Casting director Julie Schubert might work so well with actors because she originally thought she wanted to be one, even going to college in New York to study the craft. “I quickly realized that I was absolutely terrible at it — like miserable — but I still wanted to work in the industry,” she reveals. She took a bunch of internships her senior year, one in casting, and found it to be the perfect fit. “I get to work with actors all the time, which I love. I get to play in new and interesting worlds with each new film or series I cast. And I never have to be seen! Win-win-win.”
An Emmy Award winner for casting “House of Cards” (with Laray Mayfield, Schubert earned an Artios Award nomination for her work on Season One of Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” starring Keri Russell in the titular role. Season Two upped the stakes even more, bringing on Allison Janney as the vice president, and the show has already been renewed for a third season.
What brought you to “The Diplomat”?
An interview! I don’t think folks realize that casting directors have to audition for their jobs too. I read the script and was completely blown away — it was immediate to me how incredibly special this show was going to be, and I desperately wanted to be a part of it. So much so, that when I finally met with Jenelleriley2 Debora Cahn for the interview — after days of prepping because I wanted to nail it — about halfway through gushing over the script, I told her I would gnaw off my right arm to work with her. I left that meeting mortified and convinced that she thought I was nuts. But thankfully, I got the offer and have never been happier to be a part of such a smart, creative, truly caring team.
What was the biggest challenge in casting the show?
I want to make sure whomever we bring into the world is not only a brilliant actor but also fits well with the energy that’s been created and nurtured through the last three seasons. This is an environment that has been deliberately curated with wonderful people who enjoy going to work with each other every day. And I take it as a great responsibility that anyone we add to it, comes with that same spirit.
Was Keri Russell already attached when you came on board? Who were some of the first roles you cast?
No one was attached when I came on to cast. Keri Russell was the first piece of casting on the series — because you don’t have “The Diplomat” without THE Diplomat. From there, we focused on Hal — and there was no question that Rufus Sewell embodied everything that the role was and could be. Keri and Rufus are magnetic together.
Then came Ato Essandoh and Ali Ahn for Stuart and Eidra, respectively. Lucinda Syson and Natasha Vincent are my UK casting partners on “The Diplomat,” and they brought David Gyasi and Rory Kinnear to the table. It’s always fun after you set your main cast to pivot into the rest of the world. When we started talking about President Rayburn, my first email to Deb was: “How do you feel about Michael McKean? That’s who I have in my head for this.” Boom. Same with Nana Mensah for Billie Appiah. And Celia Imrie for Roylin. The joy of casting a show like this is that the writers have created such beautiful, clear and specific characters that really speak to who should play them. And we’re really fortunate that, for the most part, the actor we thought of first, said yes.
Can you talk about bringing in Allison Janney for Season 2?
What is there to say? It’s Allison Janney. Easiest conversation in the world. Especially if she says yes!
And I understand there will be a “West Wing” reunion in Season 3 with Bradley Whitford joining. What can you tell us?
If you thought Season 2 was exciting, wait til you see what Bradley Whitford brings to the table in Season 3. You’re not ready.
Where are some of the places you locate talent?
Talent is everywhere. I’ve gone to festivals around the world; I am constantly watching theater, film and TV. When I travel to other countries, I see plays in their native language, because even if I don’t speak the language, a good performer can tell a story, so everyone understands. I even mine commercials for actors. And to me, it doesn’t matter if an actor has representation or not. I’m always looking, and if I see someone who may be the right fit for anything I’m working on, I’m excited to give them the opportunity to audition.
What would you want actors to know if they audition for you? Pet peeves? Words of encouragement? What is it you’re looking for?
I’m looking for an actor to come in with a point of view. I think there are a lot of hang ups about getting it — whatever it is — “right.” But it’s not about that for me, especially during the audition process. An actor coming in with an idea is so exciting. We can work together and help shape it into the direction I know my creatives ultimately want to go, but having a firm base to start is a joy. Also, have fun. The process can feel so daunting, so we need to enjoy ourselves as much as possible doing it.
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