Meet Leslie M Greene, CSA | Casting Director | Author | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie M Greene, CSA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The inception of RTSE Casting Company stemmed from a deep-seated passion and an unyielding determination to carve out a niche in the casting industry. When I couldn’t land my dream job, I decided to create it myself. The journey began with a thorough research phase, exploring the casting career as a viable option. I immersed myself in the craft of filmmaking, studying every aspect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Armed with this knowledge, I dove into the practical side of casting. Initially, I worked for free, driven by a desire to gain experience and refine my skills. Each project was a learning opportunity, and as I took on more work and honed my craft, I gradually built a reputation for excellence. With time, this dedication and hard work paid off, enabling me to start charging a fee for my services.

RTSE Casting Company was born out of necessity, passion, and a relentless drive to succeed. It represents a journey of perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to bringing exceptional talent to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m excited to share my journey and what sets me apart in the casting industry. I believe that being genuine, empathetic, and compassionate are qualities that have distinguished me from other casting directors. I prioritize allowing people to be heard. For example, I deeply trust my team’s instincts and knowledge, fostering a collaborative “we” environment. I take care of my team first, ensuring they know they are heard, valued, and appreciated. I strive to treat my team as I wished corporate America would have treated me.

I love showing up on film sets and engaging in meaningful conversations with the actors I cast. They’ve shared how special it makes them feel when I take the time to be there. These conversations are centered around their growth, goals, and how we can mutually support each other as we progress in our careers.

How Did You Get to Where You Are Today Professionally? Was It Easy?

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. This journey is not for the faint of heart or for someone lacking self-confidence and faith. Overcoming challenges required me to visualize myself in the spaces I wanted to be and to build strong, meaningful relationships. I’ve learned to value each person I encounter, recognizing that no one is more or less important regardless of their career level.

By maintaining a genuine, empathetic, and compassionate approach, and by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, I’ve been able to navigate the challenges and achieve success in my career.

I want the world to know that my journey and the story of RTSE Casting Company are rooted in passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. When faced with obstacles and the inability to secure my dream job, I took the bold step of creating my own path. This company was born out of a deep love for the craft of filmmaking and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the industry while helping others accomplish their dreams and goals of becoming actors.

RTSE Casting Company is not just about finding the right talent—it’s about fostering a community where creativity, diversity, and innovation thrive. Our brand stands for perseverance, continuous learning, and the belief that with hard work and dedication, we can achieve greatness. We are dedicated to supporting and elevating the talents of actors, offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to shine.

My story is one of turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. It’s about believing in yourself, taking risks, and never giving up. I want the world to see RTSE Casting Company as a beacon of inspiration, a testament to what can be achieved when you pursue your passion with determination and heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, I am such a homebody. I’ve created an oasis of sorts in my backyard, but if I were to entertain friends outside my home, I’d likely take them to Atlantic Station or Ponce City Market. Both locations offer a variety of food, drinks, and activities, with a vibrant yet not overly saturated atmosphere. They’re perfect spots to relax and have fun at any given moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the actors I have met throughout my journey—the ones I’ve had the pleasure of working with and those I have yet to collaborate with. Your talent and dedication inspire me every day.

To my sounding boards and voices of reason, thank you for always picking up the phone, for offering support whether you had the answers or simply the perfect words at the right time. Your wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable.

To my mentors, mentees, and incredible team, I am profoundly grateful. You continually challenge and inspire me, making me better at what I do. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

Website: https://www.RTSECastingCompany.com

Instagram: @rtsecasting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtsecasting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMGOriginals2017

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RtSECasting

Image Credits
Kelly Kline (professional photo credit)
Candid shots (Leslie M Greene photo credit )