Casting Directors Advice to Actors ~ Joe Lorenzo interviews Danielle Eskinazi

Danielle Eskinazi has been in casting for more than 25 years, today she is one of the busiest, most well respected commercial casting directors.

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Danielle Eskinazi is an award-winning casting director with an eye for talent and a sixth sense when it comes to spotting substance beneath the surface.

With over two decades casting films, television, theater, and commercials, Danielle has cast such known talent as David Bowie, Rosanna Arquette, and Woody Harrelson, while also launching the careers of now-successful actors including Hank Azaria and Milla Jovovich. She is highly respected in the business for her creativity, integrity, and ability to draw out audition-nailing performances.

After several years of casting films, Danielle dove into the fast paced world of commercials. Today Danielle Eskinazi Casting has cast over 3,000 national and regional spots and is known for finding edgy, interesting, and talented actors to suit her directors’ and clients’ needs. Danielle has been nominated for the Talent Managers Association prestigious Seymour Heller Award for Best Commercial Casting Director of 2009, and was a runner up twice for Favorite Commercial Casting Director in Back Stage West.

Joe (Q): What is your current occupation? How long have you been in your current position?

Danielle (A): My current occupation is a Commercial Casting director for 25 years.

Joe (Q): How did you get started?

Danielle (A): I was in a crossroad in my life and  hated the job I was in at the time and wanted to get into the entertainment business. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. A friend of mine was an agent at one of the top 5 agencies and recommended I looked into casting. Before I knew it quit I quit my job and she hooked me up with Risa Bramon Garcia and Billy Hopkins. My first job with them was the west coast casting assistant for a film called “At Close Range” w/ Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, and Mary Stuart Masterson. 

Joe (Q): Did you have any mentors or someone guiding you along the way?

Danielle (A): Yes, one of my biggest Mentors was Lee Daniels who was a manager at the time and would always give me kind support. He may not remember me but I will never forget his kindness.

Joe (Q): How important is it to study, be in class, and private coach for auditions?

Daniele (A): You would want to walk into an audition and feel completely confident. I feel continually  taking classes is essential and it’s great therapy in a way. You get to know how unlimitless you are.

Joe (Q): With all the ups and downs in this business, what keeps you going? What advice do you give your actors as they experience rejection?

Danielle (A): Advice given to me was always walk into a room with confidence and professionalism. if something isn’t working for you in a positive way find another door that serves you better.

Joe (Q): What advice were you given when you were starting out that you can remember and share?

Danielle (A): study, study, study. there are no shortcuts. Be brilliant even if you’re green in the business. Know what you are doing when you walk into our audition room.

Joe (Q): What piece of advice do you have for those actors just starting out?

Danielle (A):  Have a foundation. A job that could pay your rent and put food on the table. We don’t want to see desperate faces when you audition for us. Always remember we are on your side and we want you to get the job we are not here to intimidate you, but to support your dreams.

Danielle Eskinazi Website

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Joe Lorenzo Website

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