We’re not casting or shooting at the moment, and in fact like most people we found lockdown required some adjustment. We made an early commitment to remaining connected as a team, and then hot on the heels of that guiding promise, a more surprising discovery hit us.
Once the initial flurry of reorganisation was over, we needed a pause. It was time to step back and allow ourselves to breathe. We did just that, coming off social channels and limiting our exposure to both news and future planning. Then, once we’d allowed ourselves that period, the creativity started to flow again, and our desire to contribute something meaningful ramped up.
We’re not scientists, but we are well connected both in terms of talent and tech, so decided to create some interesting relatable distraction. We are proud to introduce ‘In the Virtual Studio: Interview Series’ in which we’ll chat to talent who we think will tickle, inspire or intrigue you.
This is possible thanks to our specific utilisation of Zoom, which we originally developed to conduct virtual castings as explained in our previous post. As early converts to video conferencing, you can imagine our joy at seeing people now use it for online dinner parties, transatlantic quiz nights and international yoga classes!
During lockdown, we have been hosting Kayos team Zooms every morning. They’ve been so important in helping us to remain united, supported, and inspired (not to mention facilitating online birthday parties!). We realised that we could enrich them and broaden our community by inviting guests to speak to our team. Then we realised that this content would be of interest to those who are passionate about film and theatre.
Please allow us to introduce ‘In the Virtual Studio: Interview Series’! We are tapping into the network of extraordinary and fascinating people we’re lucky to share this industry with, to produce the best possible community-driven, human content we can power. We hope that this series will allow people to feel connected within the industry and inspired by the creativity of their fellow film colleagues.
Our first interviewee in the virtual casting room was Steven Ward. We’re very lucky to have this charming, insightful man who has +/- 70 ads to his name as an actor, many films, and as a Kayos casting director. He has a career’s worth of experience in front of, and behind, the camera. He was interviewed by our leading lady and main Cape Town casting director, Monique Murray, and they discussed all sorts including what he has focused on in terms of his craft during this lockdown time, the most grounding things that has happened over the past few weeks, and much more besides.
Our team were so warmed and entertained by his storytelling style. We hope that you will be too! ‘In the Virtual Studio: Interview Series’ is a genuine articulation of our desire to remain connected, thinking, and positive. If there’s someone in particular you’d like to hear interviewed, or a part of the casting profession you’d love to hear an expert speak on, please pop us a message via email or on Instagram. We’ll do our best to get them in the virtual studio ASAP!