Meet THEA WASHINGTON | Casting Director & Casting Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with THEA WASHINGTON and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi THEA, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance is almost a myth to me lol However, I do my best to keep balance by creating boundaries with actors and clients. I unapologetically will let people know not to call me too late (unless there is an emergency for an early shoot the next day) or not to call on weekends or I’ll nicely direct them to email me so I can follow up during business hours. I have gotten much better with work life balance over the years by making sure I’m present for my son, bf and loved ones and not always engaged in my phone. I will also tell my loved ones during certain intense projects that my life will be crazy during these dates but to start including me after the event wraps. Its an uphill battle but in a past career I learned that taking care of yourself and your loved ones is the most important thing you can do. A job/gig can get another employee but you can’t get another you. You also will miss out on a lot of special parts of life feeding into the grind work culture. I work hard and am clear with my loved ones I can’t make every event but when I show up I like to show out 100 percent.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a casting director for television, film and digital media. We specialize in diversity and challenging stereotypes in media. We ask the uncomfortable questions and we address the elephant in the room. I’m excited that I can conduct business and be true to who I am.

I’m proud that I work for no one and have been able to work with the BBC, National Geographic, Disney, National Campaigns for the Census Bureau, Super Bowl Commercials. Most recently I work on an upcoming pilot for FX /Hulu and we had a black writer, director, DP and many black department heads which is rare to see. I worked on it with my team which includes two Atlanta based casting directors Ressie Burtley, Ashanti Strange, as well as Keema Mingo, Ryan Hunter, Debbie Terrell.

One of the hardest things was realizing support will not always come from where you expect it to come from. It was heart breaking but I learned to lean into those who do and not focus on the ones who don’t.

Do market research! Learn what your competitors are charging and how rates may have changed with Covid. Implement technology or whatever can make your life simple.

I’ve also learned to hire consultants, every project is different and as an entrepreneur learning on the job could be expensive. It can cost you money, a client or your reputation.

I also learned to hire people with experience or people who simply get it, sometimes you may not have time to train. I hire my casting friends and they hire me as well .

Another thing is not being afraid to ask for more, or ask for a more realistic deadline, or ask for more support. Clients sometimes don’t know what you need until you tell them.

I want people to know that I have been consistent with my dream and true to who I am, all while making other peoples dreams come true. I love that I have given a few people their first speaking role, or their first experience on set. I want people to know that we have operated in integrity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would tell everyone to visit Slutty Vegan and or Bar Vegan. Pinky Cole is amazing and I’m so proud of her! Many don’t know she also came from the television world as well. She was a huge help to me when I was on the casting team for Bachelorette. I’ve know her since high school and her philanthropy and the person you see before you is the same now as it was then. I would also say to actors and film professionals to make a relationship with the Atlanta Film Office. They know whats coming and they know what’s happening now. Sometimes they may even refer you!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My son Bruce-Wayne is such an awesome kid and my motivation to do my best everyday. Also my bf Beau Kershaw is an Emmy winning Director of Photography, and partner of StoryFarm.com. He gave me one of his Emmy’s a few years ago in my office to help me manifest my own. Kim Chewning is definitely an inspiration to me, not sure if she’s my friend, business coach, sister or all the above, but one phone call with her many years ago changed the whole trajectory of my career.

Eleanor Earl with my film and English professor at Hampton University who was so inspirational and understanding.
My son’s dad and stepmom are the best! They are coparenting goals.

Website: www.theawashingtoncasting.com

Instagram: @theawashingtoncasting

Facebook: “Thea Washington Casting” on FB

Other: https://linktr.ee/theawashingtoncasting