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Casting Society Unveils New Board of Directors, Outlines Ambitious Agenda for Industry Advocacy and Inclusion

In a significant move that underscores the evolving landscape of Hollywood's behind-the-scenes talent, the Casting Society (CS) has officially announced its newly elected board of directors. This announcement, made public on Wednesday, signals a fresh chapter for the organization, which represents casting professionals across film, television, theater, and new media. The CS, formerly known as the Casting Society of America, has long been a pivotal force in recognizing and advancing the art of casting, and this latest board election reflects a commitment to diversity, innovation, and advocacy amid ongoing industry challenges.

At the helm of the new board is Destiny Lilly, who has been elected as president. Lilly, a seasoned casting director with credits including acclaimed projects like "The Crown" and various Broadway productions, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her election marks a continuation of the CS's push toward inclusive leadership, as she has been vocal about the need for greater representation in casting decisions. Joining her as vice president is Tara Rubin, another industry veteran known for her work on major theatrical productions such as "Dear Evan Hansen" and "The Book of Mormon." Rubin's expertise in theater casting is expected to strengthen the society's focus on live performance arts, which have faced unique hurdles in the post-pandemic era.

The board's composition is notably diverse, featuring a mix of established names and rising stars from various sectors of the entertainment industry. Among the key members are secretary Rich Delia, whose film credits include indie darlings and blockbuster franchises alike, and treasurer Becca McCracken, who has specialized in television casting for networks like HBO and Netflix. Other directors-at-large include luminaries such as Bernard Telsey, a co-founder of one of New York's premier casting agencies, and Allison Jones, celebrated for her work on comedies like "The Office" and "Veep." The board also welcomes newer voices like Jamibeth Margolis, who has made waves in digital media casting, and Robert J. Ulrich, known for reality TV juggernauts such as "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race."

This election comes at a critical juncture for the casting profession. The CS has been instrumental in advocating for better working conditions, fair compensation, and recognition for casting directors, who often operate in the shadows despite their crucial role in shaping on-screen narratives. The organization's annual Artios Awards, which honor excellence in casting, have grown in prestige, drawing attention from major studios and independent filmmakers alike. With this new board, the CS aims to build on that momentum by addressing pressing issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on casting processes, the push for unionization among casting associates, and the need for more equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups.

In a statement released alongside the announcement, President Destiny Lilly emphasized the board's priorities. "We are thrilled to embark on this journey together," she said. "Our industry is at a crossroads, with streaming platforms reshaping how stories are told and casts are assembled. This board is committed to fostering an environment where creativity thrives, diversity is not just a buzzword but a reality, and casting professionals are empowered to innovate." Lilly's words resonate in an era where casting decisions have come under scrutiny for inclusivity, as seen in recent controversies surrounding films like "The Whale" and television series that have faced backlash for stereotypical portrayals.

Vice President Tara Rubin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the board's focus on education and mentorship. "Casting is an art form that requires intuition, collaboration, and a deep understanding of human stories," Rubin noted. "We plan to expand our workshops, webinars, and outreach programs to nurture the next generation of casting directors, especially those from marginalized communities." This initiative aligns with the CS's ongoing efforts, such as their diversity and inclusion committees, which have partnered with organizations like the Hollywood Commission to promote safer, more equitable workplaces.

The announcement also included details on upcoming events and initiatives. The CS has set dates for its next series of member meetings, with the first slated for early next month in Los Angeles, followed by virtual sessions accessible to its global membership. These gatherings will serve as platforms for discussing industry trends, including the rise of virtual auditions—a practice accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—and the integration of sustainable practices in casting calls to reduce environmental impact.

Historically, the Casting Society has played a transformative role in elevating the status of casting directors. Founded in 1982, the organization rebranded from the Casting Society of America to simply the Casting Society in 2022 to reflect its international scope, with members now spanning continents. This global perspective is evident in the new board, which includes representatives with experience in international co-productions, such as European films and Asian streaming series. The shift acknowledges the increasingly borderless nature of entertainment, where a casting director in London might collaborate on a project filmed in Mumbai or Los Angeles.

One of the board's immediate goals is to advocate for greater recognition within award circuits. While the Artios Awards celebrate casting achievements, the CS has lobbied for an Oscar category dedicated to casting, a long-standing dream that gained traction during the 2023 awards season discussions. Board member Bernard Telsey, a vocal proponent of this cause, stated, "Casting is the foundation of every great performance. It's time our contributions are honored on the world's biggest stages." This push comes amid broader conversations about labor rights in Hollywood, including the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes that highlighted the interconnectedness of all production roles.

In terms of inclusion, the new board is poised to tackle systemic barriers head-on. Statistics from the CS's own reports indicate that while progress has been made— with women comprising over 60% of membership—representation of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities remains disproportionately low in leadership positions. To address this, the board plans to launch targeted scholarships and fellowships, partnering with educational institutions like the American Film Institute and Juilliard School to pipeline diverse talent into the field.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from industry peers. Prominent directors and producers have voiced support on social media, with figures like Ava DuVernay praising the board's diversity and Judd Apatow commending their forward-thinking agenda. "Casting directors are the unsung heroes of storytelling," Apatow tweeted. "Excited to see what this team accomplishes."

Looking ahead, the CS board intends to collaborate with other guilds, such as the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild, on joint initiatives. This could include advocacy for better mental health resources for casting teams, who often endure high-pressure environments with tight deadlines and emotional labor involved in rejecting performers. Additionally, the board is exploring ways to integrate emerging technologies, like AI-driven talent databases, while ensuring they enhance rather than replace human judgment.

This board election is more than a routine administrative update; it's a statement of intent for an organization determined to shape the future of entertainment. As Hollywood navigates economic uncertainties, streaming wars, and calls for social justice, the Casting Society's leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the voices behind the camera—and the casts they assemble—reflect the world's rich tapestry. With a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, this new board is well-equipped to lead the charge, fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient casting community.

In summary, the Casting Society's announcement of its new board represents a pivotal moment for the profession. By prioritizing advocacy, education, and diversity, the organization is not only honoring its legacy but also paving the way for a more equitable industry. As the entertainment world continues to evolve, the CS stands ready to cast the stories of tomorrow. (Word count: 1,048)

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