Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Berland.
Hi Terry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as an assistant in an ad agency Casting Department in NY City before there was internet. I became Head of Casting for BBDO (the third largest ad agency in the world at the time, in the late 1980s), moved to Los Angeles, and opened up my own independent casting company in 1992. I got to where I am today through staying current, adapting to the change in times and was instrumental in setting trends.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it was not a smooth road. It took tenacity and a vision. It took me a while to be promoted from assistant to Casting Director when I was at the ad agency. I was in a business relationship with the largest comedy casting company in Los Angeles that did not work out; I gained and lost clients along the way.
In addition to casting, I teach both on-camera commercial acting and voice-over audition techniques.
My casting and teaching successfully went through transitions of marketing as workshops went online and marketing trends changed to social media.
Through online changes, my teaching expanded worldwide, and the entire casting process changed. To be successful is like jumping on a surfboard, catching the wave, and riding the crest of the wave fearlessly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a casting director mainly known for on-camera and voice-over commercials, animation, celebrity endorsements, industrial shows, and independent films.
I have been a leader and recognized in influencing trends in the voice-over field. I attend theatre a lot and am always on the lookout for good actors and listen for the personality in their voices. I am responsible for starting out many actors in voice-overs. As a Casting Director, one of our responsibilities is directing talent in their auditions. I was a trendsetter in the “real” sound in voiceovers.
I had trained talent all over the United States before online classes and workshops existed. Through my conducting these training sessions I wrote a book, “Breaking Into Commercials” that is on its third edition.
I am an industry blog writer for Casting Networks Newsfeed.
What sets me apart is my admiration for actors. I help them as much as I can by sharing a perspective from the Casting Director’s viewpoint. I do this through my teaching and many educational posts on social media.
One of my strengths is a never-ending curiosity. It keeps me open-minded and creatively stimulated. When I put a breakdown out, I start out with a blank canvas and watch the role develop as I consider talent submissions. The process is full of surprises.
Brand-wise, I am known as a friendly Casting Director who is looking out for the best interest of talent. Of course, I have to keep my production clients happy, but there is a way to find a happy medium.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Curiosity and tenacity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://berlandcasting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berlandcasting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.berland.casting/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berlandcasting/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6K5OZCaSGE_YHaMj2lDXg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/terry-berland-workshops-los-angeles?osq=berland+casting
