Casting Director: Maria Boklan

Since I come from an acting family, people often asked me if I wanted to become an actress. This question came up so often that I eventually started answering: “Definitely not an actress, but I want to work with actors.” Although back then, I had no idea how filming was organized or what the profession of a casting director even was.

Being an actress is hard work. From a young age, I saw how much effort the profession required, how much time it took away from family, and I didn’t want that.

They mostly worked in theater, so they took me there more often than to film sets.

I was into many things. I’m the kind of person who always has a lot of interests. I did horseback riding. In fact, just a month ago, I got back into it — it’s my true escape. I can’t even understand why I ever stopped.

No. The only thing is, my family is originally from Ukraine, but we lived in Belarus, and I always knew I would live in Kyiv. I wanted to move to Ukraine so much that I was even ready to apply to a theater university just to be in Kyiv.

I was 18. I entered the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Film and Television named after Ivan Karpenko-Kary, but not as an actress — I studied in the administrative department. After the first year, I realized it wasn’t what I expected — everything was quite mundane, and I craved more action and color. That’s how I ended up at a talent agency.

My father recommended me. I worked there for about a year, and then was referred to a film crew as an actors’ assistant. I was on set, casting, scheduling — back then there were no assistants, so you had to do everything yourself. There was barely any time left for family. That’s when I met second director Svitlana Serhiivna Osadcha, whom I consider my godmother in the profession — everything I know and can do is thanks to her. And so, from crew to crew, project to project — it’s been fifteen years. I still can’t believe I’ve been in the profession that long.

- Independently — and I have no plans to open my own agency. I like feeling like a free agent.

I do have a few people I work with directly as an agent — they’re close friends and relatives. They asked me to, so I agreed. I don’t plan to take on more people unless it’s a close friend and, most importantly, we make a good team. Then — anything’s possible.

I do, but it’s hard to maintain because it requires organizing, and I don’t always have the time or motivation for that. That’s why I love Facebook — not for the “comment with a + under this post” thing, but because as you scroll, you constantly discover new faces. Sometimes you don’t even need a database.

- Of course, I look at everything, but I don’t always respond due to time constraints. The important thing is: actors shouldn’t worry if casting directors don’t reply. We read and watch everything — there’s just not always time to respond. I don’t like getting messages in private chats. My Facebook profile has my email listed — that’s where actors can send photos, video introductions, and resumes.

It depends on how aligned our visions are and what the request is. Every case is unique. But I’ll say this — we don’t show actors in crowds.

Mostly TV series. But I love working on historical projects and hope to do more of those. I worked on projects like Anna German, Officers’ Wives. I was really heartbroken that a project about Faina Ranevskaya didn’t get funding — I put a lot of work into it. And then recently I found out it was launched in Moscow, using the same actress we had found. In general, I love working on biopics because it’s a real challenge — you need to find not only talented actors, but also those who physically and psychologically resemble historical figures. By the way, my favorite historical figure is Édith Piaf. Her life story is incredibly compelling. Many films have already been made about her, but her story deeply resonates with me.

I always approach every project honestly and with love. But I’ll say this: let my favorite project still be ahead of me — and ideally, a historical one.

- I don’t even know — it’s just a matter of imagination and visualization. You “draw” the character in your mind when you see the right actor.

Nothing excessive — no heavy makeup, just clear headshots. Five photos is enough, with one being full-length. And video introductions are very important — it helps to hear their voice and speaking style. A one-minute video is more than enough. If there’s a showreel — that’s great too. But honestly, I dream of visiting an actor’s Facebook page and seeing photos, a video introduction, and a showreel link all ready to go. Every actor should take care of their own career — “If you don’t build yourself up, no one else will.”

— I adore Shorena Shonia — not only is she a talented actress, she’s also a wonderful person. I also discovered a young girl — Dasha Hrachova. She made her debut in our project and did amazingly well. I hope she has a bright future. There’s also a wonderful actress — Maria Shtofa. We haven’t done any major projects together yet, but I believe we will. She’s absolutely full-length film material — a strong actress.

— It’s harder to get approved for a TV series than a feature film — you need the director, producer, and broadcaster to all say yes. There was a time when a young acting student was approved for a lead role. But her professor didn’t let her go on set. I won’t name names, but it was a very unpleasant and baffling situation. I think it’s strange — theater schools mainly teach stage skills, but the diploma says “actor of theater and film.” How can you gain experience if you’re not allowed on set? The girl wasn’t at fault — I felt so sorry for her. Another actress ended up getting the role. That was the first and hopefully last time a teacher didn’t support a student. Usually, they’re very supportive. As for blacklists — I only add people who miss shoots or behave extremely rudely.

— Not exactly fears, but I really value a good working atmosphere and team spirit. It’s important to me that my vision aligns with the director’s, that we work as a team and enjoy the process.

— I would love to have the ability to heal.

— Since I’ve returned to horseback riding, I keep thinking about horses — so right now, I’d say a mare. It’s amazing to have something that truly inspires you.

— Yes, I know a lot of casting directors also act, but it’s definitely not for me. I believe everyone should stick to their role.

— Horseback riding is the main thing. I don’t like embroidery or cooking. But I do love spending time with friends — though it doesn’t happen often. I’m really glad I managed to get away to the seaside for a few days to relax and recharge.

— Yes, very much. I’d love to travel more. Israel impressed me the most — such an amazing and interesting country, even though it’s small. I’d love to go back. And I really want to visit America — to feel that spirit of freedom and immerse myself in a different culture.

— First — for my loved ones to be healthy. Second — for peace in our country. Third — to climb Everest (and hopefully come back down!). To me, climbing Everest is about rising above yourself — like touching the sky. I also really want the acting profession in our country to regain its prestige, with fierce competition like in the past. I want to attend diploma performances and be overwhelmed by the sheer talent and diversity — to want to cast every single one of them. One more wish: Years ago, actor Yura Borisov — a powerful talent, then still very young — once made me cry during an audition. I completely forgot it was an audition. I connected to what he was doing so deeply, I empathized with him like it was real. That only happened once in my life. I really hope to experience that again — that intense energy between you and an actor is the greatest gift.

— I’m a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio — I love every film he’s in. I think he’s a genius actor who can do anything. I really like Revolutionary Road with him and Kate Winslet. I’m also a fan of the series Killing Eve. I can rewatch 9½ Weeks endlessly, and I love all of Tarantino’s films. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri really struck me — Frances McDormand has an unconventional beauty, but you can’t take your eyes off her. And I was blown away by the Oscar-winning short film Skin — the idea and script are brilliant. We remember projects that stand out, not those that are formulaic. I agree with something I once heard (can’t recall from whom): If your idea and script are strong, even a mediocre actor can carry it. But if the material is dull, no actor can save it. People will just turn it off. Everything has to be in balance.

— ’d advise actors to meet casting directors halfway: get professional photos, record a video introduction. Don’t flood our inboxes with a ton of emails — following these simple steps is easy. If you’re from another city — all the more reason to put in the effort. Take a photo, shoot a short video on your phone if you have to. Believe me — we’ll see you! We’re more interested in finding actors than they are in us — it’s our job to find you! Most importantly — knock, and the door will open. But be persistent and diplomatic. And I’d like to wish everyone — actors and everyone else — to stay human: in both victory and in failure.