Casting Director Oleksandra Vostrykova

— I used to work as a journalist, screenwriter, and editor-in-chief of entertainment and other TV programs. At some point, I wanted to change fields. I thought about what I enjoyed most from what I had done, and it was searching for interesting, unique, and talented people — essentially, casting. That’s how I ended up in the casting department about seven years ago. I’m a journalist by education — it runs in the family: both my mom and dad are journalists. And if someone had told me back then that people would be interviewing me instead of me interviewing others, I would’ve probably laughed.

— I love all the projects I’ve worked on because they are all different. The one that left the biggest mark on my heart is the feature-length international film “Fairytale Sect,” which we shot in both English and Ukrainian. It’s set to be released soon. I worked with both Ukrainian and British actors — it was an exciting experience. I also worked a lot as a casting manager on projects like “Love in Chains,” “Routes of Destiny,” the feature film “White Raven,” and others.

— Absolutely. I’m constantly looking for new faces — in theaters, student performances, and on social media. The actors whose talent I’ve fallen in love with are now “my” actors. I also work as an agent, so they are like family to me — my team, united by honesty, talent, and professionalism. They inspire me. Promotion is just a matter of time and technique. In the future, I plan to open my own agency and expand my reach, because I receive many messages from actors, but I can’t work with everyone I like.

— Win me over with talent. And we also have to connect on a personal level. Beyond our shared professional goals, we should have shared values as people.

— I dreamed of being many things! A makeup artist, a teacher, a journalist… I’ve also always been interested in sales. Besides journalism, I studied to be a makeup artist with Volodymyr Tarasyuk and completed business courses. I feel that my current profession brings together all those interests and skills. It’s a blend of experience and education that comes together in my work today.

— Pauses, quiet periods. I prefer having too much going on rather than nothing at all. I love being in motion. But even during quiet times, I stay productive — updating my actor database and searching for new unique talents. Quarantine was a great example of such a pause. I barely noticed it because during that time, when I didn’t have any projects, I discovered many great actors.

— I try to. I can’t always respond right away, but I save all emails and reach out when a suitable role appears. The same goes for self-tapes — if someone sends a great self-tape but isn’t approved for a role, I will definitely consider them for another part.

— It depends — on the role’s size and specificity. Sometimes, the director wants to see as many actors as possible to make a decision. Other times, they have a very clear vision, and then I show 3 to 5 candidates. When we cast for Fairytale Sect, the requirement was English fluency. That made the process longer because unfortunately, not many actors in Ukraine speak English, and even fewer can act in it.

— First and foremost, a slate video. The showreel is secondary — it’s used if the director requests it or if I want to personally assess the actor’s presence on screen.

— The simplest one — with education, age, and skills. It should answer the question: “Why you?” Usually, it’s viewed for 30 seconds max. You won’t have time to say everything. Ideally, keep it under a minute. Start with the most important info. One thing I always tell actors: never hide your real age! It’s crucial. If you’re 25 but look 18, you’ll still be considered for teenage roles. It may not affect casting, but sooner or later the director will ask for the actor’s actual age — to understand their experience. Sometimes a role needs maturity; other times, youth. I’m also surprised when people list their “playing age” instead of real age — that’s for the casting director and director to determine.

— Just a few: a portrait, a full-body shot, and for women — with makeup and without. Attach them as files, not embedded in the email body.

— A great Ukrainian project that will conquer the world. Sounds big, but that’s what dreams are for. The genre doesn’t matter. I love surprises and challenges. Usually, when you’re ready for something, it comes.

— I love cinema so much that whenever I have free time, I watch new releases.

— Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn is my favorite actress — I absolutely adore her. And Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen — I’ve watched it a million times. It’s beautifully shot.

— I love to travel — it’s a source of inspiration. I’ve been to Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and France. My favorite place is Paris. I’ve been there several times. I regret not learning the language yet — it’s incredibly beautiful. The city itself is very atmospheric — a city of celebration, a place that gives you a feeling of freedom. I dream of living there for a while. I don’t have much time for reading — mostly I read scripts. But right now I’m reading my mother’s short stories. Her second book just came out — “Stories of Our Yard.” I think no one can write about people as warmly as she does. I believe my love for actors, for people — comes from my mother.

— It’s always easy to give advice. But you have to do. I’m open to new actors. You can send your photos, slates, and resumes via Messenger or email. Please don’t use Viber or Telegram — things get lost there among work chats. Don’t wait — work on yourself. Some people think: “Once I get a role, I’ll learn the language, get in shape, do everything.” But the industry doesn’t work like that. Roles go to those who are already prepared. It’s very rare that there’s time to prepare someone. You have to be ready — because tomorrow, boom! — and someone calls you. You must react quickly to any opportunity, like when a role or self-tape comes up unexpectedly. Self-tapes are the new norm, especially in tough times. They are a form of art in themselves and should be taken seriously. Speed matters: you should send them within two hours, or even less, unless there’s a deadline for the next day. And you need to balance speed with quality. Sometimes, while one actor is still setting up lighting, sound, and camera — another one has already been approved. Self-tapes are always a great chance to get a role without leaving your home.