We had such a great response from our last post that we could not delay this one any longer.
If you ask anyone in the Miami entertainment scene, they have heard of Universal Casting.
Universal casting is definitely a leader in casting offices in South Florida.
Casting Director Carlos Rojas, and his partners are definitely doing something right.
They have casted some of the biggest projects to reach South and Central Florida.
Not only do they cast, they also offer training at their sister company Universal Acting.
Universal acting Classes are led by industry professionals/educators and provide students with comprehensive curriculum and programs.
They have locations in Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Who is Carlos Rojas?
Who is Carlos Rojas?
“Today, Carlos is proudly one of the three managing partners of Universal Casting. Since the day they opened their doors, Ginger Wortley, Eva Edlund-Borges and Carlos Rojas set out to change the face of casting on Miami Beach. Remarkably – this innovative team of individuals joined forces just six years ago. Yet today the trio own and operate the leading casting facility that services countless clients from around the world. Their high tech casting options, teleconferencing capabilities, production offices and access to an extensive talent pool has allowed them to be a driving force for some of the most exciting, humor-filled and emotional projects casted in Florida. The Universal crew makes sure that all talent are comfortable and prepared before the camera goes on and it shows. Clients know that every assignment awarded to Universal Casting will afford them with top notch talent and a friendly yet professional working environment. On any given day you can flip on the TV and find some project they helped create. The future holds endless possibilities for this clever group as they forge forward seeking out and cultivating innovative ways to make the industry grow and prosper.
Carlos Rojas has raised the standards within the casting community and it is no longer business as usual. For his competitors…Carlos Rojas – the funny boy from Colombia is no laughing matter. “
Which is your favorite project to date? What made it impactful for you?
Which is your favorite project to date? What made it impactful for you?
“Any Given Sunday / Directed by Oliver Stone /Starring Al Pacino and other great actors – First major Feature Film.”
What makes the kids that you select to been seen stand out?What is it that you typically look for? ( A solid headshot, an impressive resume? is there a “look you go for”)
What makes the kids that you select to been seen stand out?What is it that you typically look for? ( A solid headshot, an impressive resume? is there a “look you go for”)
“First it takes a great professional photo to catch your eye. The “look” depends on the specs given to us by our clients. A solid resume can definitely help you get seen. Each project varies – sometimes we pick who will be seen – others the client does. When we pick – we stick closely to the story boards, concept, skill set and character breakdown requested by the client.”
When a project is submitted who picks the kids selected to be seen at the castings? is there a specific process?
When a project is submitted who picks the kids selected to be seen at the castings? is there a specific process?
“Each project varies – sometimes we pick who will be seen – others the client does. When we pick – we stick closely to the story boards, concept, skill set and character breakdown requested by the client.”
What is bad etiquette that prevents someone from being chosen?
What is bad etiquette that prevents someone from being chosen?
“Bad attitudes, self entitlement, lack of humility, coming off as fake or not authentic, not knowing their place in the production hierarchy.”
What is your biggest casting pet peeve?
What is your biggest casting pet peeve?
“When actors don’t listen to the directions that are given”
For kids interested in taking their career to the next level, what the biggest piece of advice you can offer them/their parents?
For kids interested in taking their career to the next level, what the biggest piece of advice you can offer them/their parents?
“This is a business – treat it as one. Do your research – know who you are dealing with. Read everything you sign – become familiar with industry terms.”
What is your opinion on Social Media and how it is impacting the industry?
What is your opinion on Social Media and how it is impacting the industry?
“Be careful what you post – clients are watching.”
What advice do you give to agencies in regards to their talent? How would you do it differently?
What advice do you give to agencies in regards to their talent? How would you do it differently?
“Make sure you actually know your talent (what they currently look like – what they can and cannot do – talent level) Make sure they are prepared for auditions:
on time, prepare/memorize scripts/lines , learn to take directions.”
If you could work with any industry professional, or any client that you have not worked with before who would you work with?
If you could work with any industry professional, or any client that you have not worked with before who would you work with?
“Casting Director Sarah Finn
Casting Director Carla Hool”
What is your website? Do you have any social media accounts?
What is your website? Do you have any social media accounts?
Questions from our kids
We asked our talent what were some of their biggest questions, and we got the answers!
Do you keep talent in mind for other projects, if you were impressed by them?
Do you keep talent in mind for other projects, if you were impressed by them?
“Yes.”
Feedback! If we provided a feedback form after an audition, would you be willing to offer input to the agency on a big audition?
Feedback! If we provided a feedback form after an audition, would you be willing to offer input to the agency on a big audition?
“Yes,if time permits”
What are some auditioning (in-person and self-tape) mistakes you see over and over?
What are some auditioning (in-person and self-tape) mistakes you see over and over?
Talent coming in not prepared.”
We hope that you enjoyed this interview with Carlos as much as we did!
We want to thank Carlos for taking the time, and really offering us a new look inside the mind of a casting director.
Make sure you follow him on Instagram to stay up-to-date on his upcoming acting classes at Universal Acting!