Inside Indies

Every great performance starts with one powerful choice: casting.

In this episode, John Cooke sits down with casting director Kimberly Sparks to explore how she approaches indie casting with an eye for story and a heart for people. Kimberly walks us through her process of interpreting scripts, working closely with directors and talent agents, and fostering audition spaces that welcome every performer.

Key insights from this episode:
  • Why the script is your casting bible and how to align with it
  • How a social media presence can impact casting decisions for indie projects
  • Practical ways to broaden diversity without disrupting story integrity

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Kimberly Sparks
(00:20) How to align casting with the filmmaker’s vision
(01:18) Social media’s impact on casting choices
(01:59) Collaborating with talent agents effectively
(03:01) Practical tips for diverse casting
(04:52) Making auditions welcoming and respectful
(06:03) Final advice for aspiring actors

To learn how to cast effectively, read our blog at:
https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/casting-for-financial-success/

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What is Inside Indies?

A look at what it takes to make an indie film. Each episode shares advice on things like funding, planning, and getting a project across the finish line, without a studio-sized budget.