Regional acting talents conquer Europe: Fifth 'ReActing as a Star' platform concludes

Kranj, Slovenia, has once again served as a hub for European cinema with the successful conclusion of the fifth 'ReActing as a Star' international platform. This intensive three-day event, held from June 12 to 14, brought together twelve emerging actors from Southeast Europe with leading European film industry professionals.

The platform provided a crucial gateway for these talents to foster international careers and network within the European audiovisual community. Through specialized workshops, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings, participants gained direct access to industry experts. The initiative is spearheaded by producers Pari Pikule and Secret Arts Cinema, with key partnerships from the Slovenian Film Centre, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the Film Centre of Serbia, and the Film Centre of Montenegro.

'ReActing as a Star' boasts long-standing collaborations with elite global casting director associations, including the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA) and the Casting Society (CSA), underscoring its international prestige. This year's cohort featured notable young actors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, who presented their work and forged invaluable professional connections with casting directors, producers, and talent agents.

The program opened with a notable session featuring Slovenian actress Katarina Čas, who shared her experiences navigating careers between regional and Hollywood productions. She emphasized the platform's significance, stating, "When I was starting out, there were no such programs in Slovenia, and it was really difficult. That's why I think this project is extremely important." She highlighted the opportunity for actors to connect with agents and casting directors, and to receive practical advice, such as on creating effective self-tapes.

Darren Pettie, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in "Mad Men" and "Foundation," also joined as a special guest. Pettie, a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, offered participants an exclusive look into the workings of the competitive American market through inspiring discussions. His presence further enriched the event, providing aspiring actors with unique insights into the global film industry.

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When I was starting out, there were no such programs in Slovenia, and it was really difficult. That's why I think this project is extremely important. Actors here have the opportunity to interact with talent agents and casting directors. They also had a lecture on how to make a good self-tape – what to pay attention to and where mistakes are made. They received so many useful insights that I thought: 'Man, nobody told me that a few years ago.'