Mia Daibess | Casting Director

When you choose Mia Daibess & Casting in Beirut, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services that redefine the casting process. Our offerings include:

CASTING

As a casting director and producer, Mia brings an artistic touch to handpick the perfect cast, aligning your project with extraordinary talent, worldwide (GCC, MENA, ASIA, USA, EMEA).

1. Research and Preparation: The casting process begins with thorough research and preparation by Mia & the casting team. We study the project’s requirements, script, and character breakdowns to understand the roles that need to be filled. We also analyze the director’s vision and specific preferences for each character. A lot of times, the casting process begins with Mia advising and budgeting for the production as the Casting Producer on the project.
2. Role Analysis and Character Breakdown: Based on the script and the project’s vision, Mia creates a character breakdown, which describes the age, gender, physical appearance, and personality traits of each character. This breakdown helps in finding actors who match the requirements for each role.
3. Talent Search and Outreach Strategy: Mia strategizes, and reaches out to talent agents, actors, acting schools, and other industry connections such as headhunters to inform them about the casting call and brief them on the specifics. In some cases, casting notices may be posted publicly for actors to apply directly. The search and recruitment can happen locally or covering different countries and capitals, depending on the brief.
4. Auditions and Callbacks: During auditions, actors are invited to perform for the casting director and sometimes the director and producers. Actors may be asked to deliver prepared monologues or read scenes from the script. Callbacks are subsequent auditions where the shortlisted actors are asked to audition again for further evaluation and comparison. Callbacks & Auditions are sometimes conducted online and not in person, depending on the project.
5. Selection Process: After auditions and callbacks, the casting team evaluates the performances and discusses the potential fits for each role. We consider the actors’ talent, suitability for the character, chemistry with other cast members, and overall contribution to the project.
6. Presentations to Producers and Directors: Mia presents the top choices to the project’s producers and directors. This presentation includes actors’ audition tapes, headshots, sometimes resumes & social media links, and any additional notes from the casting team about their suitability for the roles.
7. Final Selection and Bookings: After thorough discussions, the casting team and project stakeholders make final casting decisions. Once the actors are selected, they are offered the roles, and booking arrangements are made, including scheduling, compensation negotiations, and any necessary accommodations.
8. Contract Signing: Once both parties (actors and producers) agree on the terms, contracts are drafted and signed by talents. The contracts outline the roles, compensation, working conditions, and other relevant details.
9. Rehearsals and Production: The actors join the production for rehearsals and filming. During this phase, they collaborate with the director, fellow cast members, and crew to bring the project to life.
10. Wrap-up and Post-Production: Once filming is completed, the project moves into post-production. Actors may participate in additional voice recording sessions or other post-production requirements, or renewal of buy-outs and exclusivities, depending on the project’s nature.

ACTING COACHING & DRAMA WORKSHOPS (adults & children)

Acting coaching and drama workshops offer transformative experiences for aspiring actors and performers of all levels. These services provide personalized guidance, skill development, and a supportive community, nurturing the talents of individuals passionate about the art of acting. Whether aiming for a professional acting career or seeking personal growth, these offerings empower actors to reach their full creative potential and shine on stage and screen. Nurturing the potential within actors, Mia’s coaching brings out authentic performances that resonate with audiences.

Acting Coaching:

a) Personalized Guidance: Acting coaching offers one-on-one sessions with an experienced acting coach who tailors the training to meet the individual actor’s specific needs and goals. Whether honing audition skills, preparing for a particular role, or developing a particular acting technique, the coaching sessions provide personalized attention and constructive feedback.

b) Character Development: Actors explore various approaches to delve into the minds and emotions of their characters. The acting coach helps them understand the complexities of their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to their performances.

c) Scene Study: Through scene analysis and interpretation, actors work closely with the acting coach to understand the dynamics of their scenes, allowing them to make strong and meaningful choices during performances.

d) Emotional Awareness and Vulnerability: Acting coaching emphasizes emotional awareness and vulnerability, empowering actors to tap into their emotions genuinely and express them on stage or in front of the camera.

e) Audition Preparation: Actors learn essential audition techniques, from selecting appropriate audition material to mastering cold readings. The acting coach provides guidance on showcasing their talents effectively during auditions.

Drama Workshops:

a) Group Learning and Collaboration: Drama workshops foster a supportive group learning environment, where participants collaborate, share ideas, and challenge each other to grow as actors and performers.

b) Improvisation and Spontaneity: Workshops often incorporate improvisation exercises that encourage participants to think on their feet, enhancing their spontaneity and adaptability as performers.

c) Physicality and Movement: Drama workshops focus on body awareness and movement, helping actors explore physicality to enhance their performances and create dynamic characters.

d) Voice and Diction: Participants learn vocal techniques to improve articulation, projection, and vocal expressiveness, enabling them to communicate effectively on stage and screen.

e) Ensemble Building: Drama workshops promote ensemble building, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among participants, which is vital for group performances.

Benefits of Acting Coaching & Drama Workshops:

• Increased Confidence: Participants develop confidence in their abilities, allowing them to tackle challenging roles and auditions with self-assurance.
• Enhanced Performance Skills: Through targeted coaching and hands-on practice, actors improve their performance skills, making them more captivating and engaging on stage or screen.
• Emotional Intelligence: Acting coaching and drama workshops encourage emotional intelligence, helping participants understand and portray a wide range of emotions authentically.
• Networking Opportunities: Participants have the chance to connect with fellow actors, directors, and industry professionals during workshops, creating potential networking opportunities.

A note on Children’s coaching:

With over a decade of experience teaching drama and acting to children and teenagers at renowned schools and colleges, Mia nurtures young talent, inspiring confident and authentic performances. She takes pride in fostering creativity and creating a supportive environment for young actors to shine in the industry.

WRITING:

As a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry, I offer specialized services in ghostwriting, writing for director’s treatments, and providing comprehensive visual research. With a passion for storytelling, I bring captivating narratives to life through ghostwriting, collaborating with clients to transform their ideas into compelling scripts, screenplays, or books. Additionally, I excel in crafting meticulously detailed director’s treatments, outlining the creative vision for film and television projects. These treatments serve as invaluable blueprints, guiding the entire team in bringing the director’s artistic vision to fruition.

Moreover, my expertise in layout and visual research ensures that these documents are not only engaging to read but also visually impactful, incorporating essential elements such as mood boards, storyboards, and reference images. With a seamless blend of writing and visual finesse, I take pride in shaping imaginative projects that captivate audiences and breathe life into the director’s vision.

(references available upon request)