Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Reidy.
Patrick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always loved movies since a young age but was never outgoing enough to try it. I am a heavy introvert so never wanted to do it until one day I saw an ad for a local talent agency and always thought it would be neat to be a background actor in some Hollywood movie that I could point myself out for a split second on screen. So I took a chance outside of my comfort zone and ended up getting involved with acting classes and found a passion for making films I didn’t know I had. I have now worked on over 50 film projects in some form or capacity. Not soon after I ended up joining a local production company called Ambient Hour Productions and got to work with incredible talented people. My passion only grew stronger to where we started making our own films and I was acting a lot and just loved it and that nervous introvert went away. This industry is also full of rejection as well though so after continuing to audition for films and not getting calls for things I decided to take matters into my own hands and start my own business called 1st Take Casting. I had cast a few local films in the area as well as a few for Ambient Hour Productions who I also continue to work with a lot because this industry is definitely about building those working relationships and trust. So I figured if Hollywood won’t notice this small area of Tennessee then let’s make it known. So now I have been in the industry going on 6 years with no signs of slowing down and will continue to push forward and get my name and business out there as I love casting films , acting , and helping other likeminded actors find work as well. If anything I’m enjoying the ride just to create and have fun working on films it’s the best place to be is on set!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My worst struggles was coming in completely new without knowing where to start or what to do and I definitely got taken advantage of by plenty of people in some sort of scam or lied to and lost money all that kind of thing because at the time I didn’t know better and people saw someone new to use and scam. I have learned a lot with everything I do in this industry and there will always be those kinds of people out there but now I am better suited to navigate it and see red flags where now I can help new up and coming film creatives avoid the same mistakes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Honestly I just love being on set. It doesn’t matter to me in what form that can be an actor , casting director , producer , or even a PA helping carry stuff around as long as I’m on set it’s where I want to be and have fun watching the magic happen and work with such talented people. I would say I specialize in finding the right talent for the role. A lot of people are very happy with how I cast films and find the hidden gems of actors who just embrace the character and make it come alive. I am most proud of creating my own film that I wrote, produced , directed , and acted in called Gungnir A Viking Tale. I think my creative imagination and how I view everything from a different point of view that some people may not have realized sets me apart because I am a student of film and try to analyze every part of a film being made to make sure it’s the best story we can tell.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was very shy , introverted, kept to myself , but was always creative with a huge imagination which I think is what lead me to love movies so much as a kid and going to the theater and just being blown away by what I saw on the screen. I still go to the theater any chance I get now to see the newest blockbuster or even a classic when they reshow old movies for a limited time. It’s one of my favorite things to do with my wife as a date night.
Pricing:
- Negotiable depending on budget of film
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1st_take_casting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14JismhkJgE/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-reidy-80578838b
