In this episode of Exception Seekers, Jesse shares insights into the start-up of his casting company, highlighting the importance of unconditional support and how it enables risk-taking and growth. The discussion explores themes of privilege, resilience, community connection, and the value of creating safe “landing spaces” for people to experiment and develop. Jesse emphasizes the human side of the industry and the importance of authentic conversations that foster understanding, connection, and support, to deepen representation on the screen.
Important Messages
Creating spaces for authentic expression: Jesse emphasizes the responsibility of casting directors to create opportunities for people to share their feelings and experiences, which helps build resilience, community, and representation.
Human connection over industry: Despite being about casting and the arts, the core of Jesse Griffiths Casting is about human connection, community, and how people get to where they are through relationships and shared experiences.
Starting small: When Jesse began his casting company, the practical needs were simple (like a laptop or a logo) - beginnings often don’t require huge resources, but rather the right support and encouragement. Jesse underscores how having a solid support system—financial or emotional—provides a crucial landing space that allows people to take risks and pursue their passions without the fear of complete failure.
Privilege awareness: Jesse shares his strong awareness that not everyone has the same safety net, and this privilege should not be taken for granted. He furthers this perspective to include the responsibility of casting directors to carefully consider the projects they take part in, and their role in shaping on-screen representation.
Resources Mentioned
Jesse Griffiths (he/him)
After over a decade as a film, TV, and theatre actor, Jesse pivoted to a career in casting, founding Jesse Griffiths Casting (JGC). His focus is championing inclusion and diversity in the casting process.Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists, Jesse has taught at colleges and universities across Canada as well as countless other private institutions. He leads a monthly workshop for Toronto’s BIPOC community and serves as a mentor at the Canadian Film Centre’s Actors Conservatory.Jesse is a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA) the Casting Directors Society of Canada (CDC) and sits on the professional advisory committees for Seneca College, George Brown College, and Toronto Metropolitan University. He serves on the boards of the CDC, the Toronto Gay Hockey Association (TGHA), and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre—the world’s longest-running queer theatre.A proud recipient of the ACTRA Toronto Sandi Ross Award, Jesse holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University.
