Key Insights
Why did Allison Jones choose to cast real people for shows like Freaks and Geeks and The Office?
Allison Jones chose to cast real people for shows like Freaks and Geeks and The Office because she understood the need for authenticity and relatability in characters. She believed that real people, especially those with improv and stand-up backgrounds, could bring a genuine and unscripted humor that traditional sitcom actors might not achieve. This approach was championed by comedy geniuses like Judd Apatow and Paul Feig, who wanted to move away from the overly polished and unrealistic portrayals common in teen shows at the time.
How did Allison Jones help Jenna Fisher land the role of Pam on The Office?
Allison Jones helped Jenna Fisher land the role of Pam on The Office by consistently calling her in for auditions over five years, showing unwavering faith in her talent. When casting for The Office, Jones specifically instructed Fisher to 'dare to bore' in her audition, meaning to play the role of Pam super real and natural, without any glam or comedy schtick. This approach aligned with Greg Daniels' vision for the show, which was to cast real people who could bring authenticity to their roles.
What was the hardest role to cast for The Office according to Allison Jones?
According to Allison Jones, the hardest role to cast for The Office was not the main characters like Michael Scott, but the supporting cast members who needed to fill out the world of the show. These smaller roles required actors who could be real, interesting, and fun with minimal lines, which is challenging. Jones mentioned that finding the right balance for these characters, who were inspired by the British Office, was tougher than casting the main roles.
How did Allison Jones discover and cast Angela Kinsey for her role on The Office?
Allison Jones discovered and cast Angela Kinsey for her role on The Office through a series of auditions and a strong recommendation from Greg Daniels. Despite being related to Daniels, Kinsey had to audition like everyone else. Jones specifically instructed Kinsey to come in without makeup and to play the role of the prickly lady in accounting very naturally. Kinsey's audition, where she improvised a response about a stapler, impressed the producers, leading to her casting. Jones and Phyllis Smith had to fight to get Kinsey approved for the role, as Greg Daniels initially protested too much, almost jeopardizing her chances.
What advice does Allison Jones have for aspiring actors?
Allison Jones advises aspiring actors to have tenacity and to always be ready for opportunities. She emphasizes that casting directors are rooting for actors to succeed and that actors should feel free to ask questions during auditions to help them perform their best. Jones also stresses the importance of building a consistent body of work, as this increases the chances of being remembered and considered for future roles. Her acting coach's advice, 'success is opportunity meets readiness,' encapsulates her belief in being prepared for when the right role comes along.
Chapters
- Allison majored in art and minored in math at Pomona College.
- She pursued an MBA at UCLA and worked in advertising before transitioning to casting.
- Her friend Lydia Woodward suggested she try casting, leading her to AFI and eventually to Judith Wiener.
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