The Casting Masterclass with Vice President of Talent & Casting at Sony Pictures (USA)

AMANDA RICHARDS, VICE PRESIDENT OF TALENT & CASTING FOR SONY PICTURES TELEVISION STUDIOS (USA), COMES TO FILM & TELEVISION STUDIO INTERNATIONAL.

3 Contact Hours // Live from Los Angeles

Friday 7th or Saturday 8th of November, 2025 // 9:30am – 12:30pm AEDT

Join Amanda Richards, Senior Casting Executive at Sony Pictures Television, for an intensive, hands-on masterclass designed for professional and emerging actors ready to elevate their on-screen performance to the highest industry standards.

Before the Session:

• Once your placement is confirmed, you will be required to send your headshot and resume to enquiries@filmtv.com.au, to be forwarded on to Amanda for Casting.
• You will receive a selected scene in advance. All participants are expected to arrive fully prepared and completely off-book, ready to work as if in a professional audition or on-set environment.
• A ZOOM link will be sent to you the day prior to your session.

During the Masterclass:

This three-hour immersive session focuses on bridging the gap between actor training and real-world casting expectations.

Participants will:

• Work one-on-one with Amanda Richards and a professional reader provided on the day.
• Gain direct, constructive, and detailed notes from Amanda to sharpen your performance, strengthen your instincts, and refine your on-screen presence.
• Learn how casting operates within a major studio environment, including how actors are evaluated, what differentiates a standout audition, and how creative decisions are made at the executive level.
• Deepen your understanding of script analysis, character development, and on-camera presentation tailored specifically for television and streaming platforms.
• Engage in open discussion with Amanda about the casting process, industry expectations, and emerging opportunities in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

What You’ll Take Away:

By the end of the session, you will leave with:

• A refined understanding of what casting professionals and executives look for.
• The confidence to deliver compelling, truthful, and camera-ready performances.
• Practical insights and strategies to apply directly to your auditions and on-set work.
• Professional feedback from a senior industry decision-maker at Sony Pictures Television.

Amanda Richards is the powerhouse Vice President of Talent & Casting at Sony Pictures Television Studios, where she drives the creative vision behind some of the most talked-about shows in global entertainment. From The Boys and Gen V to The Wheel of Time and Goosebumps, Amanda has become a defining force in shaping Sony’s signature blend of bold storytelling and world-class talent. She is known for discovering fresh faces, championing diverse voices, and assembling casts that captivate audiences across continents.

Recognised for her commitment to inclusion, Amanda launched Sony’s Diverse Actors Showcase—a program that highlights emerging talent and broadens opportunities for underrepresented performers. This initiative has become a cornerstone of Sony’s efforts to create more equitable and authentic representation on screen. Her continued leadership has helped set a new standard for how studios approach casting in a global entertainment landscape.

With degrees from Emerson College and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Amanda combines creative insight with a practical understanding of the industry. As Vice President and a leading decision-maker for casting at Sony Pictures Television across the USA, she holds final responsibility for selecting talent on a wide range of projects. Named one of Business Insider’s “Rising Stars of Entertainment,” Amanda continues to mentor emerging actors and creatives, focusing on performance, professional growth, and authentic storytelling. Her leadership shapes the casts and creative direction of major television productions nationwide.

This casting masterclass is part of our ongoing mission to connect Australian talent with the highest levels of screen industry professionals — offering practical, career-focused training that bridges the gap between study and professional work.

How to Apply:

Once you have enrolled online, you will receive a confirmation email requesting your headshot and bio (and showreel if you have one). Amanda will then cast you in a scene from her extensive body of work. You will receive your scene anytime up to 1 week prior to the commencement date.

This is a rare opportunity to work with a casting professional of international calibre, without leaving the country. Whether you’re a working actor or ready to step into the professional space, this casting masterclass will provide valuable tools to help you grow, refine your craft, and stand out in auditions.

Presented by Film & Television Studio International
– Supporting Australian actors with world-class training and direct industry access.