At the 2024 Catalina Film Festival, an engaging panel brought together casting director Donna Morong and actors Amy Tsang, Dot-Marie Jones, and Necar Zadegan, each from notable projects like 10 Things I Hate About You, The Acolyte, Glee, and Mayor of Kingstown. Hosted by Geoff Boucher, the discussion delved deep into the nuanced intricacies of casting, performing, and what truly makes an actor stand out in the industry.
The panel kicked off with Boucher’s casual introduction, setting a relaxed tone for the event. He began by introducing the speakers and cracking jokes about getting his directions mixed up—a light moment establishing the approachable vibe of the entire conversation. Each panelist brought a unique perspective to the table, and their collective experience provided a holistic look at the casting process from both sides of the table.
The Casting Director’s Perspective: Expanding the Director’s Vision
Donna Morong, known for casting hits like 10 Things I Hate About You and The Princess Diaries, offered a candid look into the casting world. She shared that her process begins with reading the script multiple times, first for her own interpretation and then to align with the director’s vision. But her role goes beyond simply finding an actor who fits a visual type—she seeks to expand the director’s vision. “Very often a director is tied to a visual,” Morong noted, “and I try to expand it—maybe a different ethnicity, someone with a disability, or simply someone unexpected who brings the essence of the character to life.” She highlighted her experience working on Gone Baby Gone, where Ben Affleck had a clear vision, particularly about the Boston accents. It was her job to find actors who could meet that vision and add depth to the characters.
Donna Morong (Casting Director) 10 Things I Hate About You; Amy Tsang (Actor) Acolyte, Grey’s Anatomy; Necar Zadegan (Actor) Mayor of Kingston and Dot-Marie Jones (Actor) Glee.
“Very often a director is tied to a visual, and I try to expand it—maybe a different ethnicity, someone with a disability, or simply someone unexpected….”
The conversation also touched on typecasting, and Morong acknowledged the challenge actors face in breaking free of the “mold” that casting directors or filmmakers might envision for them. She noted that seeing someone cast against type and shine in an unexpected role is always rewarding. This very act of pushing beyond the obvious often results in the most memorable performances.
Navigating the Casting Process as an Actor
Amy Tsang shared her unconventional experience landing her role in The Acolyte, a Disney Plus series set in the Star Wars universe. Rather than auditioning through the typical channels, she got her opportunity thanks to a producer who had seen her work in Silent River. The audition process itself was secretive, with code names used throughout—“Paradox” being the working title. She spoke about the thrill of being on set and finally immersing herself in the Star Wars universe that her friends had always been obsessed with. “It was overwhelming to jump in,” Tsang admitted, “but once I got the role, exploring the world became one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”