Although it’s tough getting your foot in the door, once it’s in it’s pretty easy to move up the ladder. As for skills, learning how to interview people is essential. In reality, you want to make sure people feel comfortable opening up to you and you must be a good listener. You really have to love talking to all types of people.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and I was always fascinated with game shows. I never missed an episode of The Dating Game or The Newly Wed Game and I loved The Price is Right growing up! I was a professional dancer in my late teens and early 20s, but knew I was never good enough to make it a full time career.
I auditioned for a game show when I was 18 years old and became friends with the production company. They would call me for run-throughs of shows they were developing. Over the years, they took me under their wing and showed me the ropes of interviewing real people for TV.
It was the right place at the right time. I had my foot in the door right when reality tv started and was was of the pioneers on reality TV casting. I started my company, Kassting Inc, in 2005 and was the first all reality casting company around.
Since then, reality casting companies have sprouted all of the place. There’s so much reality tv being made these days, it’s great to have lots of established companies similar to mine. We’ve worked with every network and now entering the world of streaming tv.
2. What made you to choose your profession as a casting director?
I think it chose me. I was a college student struggling with my future. I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I loved TV and wanted to be in the business in some capacity. When I started in TV Casting, there wasn’t much competition. We were all learning the business together and I fell in love with it. Never a dull day.
3. What are some of the challenges you face in your area of domain and how do you overcome it?
Well, like any job, it has its challenges. I work with different personalities on every show. Different networks, different producers and I’m constantly trying to figure out the best way to meet their demands. Some producers like to talk daily and others, don’t want to hear from me for weeks.
Also, with reality TV it’s very subjective… we don’t all have the same views on who’s right for the show. I will always fight for people I feel strongly about, but I often lose the fight and I have to move on.
4. How can one become a casting director, and what are the skills essential to be one?
As corny as it sounds, I think passion and drive go a long way. The industry can be a difficult place, you have to have thick skin and no ego. I would say, you have to be ok starting at the bottom, maybe interning, maybe Paying and working your butt off.
You have to show your boss that even if you’re “low man” on the totem pole, you’re willing to work hard and learn. Ask questions, stay late, ask for more work than you have, show how important the job is to you. I love hiring new eager people.
And although it’s tough getting your foot in the door, once it’s in it’s pretty easy to move up the ladder. As for skills, learning how to interview people is essential. In reality, you want to make sure people feel comfortable opening up to you and you must be a good listener. You really have to love talking to all types of people.
5. What has been your takeaways from this industry?
The industry, as a whole, is always evolving. Be flexible. Treat everyone with respect, because an assistant today could sell a show tomorrow and want to hire you.
6. What are you currently doing?
Currently working on two new streaming shows. I’m very excited about both! I’d been trying to get in with streaming networks for a while and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on board!
7. What are your future plans?
Well, after 15 years I had to give up my office due to Covid. So, I’m really hoping in the next year or so we’re able to get another office space. I miss being around my staff every day. Casting is a really fun career and there is a lot of excitement and life in my office, I miss that for sure.
Robyn Kass
Born and raised in Southern California, Robyn began recruiting and booking dating shows right out of college. When reality television became a bona fide sensation on network television, she was at the forefront of the craze and quickly rose to prominence as one of the top reality casting directors in the business. Robyn's impressive resume includes hit shows such as "Survivor," "Big Brother" and "The Bachelor."
In July 2005, Robyn took the next step in her career and opened Kassting Inc., the industry's first full-service reality casting company. With a staff that exemplifies Robyn's infectious energy and uncompromising work ethic, Kassting Inc. is already the one-stop favorite of both networks and production companies looking for the perfect cast to bring their shows to life.
Instagram id : @kassting
Interviewed by : Ananie Borgia
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