S3 08 - Masterclass with Christa Schamberger (Casting Director)

S3 08 - Masterclass with Christa Schamberger (Casting Director)

Author: Gino Shelile August 25, 2025 Duration: 25:40

When it comes to movies, everyone knows who the actors are, but how much thought goes into who actually decided they would be right for the role? Not much, we guess. Well, this ep is going to change all that. Welcome to the "Queen of Casting", Christa Schamberger.

Following last weeks chat with the writers/producers of Khaki Fever, it seems only right for Gino to talk to the lady behind the actors. Just how difficult was it finding actors who could do nudity but could also do comedy - not as easy as you might think.

From exploratory casting for Harry Potter, looking for the beautiful Helen of Troy for Trojan War as well as two James Bond movies, to winning an Emmy for African Queen, Njinga, Christa has a string of credits to her name as long as your arm. 

In this delightful chat, Christa takes Gino from her days as a Dance and Drama teacher at Primary school level to being an accredited member of both the Casting Society of America (CSA) and the International Casting Directors' Network (ICDN).

Look out for her interesting little Harry Potter anecdote.

"For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own."

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Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
ted@aten.co.za

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2026


Gino Shelile’s African Couch Potato offers a distinctly South African lens on the world of screens, big and small. As an award-winning TV producer himself, Gino brings a seasoned insider’s view that goes beyond simple reviews. Each episode feels like a relaxed, insightful conversation, blending a deep-dive review of a current film or series with curated recommendations for what’s worth your time in the coming week. The podcast truly shines in its interviews, where Gino chats with a variety of industry professionals right from the studio, uncovering the stories behind the stories we watch. There’s also a fond look back at older movies that deserve a fresh viewing, all discussed with a local flavour you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a comprehensive, engaging listen for anyone who loves to think and talk about television and film, delivered with the warmth and knowledge of a friend who really knows his stuff. Tune into this podcast for a regular, thoughtful fix of screen culture that feels both personal and professional.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 144

African Couch Potato
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