Casting Director and Agent Anna Degusar

– A very long time — since 2005. I got into it completely by accident. I was studying at the Kyiv Theater Institute, majoring in film production organization. A guy a year below me had an acting agency and offered me a job. I came on the first day, opened the computer — and got hooked… My life turned upside down! We worked with a company called Film.UA — not the one we know today, but another studio. At that time, Ukrainian cinema was just starting, so to speak. Then, when Star Media was founded, I became one of its first casting directors and have worked there ever since.

– Many, especially among the early ones. Projects with the wonderful director Serhiy Krutin — “Nezemnoy”, “Karasi”, projects with producers Yuriy Minzyanov and Artem Dollezhal — my favorite “The Island of Unwanted People”, the first season of “By the Laws of Wartime”…

I poured my soul into every project, which I can’t really say about today’s work. It’s become less interesting. The format is different now, producers have a different vision. It all feels a bit too subjective, driven by personal tastes. Lately, I’ve even thought about focusing solely on agency work and leaving casting until better times.

– One with a good script and solid dialogue, but most importantly — with interesting actors. I like all genres and understand them: melodramas, dramas, detective stories. The only one I’m not fond of is comedy.

– Among the younger generation, I can’t name anyone because I believe the current acting level is very low. Everyone’s chasing money. Only a few are truly committed to the profession.

There were even times I asked actors directly, “What’s more important to you — money or the role?” And they replied, “Money.” One actress who said that is now getting a lot of roles.

– Work hard, read, and learn your material when preparing for auditions. That’s important because so many show up unprepared.

Speaking of discoveries, I’m currently representing one actress as an agent — Natasha Babenko. I believe she’s a future star. We’re now waiting for the release of the film “Pulse”, where she plays the lead. I noticed her when she was an unknown student and believed in her.

– Thirty. An agent is, first of all, a friend to the actor. Casting directors offer them work, and agents handle all the follow-up to ensure the actor works comfortably. Sometimes, a director hears about someone by chance and calls — because a casting director can’t offer every actor in the pipeline. I personally like precise casting. I might read a script and immediately know which actor fits the role.

– It varies. Sometimes just one. Sometimes we search for a long time, especially for lead roles. Ukraine lacks strong male leads aged 40+. I think the strongest actor in that category is Serhiy Strelnikov, but he often turns down roles that don’t interest him. He’s very selective.

– Young people. There are many good young men. If you really dig, you can find some very interesting individuals. It’s a pity there aren’t enough filming opportunities, so not everyone gets to realize their potential. Sometimes there’s even a dilemma: three great guys or girls for one role. It’s frustrating the role isn’t multiplied by three — we’d cast them all.

– I don’t work with a huge flow of actors. Of course, you can call and ask — I’ll think about it, watch your work, and decide. I’m interested in actors with potential. Money is not the main thing. An agent is like insurance. Sometimes you don’t need one, and sometimes it’s just what you need.

– No. What could I possibly fear after 15 years in film?

– A doctor. I wanted to go into medicine, but it was never a passion. In school, I didn’t really want to be anything — I was just studying. Thankfully, I didn’t get into medical school and ended up working as an assistant to a senior nurse. Our neighbor was the chief doctor of the hospital, and my mother asked her to give me a job. I lasted six months and said I didn’t want to be a doctor. I decided to apply to a theater institute instead. My mom worked at a studio for documentary and newsreel films, so I somehow got drawn to that world too.

– I do belly dancing. I love traveling. I really like France, Paris — I’ve been there several times. I also enjoy Egypt — it’s warm and pleasant there. I’ve been to nearly all of Europe, which I find fascinating. I haven’t been to the U.S. and don’t want to go. I would love to visit Greece.

– With everything going on lately, I dream of stability — in the world and in life. I want to wake up and know what tomorrow brings, instead of anticipating new restrictions or uncertainty.