Casting with Kulan Ganes

When it comes to film faces, Kulan Ganes is the plug. Having spent 14 years plucking, powdering and drenching fake blood over local leads, the sought after make-up artist has recently made the move from the cosmetic to casting; Pencilled Casting to be precise.

“As a make-up artist, I’ve worked on a lot of adverts over the years. Due to that and my social life, advertising agencies started asking me if I know someone who could be in this or that campaign and I would often find the perfect person,” says Ganes. “They kept asking and I kept recommending and the rest is history.”

To formalise a service she has been progressively providing over the last few years, Ganes recently launched Pencilled Casting, which registers and assists in casting ordinary people, actors and models for film, advertising, stage and media campaigns. 

“Pencilled has been coming along unofficially for the past two years and it is built on integrity and client satisfaction. The name Pencilled comes from the idea of putting something or someone on the schedule like a booking,” says Ganes, who is currently working on the agency’s website, which will feature audition tips, talent information and show reels which will assist in attracting international projects.

Though many people think accessing jobs in adverts, film and media campaigns is solely for actors and models, Ganes’ new agency is determined to push a more inclusive reflection of the world while lobbying for improved laws and payment rates for local film and media talent.

“What is beauty even? Who decides! I cast everyone and everything,” she says, recalling how she literally had to cast a dog for one of her ads.

“Ultimately casting really depends on the storyline and product but there are still many misconceptions. For example, when I’m a casting for a stills advert, I am not necessarily looking for professional actors. I just need someone that is comfortable posing in front of the camera.”

Finding talent also considers different specifications depending on the nature of the product, client and job. 

“Casting a 28-year-old for a banking app is very different to casting for the same age group for a burger joint,” says Ganes, who often takes to the streets to hunt fresh faces to satisfy client requirements. 

“There are different types of castings. For voice-overs, we need your voice. There is lifestyle casting for everyday products like shower gels where you will use your body, hands or feet. There is also casting for movies, series or television commercials where we will need you to portray a certain character as a whole.”

Though registering with a casting agency doesn’t guarantee you will be cast, Ganes offers some tips for bringing your game face to auditions. 

“Potential cast need to work on their camera presence. It’s not just show up and shoot,” says Ganes, who has worked on the sets of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘The Red Sea Diving Resort’, ‘Baxu and The Giants,’ ‘Iitandu’, ‘Encore’ and ‘#LANDoftheBRAVEfilm’. 

“It is important to practise being in front of a camera even if it is for a still so please film yourself or ask someone to film you. Trust me, it shows on the photos if you are uncomfortable,” says Ganes, who also advises you dress for the character you want to be cast as so you can live in the role.

“In terms of attitude and etiquette, always bring a welcoming aura, a little laughter and be professional. Don’t walk in chewing gum. Learn your lines and do your research on the character or the brand. Also, non-disclosure agreements are a thing. Honour your employers and clients.”

Finally living a new dream but still ultimately in the business of faces – finding them rather than fancying them up – Ganes hopes to usher local casting into the technological era through her incoming website while fostering a culture of professionalism and trust in Namibia’s actors, models, voice-over artists and secret stars.

Follow Pencilled Casting on Facebook and Instagram for more information on casting calls and registering with the agency. 

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com