In the Podlight: Candido Cornejo Jr. & Jesse James Keitel - Intentional Casting

Summary: In this episode, trans creatives Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr.  discuss the importance of intentional casting and authentic representation in Hollywood. They explore the challenges faced by trans and non-binary artists, the significance of advocacy, and the need to break stereotypes in casting. The conversation highlights personal experiences and the ongoing efforts to educate the industry on trans representation, emphasizing the humanity and talent of individuals beyond their identities. In this conversation, Candido and Jesse share the challenges and nuances of casting in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the representation of trans and non-binary actors. They explore the importance of intentional casting, the need for training and development opportunities, and the emotional burdens that come with being a representative of a community. The discussion also touches on personal aspirations within the industry and the joy of acting despite the challenges faced.

Takeaways

• Intentional casting is crucial for authentic representation.
• Trans creatives face unique challenges in Hollywood.
• Advocacy can be a natural byproduct of being oneself.
• Breaking stereotypes is essential for diverse storytelling.
• The industry often reduces trans identities to tokenism.
• Education on trans issues is still necessary in the industry.
• Personal experiences shape professional journeys in the arts.
• Representation must go beyond visibility to include authenticity.
• Trans stories should be told by trans individuals.
• Navigating identity in the workplace requires courage and clarity. We need time, we need money, we need resources.
• There is a space for you that you can be an actor.
• Intentional casting can ease emotional burdens.
• Being a trans woman has been the biggest gift to my career.
• We need to start questioning what is your intention with this?
• We need more training and development opportunities.
• It's important to remember what makes us happy.
• Acting is so fun, but I absolutely hate Hollywood.
• The duality of being different can be both a gift and a burden.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Trans Creatives in Hollywood
02:06 - Intentional Casting and Authentic Representation
06:14 - Navigating Identity and Career Challenges
10:04 - The Role of Advocacy in the Arts
14:04 - Breaking Stereotypes in Casting
17:54 - Educating the Industry on Trans Representation
21:48 - Personal Experiences and Professional Challenges
28:12 - The Challenge of Finding Talent
31:03 - Encouraging Diversity in Acting
34:35 - The Burden of Representation
37:54 - Intentional Casting and Its Importance
40:35 - Dreams and Aspirations in the Industry
45:46 - The Duality of Being Different
50:00 - Finding Joy in the Journey 

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Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands College of Perfo