Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Kirschner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was trading bonds for Morgan Stanley when the market crashed in 2008, and I quickly realized the volatile financial crises wasn’t what I wanted to face each and every day. As luck would have it, I put in my two-week notice, ran into a friend of a friend who was an Executive Producer for unscripted television series, and we hit it off. At the time, she needed someone who could run dance and pageant auditions for a television show she was producing on WEtv, and I volunteered for the job! I had grown up as a dancer and at the time, was currently coaching the dance team at Georgia Tech. I got a crash course in using a camera, and they sent me on my way. From that moment on, I have worked as a Casting Director in unscripted television shows!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As luck would have it, Atlanta quickly blew up as a production hub. I think my biggest challenge has been pushing amazing projects away. I never want to say “no” to any project. However, since having two small children, managing our insane life family life, while keeping up with intense workloads has proven to be very difficult from time to time.
Please tell us about Kirschner Casting.
As an unscripted casting director, I think my personal measure of success is always closely tied to a series coming back season after season. My pride an joy has been being a huge part of the success of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. I am also always excited to align myself with educational and smart television. Selecting retired and financially challenged athletes and former entertainers for CNBC’s Back in the Game with Alex Rodriguez has been incredibly challenging and rewarding.
I work as a one-man marching band and that probably sets me apart from other casting professionals. From researching and finding talent, to interviewing and producing casting reels; I love to see the entire project through and have my hands on every single step.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
A natural performer, I think most of my favorite memories are rooted in some sort of performance. At 15, I was a nationally recognized baton twirler. Live with Regis & Kelly (Yep, waaaaay back when Regis was the co-host) had come to Niagara Falls, where I grew up, and I was asked to perform live on the show. The performance was magical, and Regis told me after my performance that “I saved the show.”
Contact Info:
- Website: kirschnercasting.com
- Email: kirschnercasting@gmail.com
- Instagram: kirschnercasting
- Facebook: Kirschner Casting
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