Exclusive Interview with Bi-Coastal Casting Director Kim Hardin!

Kim Hardin has been one of the most successful casting directors in the industry over the last 25 years! She’s been Head Casting Director on such Hit Films like Friday – Madea Goes to Jail – Hustle & Flow – Four Brothers – Cadillac Records – and many more! Ms. Hardin has a keen eye for talent and has evolved into one of the Top Casting Directors in the Game! See Our Exclusive ‘Industry Interview’ @ www.actorscomfort.com

1) Hello Ms. Hardin, thank you for taking a moment to speak to us as your bi-coastal schedule keeps you quite busy. So, tell us a little about yourself and how you got your start in the business?

I started in the business in the late 80′s. I originally thought I wanted to be a Production Coordinator. I kind of fell into Casting after meeting a producer who came and spoke at a Film Club that I started at my school. He saw me as a casting director, and that’s what I began pursuing.

2) You’re based out of LA, yet have a great connection to NYC. In your opinion, how does the industry contrast on either coast?

Both cities have there strength. The core of acting is Theater, which New York is known for. Because of that, the acting talent in NYC is very different from the talent in California. Talent is stronger in NYC in my opinion. However, the west coast is where the majority of all the film studios and TV production houses are based. Therefore making it kind of the Capital of film making.

3) For actors who don’t know about your incredibly successful and highly sought-out casting workshops held on both coasts (Kim Hardin Casting_Workshops) tell us how the concept came about, when it began, how actors can get involved, and when/where the next workshop will be held?

My “Casting with Kim” workshops began about 2 years ago. Actors keep telling me whenever I would conduct a class that my style was different than others. I also feel a need to inform actors of getting into this business and get educated On All Avenues. This is information that I share in my class. Not just Acting, but the Business of Acting. I wanted to spread this message to as many actors nationwide as possible. My next workshop is in New York on July 24 & 25 at the TACT Studios.

4) As a casting director, what are your criteria when choosing a project and any new films in the pipeline?

How I pick my films is I have to feel the story and the characters. If I don’t feel I can help find the best talent to breathe life into a role, then I can’t take the job. My upcoming films are “A Southern Melody” (going in the fall). Other films are: “Leslie”, “Wicked Boys”, and 3 others that titles can’t be mentioned yet.

5) Any fundamentals actors should work on in the audition process?

Fundamentals that actors should work on are taught in my class.

6) How can an actor snag-a-meeting or get in front of you?

The best way for actors to get me to see their talent outside of my auditioning process on a film, is to take one of my workshops. That showcases a lot of your skills on many levels from my exercises.

7) Once again, thank you Ms. Hardin and last, but not least, any parting ‘Words of Wisdom?’

Words of Wisdom…. Know who you are as a person, because you are going to need it in this line of work. You must be able to have patience, passion and persistence to have the longevity in this field…that is required.

Thank You Ms. Hardin and God Bless!

Actorscomfort