Find Out How The Cast Station is Using Hobnob to Find “Real World” Talent

We’ve all heard the term, “star power,” and most of us are familiar with what it entails. Certain people have an indefinable quality that draws you in, bewitches you, and leaves you wanting more.

For John Williams and Karmen Leech, this trait isn’t always found in the latest “It girl” or leading man. Instead, these two casting agents look for “real world” people who are not only charismatic, but have a relatable quality that audiences can connect with.

Their casting agency, The Cast Station, has developed a reputation for recognizing this organic talent, and has introduced many unknowns into the world of film, television, and advertising. Famously, they cast Gary Poulter, a homeless man, in David Gordon Green’s Joe, starring Nicolas Cage.

The pair discovered Poulter as they scoured the streets of Austin, Texas, searching Walmarts and roller rinks for unique personas. He stood out right away with his piercing blue eyes and undeniable magnetism, and Williams and Leech knew that they’d found their man.

His work in the film is raw and poignant. Watching him, it’s hard to remember he’s acting at all. There’s such honesty in his performance as the abusive and drunken father, Wade, because who you’re actually seeing is Poulter—a real man who’d experienced real hardships.

This authenticity is what makes viewers feel something when they watch a show or look at an advertisement, and the demand for more “real world” people has kept The Cast Station very busy.

Of course, discovering Poulter was a remarkable occurrence. It’s not everyday that the man next to you is fit for the silver screen. So, Williams and Leech use Hobnob to host casting calls where real people can come to them. Recently, they’ve worked on HBO’s Vice Principals and Sandra Bullock’s movie Our Brand is Crisis, and there are many more projects that are interested in this new type of cast.

“Hobnob is awesome,” Williams tells us, “and useful too!”
The way we watch television and read magazines is changing. We’re no longer interested in static beauty, but want a deeper connection with the characters we’re introduced to. The Cast Station recognizes this need, and is continually searching for “real world” people who we, as the audience, can empathize with.

Stay up-to-date with The Cast Station’s latest projects and check back here for more Hobnob collaborations with Williams and Leech.