Hiller Casting

I absolutely LOVE creating BFFs out of my casts. Here’s the gang I made just last year in for Natalie Parker’s ‘Friend of the Year’—a gripping teen drama set against the backdrop of her hometown in Seattle. Meet the Crew: Julia (Played by Katherine Schaber: A well-liked junior in high school who takes Naya under her wing. She extends an invitation to Naya for the “End of Year” party—a tradition among upperclassmen. But as the night unfolds, Julia faces unexpected challenges. Her friends and love interest gravitate toward Naya, leaving Julia isolated. In a pivotal moment, Julia grapples with her integrity and the weight of societal expectations. In the audition process, Katherine brilliantly captured the inner turmoil of a teenager discovering her true self. Naya (Played by Katia Mendoza): An underclassman navigating the complex social landscape, Naya lacks the status her peers possess. Yet, her presence disrupts the delicate balance of friendships. Katia Mendoza brings depth to Naya’s character, portraying vulnerability and resilience. Mia (Played by Makenna DeCaro): Mia, though not in a position of power like Julia, wields a different kind of influence. Controlling and assertive, she sometimes clashes with Chloe but remains overshadowed by Julia’s charisma. Chloe (Played by Sydney Antonius): The quintessential “yes woman,” Chloe adapts to the group dynamics. Jackson (Played by Brennan Beck): Arrogant yet undeniably charming, Jackson moves seamlessly through different social circles. His privilege is evident, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Aiden (Played by Jayvon Davis): A charismatic jock with conventional good looks. Ray (Played by Rainor Alin) Felix (Played by Spencer Kasma) Check out these BTS pics to see the evolution of their friendships both on and off the set!

Greetings, dear friends! As we embrace the chilly winds of February, I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain and reveal the heart and soul that went into the casting process for the beloved short Japanese film, Ume [産め] Or (The Will To Fly Blind). I can't believe it's already been a whole year since locking the cast. “Ume” is not just a film; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, a labor of love that Sam Kumiko Sheridan poured her heart into. Together with Cleo Blackketter, we embarked on a journey to find the perfect ensemble that could breathe life into Sam’s vision. At the heart of “Ume” is a poignant coming-of-age tale of a young Japanese teenager grappling with the decision of an abortion, wrestling with her fears, and the dread of disappointing her father. Meet the characters: Ume: A 17-year-old Japanese girl, introspective yet impulsive, raised by a single father in the bustling city of New York. She yearns for her father’s solace, even as she fears letting him down. Dad: A stoic, hard-working Japanese father, who despite his long hours and exhaustion, has a goofy side that brings lightness to their lives. Our casting journey was nothing short of an adventure. We sought actors who could mirror the authenticity of these complex characters, actors who could speak both Japanese and English, reflecting the bilingual fabric of the narrative. Finding our two main characters was like finding two pieces of a puzzle, and the road was not without challenges. Numerous auditions later, and we found our perfect fit. The result? A constellation of incredibly talented actors, including the remarkable Grace Nakazawa Santos and Tatsuo Ichikawa, who brought the story to life. Their performances added layers of depth and authenticity, making “Ume” an experience to remember. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes from more of my casting projects. Thank you for your continued support!!