giving thanks to mentors
One of the things that I strive for in my everyday work life is to make my mentors proud. I think to myself, when challenged with a situation or a decision, what would Jane or Gretchen or David do? I filter through my memories of working by their sides and imagine their responses.
To learn a craft takes years. To learn all the nuances of that craft and become a master takes a lifetime. The documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi exemplifies this concept beautifully, and the book Mastery by Robert Greene covers the subject thoroughly. The filmmaking business is no different. IF one wants to become a true master at their craft, it takes dedication, passion and a lifetime of learning, and along the way, hopefully, one finds a mentor or three (as I did).
When I started as an intern in 1989 for Jane Alderman in Chicago, I knew immediately she was someone to be admired and emulated. Over the next six years she took me under her wing, taught me the craft of casting, and shared not only her love of actors but most importantly, the respect one must have for the vulnerability that an actor possesses and how it contributes to an authentic performance. She believed, as a casting director, one’s duty is to create and protect a safe environment for actors to do their best work. I remember her insistence of creating that sacred space every time I have a session.
Thank you, Jane.
When I became Gretchen Rennell‘s associate in Los Angeles, the world lit up again. She had an impeccable way of communicating, with producers, agents and actors alike. Her energy was purely focused on the conversation at hand and the person on the opposite end of the discussion felt heard, completely. Her focus literally streamlined communication and decreased the need for repetition. In the audition room, her focus was on the actors auditioning, and never waivered even through the multitude of incoming phone calls or messages. At the end of the day, the thing that counts most in the process of filmmaking is what one captures on the screen, and an audition is on the screen.
Thank you, Gretchen.
In my later Los Angeles working years, David Rubin expanded my view of the entire filmmaking process. His respect for the overall vision and story has informed not only my casting work, but influenced me as a producer. His creative opinion for what actor would be right for a role, regardless of the hype surrounding a new release, or the spin an agent would use in their pitch, was always based on that performer serving the story in the context of the director’s vision. His creative confidence and his taste are magnetic and unparalleled in my book.
Thank you, David.
Of course there are so many experiences and other bosses and collaborators I’ve had the pleasure of learning from over the last 25 years, and I rely on all of them as I proceed with practicing my own craft. But the profound respect, camaraderie and shared experience of having these three mentors throughout my career thus far is a gift, and for that I am so very grateful. I only hope to someday return the favor.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
erica