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In the latest episode of Inside Indies, Backstage’s Gerardo Maravilla, a casting specialist, sits down with host John Cooke to explore how casting has evolved, and how today’s independent filmmakers can tap into new pools of talent using modern tools and platforms.
Collaboration remains at the heart of the process. “It’s like learning what [filmmakers are] really looking for in each particular role,” Gerardo says. From character breakdowns to callbacks and chemistry reads, casting directors help bring an indie filmmaker’s vision to life by guiding them through every step of the audition process.
Backstage’s casting platform plays a unique role in this ecosystem by offering access to a vast, global network of working actors, many of whom may not have agents but are actively building their careers.
“Backstage can be a great resource because we have a database of over 300,000 performers all throughout the world,” Gerardo explains. “Maybe [these performers] have a lot of theater experience, they have a solid résumé, and so they’ll be able to see your casting notice and then submit themselves for the job.”
The platform also streamlines logistics, making it easy to manage virtual auditions, request self-tapes, and schedule sessions without third-party software. “So much of [independent] filmmaking ends up being logistical,” Gerardo notes, “and it’s great to have tools—technical tools—that’ll handle the heavy lifting.”
Social media, as an emerging casting tool, has further changed the landscape, enabling filmmakers to discover new performers directly. “I really liked this one TV show, Snowfall, and I saw an actress in that show, and I just reached out to her, and she ended up being in my short,” he shares.
With casting no longer tied to a single city or traditional season, platforms like Backstage are expanding what’s possible for casting independent films for storytellers and talent alike.
Watch the full conversation above or listen to the podcast to learn how Gerardo and Backstage are helping filmmakers discover fresh talent and bring bold new stories to life. And if you’re casting your next project and want expert insight or help navigating the Backstage platform, don’t hesitate to fill out the form linked below.
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