Casting Director Caitlin Jones and the Asian American Film Lab Work Together to Promote Diversity

Jan. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- New York, NY – January 9, 2012 – The Asian American Film Lab (Film Lab) is pleased to announce that casting associate and acting coach Caitlin Jones of Liz Lewis Casting will be providing a gratis audition technique workshop to Film Lab members in New York City in an effort to meet more actors of color and to help provide actors of color with a leg up in the audition process.

Jones got her start in casting through commercials.  Since 2008, she has worked on over 200 commercial castings. Some brands include: T-Mobile, Nintendo Wii, Chase Bank, Levi's, American Express, CeraVe, America's Got Talent (Super Bowl 2012 commercial),  and Hasbro.  Caitlin's background before casting was in Musical Theatre. She has recently worked with Alison Franck on casting Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (non union and AEA tours), Dreamgirls (non union tour), and Hair (non union tour).  Caitlin also cast the NYC premiere of A Kind, Kind Man (part of the Frigid NY Theatre Festival.)  She will be providing an overview on the ABC's of commercial copy, how the commercial casting world works, and how to rock those improv and no-copy spots; she will also be addressing song selection and book organization, audition etiquette and attire, and song interpretation for musical theatre auditions.

Jones explains, “I am so excited to work with the Asian American Film Lab.  I think their actors are terrific and am looking forward to meeting and working with more of them.”

The feeling is mutual.  Film Lab President, Jennifer Betit Yen, who acted in and co-produced a SAG film Jones cast a little over a year ago, notes, “Caitlin was amazing.  She was able to find exactly the right actors for the roles and, particularly with the young actors, was able to make them feel very comfortable and to draw out very genuine performances even in high pressure audition environments.”

The Industry Spotlight, “Casting with Caitlin,” will take place in Manhattan on Thursday, February 7, 2013, 6-8pm.  The event will be free and open to the public although RSVPs to Perry Tsao at IndustrySpotlight@film-lab.org are required.

About Caitlin Jones and Liz Lewis Casting

Caitlin Jones is a casting director, web content creator, actor, and director. She attended Nazareth College majoring in Music Theatre and Philosophy while also working at Liz Lewis Casting Partners. After casting numerous commercials, independent films, a stage play and voice-over for the Webby Award-Nominated iPad application, GoodieWords, and with her wide array of experience and contacts in the entertainment industry, Caitlin founded SMAO Entertainment in January of 2011 to produce art that people can laugh at, with or both.  She recently premiered her webseries, "Caitlin Jones Saves the Day!" on youtube.

Caitlin currently casts for Liz Lewis Casting Partners (http://www.lizlewis.com).  Liz Lewis has offices in New York and Los Angeles and is a member of CSA.

About Asian American Film Lab and Industry Spotlight

The Asian American Film Lab (Film Lab) began as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals were to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.

The Film Lab's Industry Spotlight program features industry professionals who wish to promote and encourage diversity in film and television and includes filmmaking how-to seminars on everything from cinematography to sound, casting workshops, film screenings, and more.  The Film Lab is run under the direction of President Jennifer Betit Yen.  Board members include screenwriter and director, Aaron Woolfolk, actor James Kyson Lee, actress and director Bea Soong, producer Erik Lu, attorney Peyton Worley, and advisors cinematographer, Eric Lin, and Director of Asian CineVision, John Woo.  Industry professionals interested in providing a seminar, class, screening, or other Industry Spotlight should contact Perry Tsao at IndustrySpotlight@film-lab.org.

The Film Lab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competitions including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout. This annual competition has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.

The Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

http://www.asianamericanfilmlab.org/

info@film-lab.org