We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carly Granovsky a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carly, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Starting a casting company from scratch was a significant risk that shaped my career and life. At the time, I lived in Toronto, Ontario, where I worked a day job at a production company funding Broadway productions and live-theatre shows in New York and Las Vegas. I had been there for two years as an assistant, but in the back of my mind, I always dreamed of becoming a casting director. My experience working with some of the best Canadian casting directors instilled in me the confidence that I could start my own business one day. Despite having no formal business skills, my determination and positive mindset drove me to take action. I spent countless hours reading, researching, and planning, learning everything I could about the industry and entrepreneurship.

Finally, I decided to take the leap of faith and start a company with a colleague who also had extensive experience in the casting world. Leaving a stable job was daunting, and starting a business from scratch with another person was a significant risk. We faced numerous challenges, struggled to find our footing, and worked tirelessly to secure our first client for a TV series.

Though our partnership eventually ended, the experience taught me invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship. It reinforced my belief that with determination, a solid plan, and an unwavering mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Taking that risk not only allowed me to pursue my passion but also equipped me with the skills and resilience to succeed in the industry. If I hadn’t taken that leap, I wouldn’t be where I am today, thriving as an entrepreneur with my own casting company, where I’ve been fortunate enough to work on numerous film, TV, and commercial projects across Canada and the U.S.

Carly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the casting industry was an unexpected one. After graduating from university, I spent some time substituting as an elementary school teacher. During a summer break, I decided to take an on-camera audition workshop, where I happened to meet someone in casting who sat next to me. He invited me to intern with him, where I assisted in casting background actors for a documentary drama series about World War I. From that moment, I knew my path and passion lay in casting.

Over the years, I’ve worked various jobs in the entertainment field, learning and honing my skills. Today, as the owner of Carly Granovsky Casting, I apply all those tools and experiences to run a full-service casting company. We specialize in innovative casting practices and are firmly committed to diversity. Our goal is to provide clients with a top-tier selection of talent, ensuring we find the right faces to tell their story. Whether it’s for film, TV, or commercials, we tailor our services to meet the specific requirements of each project.

I’m most proud of our collaborative and comprehensive approach. From the initial planning and preparation stages, we work closely with producers, directors, and agencies to ensure a seamless casting process. This involves meticulous review and development of cast lists, in-depth discussions about scripts, and carefully preparing offers for talent. Our commitment to collaboration means we’re deeply involved in every step, ensuring we understand the project’s vision and bring it to life with the perfect cast. Our process is detailed and client-focused, aiming to provide a personalized and efficient experience that results in exceptional storytelling through diverse and talented actors.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I would say my reputation has been driven by my dedication. In an industry where referrals are paramount, I prioritize creating a supportive environment for actors during auditions, fostering professionalism, trust, and confidence.

I always put in diligent effort and thoroughly prepare. This approach has shaped my work on every casting project, allowing me to forge lasting connections and consistently meet deadlines. I also prioritize follow-up, gathering feedback, and leaving a lasting impression that encourages clients to return, solidifying my role as a reputable Casting Director.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media has been a learning curve for me, particularly since it’s not my forte. It began with creating a launch poster to introduce my business on Instagram and sharing it across different casting and acting Facebook groups. At that time, I was still learning how to use Keynote templates for design. Through consistent posting, I gradually built a following over time. I also recognized the importance of hiring a graphic designer to enhance my content, making it more engaging and professional.

For those starting out, my advice is not to hesitate to seek help or collaborate with others to expand your reach!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carlygranovskycasting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlygranovskycasting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlygcasting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlygranovsky

Image Credits
Karin Benedict