My journey at Yanga Casting has been nothing short of amazing. Every project reminds me of just how much Mexico has to offer in terms of unique, diverse talent. As a casting director, I thought I’d seen it all after years in this industry—until Yanga constantly throws new challenges my way that really push my creative boundaries.
Working with a company that values creativity and detail keeps me on my toes. My background as an actor, along with my keen eye for spotting the perfect fit for each role, keeps me energized and excited about finding the best talent out there in Mexico’s entertainment scene.
One of this year’s standout projects was casting for Fage, which involved finding a lineup of 15 unique characters. It wasn’t a typical brief: we needed identical triplets who could dance in sync, a father-daughter duo of Asian heritage with skating skills, and a bodybuilder who could bring humor through their presence alone. This diverse mix demanded a new level of precision and creativity in sourcing talent.
Collaborating with the talented director Malia James, who has worked with acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day, we set out to align the casting with her vision. Initially, we reached out through agency channels, but soon expanded to social media and targeted groups to find people with the specific talents we needed.
Overcoming Roadblocks and Learning from the Process
Some profiles proved particularly challenging. For the triplets, self-tapes just weren’t capturing the energy we needed, so we held an in-person session to better assess chemistry and coordination. Working with the actors directly allowed us to create a dynamic that was close to our vision, and we selected three individuals who could pull off the family feel we were after.
The search for the father-daughter duo with skating skills was another unique requirement that tested our limits. After an extensive search, just when we were considering adjusting the character’s background, we found two perfect sisters with experience in skating—an exciting discovery that validated our persistence.
Each project is a reminder that flexibility and creative problem-solving are essential. A major highlight was the callback, where we formed groups of three and asked each to interpret a quick choreography. Watching the actors embrace the moment and seeing the joy and humor they brought to their roles made for an unforgettable experience and a tough decision in selecting the final cast.
At Yanga Casting, we are dedicated to bringing diverse talent to life in every project. This Fage commercial has been a true testament to the unique talents that thrive in Mexico, and it’s been a privilege to help bring this vision to the screen. Here’s to more innovative challenges and a continued passion for casting that pushes us all forward.
If you want to learn more about our projects or explore collaboration opportunities with Yanga Casting, don’t forget to follow us on social media or send us a direct message through LinkedIn. Let’s connect and create something amazing together!
Iztany Nava,
Casting Director at Yanga Casting
