August 4, 2025
Becoming... Emmy and Artios winning Casting Director Jessica Daniels
Mentors on the Mic: Your guide to pursuing a career in the Entertainment industryAbout this episode
Jessica Daniels is an Emmy and Artios Award-winning casting director for film and television, with credits including Will Trent, Dying for Sex, The 40-Year-Old Version, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, and 30 Rock. A New York native and former VP of Casting at Walt Disney Television Studios, she has spent over two decades championing talent. Jessica is passionate about storytelling and sees casting as an essential mechanism for shaping culture. In this episode, we talk about: • Introduction to Entertainment: Jessica Daniels began her career in the entertainment industry at Backstage Magazine, where she wrote and edited casting notices and conducted interviews. • Interest in Casting: Her interest in casting was piqued after creating a top 20 list of film casting directors, which led her to pursue a career in casting. • Career Path: Jessica transitioned from editorial work to becoming a casting assistant, eventually working on notable projects like "Garden State" and "The Carrie Diaries” (the latter she thought of as a breakthrough series for her). • Casting Philosophy: She emphasizes the importance of matching energies and representation in casting, often advocating for actors she believes in. • Challenges and Insights: Jessica discusses the fast-paced nature of casting, the importance of being prepared for pitch meetings, and the balance between casting known actors and discovering new talent. • Current Work: She is currently working on two feature films and preparing for the next season of "Will Trent." • Advice for Filmmakers: Jessica advises filmmakers to make roles appealing to actors and to consider hiring a casting director to open up the world of possibilities for their projects. • The High of Casting: When a difficult deal closes or she finds the right person for a role. • Auditions: The benefits of submitting early and whether it’s a necessity. • Lightning round: How to Deal, Garden State, Royal Pains, 30 Rock, Coach Carter, Will Trent, Elekra, Ice Princess, Single Drunk Female Guest: IMDb Linkedin Instagram Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Close Up with Casting Director Tara Rubin (Aladdin, BOOP, Death Becomes Her, Six, The Outsiders) Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone")