Vodacom Summer #ShakeOff2020
"The Virtual Studio has turned out to be an amazing solution for what we do."
"The virtual studio has turned out to be an amazing solution for what we do," says Casting Director Terence Yawa loves working in The Kayos Virtual Studio because it allows for a casting process that is engaging and convenient for everyone involved.
Terence can also cast talent in The Virtual Studio no matter where they are, meaning no-one misses an opportunity to cast for a job: "and that's our primary goal as casting directors - to source the best talent... and ultimately get the best person fit for the job for our client."
"We've really been able to retain as close a connection with the talent in the Kayos Virtual Studio as we would in the physical studio."
Casting Director Monique Murray reflects on her experience working with actors in The Kayos Virtual Studio. She highlights how The Virtual Studio opens the casting room to actors who might not be able to attend live castings.
It also creates a safe meeting space for the actor and casting director where both can focus on building relationships and producing an excellent performance for the client. When we asked Monique what she's enjoyed most about this the last few months she said: "We've really been able to retain as close a connection with the talent in the Kayos Virtual Studio as we would in the physical studio. So, in fact, on some levels it's been even more connected than the physical process."
"Besides being the safest way for us to audition in the context of a global pandemic, the Kayos Virtual Studio allows me to do my job as a casting director effectively and without wasting time."
Casting Director Chris Geils shares why he loves working with actors in The Kayos Virtual Studio: "Besides being the safest way for us to audition in the context of a global pandemic, the Kayos Virtual Studio allows me to do my job as a casting director effectively and without wasting time."
Rather than having to organise another take with an agent if an actor's performance needs to be tweaked, Chris can work directly with the actor to streamline the audition process: "it is as close to a physical casting as possible, but everything is done virtually...and by the time the talent leave the Kayos Virtual Studio space, we have a clip that I can share immediately with my client."
"If everyone could do virtual castings, it would make everyone's lives so much simpler."
Annabé Marais from Ice Artistes was full of praise for The Kayos Virtual Studio. We love that virtual casting allows us to limit time and hassle for agents and talent, while protecting the quality of their audition.
"A virtual casting is quick, easy, and you don't have to worry about anything."
We asked Rhoda Davids from Grace Model Management whether she prefers self tape or virtual castings for her artists. Her answer was clear! "I would definitely choose virtual casting," she said. "A virtual casting is quick, easy, and you don't have to worry about anything."
Our team of experts run the whole experience smoothly, making sure that talent get direction for their best performance and advice on lighting, backdrop, and tech.
The Virtual Studio is "definitely less work and easier for us agents."
Onida Cowan from ERM Stars was delighted by the simplicity of our process in The Kayos Virtual Studio.
Our goal is for the process to be straightforward, accessible, and get the most out of the talent. It's encouraging to hear that it helps agents as well as the talent to perform well, directors to meet a broad range of talent, and castings to proceed regardless of lockdown restrictions.
"It's very streamlined, even now in the virtual world. It's more about quality of cast - and quality of casting tapes - as opposed to having a lot of people to look at."
We worked with director Paul Ward and producer Martina Schieder for Giant Films to cast the latest Sanlam ad during lockdown.
We cast in The Virtual Studio for all initial castings and majority of callbacks with Paul present virtually. He also virtually joined the physical callbacks of several people who had to be seen together in the physical studio.
"I don't think I've enjoyed a casting as much in all the years I've worked, as I have with the [Kayos] Virtual Studio casting."
Erica Brumage, director at Groundglass, has reflected on The Virtual Studio casting process with us. We recently cast the lead for the 60 minute, 3 part series with Erica. We began with casting the lead presenter, and thanks to The Virtual Studio were able to see men and women from around the world to find the right person.