‘Ripley’ Casting Director Avy Kaufman on Collaborations with Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and Fighting for Evan Peters

As a seasoned fan of the world of film and television, I can confidently say that Avy Kaufman is nothing short of a casting legend. With her impressive career spanning over three decades, she has worked alongside some of the greatest directors in the industry, from Ang Lee to Steven Spielberg. Her collaborative spirit and keen eye for talent have resulted in some truly unforgettable performances on the silver screen.


Avy Kaufman, a renowned casting director, initially harbored doubts when Steven Zaillian asked her to collaborate on “Ripley,” the Netflix miniseries adapting Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” After all, this tale had been brought to life on screen before, notably in Anthony Minghella’s Oscar-nominated 1999 film. Kaufman admits she questioned Zaillian’s motivation. However, the series’ eventual success – with 13 Emmy nominations including a casting nod – erased all doubts. “It’s like a masterpiece,” Kaufman enthused. “I was really impressed. It explores so many different narratives and delves deep into the characters. I think it’s a work of art.”

In an interview, producer Nina Kaufman shared insights about casting the limited series ‘Ripley’ before the pandemic. She admitted that it was a challenging process due to the extensive number of people involved. “He wants to meet a lot of people,” she said, referring to Kaufman herself. “It does take some time.”

In my perspective as a follower of casting practices, I favor straightforward interactions and find unnecessary elements disruptive. To put it simply, I want the focus to be on you. I yearn to observe and listen to you without any distractions, even though that might sound obvious.

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2024-08-08 21:46