Diversity in Casting & Indie Film

Actors Connection President Tony Nation talks diverity issues in casting & how to get into indie films with Liz Ortiz-Mackes, one of the most actor-friendly CD's in town. Liz casts for film, theater, television, industrials and digital media. 

As a casting director and indie film producer credited on projects which have screened at hundreds of US and International film festivals including: Sundance, Toronto, Palm Springs, HBO Latino, Urban World, Slam Dance, Berlin, Hamptons, South Africa, Costa Rica, Martha's Vineyard, Hamptons, Famous Monsters of Film Land among others, and have aired on HBO, Showtime and Cinemax; casting/producing highlights include: "Lost Revolution," with Oscar winner Melissa Leo and Aaron Stanton (Mad Men, The Nanny Diaries), Short film: "Pop Foul", "Crazy Beats Strong Every Time" & "The Bravest, The Boldest" by acclaimed director Moon Molson (Sundance), TV: Six Episodes of "Monsters Inside Me" for Animal Planet, "Garabatos" a pilot for Sinamaica Productions, "Soul Dancer" a PSA for the Wildlife Foundation directed by Oscar winner Igor Martinovic.

Liz was a SAG and Equity franchised talent agent on both coasts; Author of the highly acclaimed book "Ace Your Acting Audition," published by S.O.M.E. productions; was on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts; New York Film Academy, and is an instructor and private coach for the Performing Option and conducts monthly workshops for the SAG/AFTRA Foundation.