The Art of Casting: Zachary Spiegel on Talent, Inclusivity, and Hard Work EP 99

When you think of the entertainment industry, you might picture the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, red carpets, and award shows. But behind every breakout star and successful production, there are industry professionals like Zachary Spiegel working tirelessly to bring talent to the forefront. Zach is a casting director whose journey from actor to casting professional has been filled with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Recently, Zach joined Beverly Williams for an in-depth conversation about his career, the art of casting, and what it truly takes to succeed in the entertainment business. Zach’s love for entertainment started in an unexpected place: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His journey took him from New York to Los Angeles, with a stop in Italy, where he studied Commedia dell’arte as a college junior. Zach pursued his acting career, spending seven years in New York honing his craft. While most actors dread auditions, Zach found himself enjoying the process. He realized that his true passion lay not in performing but in being on the other side of the table, helping to discover and cultivate talent. That’s when he made the shift from acting to casting. Zach feels it’s the best of both worlds; he is deeply involved in the creative process but in a way that feels more fulfilling. Zach considers casting an art form that requires empathy, business acumen, and a keen eye for talent. He views his work as a bridge between producers and actors, ensuring that the right talent gets the right opportunities.  His work goes beyond just filling roles. It’s about creating opportunities for members of historically excluded and marginalized communities. Zach is passionate about making sure every actor has equal access to auditions, advocating for inclusive and accessible casting calls. He explained one of the ways he does that is by using intentional language in casting notices. The way a role is described can either invite or discourage certain actors from applying. By being intentional with wording, Zach ensures that actors of all backgrounds feel welcome to audition. Many people dream of breaking into entertainment, lured by fame and fortune. But as Zach and Beverly discussed, success in the industry isn’t about talent alone—it’s about perseverance and hard work. “The most talented people don’t always reap the benefits,” Zach shared. “Because the most talented people don’t always have the ambition or desire to do it.” Ambition, networking, and resilience are just as important as raw skill. And networking isn’t just about meeting people, it’s about staying in touch and building relationships and ways to create mutual value. Beverly added her own perspective on this, emphasizing the power of genuine connections. Whether through a simple email, a thoughtful card, or a quick message, nurturing relationships can open doors in ways you never expect. Zach’s career, much like the entertainment industry itself, is ever-evolving. Casting professionals often find themselves between projects, but rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him, Zach takes an active approach. He reads scripts and tracks up-and-coming actors as well as staying engaged with industry trends. As the conversation wrapped up, Beverly asked Zach what advice he would give to those looking to break into entertainment. His response? “Don’t leave, don’t die.” It’s a humorous yet profound take on the industry—one that speaks to the resilience required to stay in the game. For anyone considering a career in entertainment, Zach’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, persistence, and passion. The path may not always be straightforward, but for those willing to put in the work, the rewards can be life changing. Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices