In the vibrant neighbourhood of Highlands North, one might not expect to find an Emmy-winning casting director among its residents. Yet, Christa Schamberger, who recently secured a Daytime Emmy for outstanding casting for African Queen, Njinga, is a part of this community, quietly contributing to the world of film and television.
Casting, as Schamberger describes, is both a science and an art. It requires extensive preparation, including multiple script readings and in-depth discussions with producers to align with the project’s vision. For African Queen, Njinga, this meant finding actors who could embody the roles, and ensuring they complemented the international cast and respected the story’s origin.
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One of the major challenges Schamberger faced was the historical nature of the project. With limited visual references from the era, she relied heavily on research and creative interpretation. This included coordinating with the stunt coordinator to address the physical demands of the roles, especially for actors who had undergone rigorous training for prior projects like The Woman King. The language requirements also posed a challenge, necessitating accent coaching, and a few lines of Portuguese.
Despite these hurdles, Schamberger’s meticulous approach paid off. She recalls the satisfaction of seeing her selected actors deliver powerful performances, bringing the story to life. Her Emmy win highlights the casting directors’ critical role in the industry, particularly in promoting diverse and inclusive casting.
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Schamberger offers valuable advice to aspiring casting directors: prioritise talent and skill, embrace diversity where it fits the story, and provide support for untrained performers. Looking ahead, she remains committed to championing diverse casting in future projects, believing authentic and inclusive storytelling is key to captivating audiences. Her work on African Queen, Njinga is a shining example of this philosophy in action.
Looking ahead, Schamberger is excited about her future projects, which include several South African stories requiring diverse casts. She is committed to championing authentic and inclusive storytelling, believing it is key to captivating audiences.
