NEW CASTING DIRECTORS BRANCH ELECTS THREE TO ACADEMY BOARD OF GOVERNORS

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Three members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ newly created Casting Directors Branch have been elected to the Academy Board of Governors.

The first-time governors are David Rubin, who is elected to a three-year term; Bernie Telsey, who is elected to a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy, who is elected to a one-year term.

“The addition of these exceptional professionals to our Board is another positive step toward making our organization more inclusive and more reflective of the broader industry,” Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said.  “We welcome them, their ideas and their insights wholeheartedly.”

The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.  The addition of the Casting Directors Branch was approved by the Board in July of this year.

THE ACADEMY CREATES BRANCH FOR CASTING DIRECTORS

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the creation of the Casting Directors Branch.

Casting directors began to be invited to Academy membership more than 30 years ago, many of them admitted as Members-at-Large.

The decision was approved at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, July 30.

"Casting directors play an essential role in the filmmaking process," Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said. "Their inclusion on our board will only broaden our perspective and help ensure that the Academy continues to accurately reflect the state of filmmaking today."

The Casting Directors Branch brings the Academy to 17 branches, with three members representing each branch on the Board of Governors. The Academy will hold special elections this fall to select the three governors of the newest branch.

Check out this audio of the stellar "CASTING BY" panel

which discussed the role Casting Directors play.