Photos: LACAE And FYC Independents Host CASTING BY Screening With Industry Panel

LACAE and FYC Independents hosted a special charity screening of the documentary Casting By on April 9, 2026, featuring a post-screening panel with director Tom Donahue, composer Leigh Roberts, and a group of casting professionals. See photos of the event taken by Allison Roche. 

The event brought together industry figures for a discussion on the craft and recognition of casting in film and television.

During the conversation, Donahue shared behind-the-scenes perspectives on the making of the documentary, while David Rubin, former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2019 to 2022, discussed the film’s impact on the industry. Rubin also reflected on his role in advocating for the creation of the Casting Branch within the Academy, which emerged around the time of the film’s release.

Additional panelists included casting professionals Deb Aquila (The Shawshank Redemption, La La Land, CODA), Barbara McCarthy (Catch Me If You Can, The Christmas Chronicles), Josh Einsohn (This Is Us, Monster), Alexa Pereira (Nobody Wants This), Paul Ruddy (The Eastsiders), and Lauren Fernandes, a longtime collaborator of Heidi Levitt. The panel was moderated by FYC Independents creator and FALA Board Member, Meredith Thomas.  

The event also served as a fundraiser for Future Artists of Los Angeles (FALA), a nonprofit organization that supports both emerging and established artists with a focus on building sustainable careers in the performing arts.

Originally released in 2012, Casting By examined the role of casting directors and contributed to broader industry recognition of their work. Its influence coincided with the establishment of the Academy’s Casting Branch and preceded the introduction of the Academy Award for Best Casting, first presented in 2026. The documentary was produced by Ilan Arboleda, Tom Donahue, Kate Lacy, and Joanna Colbert.

Founded in 2018, FYC Independents supports underrepresented talent seeking awards recognition and continues to provide a platform for a range of voices across the entertainment industry.