MEGAN WATERS TELEVISION PRODUCTION JOURNAL: Professional Pre-Production: Cast Research & Selection

For the majority of my characters, I had a good idea of which actors I felt were suitable for the roles when I first started to create them. Some of my casting choices have changed in character development, new actors have been decided on and some of my original cast choices have been confirmed due to suitability to the characters and production.

In order to learn more about the actors and go in depth into why they are suitable for the roles, I conducted research on each actor...

Tatiana Maslany as Lauren Daniels

Bio

Born on 22nd September 1985, now aged 31, Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany has risen to fame over the last few years. She has had a passion for performing since childhood, stating in an interview; 'I started as a dancer when I was about 4'[1]. Starting work as a professional actress as a teenager, she eventually devoted herself to acting. Winning multiple awards since 2009 including a Gemini Award[1], Critics' Choice Television Awards[2], and most recently an Emmy for Orphan Black[3].

Work History

Since landing her first major role in 2008, Maslany has starred in the following TV series and films...

Television[4]:

Heartland (2008 - 2010)
Would Be Kings (2008)

Instant Star (2008)

An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)
Being Erica (2009)

The Nativity (2010)

Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures (2010)

Certain Prey (2011)
World Without End (2012)

Orphan Black (2013 - )
Parks & Recreation (2013)

Captain Canuck (2014)

Film[4]:

Flash of Genius (2008)

Grown Up Movie Star (2009)

Hardwired (2009)

Defendor (2009)

Up & Down (2010)

In Redemption (2010)

Toiretto (2010)

The Entitled (2011)

Violet & Daisy (2011)

Darla (2011)

Waiting for You (2012)

Blood Pressure (2012)

Picture Day (2012)

The Vow (2012)

Cas & Dylan (2013)

Woman in Gold (2015)

The Other Half (2016)

Two Lovers and a Bear (2016)

Stronger (2016)

Building up a successful portfolio of acting work and a number of roles, she has a great deal of experience as an actress and has played major roles in television.

Character Types

Maslany's most recognisable role is main character Sarah Manning in the sci-fi series Orphan Black, among more than ten other characters that she plays within the show[1]. All of the characters that Maslany plays in the series are strong female leads trying to discover where they come from. When discussing her characters, especially the strong Sarah Manning, she stated 'I am drawn to those parts; I like the tough girls because they are not tough. It’s a veil; it’s a disguise. It’s defences. At the core, everybody is human, everybody is fragile, everybody is terrified, and the fear is what propels you to be tough'[5]. Both this character type, her passion for them and her portrayal of this is a large reason why I have selected Tatiana Maslany for the role of Lauren Daniels.

Character Suitability

Maslany's portrayal of Sarah Manning, a tough young woman on a journey of discovery, is inspiration for my tough yet vulnerable character of Lauren Daniels. Here is an example of her portrayal of Sarah...

I also feel that her appearance as Sarah is suitable and similar to that of Lauren's in The Identity, her age closely matches that of the character's, and her Canadian accent and ability to portray characters from a variety of locations allows her to portray an American.

Production Suitability

Having starred in TV show The Nativity on BBC One, and Orphan Black on BBC America, with this show being aired on American's AMC Channel, Tatiana Maslany is very likely to work on shows that are produced by my selection of BBC and AMC. She has also starred in a variety of drama, thriller and sci-fi films and TV series, giving her experience in similar genres to The Identity.

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Felicity Huffman as Helen Daniels

Bio

Born on 9th December 1962, American actress Felicity Huffman is now aged 53 and has been a professional actress for 26 years. She has worked on stage, film and television and has played a large variety of roles [6]. She has won a number of awards including Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award[7]. She is best known for her role as Lynette Scavo in the series Desperate Housewives.

Work History

Since her first notable role on the show Frasier, Felicity Huffman has starred in the following TV series and films...

Television[8]:

Frasier (2003)

The D.A. (2004)

Desperate Housewives (2004 - 2012)

Reversible Errors (2004)
Boomerang (2013)
American Crime (2015 - )

Film[8]:

Raising Helen (2004)

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Transamerica (2005)

Georgia Rule (2007)

Phoebe in Wonderland (2008)

Lesster (2010)

Trust Me (2013)

Rudderless (2014)

Big Game (2014)

Stealing Cars (2015)

Cake (2015)

Having worked as a professional and successful actress for over two decades, Huffman is a talented woman who has made a name for herself.

Character Types

Playing Lynette Scavo in Desperate Housewives as her most famous role, she portrayed a loving mother with a strong will and emotional depth to her character. A strong description of her character is 'Throughout her character's ups and downs, Huffman made Lynette a realistic, genuine depiction of a modern ... mother'[6]. Here is an example of her portrayal...

Character Suitability

Having portrayed a number of strong characters including a strong and loving mother, Huffman is the best and most suitable choice for a mother who has made mistakes but loves her child unconditionally. Her character appearance of Lynette is idyllic for the character of Helen, with fair hair and a comfortable clothing style, and with a similar age to each other.

Production Suitability

As she has worked on a number of television shows, alongside starring in a number of drama and thriller genres with experience of emotional performances, Huffman is well suited to starring in this production.

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Katie McGrath as Amanda Porter

Bio

Born on 24th October 1983, aged 33 and slowly rising to fame, Irish actress Katie McGrath was not initially in pursuit of being an actress. Originally interested in fashion and working on The Tudors, she was encouraged to act by the producers and her career as an actress has taken off since[9]. Starring in The Tudors, Merlin and even recently Jurassic World.

Work History

Since her beginning in acting in 2007, McGrath has starred in the following...

Television[10]:
The Tudors (2007 - 2008)

Damage (2007)

Merlin (2008 - 2013)

The Roaring Twenties (2008)

The Queen (2009)

Labyrinth (2012)

Dates (2013)

Dracula (2013 - 2014)

Slasher (2016)
Supergirl (2016)

Film[10]:

Freakdog (2008)

A Princess for Christmas (2011)

W.E. (2012)

Leading Lady (2014)

The Throwaways (2015)

Jurassic World (2015)

New to the world of acting, McGrath is a fresh face, but recently has taken off, starring in well known television series and films, and making a name for herself.

Character Types

Having portrayed a number of characters who are a combination of dark with an innocent appearance, McGrath tends to be cast for either villainous roles or a character in a dark film or series such as horror. Best known for her portrayal of Morgana in Merlin, she is initially portrayed as a kind young woman, but eventually is shown to be plotting against other characters and creating a villainous personality for herself, similar to that of Amanda Porter. Here is an example of her portrayal of Morgana...

Character Suitability

As McGrath is able to portray both a cold and antagonistic character, as well as a character full of drama and emotion from the example of Merlin, she proves to be the perfect choice to portray villainous but troubled Amanda. Also, with a similar age to the character, a similar appearance to Tatiana Maslany (which is needed for her character) and deceiving, attractive looks, she fits the physical profile for Amanda Porter. She has also proved in a number of her roles that she is capable of impersonating a southern English accent with great depth and effectiveness.

Production Suitability

Having starred in both The Tudors and Merlin, both aired on BBC Two and BBC One, McGrath has experience in working on BBC productions, alongside a large amount of work in television and especially drama pieces, making her well suited to The Identity.

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Michael B. Jordan as Ethan Briggs

Bio

American actor Michael B. Jordan was born on the 9th February 1987, now aged 29 he is quickly rising to fame through a number of successful television roles and his recent role in the Rocky franchise film, Creed. Beginning his career in television, Jordan made a name for himself through starring in The Sopranos, The Wire and Friday Night Lights, eventually breaking out into larger film roles recently including The Chronicle and the aforementioned Creed [11].

Work History
Since Jordan's breakout role and the beginning of his career in 2001, he has starred in the following...

Television[12]:
The Wire (2002)
All My Children (2003 - 2005)
Friday Night Lights (2009 - 2011)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2006)
Without A Trace (2006)
Cold Case (2007)
The Assistants (2009)
Bones (2009)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2010)
Lie to Me (2010 - 2011)
Parenthood (2010 - 2011)
House (2012)

Film[12]:
Hard Ball (2001)
Blackout (2007)
Pastor Brown (2009)
County (2012)
Red Tails (2012)
Chronicle (2012)
Hotel Noir (2012)
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Making a Scene (2013)
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
That Awkward Moment (2014)
Creed (2015)
The Fantastic Four (2015)
Pretenders (2016)

Jordan is becoming a household name in the world of acting, but still often returns to his roots of television acting.

Character Types

Jordan is often well known for portraying a kindhearted character or holding a hero role. Examples of this include his role as Steve Montgomery in Chronicle, an ambitious high school quarterback adored by his entire school, a young boxer who loves his family and girlfriend with high ambitions of living up to his father in Creed and a likeable, romantic interest in Parenthood. Below is an example of his role as Donnie in Creed...

Character Suitability

Michael B. Jordan is well suited to the role of a kindhearted, intelligent and caring romantic interest who also has a part to play in the journey of Lauren finding her parents. Due to the fact that each component of his character as Ethan are similar to his past roles, in which he has given emotional and gripping performances. He also has the attractive and approachable appearance needed for the role along with being the same age as the character.

Production Suitability

Having appeared in a number of American TV shows consisting of genres including drama, action and thriller, Jordan is well adapted to portraying roles within the type of production that is The Identity.

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Liam Cunningham as Frank Porter

Bio

Born on 2nd June 1961, 55 year old Irish actor Liam Cunningham is a now well known, famous actor. Switching his career from an electrician to a theatre actor in 1989 [13], he has now been making his name in the television series' Outcasts and currently Game of Thrones, along side a number of films [14].

Work History

Since Cunningham's on screen debut in 1993, he has starred in the following tv series and films...

Television[15]:

Attila the Hun (2001)

Prime Suspect (2004)

Masterpiece (2004 - 2008)

ImageMakers (2005)

The Wild West (2006 - 2007)

Afterlife (2007)

Outcasts (2011)

Titanic: Blood & Steel (2012)

Merlin (2013)

Doctor Who (2013)

Vera (2013)

Game of Thrones (2016 - )

Film[15]:

Into the West (1993)

The War of the Buttons (1994)

First Knight (1995)

A Little Princess (1995)

Jude (1996)

When the Sky Falls (1999)

A Love Divided (1999)

Stranded (2002)

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Final Demand (2004)

The Card Player (2004)

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

Hunger (2008)

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

Perrier's Bounty (2009)

Harry Brown (2009)

The Guard (2010)

Centurion (2010)

Clash of the Titans (2010)

Safe House (2012)

With an incredibly large number of appearances and roles taken on by Cunningham, he is a well experienced and trained actor.

Character Types

Cunningham is best known firstly for his role as President Richard Tate in the sci-fi series Outcast, where he plays a stern character in a high position of power trying to rebirth humanity [16]. And secondly for his role as Davos Seaprimworth, a powerful knight in the Game of Thrones series. He can be seen here playing his intense, serious role in Outcast...

Character Suitability

Cunningham is suitable to the role of Frank Porter for his ability to portray a number of intense characters, especially those that either are or have the desire to be in control of the situations they're presented with - this is extremely similar to the controlling Frank. He is also the stern, slightly stressed appearance desired, is of a similar age to Frank and is capable of speaking with a south English accent as required.

Production Suitability

Having starred in a number of BBC (BBC One especially) series, including miniseries The Wild West, Outcasts, Doctor Who and Merlin (also starring Katie McGrath, who would play his daughter Amanda in The Identity). Cunningham suits the broadcasting channel of The Identity very well, as well as suiting the genre of a drama/thriller, judging by his previous and current roles.

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Olivia Williams as Kathleen Porter

Bio

English actress Olivia Williams was born on 26 July 1968. Aged 48, she is a household name, having starred in a wide variety of films and TV series. Williams intended to become a lawyer at a younger age, but soon decided to study acting and follow that as a career path. She made her fist major on screen appearance in Jane Austen's Emma in 1996 and has since broadened her appearances and roles in the industry [17].

Work History

Over the last 20 years, Williams has held a number of roles in both television and film...

Television[18]:

Friends (1998)

Jason and the Argonauts (2000)

Agatha Christie: A Life in Pictures (2004)

Krakatoa: The Last Days (2006)

Miss Austen Regrets (2008)

Dollhouse (2010)

Terriers (2010)

Case Sensitive (2011)

Manhattan (2014)

Counterpart (2016)

Film[18]:

Emma (1996)

Beck (1997)

Gaston's War (1997)

The Postman (1997)

Rushmore (1998)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Born Romantic (2000)

Dead Babies (2000)

Four Dogs Playing Poker (2000)

Lucky Break (2001)

The Body (2001)

The Man from Elysian Fields (2001)

Below (2002)

The Heart of Me (2002)

To Kill a King (2003)

Peter Pan (2003)

Tara Road (2005)

Mockingbird (2005)

Broken Lines (2008)

Flashback of a Fool (2008)

An Education (2009)

The Ghost Writer (2010)

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)

Eats Shoots and Leaves (2011)

Collaborator (2011)

Hanna (2011)

Wild Bill (2011)

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)

Electric Cinema: How to Behave (2012)

Anna Kerenina (2012)

Now is Good (2012)

Justin and the Knights of Valour (2013)

The Last Days on Mars (2013)

The Guest (2013)

Cross My Mind (2014)

Sobotage (2014)

Maps to the Stars (2014)

Emma, Change the Locks (2015)

Altar (2015)

Man Up (2015)

Seventh Son (2015)

The White King (2015)

With an extremely varied and large amount of roles and features that William has played and starred in, she has had a huge amount of experience as an actress.

Character Types

Williams is known for a number of period dramas, including Jain Fairfax, an intelligent young orphan in Emma and Jane Austen, a strong minded author in Miss Austen Regrets. Along with thriller roles, including unhappy wife Anna Crowe in The Sixth Sense, and Ruth Lang, wife of a murder suspect in The Ghost Writer. Gathering from her varied film and television roles, Williams is talented and experienced in playing an intelligent woman usually experiencing difficult circumstances. An example of this is her role as Ruth...

The Ghost Writer Clip

Character Suitability

Due to her past roles, Williams is suited to the role of Kathleen Porter, as I feel that she can bring a great deal of emotion and character to the fragile and distant - yet caring Kathleen. Williams is also of a similar age to the character, and has the appropriate appearance of a kind faced mother, who appears as if she could be the mother to Lauren and Amanda.

Production Suitability

Williams has starred in a number of BBC productions including BBC Two's Agatha Christie: A Life in Pictures, and BBC One's Krakatoa: The Last Days and Miss Austen Regrets. Alongside her experience in BBC productions, she has portrayed roles in a number of drama and thriller films and series, making her fit comfortably within The Identity.

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Blythe Danner as Joyce Drennen

Bio

Born on 3rd February 1943 and aged 73, American actress Blythe Danner has been acting since 1978 and has appeared in a number of stage and screen productions. She has since played a number of roles in theatre, film and television and is still a well known actress in the industry to date [19].

Work History

Since starring in Meet the Parents in the millenium, Danner has starred in the following films and TV series...

Television[20]:
Presidio Med (2002)
We Were the Mulvaneys (2002)
Freedom: A History of Us (2003)
Huff (2004)
Back When We Were Grownups (2004)
Will & Grace (2005 - 2006)
Pretty/Handsome (2008)
Up All Night (2011 - 2012)
Gilded Lilys (2013)
Madoff (2015)
Odd Mom Out (2016)

Film[20]:
Meet the Parents (2000)
The Invisible Circus (2001)
3 Days of Rain (2002)
The Quality of Light (2003)
Sylvia (2003)
Meet the Fockers (2004)
The Last Kiss (2006)
Side by Each (2008)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)
Waiting for Forever (2009)
Beyond All Bounderies (2009)
The Lightkeepers (2009)
Little Fockers (2010)
Paul (2011)
What's You Number? (2011)
The Lucky One (2012)
Hell I Must Be Going (2012)
Detachment (2012)
Tumbledown (2014)
Murder of a Cat (2014)
I'll See You in My Dreams (2014)

Still highly active in the acting profession and having portrayed a varied amount of different characters, Danner is still a talented actress today.

Character Types

While Danner is notable for her appearances in comedy's such as Dina Byrnes in Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers, I find that an effective representation of her talent is shown through her character of Anna in The Last Kiss, which can be seen below...

Character Suitability
Danner is suitable to the character of Joyce Drennen due to her ability to give an emotional performance as well as being able to portray a strong and stern character. She also is over appropriate age for the character, and has the warm appearance and husky voice desired for the role.

Production Suitability

Having starred in a number of drama films and series, Danner would be a great fit for a small roll in a drama/thriller series.

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Jeff Perry as Chris Hillman

Bio

Born on 16th August 1955, now aged 61, American actor Jeff Perry co-founded Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1974 and made his acting debut in 1978 with Remember My Name. Since then, he has starred in a large number of TV series and films, most notably in Grey's Anatomy, Prison Break and currently Scandal [21].

Work History

Since his first notable role in The West Wing in 2003, Perry has starred predominantly in varied television roles...

Television[22]:
The West Wing (2003)
The Practice (2003)
Lost (2005)
Law & Order (2005)
Invasion (2005)
NUMB3RS (2005)
Cold Case (2006)
Crossing Jordan (2006)
Prison Break (2007)
Eleventh Hour (2009)
Fringe (2009)
CSI: NY (2010)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2010)
Grey's Anatomy (2013)
Scandal (2016)

Perry may not be a household name yet, but he is well known within the television industry, and has portrayed a number of intriguing characters.

Character Types

Perry is known for portraying both villanous and likeable characters. Portraying Terrence Steadman, the Vice-President's brother who framed a man for murder in Prison Break and currently Cyrus Beene, a ruthless politician in Scandal, it's clear that he can bring antagonist roles to life. However an example of Perry portraying a more gentle and likeable character is Thatcher Grey, an awkward but loving father in Grey's Anatomy. Below is Perry's character Thatcher...

Character Suitability

In relation to his loving father character in Grey's Anatomy, Perry proves to be well suited to portraying an intelligent and caring family man that is Chris Hillman. He is also of a similar age to Chris, and has the casual and 'father' style approachable appearance needed.

Production Suitability

Having starred in a number of drama and thriller series, Perry is well suited to portraying a role in the drama/thriller miniseries The Identity.

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