“I love it when directors get involved during the casting process. The good ones know that with the right cast, the sky’s the limit, and with the wrong cast, the film could be a flop. And there is no better feeling in the world than getting it right,” says Stefanie Ryan, President of the third-generation family-owned business, Weist-Barron-Ryan Casting in Galloway. WBRC is a professional full-service casting agency specializing in casting principals and background talent for all types of films, commercials, web/media content, industrials, print, voice overs, theater, and live events. They handle productions working in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia, but specialize in South Jersey with a focus on Atlantic City. “There is a value to knowing the regulations that are associated with these regions to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, and that’s what we pride ourselves in,” continues Ms. Ryan.

Some of those regulation include working with the SAG/AFTRA, and in New Jersey there are union zones: North Jersey which is covered by the New York local and South Jersey, which is covered by the Philadelphia local. Ryan explains that there are differences between the two that producers need to made aware of so there is no confusion. “We haven’t seen any problems. In fact, shooting larger scenes in South Jersey requiring more background talent has proven to be very cost efficient for producers, as they can save significantly on travel expenses,” she adds.

As far as changes in the region, Ryan believes the conversation starts with the state’s tax incentives. “Shortly after they went into place, production ramped up in a way not seen in years. Local businesses have noticed the influx of productions and have come together to express their support for this industry. Local governments are very cooperative. Thanks to Heather Colache, the AC Film Office and the CRDA, Atlantic City has just installed an extra 5% local tax incentive which brings the potential full incentive to a staggering 42%!”

Stefanie explains that there was once a worry that the South Jersey talent pool wasn’t large enough. “Well, WBRC can put that worry to rest. We’ve had major changes in the area in recent years. Our acting talent pool and our pool of professionals in other areas of production have grown significantly,” she assures. “The acting school as WBRC has noticed a tremendous influx of people wanting to become actors and willing to put in the time and training to accomplish their dreams. It’s been one heck of a ride watching our industry grow as it has!”

A good example of South Jersey’s readiness for production is Lifetime’s “Death Saved My Life,” starring Meagan Good. This feature film, shot mostly in Haddonfield and Collingswood during the COVID-19 pandemic, stands as a huge milestone because it proves that the region’s infrastructure can handle larger productions, even under challenging conditions.

WBRC offers many exciting opportunities. As the oldest on-camera acting workshop in the nation, their new home in Galloway (just 20 minutes outside of Atlantic City) offers 2,000 sq ft of space with 3 audition studios and is prepared to handle the largest of casting calls. The facility is handicapped accessible with CAT7 hardwire throughout, so clients don’t have to worry about sacrificing speed and efficiency. Improved greenscreens, a fully functioning voice over sound studio and equipment to run virtual casting calls are just some of the exciting upgrades.

Stefanie Ryan-Manhim
Vice President
Weist-Barron-Ryan Acting Studios/Ryan Casting
609-677-0075 PH
www.weistbarronryan.com

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