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Have you ever stood before the curtain of the entertainment industry, peeking through to catch a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes? Step into the spotlight with Hunter McHugh, a casting director whose roots are deep in New Orleans' effervescent film community, as he shares the transformation from an actor to a casting maestro. Hunter pulls back the curtain on his journey, from standing in for stars on 'Bad Moms' to orchestrating the perfect ensemble cast, all while underscoring the power of adaptability and the magic of collaborative filmmaking.

As we wade through the kaleidoscope of Hunter's experiences, we're regaled with tales of how a stint in Russia unraveled the universal language of acting. It's a treasure trove of wisdom for actors aiming to hone their craft, with Hunter dishing out advice on acing auditions from commercials to dramatic roles. It's not just about the performance; it's about the fit – and Hunter knows just how to tailor an actor to a role like a bespoke suit.

Navigating the acting industry doesn't have to be a solo voyage. Hunter stresses the importance of a supportive community and how a nod or a nudge from a fellow artist can be a guiding light. Moreover, he debunks the social media followers fallacy, advocating instead for an authentic digital footprint that captures your essence. And for those moments when you're on the verge of stepping onto the audition stage, armed with Hunter's insights on casting dynamics and the heartfelt encouragement from a director who's truly rooting for you, you'll feel the embrace of the casting world – a realm where every actor's success is celebrated as a collective triumph.

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Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U