The Making of Consinsual Pt.2 Casting

Casting is a grueling process. I mean for those who think it's glamorous, believe me it's not. There are so many variables to look at, so many things to consider. Choose the wrong person and be set back or worse left stranded. The trick is to find someone so committed to the project you don't have to push, prod or pull them to do what needs to be done. Secondly, they have to have the talent to pull off the "big scene". I tend to write things with a lot of layers so the ability to reach levels is critical. This is not easy to come by. In "real" Hollywood, you pay for this loyalty, in "low budget" Hollywood, you pray for it.

The first part to cast was the easiest, Angelica. My theater production partner is a phenomenal actress and the role was tailor made for her.

Next we found Tara -the cutest blond bombshell with the sweetest attitude. She is amazing. in looking for the right people she was an awesome find. We went through at least 150 people for this part alone.

Jasmine was another unique character, she had to be sexy, commanding and manipulative! I don't know if this is good or bad, but Ms. Kathryn Taylor was the perfect fit! I knew Kathryn by association and had seen her in a couple of things, but really did not know she possessed such skill and adaptability.

Robert Joseph, who is one of Associate Producers is the consummate professional. I knew he had the swagger to bring Devon alive. I spent the least amount of time in his character development, he just did what he needed to do to get there. Absolutely awesome.

Leonard Thomas/Detective Edwards is a New York bred actor with the presence to boot. He's done everything from Spike Lee's Do the right thing and School Daze to Samuel L. Jackson's the Negotiator. We were blessed to have him. He brought a maturity and professionalism to the set .

Siaka Massaquoi/Terrence - This was by far the most difficult character to cast. He had to be smooth and suave, tender yet masculine, vulnerable, but convincing. This was not a part for the faint at heart. We had a couple good choices here, even a "name" actor or two, but Siaka had a certain passion about him that I loved. He did an awesome job.

Bryan Keith/Dillon - Walked in, killed his audition and walked out. He was perfect, deep voice settled right in this "cool" spot. We had seen so many Dillons and done three extra castings just for this character, God came through at the end.