In this exclusive interview, ICDA picked the casting brains behind one of this year’s most lauded films, Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier, starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. Casting Directors Yngvill Kolset Haga and Avy Kaufman shared insights on their search for the perfect cast.
ICDA: Yngvill, you have mentioned that some actors reading for parts in Sentimental Value were nervous during the audition because of the success of Joachim Trier’s previous film, The Worst Person in the World. How do you suggest actors work through their nerves, and what do you do to help them mitigate those feelings in the audition room?
YNGVILL: First of all, I think actors should embrace the nerves. It means that their work, the audition, is important to them. But, of course, the nerves can get in the way during the time in the casting room. Focus on the scene, what are the circumstances, how can you play the character, and have fun with it? I also believe that our presence in the room with the actor can make a big difference in toning down the nerves. Read and talk through the scene and situation, make the situation a bit casual, even if maybe a very important and big role is what the actor is there for. In the first round, they meet just me: I both film and do the lines/act with them. My camera and equipment are small and are not the focus of the session, but the actor and our collaboration. I see especially these first rounds as a collaboration between each actor and the casting director. Most likely, they are invited because I am curious to see them, have faith in them for the part, so let’s make a good scene together! Sometimes, I get the feeling that actors are afraid of us, that we are picky and against them in a way, which is wrong: we are in the room with them because we want the audition to end up with some good versions to send over to the director.
ICDA: Avy, Elle Fanning seemed to completely understand the character of Rachel. What does that look like to you? Is it about an emotional connection, an intellectual point of view, a little bit of both?
AVY: I’m not sure. What I do know is how pure and honest I feel Elle portrayed Rachel Kemp. A well-meaning performer who can’t quite get to where the director needs her to be. I feel the audience can see the honesty Elle arrives at with this enormous decision to share with Gustav, her director. I feel a great actress finds the emotional and intellectual path to find characters this complex.
ICDA: When you need to search beyond your initial list for a part, where do you go to find new faces? Where do you tend to look online and/or in real life? Yngvill?
YNGVILL: I am a huge theatre nerd and have always seen a lot of theatre in my life. So that is one important place to both see new faces, like student productions, and also to get reminded of actors that have not been on my radar lately. In Norway, most actors work in theatres or with theatre in one way or another. I try to see most of the Norwegian films and TV dramas, and of course, in general, films. Sometimes, I just sit on the internet surfing to see what can inspire me and what names come up; the thoughts can make me remember a name I have not thought of in a while. I also use the Norwegian actors’ platform, Filmmakers, Spotlight. IMDb is one the apps on my phone I use the most on a daily basis as well.
ICDA: Avy, how about you?
AVY: To find new faces, I dwell and search anywhere I can! Both online and in real life. I do my research, which means I look at reels, go through lists, etc. I have a different way to search for actors for different films. Different directions, as every show calls for a new way of looking, hearing, and seeing characters. Casting is such a strength in building a show. I am not always looking for new faces. I am dwelling on the “right” actors, and when finding new faces during my research, this can be exciting. I use IMDbPro along with researching and reviewing actors’ materials, amongst other avenues I delve into with my search for actors.
ICDA: How do you tend to keep track of actors you’re interested in, even if you didn’t cast them for this particular opportunity?
YNGVILL: Hopefully, I find them on the platforms, IMDbPro, or social media is also something I use. I’m not a “calling” casting director: I love to write, so I tell the actors to write to me if they have news, a new haircut, a lot of availability, etc. And of course, I contact agents too, but still, many actors in Norway do not have agents.
ICDA: On Sentimental Value, or on any of your projects, how much does your mind get changed about the casting during the “chemistry read” part of the process?
YNGVILL: Normally, you build up the cast as a pyramid, the biggest part or parts on the top. So, when that part is decided, and you start with chemistry, I just think that sometimes the puzzle puts itself together. Both the actors’ energy together, and the actors’ energy in the room with the director. You quickly forget the chemistry that did not work out so well. But I can still keep in mind the actor who does not get the role for future projects. It is a lot of luck in a way; the right project, director, and actor present all at once. Or it at least feels like luck. When it all works out well, you can forget the hard work and struggles of finding the pieces to the puzzle.
ICDA: What do you hope to find on actors’ IMDbPro pages or their websites that helps make your job easier?
AVY: IMDbPro definitely makes my life easier!
YNGVILL: I like to see different headshots, men with and without a beard, for instance, women with more/less makeup. A good showreel is always great to see, an easy way to get in touch, and where in the world they are located. I also like to see age, or at least acting age.
ICDA: Avy, you have a long and storied curriculum vitae. What excites you most about casting at this point in your career?
AVY: A wonderful team is so important to me to work with, along with a script I can feel in my bones. When I am touched with a particular story, I want badly to cast every part beautifully and let the words and the actor give the world a gift of love, humor, etc.
Sentimental Value can be viewed in theatres, and on AppleTV, Prime Video, and other platforms.
In partnership with IMDbPro, ICDA presents a quarterly interview series that shines a light on casting directors and their collaborators, exploring the creative choices, challenges, and artistry behind the casting process.
