An Inspired Chat with Stacey Pianko

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stacey Pianko. Check out our conversation below.

Stacey, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I’d definitely hire myself as a casting director! I’m super thorough and dedicated, and after many years of working across all kinds of projects and genres (like big studio films and tiny short films), I’ve developed a pretty solid track record of spotting standout talent—often before they hit it big. I really trust my eye when it comes to finding the right actor for a role, and I also have a good sense for attaching recognizable names to indie projects, which can make a big difference when it comes to getting financing. I take a lot of pride in that.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Stacey Pianko is a casting director known for unearthing breakout talent and connecting independent films with name talent that helps secure financing. Her career began on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, quickly leading to a position in Disney/Touchstone’s feature department during its 90s peak. She later served as Director of Casting at Disney Channel, helping launch the careers of stars such as Shia LaBeouf, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Kat Dennings, and Kaley Cuoco.

Since transitioning to independent casting, Stacey has collaborated on acclaimed projects, including leading the young talent search for James Cameron’s Avatar sequels, Violet (TIFF 2021, Artios Award nomination) and Breakwater (starring Dermot Mulroney and Mena Suvari). Her expertise in discovering fresh talent and strategically incorporating recognizable names makes her a sought-after resource for producers aiming to elevate and fund projects.

Beyond casting, Stacey enjoys coaching actors through Casting Fairy, demonstrating her enduring passion for nurturing emerging talent.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What usually breaks bonds between people is a loss of trust—whether that’s from being dishonest, not being upfront, or just not showing up when it matters. When trust gets broken, it creates distance and hurt.

What brings people back together is honesty and effort. It takes open communication, really listening, and owning up when you mess up. I actually experienced this firsthand with a business friend I hadn’t talked to in years. We reconnected, cleared the air, and now we’re collaborating successfully. It reminded me that with a little effort and openness, relationships can not only be repaired but become even stronger.

For me, focusing on real, meaningful connections is what helps rebuild and grow trust.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! There have been many time when I’ve wondered if it was time to walk away from the entertainment industry — it can feel like a roller coaster with no safety bar. The unpredictable nature of the business, especially during union strikes that ripple through production for months or even years, can make you question everything. But those pauses also remind me why I love this work: they force you to get creative, to stay resilient, and to double down on building relationships that matter. Every challenge, even the big industry standstills, has pushed me to adapt, refine my skills, and come back stronger — proof that perseverance isn’t just part of the job, it’s what makes the wins so rewarding.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh definitely—The public version of me is exactly who I am. I’ve never been one to put on a facade or try to be someone I’m not. I lead with honesty and authenticity in everything I do, and that carries over into my work as a casting director.

In this role, being genuine isn’t just a personal value—it’s a professional asset. It allows me to connect with actors on a real level and recognize when a performance is coming from a truthful place. I think that’s one of the reasons I love casting so much—there’s nothing more powerful than watching an actor bring a character to life in a way that feels completely honest and human.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do! My close friends in the industry had the same passion for it when we were young children.
I was the quirky kid in my class who started a John Travolta Fan Club in suburban Detroit. I had such a passion for film and tv that I would sit in front of the television and audio record my favorite shows. Yes, I said audio record, with a tape recorder, this was before VHS.
I trained to be a teacher at University, with a minor in Art History which was another passion of mine. But I soon realized that Hollywood was calling me and I had to accept the call and work in the industry that I found magical.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.castingfairy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecastingfairy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceypianko/
• Twitter: @castingfairy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceypianko

Image Credits
https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt1757678/#rmConst=rm2150524929