Kerry Barden is the award-winning casting director of over 200 films and TV shows, including Sex in the City, Winter’s Bone, The Help, 13 Reasons Why, and the 2016 Best Picture Academy Award-winner Spotlight. He has been nominated eight times for the Outstanding Achievement in Casting award by the Casting Society of America and won three times. He was also nominated for an Emmy for Sex in the City. He majored in theatre at the University of Georgia and has a producer credit on the film Conversations with Other Women. In this episode of Actors Guide to Success Kerry sits down with Bernard Hiller to talk about the ever-evolving business of film-making, his personal philosophy on life and art, and how to get noticed in an audition. 
 
Show Notes:
2:17 - Kerry explains his start in casting.
3:00 - Kerry and Bernard talk about purpose and career.
3:30 - Kerry talks about “saying yes” to opportunities.
5:00 - Kerry shares the advice he would give to actors just starting out.
8:23 - Kerry explains what he looks for when an actor walks into an audition.
9:17 - Kerry talks about the “don’ts” for auditioning
10:33 - Bernard and Kerry discuss how globalism has affected casting films
11:05 - Kerry explains the vital skill of self-taping
12:43 - Kerry talks about energy and connection in an actor’s performance
13:39 - Kerry and Bernard talk about how to have a fulfilling personal life as an actor
14:48 - Kerry discusses the importance of acting classes, following other artists, and studying the film-making process
16:14 - Kerry explains how someone can contact him or expect to be seen by him
17:30 - Kerry reveals the best piece of advice anyone ever gave him
18:43 - Bernard and Kerry talk about Sex in the City and Jennifer Lawrence’s breakout role in Winter’s Bone
22:25 - Kerry elaborates on how the film-making process has changed and diversified, and how to make your own opportunities
27:21 - Kerry and Bernard talk about awards, director Tom McCarthy, and Spotlight
32:00 - Kerry dispels some myths and misconceptions about casting directors
34:25 - Bernard and Kerry discuss the power of storytelling and Kerry reveals his favorite recent acting performances.