2025!
This week we wrap up Season 3 of Tipsy Casting!
We cannot thank you enough for joining us for another season. We really appreciate each and every one of you that listen and share and come back week after week. We truly have the best listeners out there.
Join us this week for our last episode of the season! In the episode we discuss the past year and go over our highs and lows and what we see for the future. We love to dive in and talk things all industry ending this crazy, tumultuous year. We answer all the final questions you submitted via instagram and give some info about this year's annual CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY.
Make sure you are subscribed and follow us on instagram so you don't miss out on this years big prizes!
Lastly we are joined by Garrison Koch and Daniel Lepthien from Active Pitch. Make sure to give a listen and sign up for a FREE account on Active Pitch before they launch in January. This will be the new way forward for casting and actors and getting rid of any pay for play schemes.
Come join us as we bid adieu to 2025!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Jenn & Jess
Make sure you are subscribed to Tipsy Casting on all platforms as well as rate and review the podcast!!!
Resources:
Active Pitch Website to Sign Up
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26 November 2025, 5:42 pm - 56 minutes 53 seconds117. An In Depth Discussion with Talent Manager, Sharon Paz!
This week on Tipsy Casting! We are excited to welcome the agent turned manager extraordinaire, Sharon Paz!
Sharon spent 21 years at A3 Artists Agency — and Abrams Artists Agency, as it was formerly known — as a veteran talent agent. In 2024 she transitioned to management with the launch of the L.A.-based Paz Talent.
Clients joining her at her new company Luke Tennie (Shrinking), Firas Nassar (Invasion), Boris McGiver (Teacup, Servant), Josh Bitton (The Pacific), Brad Beyer (Thank You for Your Service), and Caroline Clay (Grey’s Anatomy).
In this episode we discuss...
How she started in the industry as an actor in the early 2000s to transitioning to Abrams and then ultimately starting her own management after A3 shut down in 2024
We discuss the rollercoaster of since the first strike in 2008 and all that she’s weathered and she weighs in on how she sees things in the present and how the industry has fundamentally changed throughout her career and now is changed forever after the strike.
We discuss AI and the BETTY GILPIN Open letter to the AI actress article (linked here)
The biggest hazard of all our jobs gets discussed (Spoiler alert!) .. finding out who dies prior to airing
How she has experience the industry evolving especially with her relationships with CDs
What she looks for when she meets new actors
Make sure you are subscribed to Tipsy Casting on all platforms as well as rate and review the podcast!!!
Resources:
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19 November 2025, 1:00 pm - 50 minutes 41 seconds116. An In-Depth Conversation with Cinematographer, Ed Wu!
This week on Tipsy Casting! We are so thrilled to have a FIRST on the show as we welcome the extremely talented cinematographer, Ed Wu to the podcast!
Ed is a man of many talents including being a classically-trained Violinist, Ultimate Frisbee Athlete and most importantly a cat lover! Ed was recognized as one of the Rising Stars of Cinematography in the February 2017 issue of American Cinematographer. In 2016, he was selected to be a part of Variety's Below-the-Line Impact Report - Up Next Category.
Ed transplanted to Los Angeles from Long Island, NY in search of uncovering and learning the magic behind visual storytelling. To refine his craft, Ed was accepted to study at the prestigious American Film Institute, receiving an MFA in cinematography. Through his experiences as a cinematographer and wanderer of the world, he's seen the power of an image and constantly continues to search for the perfect frame to tell the story. He is extremely knowledgeable and I was able to see that first hand on the films we have worked on together like LINOLEUM and SLEGHT. His other recent credits include MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, PONYBOI and LOST ODYSSEY: SHADOWS OF DESTINY to name a few.
In this episode we discuss...- How he went from being a violinist/sports guy to learning the cinematography wold and wanting to train up in it.
- He breaks down all the terminology of the roles within the camera and lighting departments so we can best understand each role.
- We dive into the many different ways to go about gaining experience and climbing the preverbal ladder.
- He breaks down 2 of his favorite scenes from the film LINOLEUM and how they pulled off these not only amazing shots of dropping a car but also the emotional breakdown of scenes and the challenges.
- We discuss how being the head of department has its advantages but also disadvantages in running the crew and how the intimate relationship with the director really comes into play.
- How he approaches working with actors in such a close environment from the day they meet to the evolution throughout the shoot.
- He gives his tips to actors on how to best be an actor’s DP and help him help you look your best on screen!
- And lastly any particular genres or types of films that are on his manifesting list to be a part of
Make sure you are subscribed to Tipsy Casting on all platforms as well as rate and review the podcast!!!
Resources:
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12 November 2025, 1:00 pm - 1 hour 1 minute115. Jumping into November with Industry Chatter, Updates and a fun Q&A!
Welcome back to Tipsy Casting! We are so excited to dive into the holiday season and with that we start November off with an update on how Jess' big gala event went for A Cause for Entertainment!
If you were unable to attend but still want to be a part of this years amazing fundraising event, you can visit A CAUSE FOR ENTERTAINMENT Website to join the online auctions or to donate directly to the charity.
We also chat about all the industry news over the past month, from studios being bought, to studio casting departments getting eliminated and many more!
Lastly we jump into all the Q&A that were submitted for us (via instagram!) along with some sweet comments from listeners.
Grab your favorite cocktail or mocktail and get cozy for this episode!
As always please subscribe, rate and review the episodes! We love all the engagement!
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5 November 2025, 1:06 pm - 48 minutes 52 seconds114. A Modern Class of Casting Visionaries- Featuring Shakyra Dowling!
This month we are so excited to have the extremely talented Casting Director, Shakyra Dowling, join our Modern Class of Casting Visionaries segment!
Shakyra Dowling is a London based casting director renowned for her commitment to championing emerging and diverse talent. With a career spanning over a decade, she has significantly contributed to both independent British cinema and international co-productions. Her casting expertise has been integral to projects that have garnered nominations and accolades at prestigious platforms such as the BAFTAs, BIFAs, Berlinale, Sundance, and TIFF. She has also been recognised with multiple nominations and wins from the Casting Society of America’s Artios Awards.
Notable work includes Hammarskjöld: Fight for Peace (2023), a Swedish biopic directed by Per Fly and featuring Mikael Persbrandt. She also cast Wolf (2021), directed by Nathalie Biancheri, with George MacKay, Lily-Rose Depp and Paddy Considine and soon to be released Desperate Journey, directed by Annabel Jankel (Tell it to the Bees), featuring Til Schweiger, Clara Rugaard and Sienna Guillory.
Shakyra recently collaborated with Peter Greenaway on his latest feature Lucca Mortis, casting Dustin Hoffman and Helen Hunt. In TIFF 2025 is Gandhi Before India, a major TV series filming across the UK and India, with a huge cast including Tom Felton and James Murray.
Make sure to subscribe, rate and review!
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Resources:
Shakyra Dowling Casting Website
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30 October 2025, 3:04 pm - 53 minutes 26 seconds113. An In-Depth Conversation with Creator/ Showrunner, Sarah Lampert!
This week on Tipsy Casting, we welcome the wonderfully talented creator and show runner of the hit Netflix series, Ginny & Georgia, Sarah Lampert!
Sarah Lampert is the visionary creator, EP, and writer behind Netflix mega-hit series Ginny and Georgia. Currently in its third season, the show has become one of the top ten most-watched series in the history of Netflix and has cemented Sarah as a creative to watch in the industry.
With a unique ability to tap into the hard-to-reach YA audience, Sarah has connected with millions of fans who have embraced the show for its honest and relatable portrayal of teen life, complex family relationships, and mental health struggles. Ginny and Georgia has appeared in Netflix’s Top 10 in 69 countries. The highly anticipated third season premiered on June 5, 2025, landing at No.2 on the charts and becoming the most-watched Netflix title that week with 17.6 million views.
Lampert’s rise in television has earned both commercial success and critical acclaim. She was named a BAFTA Breakthrough talent and was featured on the 2017 Young and Hungry List. She is currently developing another original series at Netflix.
- How she started her career from umbrella girl to manager assistant and her time in reality tv
- Which leads us into our thoughts about the most recent seasons of Love Island and Below Deck
- How she approached pitching the show and the unique path that Georgia & Ginny got picked up
- What it was like going into the pitch and how she drew on her reality pitching experience to not be intimidated
- We dive into the casting of the show and how each role was unique and had it’s challenges. Also a few “a-ha!” Moments!
- How Sarah approaches the series and the story lines in the most authentic ways and how she wants to break tropes and stereotypes through the show
- What she ultimately wants her legacy to be in the industry
Resources:
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22 October 2025, 12:00 pm - 56 minutes 17 seconds112. I Wrote This for Attention — Lukas Gage Has Entered the Chat
This week on Tipsy Casting, we’re joined by our longtime friend and wildly talented actor, Lukas Gage, who just dropped his debut book, I WROTE THIS FOR ATTENTION.
In this candid and hilarious conversation, we dive into the origins of our friendship, his infamous viral Zoom moment, the “aha” shift that changed everything in his career, and the realities of typecasting and timing in the audition world. Lukas also opens up about the process of writing his book, the search for validation, and what’s next in his ever-evolving journey.
Oh...and yes, we talk tattoos.
How Jess & Jenn’s friendship with Lukas began
Tattoos and the stories behind them
His “aha” moment — the shift that changed everything
That unforgettable viral moment
Navigating Zoom culture in Hollywood
Breaking free from typecasting
The power (and luck) of audition timing
Writing his debut book I wrote this for attention — the process and experience
The role of validation in his journey
- What’s next for Lukas Gage
Episode Resources:
I Wrote This for Attention - BUY THE BOOK TODAY!
Coffee with Casting - Lukas Gage Episode
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15 October 2025, 8:19 am - 49 minutes 20 seconds111. An In Depth Conversation with Director, Eddie Sternberg!
On this week's episode we have the extremely talented director of the film I USED TO BE FAMOUS, Eddie Sternberg!
Eddie’s debut feature film, I Used to Be Famous — starring Ed Skrein, Eleanor Matsuura, and Leo Long — became a global hit on Netflix, reaching the Top 10 most-watched films in over 60 countries, including #2 in the UK, #8 in the US, and #4 worldwide in 2022.
Adapted from his award-winning short, the film earned widespread acclaim, with Digital Spy calling it “the best British film Netflix has released to date,” and multiple outlets regularly featuring it among the platform’s top films. Long-listed for five BIFAs, with Leo Long nominated for Breakthrough Performance, the film also garnered nominations for Best British Film and Best Comedy at the National Film Awards. Many publications praised its authentic portrayal of autism and lauded it as “a cinematic gem” that could “set a precedent for neurodivergent representation in film, both on-screen and behind the scenes.”
Eddie was named a 2022 Screen International Star of Tomorrow. He is a mentor for Directors UK, ORT, and Your Cinema, where he works with aspiring filmmakers from underrepresented groups. He is currently developing his second feature film. We had a wonderful time chat with him and his journey getting is first feature made from a short to full length along with what’s coming down the pipe with him.
This is a perfect episode for anyone who wants a step by step breakdown of how he got his first indie off the ground and the intense process that took over 7 years to make.
Resources:
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8 October 2025, 10:04 pm - 56 minutes 36 seconds110. Kicking off the Fall with a stellar Q&A!
Join us this month as we cozy up with our warm drinks and catch up with everything that has been going on this past month.
We also answer all your burning questions that were submitted
via our instagram text box a couple days ago. We cover everything from how we decide who to bring in for self tapes, what to expect at this year's A CAUSE FOR ENTERTAINMENT's gals as well as what some of our favorite castings have been lately!
Don't forget to buy your gala tickets here!
And Jess will see you there on October 26th with a lot of familiar faces!
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3 October 2025, 10:22 am - 1 hour 20 minutes109. A Modern Class of Casting Visionaries- Featuring Thomas Sullivan!
This month we are so excited to have the wonderful, Thomas Sullivan join our Modern Class of Casting Visionaries segment!
With a sharp eye for talent and a passion for storytelling, Thomas Sullivan has built a reputation as a versatile and highly sought-after casting director across indie and studio film, and television. Known for assembling compelling and diverse ensembles, his ability to help producers and directors balance their creative visions with competitive industry demands has made him a trusted collaborator for over twenty years.
His most recent projects, currently shooting or in post, include Guns Up (starring Kevin James), Bear Country (starring Russell Crowe, Aaron Paul, and Luke Evans) - Runner (starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson) and Double Blind (starring LaKeith Stanfield and Maria Bakalova)
Other major casting credits include the films Ricky Stanicky (2024), Dear Santa (2024), Dead Sea (2024), The Designer (2024), Champions (2023), The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022), The Royal (2022), Murder at Yellowstone City (2022), Boon (2022), My Dead Dad (2021), Last Night in Rozzie (2021) and the Academy Award-winning Best Picture, Green Book (2018).
A firm believer in inclusive and forward-thinking casting, Thomas is committed to discovering fresh voices and ensuring diverse representation in every project he takes on. Whether working on an indie gem or a high-profile studio feature, his work continues to shape the industry by bringing compelling characters to life through exceptional casting.
Make sure to subscribe, rate and review!Follow us @tipsycasting
Resources:
Thomas Sullivan Casting Website
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25 September 2025, 4:04 pm - 56 minutes 3 seconds108. An In-Depth Conversation with ColorCreative Manager, Raj Raghavan!
On this episode of Tipsy Casting, we are so excited to welcome an extremely talented manager from ColorCreative, Raj Raghavan!
Raj is currently a partner and co-head of the Talent department at ColorCreative. There he represents actors, playwrights, comedians, and novelists. Along with being a powerhouse on the representation side, he is a producer on the feature adaptation of his client Sameer Pandya’s novel Members Only and is also a producer on A Crown of Wishes which is currently in development with his client, Avantika, attached to star and produce.
Raj was previously a talent manager at Echo Lake Entertainment and a founding partner and manager at Imagine Artist Management. He was an agent at Creative Artists Agency from 2005- 2019, based primarily in the Los Angeles office and in London from 2011-2014. Raj began his entertainment career in the mailroom at United Talent Agency. He grew up in Plano, Texas and graduated from Stanford University.
His journey and path into the industry first as and agent and now as a manager/producer
How ColorCreative innovative way of helping actors not only with the acting side bu develops projects as well
Where he sees the industry, especially in LA, recovering and going in the future
How he finds talent along with do's and don'ts for actors during rep meetings
What he loves and dislikes about the casting process and what we can do better on our side!
His burning questions for casting :)
What he would do if he didn't work in this industry along with his lifelong dream to be on Survivor
Resources:
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17 September 2025, 12:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App